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Island Community

Join the Island Community at º£½ÇÉçÇø Channel Islands and embark on a thrilling journey of exploration! Whether you're passionate about science, culture, the outdoors, or are simply eager to learn, there's a place for you here. Our adventures take us out of the classroom, where we'll delve into the beauty and fragility of our local environment while honing skills essential for college and beyond. No prior experience required – just curiosity and an open mind! Guided by expert instructors from the Anthropology and Environmental Science & Resource Management programs, you'll gain valuable insights into the natural and social forces shaping our world. From hands-on, no-cost field trips to Channel Islands National Park to kayaking and local excursions, every experience is designed to deepen your understanding and connection to the world around you. But that's not all – we're here to support you every step of the way, with a peer mentor by your side and tips and resources for navigating college life. So come join us, explore new horizons, and uncover the secrets of our incredible planet together!

Eligibility/Condition: Open to All Majors & Undeclared students. Suggested for students studying Anthro and/or ESRM.

Linked Classes and General Education Credits

Fall 2024:

• UNIV 198 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Research (GE: A3 Critical Thinking) 
• ESRM 100 Introduction to Environmental Science and Resource Management (GE: D Social Science)

Spring 2025:

• ANTH 104 Bioanthropology (GE: B2 Life Science)
• ANTH 104L Bioanthropology Lab (GE: B3 Laboratory Activity)

 Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard Community

This community honors the continued legacy of Bedford and Dr. Irene Pinkard, founders of the Ventura County Chapter of Black American Political Association of California, and their work in the underserved communities of Ventura County. The goal of this community is to develop leadership and mentoring skills to encourage a sense of belonging at CI, critically analyze issues that impact the Black and other vulnerable populations of the world and to imagine and create more inclusive futures. A peer mentor will be embedded in the UNIV course to help you adjust to college life and share resources you need to succeed.

Eligibility/Condition: Open to all first-year students.

Fall 2024:

• UNIV 150 First-Year Seminar (GE: A3 Critical Thinking or E Lifelong Learning)
• AFS 202 Introduction to Africana Studies (GE: F Ethnic Studies and Multicultural Graduation Requirement)

Spring 2025:

• ENGL 160 Genre Fiction: Afro Cyber Punk (GE: C1 Arts)

 Michele Serros Community

This community is named for Michele Serros, celebrated Chicana author/poet, who was from the City of Oxnard in Ventura County. This community engages students in critical dialogue on educational empowerment, creativity, community advocacy, multiculturalism and social justice and equity, fostering a sense of familia and support for all its members. A peer mentor will be embedded in the UNIV course to help you adjust to college life and share resources you need to succeed.

Eligibility/Condition: Open to all first-year students.

There are two options for this community that depending on student choices for Directed Self Placement for composition.

Michele Serros A is for students who opt to take ENGL 102 in fall semester.

Fall 2024:

• ENGL 102 Strategies of Successful College Writers (Elective Credit)
• CHS 100 Introduction to Chicana/o Studies (GE: F Ethnic Studies and Multicultural Graduation Requirement)

Spring 2025:

• ENGL 105 Composition and Rhetoric (GE: A-2 Written Communication)

Michele Serros B is for students who opt to take ENGL 105 in fall semester. 

Fall 2024:

• ENGL 105 Composition and Rhetoric (GE: A-2 Written Communication)
• CHS 100 Introduction to Chicana/o Studies (GE: F Ethnic Studies and Multicultural Graduation Requirement)

Spring 2025: 

• HIST 271 The United States Since 1877 (Title V: American Institutions)

 Infinity Dolphins Community

The Infinity Dolphins: Neurodiversity and Neuroinclusion Learning Community centers and celebrates neurodiversity and neurodivergence. This community welcomes students from all majors interested in appreciating and understanding all ways of being. Emphasizing political engagement, critical contemplation of narratives, and public service, this learning community engages and explores neurodiversity as central to the human experience. We investigate how neurodiversity and neurodivergence contribute to and challenge cultural assumptions, habits, practices and parameters, making the practice of neurodiversity central to holistic multicultural engagement and integrative study.

Fall 2024; 

• ENGL 160 Genre Fiction (GE: Area C1) 
• POLS 150 American Political Institution (GE: Area D) 

Spring 2024: 

• POLS 201  Careers in Public Serv & Law (Elective Credit)