University Hall shown from the side view

New Student, Orientation and Transition Programs

Orientation Leader Information

Orientation Leaders (OLs) are responsible for assisting CSU Channel Islands with orientation preparation, planning, coordination and facilitation. OLs welcome new students to the campus and enhance their University experience through mentoring, workshop training, presentations, activities and events.

OLs are responsible for working with students as they adjust to a new environment by assisting with answering any questions they and/or family members may have, performing academic and peer advising, planning and presenting orientation sessions, performing preparation work, and imparting historical and current information about CSU Channel Islands and the surrounding communities.

2008 - 2009 Orientation Staff


Group Photo



Picture of Eva Klein

 

 

 

 

Eva Lynn Klein

Orientation Leader, 2007-2008
Senior Orientation Leader, 2008-2009

Age: 18
Hometown: Quartz Hill, California
Major: Liberal Studies, Teaching and Learning
Favorite Quote: "If you don't reach for those stars well then you're never going to get em'!"
About Me:
I am a girl who loves to meet new people. I love to be with my friends and to experience the unknown. I am very adventurous and will try anything once! My family means the world to me and I love my three sheltie dogs: Chloie, Blondie and Sheep.  Whenever I have free time I like to spend it at the beachI always say that my main goals in life are to live, love, travel and be successful and I truly believe this. I cannot wait for what the future has in store for me, or better yet what I have in store for the future.
Advice to Incoming Students:
My main advice to new students is to keep your focus on what’s important. Remember what you are here for and keep in mind what these years are going to mean to you later in life. These are years of triumph and tribulation, but remember that everything you experience will make you grow as a person. Life is indeed a crazy journey.  Also, take advantage of CSUCI!  Get involved because it will make your college experience so much more fulfilling!


Picture of Krista Wilbur

 

 

Krista Lorene Wilbur
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008 & 2008-2009
Creativity Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

25

Hometown:

Ventura, California

Major:

English, Creative Writing emphasis

Favorite Quote:

"Boundaries don't keep other people out, they fence you in. Life is messy, that's how we're made. So you can waste your life drawing lines... or you can live your life crossing them." - Grey's Anatomy

About Me:

First things first: I just graduated from CSUCI with a degree in English. I love writing more than anything else and during my junior and senior years at CSUCI I wrote my first (of many) novels. Currently, it's in its second draft. My goal in life is to cross boundaries instead of making them -- life is way too short to be alone! I love laughing, meeting new people, and spending time in the sun. This is my second year as an Orientation Leader. I love CSUCI and I'm excited to get students pumped about being here! STILL UNDEFEATED!!!

Advice to Incoming Students:

Don't be afraid to make a fool of yourself. Sometimes, you have to risk looking silly in order to get something good. I've never regretted going out on a limb. And get involved, even if you're a commuter and you think there's nothing for you. I'm a commuter, and getting involved has made the most impact in my life and my college career.


Picture of Sarah Mahon

 

 

Sarah Mahon
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008 & 2008-2009
Health Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

20

Hometown:

La Habra, CA

Major:

Business

Favorite Quote:

"That which does not kill you makes you stronger.” –Neitzsche

About Me:

I’m Sarah and this is my second year as an Orientation Leader. I will be heading into my third year at CI this fall. Getting involved on campus has been the best decision I have ever made in my life.

I love life! I enjoy cooking, baking, eating, shopping, and hanging out with friends. The mall and the beach are my two favorite places to be. I’m friendly, optimistic, and lots of fun. You will always find me with a smile on my face.

Advice to Incoming Students:

GET INVOLVED! Getting involved will help you make friends and have lots of fun. Do it. You won’t regret it!



Picture of James Alexakis

 

 

James Alexakis
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008 & 2008-2009
Orientation Program Assistant, 2006-2007
Life and Career Planning Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

22

Hometown:

Pacific Palisades, CA

Major:

History

Favorite Quote:

"Destiny is not a matter of chance it is a matter of choice" ~ William Jennings Bryan

About Me:

I am a senior EOP student at CSUCI and will be walking at graduation in the spring of 2009. I currently have a 3.8 GPA. Last year I won an outstanding student leader award at the annual Honors Convocation Ceremony for my work as an Orientation Leader and Peer Mentor in the New Student Center. This year I am excited about applying to graduate school, planning the Welcome Celebration, and of course, Island View Orientation. I feel privileged to be a part of this year's orientation, especially because my brother will be joining the freshmen class of 2012.

Advice to Incoming Students:

Be a part from the start!


Picture of Brandon Dowling

 

 

Brandon Dowling
Orientation Leader, 2008-2009
Citizenship Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

18

Hometown:

Palmdale, CA

Major:

Psychology/Political Science

Favorite Quote:

“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” – Mother Teresa

About Me:

This is my second year at CSUCI, and I love it. The people I’ve met, the things I’ve done, the amazing teachers, everything that goes on here has been a blast. I have the most amazing friends and family, and always love to have fun. I’ll always be hanging out with people, probably talking too much until someone tells me to shut up. I love music and enjoy video games, even though I pretty much suck at all of them. This school has done so much for me and I want everyone to have the same opportunities I have had.

Advice to Incoming Students:

Take every opportunity you can. Don’t be afraid of this new experience known as college. Everyone else is going through it as well, and you are all here for each other. Never back down, never give up. These will be the best years of your life, live it up!




Picture of Jeff Morgan

 

 

Jeff Morgan
Orientation Leader, 2008-2009
Values & Integrity Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

19

Hometown:

Fullerton, CA

Major:

Business with a Minor in Communication

Favorite Quote:

“We finally know now what our time here is about, were not meant to be another face in the crowd.”

About Me:

Hey everyone, my name is Jeff and this will be my second year at CSUCI. I believe the three keys to my success have been my family, friends, and faith.  I just completed my first year of college and it was awesome! I enjoy spending my free time by skating, wakeboarding and playing baseball--anything to have a good time.  I am excited about meeting the incoming freshmen this summer; it’s going to be a blast!

Advice to Incoming Students:

Don’t be afraid to stand out and always be yourself. Remember why you are in college, and don’t get side-tracked by all the little distractions.



Picture of Sandy Perez

 

 

Sandra Perez
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008
Cultural Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

18

Hometown:

Ontario, CA

Major:

Liberal Studies

Favorite Quote:

“Our future is righteousness, don't bury your thoughts, put your visions to reality. Every man has the right to decide his own destiny. Wake Up and Live!"

About Me:

I tend to be shy around people I don’t know at first but eventually open up. I am a very easy going person and easy to get along with. I enjoy watching and playing all sports but my favorite is basketball. Go Lakers! I hope everyone enjoys their time here at CSUCI as much as I am now. I am looking forward to the upcoming semester and can’t wait to see what new experiences are headed my way!

Advice to Incoming Students:

College is supposed to be the most memorable time of your life! Make the most of your time here at CSUCI!



Picture of Becca Torres

 

 

Becca Torres
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008
Intra/Interpersonal Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

19

Hometown:

Los Angeles, CA

Major:

Biology

Favorite Quote:

“Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle” - Abraham Lincoln

About Me:

I just completed my first year at CSUCI and it has been an amazing journey filled with new friendships and experiences. I enjoy meeting new people, and trying new things. I like to stay active by running around our beautiful campus, going to the gym and of course dancing! I love learning, life and the opportunities it brings, along with the challenges it entails that constantly shape the person I am today and will be in the future. I am currently majoring in Biology with the goal of becoming a dentist, specializing in pediatrics. I also hope to one day establish my own nutrition center to educate others about the importance of living a balanced, healthy lifestyle. I am looking forward to the years ahead as a CSUCI student and involving myself in other co-curricular activities. Most importantly, I am thrilled to be meeting all of the new incoming freshmen and transfer students. This will be a great opportunity to explore the many wonderful things CSUCI has to offer as you enter into a new phase of your life.

Advice to Incoming Students:

Come with an open mind! This is your chance to start with a new beginning and establish new friendships that can last a lifetime. Channel Islands is not only a place where you go to school; it is a community that holds value and wants you to excel and grow as an individual. Take advantage of every opportunity CSUCI has to offer because in the end it will be worth it.  One day you will be able to look back and appreciate some of the most memorable events that took place while you were here.



Picture of Michael Milligan

 

 

Michael Milligan
Orientation Leader, 2007-2008
Orientation Program Assistant, 2007-2008
Intellectual Dimensional Color Group

 Age:

20

Hometown:

Camarillo, CA

Major:

Communication

Favorite Quote:

“The road of twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”

About Me:

I am heading into my third year at Channel Islands and I can honestly say that through this University, I have grown tremendously. I love the outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and fishing. I have played the piano for twelve years. I am an Eagle Scout and am involved on campus mainly through orientation and helping with Dr. Sawyer’s Public Speaking class.

Advice to Incoming Students:

Your time in college will come and go quickly. Take advantage of every opportunity that is offered to you. The more you are involved, the better your experience will be. 



Outcomes of the Orientation Staff Experience

At the conclusion of the Orientation Leader (OL) experience, an OL will be able to:

  • Summarize the purpose of orientation
  • Demonstrate a development in at least seven of the nine Dimensions of Development based on the Dimensions of Development Rubric
  • Lead a thorough campus tour (based on campus tour guidelines)
  • Describe the CSUCI Mission Statement and list the four Mission Pillars
  • List the nine Dimensions of Development
  • Demonstrate characteristics of a positive team member as defined by the Team Member Rubric
  • Organize and manage tasks efficiently
  • Explain the needs of incoming students
  • List characteristics of millennials
  • Demonstrate school spirit and pride
  • Identify and describe services that CSUCI offers to students as well as opportunities for involvement
  • Illustrate advanced interpersonal and intrapersonal skills based on the Interpersonal/ Intrapersonal Rubric
  • Design an orientation program that integrates students into the social and academic components of the institution
  • Produce an effective public speech
  • Possess an up-to-date Co-Curricular Portfolio
  • Describe tools to appropriately work with difficult participants
  • Describe a feeling of ownership of Island View Orientation (IVO)
  • Describe a feeling of teamwork experienced during IVO
  • Apply skills gained during the OL experience to life

Interested in joining the orientation staff or volunteering at orientation?  We are accepting applications for our volunteer Orientation Programs Assistant position as well as our Orientation Leader Intern program designed for incoming freshmen. Contact Eva Klein, Senior Orientation Leader, at eva.klein@csuci.edu.