This personalized ceremony for our African American/Black graduates is a smaller and intimate setting that recognizes you, along with family and friends, for your hard earned
accomplishment of graduating. In collaboration with the Black Faculty & Staff Association (BFSA). Courtesy photo.
CAMARILLO — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) President Richard Yao, Ph.D., and Provost Mitch Avila, Ph.D., will speak at two local churches as part of the 17th Annual CSU Super Sunday Feb. 27.
Yao will speak at St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard at 1777 Statham Blvd. and Avila will speak at Bethel AME Church, 855 South ‘F’ Street in Oxnard with services at both locations beginning at 10 a.m. This Sunday marks CSUCI’s return to in-person Super Sunday events after the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a virtual event in 2021.
Super Sunday is a day in which CSU campus presidents, administrators, and students from all 23 campuses along with leaders of the CSU system visit predominantly African American places of worship to share personal stories and experiences, advice, and college-related information with future students and their families to advance access, opportunity, and success for African American students. The California State University system has created partnerships with more than 100 predominantly African American churches throughout the state to present this year’s event.
The theme for this year’s Super Sunday is the transformative power of higher education with emphasis on African American students. In 2020-21 Black students attending the CSU campuses earned 4,303 bachelor’s degrees, 341 more than the previous academic year and an all-time high.
“The goal of Super Sunday is to share with potential students and their families that a college degree from the CSU is possible, affordable, and transformative, and our commitment to partnering with them from admission to the day they earn their degree and beyond,” said Sylvia A. Alva, CSU’s executive vice chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs. “As part of the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025 we are laser focused on eliminating equity gaps and making a measurable difference in supporting African American students to earning their degrees. We will continue to work tirelessly with our faith-based partners throughout the Golden State to bring the lifelong and life-transforming benefits of higher education to every student who dreams of a CSU degree.”
Since Super Sunday launched in 2005, more than a million people have attended this signature event of the CSU’s African American Initiative, which aims to increase the preparation, support, retention and degree attainment of African American students.
As part of Super Sunday, campus outreach directors and staff members are available to provide information on the application and admission process, as well as scholarships and financial aid available to prospective CSUCI students.
About California State University Channel Islands — CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive – serving as an engine for social and economic vitality that provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 14,000 alumni, CSUCI is poised to grow in size and distinction, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education. Connect with and learn more by visiting www.csuci.edu or CSUCI’s Social Media.
The University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs, events and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the respective area below as soon as possible, but no later than seven (7) business days prior to the event/activity:
CSUCI Students
Disability Accommodations & Support Services: accommodations@csuci.edu
CSUCI Employees
Human Resources: angela.portillo@csuci.edu
Members of the Public
Title IX & Inclusion: titleix@csuci.edu