By Lori Putnam
Creating a welcoming and safe environment for students to learn and grow is just one of the many goals of Access, Orientation and Transition (AOT) Programs. As part of Student Affairs, AOT also seeks to create equal access to higher education and assist students in their transitions into and through the CSUCI community.
It is home to six distinctive programs: Disability Resource Programs; the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP); Educational Talent Search; Multicultural and Women’s & Gender Student Center; New Student, Orientation and Transition Programs; and University Outreach.
Asking Damien Peña, Interim Dean of Students, to single out one program over another is much like asking a parent to pick his favorite child. “The staff are the reason why all of our programs are very successful,” remarked Peña, who came to Channel Islands nearly two years ago after serving nine years at California Lutheran University. “Many staff are one or two persons deep and resources are definitely limited. Yet the energy they have, and the programs and services they are creating, help meet the needs of our students. I am in awe of them.”
Born and raised in Oxnard, Peña admires Channel Islands for the many opportunities it provides the local community as well. “I’m proud of how the University serves the community.” Indeed, AOT serves a diverse student population beginning as early as third grade. Through the University Outreach program, elementary school students are encouraged to chart their path to college through tours of the University campus and presentations on proper study habits. As added motivation, students visiting campus take a class picture in cap and gown printed with the year of when they would graduate college.
AOT also offers a variety of programs for new students. This summer, the Island View Orientation will welcome 440 freshmen in a special two-day orientation that involves more than 35 on and off campus services and departments.
“There is a lot of good that we’re doing here at Channel Islands, and I appreciate the fact that CI creates opportunities for strong collaboration, institutional support, and validation of the work we’re doing,” added Peña. “Not too many places have that.”
