CSUCI Backgrounder

California State University Channel Islands
A New University for the 21st Century

Minutes from the Pacific Ocean in Ventura County lies an extraordinary new California university campus with a unique blend of rich cultural history, progressive academia, diverse and multi-faceted faculty and student body. This August, California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) will officially become the newest member of the California State University system and the only public, four-year university to open in the country during 2002.

The tranquil 670-acre campus, nestled among the hills and agricultural fields of the city of Camarillo, will open its doors to its first class of upper division transfer students in the fall of 2002. The initial small class size and low student-to-faculty ratio will ensure a student-centered learning environment. The CSUCI campus will open with 30 full-time faculty and will continue to grow to include a teaching staff and four-year curriculum designed to satisfy the most rigorous educational and cultural needs of a varied student body. The university is currently open to qualified upper division transfer students and will admit its first freshman class in the fall of 2003.

"A Community University"

The new Cal State Channel Islands campus will embody everything that comprises a premier academic institution. The university offers a solid academic agenda, including science, technology, arts and humanities. Cal State Channel Islands also provides a comprehensive offering of student support services, career mentoring, and cultural and ethnic diversity. While comparable to many metropolitan centers of learning, CSUCI is a university for the Ventura County community reflecting the increasing cultural and ethnic diversity of the surrounding area.

On numerous levels, the opening of this university signals the beginning of a dream come true for many students who, for economic reasons, may have thought it impossible to attend a four-year university because they were not in a position to move out of the area or endure a long commute.

"We are very pleased that this university will comprise the opportunity, infrastructure and educational preeminence of a major international academic institution, while simultaneously serving the economic, community and social needs of local Ventura County," said Dr. Richard Rush, president of CSUCI. "This campus will provide students from all California communities with the chance to experience the benefits of higher education, along with a strong support system that will make their college years the most valuable period of their lives and open future doors of success for their entire family."

To this end, in the true spirit of a community university, Cal State Channel Islands' academic program will continue to incorporate input from local business leaders, students, and parents on an ongoing basis through months of surveys, interviews, group meetings, and conversations. Every consideration has been given to improving the quality of regional life on numerous levels in accordance with the community's needs. Simultaneously, the campus is expected to also attract students from other parts of the state and the nation, with the combination of a strong educational offering and the lifestyle benefits of the coastal experience serving as an enticing draw for target students from inland areas.

World Class Learning

In addition to its unique relationship with the local community, CSUCI also embodies the spirit of an integrated learning institution that will have a truly international perspective and stature. In August 2002, the campus will open with approximately 2,300 students.

Cal State Channel Islands will offer students a comprehensive education with the aid of the modern tools and equipment, including computer labs, libraries and career development resources. The curriculum allows students to take classes in multiple disciplines, and effectively expand the scope and breadth of their learning experience. Running on a semester system, the university will offer undergraduate majors and minors in art, biology, business, computer science, English, environmental science and resource management, liberal studies and mathematics. In addition, students may complete coursework to earn teaching credentials.

The university additionally will provide career development services to assist students in achieving their educational, career and employment goals. Resources will include: computer training, career counseling, resume writing workshops, interview strategy workshops, internship opportunities, student employment and community volunteer opportunities.

Campus Layout and Locale

The CSUCI campus is located near the California coastline, making it a spacious and beautiful place to attend classes, study and live. The university boasts an impressive collection of Spanish architecture-style buildings dating back to the 1930's and 1940's. The campus layout makes use of the region's natural resources and preserves the indigenous flora, waterways and open spaces. The facility was originally home to a former state hospital, which closed in the mid 1990's. Its subsequent redesign as the new California state university campus reinvigorates this landmark setting.

The university's classic Bell Tower and adjoining structures feature newly renovated classrooms, computer laboratories, a library wing, and faculty offices. Additional development and construction plans include student, faculty and staff housing; facilities for extended education and distance learning programs; research and development facility for lease to biotechnology and computer corporations; and other private enterprises compatible with the university's mission of academic and learning excellence.

In addition to the physical campus, Cal State Channel Islands will have access to all of the benefits of the coastal experience. The actual Channel Islands and their breathtaking archipelago are located just off the California coast, and students and faculty will be able to enjoy marine-related activities and curriculum.

"CSUCI will be a vibrant student community that combines inter-disciplinary learning and cutting-edge curriculum that will effectively prepare students for today's most promising career and business avenues, with the beauty and serenity of a very special California-style coastal and academic environment," said Dr. Rush. "It's the best of both worlds and we look forward to becoming a major educational presence within the state and the nation."

The new university will hold its Grand Opening ceremony on August 16, 2002, and classes will begin on August 26, 2002. For more information on the campus and its services, please visit our Web site at www.csuci.edu.