Contact: Carmen Ramos Chandler ,
(818) 677-2130
carmen.chandler@csun.edu

CSUN's Ventura Campus Takes New Name
As It Moves to Channel Islands

The California State University Chancellor's Office, on the recommendation of CSUN President Blenda J. Wilson, will change the name of the Ventura Campus to CSU Northridge at Channel Islands. The campus will start using the new name in July.

"The name lets everyone know the center's programs and students remain with CSU Northridge. But it also calls attention to our new campus location at CSU Channel Islands," Wilson said.

A new campus logo has been created to go along with the name change. The new logo features the Bell Tower, a landmark on the CSU Channel Islands facility during its first phase of renovations.

"Whenever you change your name, there is a period of adjustment," said Stephen Lefevre, director of the Ventura Campus. "But after some publicity, we're hopeful that the name CSU Northridge at Channel Islands will catch on quickly."

The Ventura Campus is giving up its leased space on Alessandro Drive in Ventura and consolidating its programs at Channel Islands, Lefevre said.

"It'll be wonderful to spread out at the new site," Lefevre said.

The Ventura Campus has been located adjacent to the 101 Freeway on Alessandro at Seaward Street for the past 10 years. Overcrowding this year forced the campus to rent additional space at nearby Ventura High School and Anacapa Middle School.

The first phase of the Channel Islands renovation includes classrooms, administrative and faculty offices, a library building, a computer technology building, student lounge and study areas, and a bookstore and convenience store. University officials estimated that once completed, the Phase I renovation will accommodate about 2,400 students full time.

"Students will immediately notice the improved student services and activities we'll be able to offer," said George Morten, coordinator of student services. "We'll be better able to support the academic side with financial aid, counseling, career and disabilities services as well as wellness and student life programs."

Classes at CSU Northridge at Channel Islands will begin in the fall.

Lefevre said he expected students to sense more of a campus atmosphere at the new site almost immediately.

The CSU Board of Trustees accepted the Channel Islands site, formerly the Camarillo State Hospital, in October, 1998.

For the past year, CSUCI President Handel Evans and a development team have been preparing the campus for students. Current plans call for CSUCI to begin offering its own degree programs in 2003. At that time, CSU Northridge at Channel Islands classes will be phased into the new university.