California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) junior Danny Larkins had been studying art for three years when he switched his major to computer science because "it felt right," he said.

An award Larkins won from a national software company this week suggests Larkins made a good choice. Larkins won the national “2014 OmniUpdate Gadget Challenge” for a software “gadget” he invented.

OmniUpdate is a Camarillo-based web content management systems company for institutions of higher learning. CI is among 700 colleges and universities that use OmniUpdate.

The CI student, who is from Agoura Hills, beat more than 40 other entries to win free registration to the OmniUpdate User Training Conference in Newport Beach in March; $1,500 to cover all conference expenses; and a one-day cruise out of Newport Beach.

Larkins, a student assistant in CI’s Web Services in the Division of Technology & Communication, was at his computer Tuesday, Dec. 9, when a representative from OmniUpdate surprised him with a t-shirt and the news that he had won. “I was surprised, I didn’t expect it at all,” Larkins said after slipping on the conference t-shirt over the Batman t-shirt he wore that day to the applause of staff and fellow student assistants.

Larkins’ winning gadget is a highly technical “dependency tag manager,” which helps programmers prevent broken links when moving pages around on a website.

Web Services Supervisor Daniel Martinez is delighted at Larkins’ progress since Larkins arrived two years ago. "He came in very green, not knowing anything about web coding or html," Martinez said.

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/

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - A recent study by the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) shows that students at CSU Channel Islands (CI) are overwhelmingly engaged and satisfied by their educational experience. The group’s 2014 report, “Bringing the Institution into Focus,” details and compares survey results from more than 355,000 students attending 622 U.S. colleges and universities about their learning experiences and success.

The annual study asks first-year and senior students about their participation in activities and programs that promote learning and personal development. Rather than providing rankings, the results offer a snapshot of how undergraduates spend their time and what they gain from attending their university. Institutions use the data to identify successful practices and areas for improvement.

Among the key findings, CI students rated their University significantly higher than its peer institutions for the quality of interactions with faculty and student services staff, respect for diversity, support and services to help students succeed, and their own satisfaction.

The study also revealed that CI students were much more likely to participate in “high-impact” learning experiences – including undergraduate research, service-learning, learning communities, study abroad, internships or culminating experiences – than their peers at other universities. According to the data, 98 percent of CI seniors and 71 percent of CI first-year student respondents were engaged in some form of high-impact learning. The report defines high-impact practices as “enriching educational experiences that can be life-changing,” adding that high-impact activities “demand considerable time and effort, facilitate learning outside the classroom, require meaningful interactions with faculty and other students, encourage collaboration with diverse others, and provide frequent and substantive feedback.”

“CI student engagement begins in the classroom,” said CI political science and communication double-major Kristina Cervi, who is active in Associated Students Incorporated, Mortar Board National Honor Society, Model United Nations, and the Alumni & Friends Association. “Our professors make their subjects so interesting that you feel inclined to engage and learn more, whether it's through service learning or club involvement.”

Abundant research shows that students who are engaged are more likely to enjoy and excel in college, complete their degrees, and even pursue leadership and mentoring roles. CI offers a wide array of opportunities to ensure that every student is impacted, whether it’s participating in research with professors, engaging in mentoring and peer learning communities, undertaking community service projects, pursuing internships, or assuming club and campus leadership roles. Many CI seniors participate in a culminating Capstone course that allows them to apply what they’ve learned in a meaningful and constructive way. A high percentage of CI students also study abroad, either in semester-long programs or in shorter International Experience class trips. These trips are often subsidized by student Instructionally Related Activities Funds, so all students can visit and experience other cultures, regardless of financial circumstances.

Cervi, a senior who recently completed a semester in Washington, D.C., as a Panetta Congressional Intern, says the experience confirmed that CI offers its students an unusually rich support and engagement network.

“My internship in Washington really opened my eyes to how unique CI is,” she said. “In my discussions with student leaders from other universities, there was a common theme that the students didn't feel like they had much say in the functions of their university. At CI, we are so lucky to have student-led fee committees that oversee how our fees are spent, an ASI that balances power between four entities, and small class sizes with open-minded professors that allow us to ask questions that test the status quo. CI truly does put the student at the center of the University.”

According to the NSSE survey, 93 percent of CI seniors and 89 percent of CI first-year students rated their experience as “excellent” or “good.” In addition, 92 percent of seniors and 84 percent of first-year students said they would “definitely” or “probably” choose to attend CI again. Both satisfaction ratings exceeded averages for all CSUs.

“We are pleased that our students recognize they are the focus of our mission, the center of their own learning experience, and the people in whom we invest our greatest hopes, support and confidence,” said CI President Richard R. Rush. “Our fulfillment as educators comes from witnessing the many CI graduates who dedicate themselves to bettering their campus and community. The NSSE study is a guide for future improvement and a confirmation that we are headed in the right direction.”

For the full report, visit http://nsse.iub.edu/NSSE_2014_Results/. To learn more about CI’s results, contact Genevieve Evans Taylor, Special Assistant to the President, at 805-437-3998 or genevieve.evans-taylor@csuci.edu.

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/

Camarillo, CA - The gift of two unmanned aerial vehicles from Northrop Grumman will help CSU Channel Islands (CI) students and faculty and reach new heights in educational exploration.

Northrop Grumman recently donated two Inventus-class unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the University. The UAVs were built in 2003 as test platforms for military defense and homeland security operations, but their uses can extend to the civil and commercial sectors, including mapping, data collection, wildfire management, aerial photography, search and rescue, wildlife and agriculture monitoring, and dozens of other applications. The six-foot, fixed-wing UAVs serve as host airframes for the integration and testing of a variety of sensors and receivers, and boast a maximum flight time of 30 hours, a range of 2,000 miles, an altitude of 10,000 feet, and a top speed of 140 miles per hour.

Faculty, staff and students are excitedly exploring their potential uses. Faculty in CI’s Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science & Resource Management Programs hope to use UAVs for faculty/student research to monitor habitats, watersheds, wildlife populations and environmental changes, as well as in research partnerships with groups like NOAA and the National Park Service. The UAVs are also expected to play an important role in disciplines like applied physics, computer science, mathematics, and in engineering-based programs that the campus hopes to develop in the future.

“We are grateful to Northrop Grumman for providing us with an invaluable tool for expanding our educational, research and community partnership capabilities,” said Karen Carey, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Arts & Sciences. “An exciting industry is rising in Ventura County around unmanned aerial systems. CI is exploring ways to support this industry, incorporate UAS into faculty research and teaching, and prepare students for opportunities in this promising field. This gift truly encourages our faculty and students to ‘reach for the sky.’”

The gift emerged from an encounter between a Northrop Grumman engineer and three CI employees at one of the monthly meetings of the Channel Islands Chapter of the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) held on CI’s campus. Mark Mendenhall, a Principal Engineer at Northrop Grumman in Camarillo and founding member of the AUVSI chapter, was introduced to CI Director of Major Gifts Carrick DeHart, Senior Research Officer Jason Miller, and math and computer science instructor Ron Rieger, who were looking to expand UAV opportunities for CI students.

Mendenhall had been seeking a way to honor the memory of Charlie Evans (1944-2010), a mentor and colleague who led Northrop Grumman’s Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (sUAS) team in Camarillo from 2000 until his retirement in 2007. When Mendenhall learned that CI was interested in creating an unmanned systems curriculum, he recognized an ideal opportunity to commemorate Evans and his legacy.

“Charlie instilled a culture of innovation across our engineering teams, and he often challenged us to find ways to assist others who were exploring ideas and concepts that could be drawn from in the future,” Mendenhall said. “Charlie’s team ended up creating a handful of transformative technology innovations that eventually formed the basis for some of our larger UAS solutions, including the MQ-4C Triton UAS (a surveillance aircraft used by the U.S. Navy). Our hopes are that the two sUAS aircraft donated to CI’s emerging unmanned system engineering efforts can lead to even more innovation by CI’s faculty and students.”

The UAVs won’t go into service for some time. The University must first obtain a Certificate of Authorization from the FAA, develop a series of protocols, and reconfigure the UAVs for their new, academic missions. Just like the Northrop Grumman engineers who preceded them, the CI faculty/student teams will experiment with design, development, testing and monitoring, and tackle challenges such as Space Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements and sensor integration. In the meantime, the UAVs are on loan to Ventura County’s Career Education Center Air Academy, where high school students get specialized training for college studies and careers in the aerospace industry.

“I’m happy that CI students will be able to learn as we did from experimentation with these sUAS assets,” Mendenhall said. “The lessons they learn will be directly applicable to the growing needs of companies and universities involved with the application of UAS or other unmanned systems emerging worldwide.”

Though best known for their use in military and security applications, drones are increasingly in demand for commercial, practical or otherwise "dull, dirty and dangerous" missions. They can aid in scientific research, help first responders in search and rescue operations, provide assistance during or after natural or man-made disasters, allow farmers to monitor fields and dust crops, help companies inspect power lines and pipelines, and capture aerial shots for filmmakers.

Their potential uses make unmanned aerial systems a promising industry for study, research and economic development. Currently, the use of drones is limited to government entities, including public universities, but the FAA is testing ways to safely integrate UAVs into civil airspace. Beginning in 2015, as the FAA Modernization and Reform Act (a.k.a. the“Drone Act” of 2012) loosens authorization for commercial uses, the industry is expected to skyrocket. Aerospace industry analysts estimate that it could become a $90 billion industry by 2020 – with the bulk of jobs and revenues in California.
“There are a lot of key technologies that need to be proven out before UAS can operate in national air space, and I expect that CI students may participate in studying, prototyping and evaluating some of these critical needs,” Mendenhall said. “The integration of sensors focusing on marine-wildlife monitoring, first-responder needs, or those aligned with search and rescue or fire-fighting needs are areas of opportunity that students are likely to explore. This is exactly how Charlie would have wanted to see these UAVs used after we were done with them.”

For more information, contact CI’s Jason Miller, Senior Research Officer at 805-437-8898 or jason.miller@csuci.edu, or Mark Mendenhall at 805-987-9480 or mark.mendenhall@ngc.com.

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/

Lights, Camera, Education! Please join us for the Ventura County Community College District Third Annual Entertainment Panel on Wednesday, December 10, 2014, 6-8 p.m., at Ventura College, Guthrie Hall, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA 93003. Hear experts share their stories, experiences, and advice about the entertainment industry and the REAL Hollywood. Panelists will respond to audience questions as moderated by VCCCD Chancellor, Dr. Jamillah Moore. Panelists include Beverly Ware, Entertainment Lawyer; Rick Najera, Director, Screenwriter, Actor, and Comedian; Jose Yenque, Actor, Producer, Humanitarian; and Steve Binder, Director, Producer, and Writer. This event is free and open to students, employees, and the public. Event Contact: Laurie Nelson-Nusser, tel. 805-652-5508, or email at LNusser@vcccd.edu.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) has been named one of the nation’s top universities for Hispanic students by BestColleges.com, an independent, research-based college-planning website for students and families.

CI ranked 19th on the website’s list of the “Top 50 Colleges for Hispanic Students.” To compile the rankings, BestColleges.com evaluated data from the National Center for Education Statistics at U.S. Department of Education Institute of Education Sciences (IPEDS and College Navigator) against data from the 242 schools in the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). The study then examined factors that enhance the experiences of Hispanic students, including the percentage of Hispanic students enrolled; acceptance, retention and graduation rates; tuition, financial aid and scholarship programs; and degree programs, services, and cultural resources offered for Hispanic students. Schools that excelled in all areas received the highest rankings.

“Many Hispanic students are the first in their families to attend college, so it is important for them to choose the right school – one with a support system that will help them navigate degrees, financial aid, and their school and social obligations,” the BestColleges.com report states. “To make the transition from high school to college, many students may be looking for ‘Hispanic friendly’ schools. … Each school on our list boasts a cultural center, degree programs or scholarships dedicated to enhancing the experiences of Hispanic students.”

The report cites CI’s Chicana/o Studies program, multicultural mission and curriculum, abundant cultural events and forums, and high percentage of Hispanic students admitted, enrolled, retained and graduated among its enticements. In 2012, CI had a Hispanic student enrollment of 37 percent.

On a national level, Hispanic students are the fastest-growing college-going population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, in 2012, 49 percent of Hispanic high school graduates enrolled at a postsecondary public institution, surpassing white student enrollment rates for the first time. Since 1996, Hispanic enrollment in colleges and universities has increased 240 percent. With one-fourth of all U.S. public school students now identified as Hispanic, that trend is expected to grow.

However, despite such records, Latinos still lag behind other groups in completing college. In 2012, only 14.5 percent of Latinos ages 25 and older had earned a bachelor’s degree.

As a Hispanic Serving Institution focused on student success, CI offers a number of programs designed to help underserved minorities thrive in higher education. Through federal Title V grant-funded programs such as Projects ACCESO, ISLAS, VISTA, ASCENCION and ALAS, CI offers a range of services, including peer and faculty mentoring, focused learning communities, readiness programs, orientations, scholarships, curriculum and professional development, and outreach to local schools and community colleges.

“Our goal is to have a campus that reflects our community and empowers it to flourish through the students we educate, the people we employ, and the programs and services we offer,” said CI President Richard R. Rush. “At CI, we are fortunate to have dedicated faculty, staff, students, and community partners who make this vision a reality. This recognition from BestColleges.com validates that our team efforts are working to create greater opportunities and outcomes for underserved students.”

Vanessa Bahena, CI’s Student Body President, said the recognition is well-deserved.

“As a first-generation Hispanic student, I can attest to the supportive atmosphere and extensive resources that CI provides to ensure that we achieve our highest potential,” Bahena said. “My four years here have been eye-opening and empowering beyond my wildest dreams, enabling my transformation from an anxious first-year student to an active campus leader. CI has made a change in me, my family, and my community. It is a gem of a public university that brings out the best in its students.”

To view the rankings, visit www.bestcolleges.com.

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/

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.