Transition Programs

Purpose
As one of the three programmatic elements of New Student, Orientation and Transition Programs (NSOTP), Transition Programs consist of a series of large and small scale events designed to assist with a student’s transition into the University.

Block Parties
Block Parties are designed to support University retention efforts, develop a weekend campus culture by providing weekend programming, and have already established themselves as a tradition at CSUCI.  The Block Party committee is guided and inspired by the objectives of strengthening the sense of campus community over the weekend; increasing the number of students staying on campus over the weekend; creating a tradition that provides for cross-campus collaboration; providing a fun, safe, and healthy weekend program; and increasing involvement in campus activities. Block Parties are typically held on the second Friday of every month from 9 p.m. to midnight on Ventura Street between Santa Cruz and Anacapa villages.  

Each Block Party is based around a theme, resulting in activities and marketing in support of related thematic elements.

2007-2008 Block Party Themes

• September, “CSUCI’s Fifth Birthday Party” – This Block Party was a collaborative event with Communications & Marketing to celebrate the University’s fifth birthday.
• October, “Halloween Block Party”
• November, “Tailgate Party”
• February, “Share the Love” Block Party – This Block Party provided service opportunities while incorporating thematic elements of Valentine’s day.
• March, “Secret C.I.ety” Block Party –This Block Party provided an opportunity for students to show their C.I. pride by watching student, staff and faculty performances, wearing their C.I. gear and learning about the Mission Centers.
• April, “Live and in Color” Block Party – This Block Party was a collaborative event to support capstone projects for the Art Department.

Welcome Celebration
The annual Welcome Celebration is an opportunity for the campus community, incoming students and their families to unite in celebrating the start of the academic year.  This event continues to be a highlight each year.  Approximately 3,000 attend and enjoy a variety of family activities, food and entertainment.    

The Ask Me Campaign
The Ask Me Campaign provides a concierge-type booth staffed by campus volunteers during the first few days of the fall semester to respond to informational and directional inquiries of students.

“Be a Part From the Start”
“Be A Part From The Start” is a 10-week campus-wide student retention program that consists of activities and events designed to help students engage in the University from the moment they arrive at CI.  “Be a Part From the Start” provides a unified effort in welcoming students to CSUCI, opportunities for students to connect with CSUCI, opportunities for students to connect with other students and enhances students’ knowledge of the nine Dimensions of Development through participation in activities and events.