California State University, Channel Islands
EN-3: Student Life

The Green Generation Club officially became a sanctioned student club at CSU Channel Islands. Dedicated to raising environmental awareness on campus and throughout the community, the Green Generation Club works to establish CI as a positive environmental example through the promotion of education and awareness, while at the same time advocating for sustainable development and initiating campus environmental programs.


The Surfrider Foundation Club, 4Ocean Club, Santa Rosa Island Student Committee and Audubon Club are all additional clubs committed to raising awareness and educating the campus about environmental issues. These clubs provide various opportunities for student engagement centered around environmental awareness and sustainability, both on campus and in the community. Collectively, these clubs have played a significant role in advocating for positive changes on campus including a student led campaign to eliminate single use plastics on campus.

There is a small garden on campus that is managed by students with the guidance of a faculty mentor. The garden is used to help students explore local and global issues pertaining to sustainable agriculture. Students examine theoretical and practical aspects of food production from ecological, as well as social and economic perspectives. They gain experience with topics such as soil fertility, crop selection, irrigation, pest management and sustainable food delivery systems. The garden also teaches students sustainable practices in a garden setting and in local agricultural systems. Additionally, experiences in the garden provide opportunities to discuss the challenges of food production in hotter and drier conditions stemming from climate change. Produce harvested from the garden is donated to the campus food pantry and made available for students in need.

In April 2019, the Biology and Chemistry Departments of CSU Channel Islands (CI) presented the annual Poe Symposium on campus. The program, entitled “Climate Change in the 21st Century” was free and open to the public. The symposium aimed to educate the campus and community about ongoing research on the topic of climate change, including the issues of human influence on climate and global warming.

https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/2010_CI_to_Present_Symposium_on_Climate_Change.htm

In 2018, the Environmental Science and Resource Management program presented a spring speaker series entitled " Citizenship on Earth: Making Positive Change for our Planet". The series featured a variety of speakers who covered topics including coastal conservation, environmental justice, and policy and political action.

https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/documents/coe-2018-flyer.pdf

In November 2018, CSUCI exhibited an art show that was a journey through time, space and color called “Vista,” a group show from the three UCSB MFA graduates: Lucy Holtsnider; Jimmy Miracle and Carlos Ochoa. Holtsnider used handmade paper and collage to create abstract prints and compositions similar to geologic layers or topographic maps. “Since these collages are abstract, they don't refer to a single place or natural phenomena, but rather a composite of places I've seen and experienced,” Holtsnider said. “My awareness of the ecological damage being wrought by climate change is always at the back of my mind, and often leads to my collages having a somewhat grave or solemn resonance.”
https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/2018-november-art-exhibits.htm

In March 2019, CSUCI exhibited "The F Word" featuring artists Kayla Mattes and Elisa Ortega. Ortega and Mattes both tackle contemporary issues about power structures, politics and consumerism using an art medium traditionally associated with women – fiber and fabric. Ortega’s fiber sculptures are largely made from discarded fiber as she explores her experience as a woman living in the U.S. while maintaining her Spanish identity. She also is illustrating her objection to over-consumption and her commitment to environmental sustainability. Mattes works in handwoven tapestries and sculpture to analyze our political climate using texture, color, symbols and graphics — plus a healthy dose of irony.
https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/2019-spring-napa-shows.htm

In October 2019 the Environmental Science and Resource Management program hosted a performance of "Man Cave: A One-Man Sci-Fi Climate Change Tragicomedy" by Tim Mooney. Swinging between urgency and irony, the existential comedy of "Man Cave" finds the last man on earth broadcasting advice to whatever Klingons or Vulcans may still be out there listening. Integrating science, economics, politics, ethics, psychology, history and religion, this performance considers the collective action necessary to escape the looming existential void.
https://www.csuci.edu/news/releases/esrm-mancave-tragicomedy.htm

The Outdoor Adventure (OA) program provides students with experiences that promote personal growth, experiential learning, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship. OA at CI offers the following programs that follow the Leave No Trace Principles: local daily hikes, overnight camping, and sunset kayaking to the Channel Islands Harbor; sport fishing; sailing; and various hiking excursions in Malibu, Ojai, Santa Cruz Island, the Matilija Creek, and Santa Rosa.

During Earth Week 2019, students hosted a craft table for two days where other students could plant their own herbs and learn about the beneficial properties of various herbs. Additionally, Dining Services regularly hosts cooking demonstrations to teach students how to make affordable, healthy meals. CI's sustainability office also offers bookmarks and digital screens that highlight easy "sustainable swaps" for everyday items, such as reusable bottles, zero waste hygiene products, and reusable food containers.

CSUCI offers one Sustainability Student Assistant position in Facilities Services. This student employee works directly with the Sustainability and Energy Manager to integrate and advance sustainability throughout campus operations.