California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - This month, CSU Channel Islands commemorates the 10th anniversary of its opening, when Ventura County’s century-long dream of a leading, public four-year university finally became a reality. Beginning in August and throughout the 2012-2013 academic year, CSU Channel Islands will observe this milestone with a yearlong celebration highlighting achievements of the past decade, its role and support for the public good, and the bright future ahead.

“The people of this region built this University. CI’s 10th anniversary is a testament to their vision and commitment,” said President Richard R. Rush. “I believe we’re delivering on their dream. Together, we’re tackling the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of our region for generations to come – and our work is only just beginning.”

Over the past 10 years, CI has graduated more than 6,800 students, earned national accolades, and developed a unique and close-knit culture that places the student at the center of the learning experience. It also has established itself as a caring and committed contributor to the region by providing new educational opportunities for residents, enhancing the economy and workforce, and partnering with the community to address philanthropic and environmental concerns. Moreover, it has thrived in an era of severe state budget cuts by pursuing innovative partnerships and grant solutions.

CI will kick off its 10-year anniversary celebration by inviting the public to join more than 4,000 students and their families in a Welcome Ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on the South Quad. In addition to food, speakers and entertainment, the event offers opportunities to learn more about CI’s achievements and future plans and to interact with CI’s President, administrators, faculty, employees, students and their families. Throughout the year, the University also will host a number of anniversary-themed public events, including concerts, speakers’ series, and fun, educational family activities.

10-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS
Economic Impact: Contributed an annual economic impact of approximately $114.4 million to the regional economy, including sustaining more than 1,200 jobs.

6,800 Graduates: Graduated more than 6,800 successful alumni to date – nearly 87% of whom say they will remain in the area to live and work.

Community Service Excellence: Honored for the past three consecutive years on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for providing exemplary service to the community. Approximately 1,300 CI students provide more than 26,000 hours of community service annually.

HSI Designation: Designated as one of only 293 Hispanic Serving Institutions in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education for having more than 25 percent Hispanic enrollment. The designation enables federal Title 5 funding and other financial support for all students on campus.

WASC Accreditation: Achieved accreditation from the Western Association for Colleges & Schools at the earliest date possible and for the longest period possible, receiving commendation from WASC reviewers as a “campus of innovation,” showing an “institution-wide commitment to and implementation of learning-centered practices that place it far ahead of many much older and better-established universities within the CSU, state and nation.”
“Great College to Work For”: Recognized for the past two consecutive years as a “Great College to Work For” by The Chronicle of Higher Education and highlighted as an Honor Roll member.

Innovative Grant Solutions: Sought and awarded nearly $29 million in grants since 2003 – helping to offset state funding reductions and enable continued growth and program expansions.

Regional Partnerships: Formed partnerships with regional businesses, hospitals, community colleges, school systems and nonprofits to deliver new and expanded undergraduate and graduate degree programs in high-demand careers such as nursing, biotechnology and business.

Unique Student-Centered Culture: Through 10 years of growth, CI has maintained a close-knit culture that places the student at the center of the learning experience. Students work one-on-one with faculty who are experts in their fields, participate in hands-on research that gives them a professional advantage, enrich their community, and find ample support to overcome challenges.

A Stunning Campus: Since 2002, CI has nearly doubled in size to 1,200-acres and has undergone more than $223 million in building and renovation projects – transforming a dilapidated 1930s hospital campus into a picturesque 21st Century learning/living/working environment.

A Sustainable Campus: CI earned a silver rating, indicating strong commitment to sustainable practices, from the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s STARS® (Sustainability, Tracking, Assessment & Rating System) program. 98% of the campus is irrigated with reclaimed water. CI reduced electricity use by 30% over the past two years and boasts a recycle rate of over 50%.

The Enduring CI Mission: At many institutions, a mission statement is nothing more than empty words on a website. At CI, administrators, faculty, staff and students actually know and live the CI mission. It guides course offerings, co-curricular activities, community outreach and administrative decision-making. We call it “The CI Way.”

The CI Mission Statement: Placing students at the center of the educational experience, California State University Channel Islands provides undergraduate and graduate education that facilitates learning within and across disciplines through integrative approaches, emphasizes experiential and service learning, and graduates students with multicultural and international perspectives.