Current Vol. 7 No. 3

The Growing Season

As spring arrives in Ventura County, it brings with it the promise of new growth for the agricultural fields and foliage of the region. It also signals a time of great progress and growth on the campus of Cal State Channel Islands. An important milestone will be reached as commencement ceremonies for the inaugural class of CSUCI are held on May 23 in joint ceremonies on our campus in Camarillo with our colleagues from California State University Northridge who completed their education here. It will be a historic moment when an estimated 25 young men and women cross the stage to become the first graduates of California State University Channel Islands. As we applaud this group, we are making preparations for the first freshman class that will arrive in the fall to embark on their college educations. To ensure that we continue toprovide the highest quality educational opportunities for our growing student body, the faculty spent several weeks during the winter break diligently reviewing the resumes of more than 1,500 men and women who applied for 25 faculty positions. Sixtyfive outstandingcandidates were invited to the campus for an extensive interview process. The faculty have winnowed down the candidates and final selections were being made as of this printing. The caliber of those we plan to hire further compliments the 30 full-time faculty and many parttime faculty and guest lecturers who have made CSUCI's first year so successful.