Following a nationwide search process, the Moorpark College President Search Committee has narrowed its selection to three finalists for the position of President. The finalists, in alphabetical order, are Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh, Tim McGrath, and Luis Pablo Sanchez (bios/photos attached). The finalists will participate in a public forum on December 1, 2014, from 2:00-5:00 p.m. in the Campus Center Conference Room at Moorpark College located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are encouraged to attend the public forum. Audience members will have an opportunity to submit questions. A final recommendation for the Moorpark College President’s position is expected to be presented to the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees in January 2015.

CAMARILLO, CA - The Ventura County Community Foundation introduced on Monday an entirely online scholarship application system for the 2015-2016 awards, designed to make applying easier for students and VCCF volunteer reviewers and better for the environment.

"This all-digital process increases our ability to assure donors that the students they wish to assist will get the aid they need. In addition, the elimination of thousands of paper records will allow VCCF to be a better steward of our environment," VCCF Interim President and CEO Stacy A. Roscoe said.

VCCF is partnering with STARS Online, a scholarship-management software, to streamline the application process. Students complete their applications on the password-protected STARS Online software, and electronically submit their personal essays, transcripts and letters of recommendation.

Based on answers they submit, the STARS algorithmic software will determine a student's eligibility for a scholarship. This lessens the chances students will apply for an award for which they are ineligible.

Previously, students were required to hand in at the VCCF offices up to five hard copies of their applications, essays and transcripts. The paperwork then was reviewed by volunteers who made thousands of photocopies, according to Virginia Weber, program officer.

"Volunteers now can focus on reading applications and essays, getting to know the students better, and determining how to best allocate the financial aid we have available," Roscoe said.

The community foundation has awarded scholarships worth more than $10.7 million since its founding in 1987 and is the local leader in granting financial aid to Ventura County youth. The foundation is on track to award $1.3 million in scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year.

Students can receive technical support through STARS Online. The foundation also posts tips and a countdown reminder for applicants on its Ventura County Community Foundation Scholarship Facebook Page.

The 2015-2016 school-year application deadline is Jan. 12, 2015.

To view how to apply on the STARS Online website, go to https://vimeo.com/73716859. Or contact Virginia Weber at vweber@vccf.org.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands will help lead a systemwide CSU effort to retain and graduate more students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). CI was one of eight campuses selected to participate in a $4.6 million CSU STEM Collaborative grant, funded by the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.

The grant is aimed at redesigning lower-level STEM courses and offering summer bridge programs to ensure greater student success during the critical first two years when STEM majors frequently drop out or change majors. CI will receive $375,000 over 20 months for the program.

“It’s a powerful testimony to how CI is taking innovative approaches to help students succeed in STEM,” said Professor of Chemistry and Project ACCESO Director Phil Hampton, who secured the grant. “Through grant programs like this and Project ACCESO, CI is being recognized and supported as a leader in creating best practices for STEM student success that will be shared with our colleagues, both systemwide and nationally.”

A recent national study by the U.S. Department of Education revealed that half of students who enter college declaring a STEM major switch majors or drop out entirely within the first two years. At CI, the percentage is lower, with approximately one quarter of all declared STEM majors switching or leaving within two years, Hampton said.

Using CSU STEM Collaborative funding, CI faculty from gateway STEM courses will work together to integrate curriculum, so that STEM majors in courses like Introductory Chemistry, English Composition and UNIV 150 – CI’s first-year critical thinking seminar – have interrelated content and assignments. New STEM students will also be grouped into cohorts or learning communities – allowing them to work continuously with the same peers and mentors throughout their freshman year. A preparatory Summer Scholars program at CI would also be offered to incoming STEM freshmen who score lower on placement exams and require additional math support.

“It’s truly a partnership in student success, pulling together people from STEM disciplines, Arts & Sciences, Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs, and Teaching & Learning with Technology,” Hampton said. “We will be integrating content across classes, so when students are learning about something in chemistry, they’ll be writing about it in composition and discussing it in their UNIV 150 seminar. They will have built-in learning community partnerships and friendships that, hopefully, will increase their engagement and interest in pursuing STEM.”

The newly redesigned course and cohort options will be open to entering STEM students in fall 2015, with preference given to freshmen majoring in Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science & Resource Management. As part of the CSU STEM Collaborative, CI will evaluate the program’s success and share results and best practices with other CSU campuses. A part-time project coordinator and steering committee will also be selected. The grant funds the program through December 2016. Ultimately, the CSU STEM Collaborative hopes to renew funding to extend the program for additional years and STEM-related majors.

The other campuses participating in the grant are Dominguez Hills, East Bay, Fresno, Fullerton, Humboldt, Los Angeles and Pomona.

"These eight campuses are taking the lead in the CSU's STEM-related innovation," said Ephraim P. Smith, CSU Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer. "They've really thought about how the whole institution – from specific departments in math, science, and engineering, as well residential life and themed learning communities – can work together to boost student success in these high-demand fields."

For more information, contact Phil Hampton at 805-437-8869 or philip.hampton@csuci.edu, or visit http://www.calstate.edu/stem/.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

The California State University (CSU) will reach a significant milestone of 3 million alumni during commencement in spring 2015 and has launched the world’s largest yearbook. The Class of 3 Million online yearbook is an interactive platform where alumni can create a profile and connect with the millions of other alumni from the 23 CSU campuses across the state. Alumni who sign up for the yearbook will also be entered into a special contest to win one of three $10,000 scholarships for a current or future student, sponsored by Herff Jones. For more information about the yearbook and the Class of 3 Million, visit https://classof3million.calstate.edu/

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Fillmore and Sierra High School students have begun a collaborative effort with UCSB and other partners to restore native habitat at the Santa Clara River. This project, funded by a grant from the Community Wetland Restoration Grant Program, will restore native habitat in the area of the Santa Clara River near the School Farm.

Ms. Todis, SHS Laura teacher and Mrs. Huxtable, FHS Science Teacher, and approximately 35 Sierra High School and Fillmore High School students participated in the first restoration work party at the site. Students worked with UCSB faculty to GPS and mark the site, survey existing vegetation and learn to identify native and non-native plants. Students have also began the process of removing arundo, an invasive grass often mistaken for bamboo. The arundo will be used by the Lions Club for a variety of projects.

This ongoing project will involve many members of the community, several colleges and FUSD students throughout the year. Fillmore and Sierra High School students will continue to remove invasive species at this site this fall. In the spring, both high school and elementary students will plant native plants at the site.

CAMARILLO, CA – Ventura County middle and high schools have a unique opportunity to bring robotics education programs to their students with no up-front equipment costs. The Ventura County Office of Education and the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation have joined forces to provide VEX Robotics Classroom and Competition Super Kit grants to the first 30 eligible schools to respond.

The VEX Robotics Design System offers students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities that span science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Beyond science and engineering principles, a VEX Robotics project encourages teamwork, leadership and problem-solving among groups. It also allows educators to easily customize projects to meet the students’ skill level.

Each kit is valued at $1,200 and combines both the mechatronics and programming add‐on kits for the ultimate robotics learning and building experience. Students can design complex mechanisms with the included mechanical components and use the included sensors to increase robot feedback and create advanced programs.

Most public and private middle and high schools in Ventura County may apply for the grant. However, schools that are current participants in the VEX IQ, VRC, or VEX U programs are not eligible. Additionally, schools that have received prior funding from the REC Foundation are not eligible, whether or not they are currently competing. Grants will be awarded to the first 30 eligible schools that apply in the order applications are received.

Participating schools will have the opportunity to exhibit their work at the Robotics Showcase at the 2015 Ventura County Science Fair on April 1.

Schools that wish to apply for the robotics kit grants should download and return the brief application form, which is available here: http://bit.ly/1u6SP4v

About the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation
The REC Foundation seeks to increase student interest and involvement in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by engaging students in hands-on, sustainable and affordable curriculum-based robotics engineering programs across the U.S. and internationally. The REC Foundation develops partnerships with K-12 education, higher education, government, industry, and the non-profit community to achieve this work. Learn more at: www.roboticseducation.org

About the Ventura County Office of Education
The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to a groundbreaking celebration for Santa Rosa Village, the newest and largest of CI’s student residence halls, which will house the growing influx of freshmen. Join President Richard R. Rush, faculty, staff, students and community friends on Monday, Nov. 24, at 11 a.m., as the University launches its next important building project.

The brand new four-story, 120,000-square-foot campus residence hall will accommodate 600 freshman students and help alleviate overcrowding in current student housing.

Scheduled for completion by summer 2016, Santa Rosa Village blends CI’s classic Spanish Mission-style architecture with the conveniences and comforts of 21st century student living. The residences are designed to foster community and interaction, with student suites centered around spacious, modern living rooms and communal kitchens. Living areas connect to an outdoor courtyard and common laundry area.

“The focus is on the freshman experience, where social engagement is a key element in the design concept,” said John Gormley, CI’s Campus Architect and Director of Planning, Design & Construction.

Santa Rosa Village is designed to meet LEED Gold and CALGreen Tier 2 standards – high ratings awarded by national and state certification systems that encourage the construction of energy and resource-efficient buildings. The $58 million project is funded through the CSU system’s Revenue Bond Program and will be repaid with income generated from student housing fees. The project teams architects Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) with Sundt Construction, the company which is also constructing Sierra Hall, a new academic building.

Santa Rosa Village answers significant demand for new on-campus housing at a critical time. Anacapa Village, opened in 2004, and Santa Cruz Village, opened in 2007, together offer just over 800 beds. However, more than 1,200 students sought on-campus housing for the 2014-15 academic year. As a result, the University has had to triple-bunk students in residence halls and lease additional apartments in University Glen and off campus.

As CI continues to expand enrollment at eight percent a year – doubling capacity to 10,000 students by the year 2025 – more spaces for student living, learning, support services, community engagement and recreation will be needed. CI’s 2025 Vision Plan outlines a roadmap for the University’s growth over the next decade, relying on a combination of state and public support, community partnership, enterprise, and self-generating revenue streams to achieve expansion goals. The Vision Plan identifies as key priorities labs and lecture halls, student housing, larger dining facilities, a health center, wellness and recreation center, conference and events center, and performing arts venue. It also prioritizes new parking spaces and additional phases of University Glen, including more on-campus retail stores.

“Santa Rosa Village represents an essential and exciting milestone in CI’s evolution as the nation’s fastest-growing public university,” Rush said. “It greatly enhances CI’s capacity to serve students, provide a first-rate living/learning experience, and nurture the workers and leaders who will enrich our community for generations to come. We hope the community will join us to celebrate this momentous event.”

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by Thursday, Nov. 20, to http://go.cusci.edu/srgb, or call 805-437-3344.

Santa Rosa Village will be located on the south end of campus on Santa Paula Street. Upon entering campus, guests should follow event signage to complimentary parking and the groundbreaking ceremony.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

The California State University (CSU) will reach a significant milestone of 3 million alumni during commencement in spring 2015 and has launched the world’s largest yearbook. The Class of 3 Million online yearbook is an interactive platform where alumni can create a profile and connect with the millions of other alumni from the 23 CSU campuses across the state. Alumni who sign up for the yearbook will also be entered into a special contest to win one of three $10,000 scholarships for a current or future student, sponsored by Herff Jones. For more information about the yearbook and the Class of 3 Million, visit https://classof3million.calstate.edu/

Ventura, CA - More than 1,100 Ventura County high school graduates will attend their first year of Ventura College free of charge, thanks to the Ventura College Promise, a revolutionary grant program launched in 2006 by the Ventura College Foundation. The program distributed $195,000 in grants to students for the fall 2014 semester. VCF anticipates an additional $150,000 will be granted to students for spring 2015, raising the total to approximately $345,000 for the 2014/2015 academic year.

Designed to eliminate economic barriers to higher education for graduating Ventura County high school seniors, and students who receive their GED, the “Promise” encourages students to further their education and reach their academic goals. Promise students stay in school after the first year at double the rate of non-Promise students, according to Foundation staff.

Promise students have a higher retention rate because 82 percent attend Ventura College full-time—versus 46 percent of the general student population—and use the services available to them on campus, including the Lending Library and scholarships for year two. Promise students also can participate in the Promise Peer Mentoring program, where a peer mentor is available to answer questions and provide guidance.

“Though the Promise is open to all students, regardless of need, many of our grant recipients wouldn’t have the financial means to attend college if not for the program,” said Norbert Tan, executive director of Ventura College Foundation. “Seeing students’ relief when they realize that they can attend college free, validates the importance of the program and underscores the impact it makes on their lives.”

For the fall 2014 semester, 46 percent of the Promise participants are first-generation college students. Students come from throughout the county, with the highest numbers coming from Oxnard, Santa Paula and Ventura. The most popular areas of study for Promise students are nursing, business, psychology and engineering.

"By partnering with our Foundation and supportive local companies, Ventura College can provide the means to higher education for graduating high school seniors. By improving the college-going rate in our community, we help enhance the quality of our local workforce,” said Ventura College President Greg Gillespie, PhD.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Norbert Tan at (805) 289-6160 or ntan@vcccd.edu. Or visit www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will observe World AIDS Day 2014 with a panel discussion, vigil and screening of “Dallas Buyers Club” on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

This Ventura County commemoration of World AIDS Day will include “Positively Speaking,” a panel discussion featuring local residents living with HIV, from 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. in Room 101-102 of the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences. A candlelight vigil of prayer and solidarity will be held from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on the Swenson Center patio.

A Reel Justice Film Series presentation of “Dallas Buyers Club” will be shown at 7 p.m. at Carmike Thousand Oaks 14. The film, featuring Oscar-winning performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, was inspired by the true story of Ron Woodroof. Diagnosed with HIV, Woodroof forged alliances to establish a club where people living with HIV/AIDS paid to access the latest treatment options. Set in Texas during the 1980s, the film illustrates the collective struggle for dignity, education and acceptance.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” World AIDS Day, which officially falls on Dec. 1, was first observed in 1988. It started with a call by health ministers from around the world for social tolerance and greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

The Swenson Center is located at 141 Faculty St. on the Thousand Oaks campus. Carmike Thousand Oaks 14 is located at 166 W. Hillcrest Drive. The theater opens at 6:30 p.m., and free tickets will be available until the theater reaches capacity.

Cal Lutheran’s Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ), Wellness Programs, Office of Campus Ministry and Alumni and Parent Relations and the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County are sponsoring the free public events. For more information, contact the CEJ at 805-493-3694 or cej@callutheran.edu.

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will highlight its international students and study abroad programs during International Education Week activities Nov. 17 through 21 on its Thousand Oaks campus.

Cal Lutheran’s observance of the week, which is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, will include a World Fair and International Chapel Service.

The fair will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in University Plaza. Held in conjunction with the ELS Educational Services English-language school on campus, the celebration will feature food, entertainment and displays from cultures represented at Cal Lutheran.

The worship service will be held at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Samuelson Chapel. Students will carry flags for each of the countries represented at Cal Lutheran.

The number of foreign nationals taking classes this fall is 483. One in eight Cal Lutheran students today is a citizen of another country.

The university’s foreign students come from 47 countries, an increase from last year. The largest sending countries are China, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Taiwan, Austria, India, Thailand, Japan, Sweden and Russia. Other countries include Ethiopia, Israel, Kuwait, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Republic of Croatia.

The week also highlights study abroad experiences offered by Cal Lutheran. There are program options in more than 80 countries around the world. Each year, nearly 200 students participate in semester, summer and yearlong programs and faculty-led seminars. Twenty-six percent of the 2014 graduating class studied abroad or participated in a travel seminar during their time at Cal Lutheran. The university is working to increase that figure to 40 percent by 2020.

University Plaza is outside Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Road and Mountclef Boulevard. Samuelson Chapel is located at 165 Chapel Lane.

All activities are free and open to the public. Cal Lutheran’s Office of Multicultural Programs and International Student Services are sponsoring the events. For more information, call Daniel Lawrence at lawrenc@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3489.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - The Institute for Global Economic Research (IGER) at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will present “Internet Export Marketing,” a free workshop offering expert advice to regional businesses on how to establish successful Internet strategies for export marketing. The workshop will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Malibu Hall 100 on the CI campus.

Offered by Trade Connect, a program of the Port of Los Angeles, in partnership with IGER and the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, the event shares expertise on topics including how to establish effective online branding, develop high-impact advertising, and identify key Internet research tools. The workshop is geared to business executives and entrepreneurs starting and/or expanding exports in foreign markets. The keynote speaker is Mark Matsumoto, Managing Director of California Education and Training Export Consortium (ETEC), Inc.

Continental breakfast is included. Participants are encouraged to register by Friday, Nov. 7, at http://go.cusci.edu/IGERexport.

Parking for this event is complimentary and limited. Upon entering campus, follow signs to the designated lot. Once parked, guests may follow the walking signage to the event or use the free shuttle service.

Contact Jennifer Iden at jennifer.iden@csuci.edu or 805-437-3979 for more information.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

The California State University (CSU) will reach a significant milestone of 3 million alumni during commencement in spring 2015 and has launched the world’s largest yearbook. The Class of 3 Million online yearbook is an interactive platform where alumni can create a profile and connect with the millions of other alumni from the 23 CSU campuses across the state. Alumni who sign up for the yearbook will also be entered into a special contest to win one of three $10,000 scholarships for a current or future student, sponsored by Herff Jones. For more information about the yearbook and the Class of 3 Million, visit https://classof3million.calstate.edu/