Interim President Susan Andrzejewski addresses the crowd at the Interim President’s Convocation.
Photo by: Madelaine Brown
Written by: Kaylee Holsworth
On the morning of Aug. 21, the 2026-2027 school year at CI kicked off at the Interim President’s Convocation. Together in the Grand Salon, staff, faculty, elected officials and students all congregated to celebrate last year’s successes and to gaze expectantly at what the future holds.
Before the beginning of the convocation, The CI View asked CI’s ASI Student Government elected student leaders to give one word to describe how they were feeling about the Interim President’s Convocation and the upcoming school year ahead. Nathalia Raygoza, ASI Student Government President, a third year political Science major, replied with “curious” and, as a bonus word, “futuristic.” Raygoza was excited for the change in school colors and expectant for future goals to be announced at the convocation. Jay Paz, ASI Student Government Vice President, a senior sociology major, responded with “hopeful.” Hopeful for growth and hopeful for great change.
The stage at the Interim President’s Convocation was full of decorations showing off CI’s new school colors.
Photo by: Madelaine Brown
Balloon arches, neon lights and even Interim President Susan Andrzejewski’s dress, all boasted the official new colors of Cal State Channel Islands. “Channel Blue” and “Islands Teal” join “Berry Red” to create a new visual identity for CI. Although the new identity is not devoid of tradition as CI’s new logo combines Bell Tower, an enduring symbol of CI’s history and Sat’wiwa, the round mountain serving as a landmark on campus. By keeping the red interspersed within designs, CI is “bridging our past with our future,” as Interim President Andrzejewski explained. The color change does not mark the end of CI’s tradition, but rather the continuation of a growing legacy. Next August, CI will be celebrating its 25th anniversary. A momentous occasion to support the momentous change in colors.
The convocation was facilitated and commenced by Provost Jessica Lavierga Monforti. Monforti extended a warm welcome to everyone in attendance and introduced Co-Chair of the President’s Chumash Advisory Council and Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians, CSUCI Chumash Cultural Advisor Raudel Bañuelos. Bañuelos gave a beautiful Chumash blessing and said “Tapi Tapi,” which translates to “hello, welcome, are you well?” He highlighted the fact that CI resides on sacred land and charged that “continued leadership of recognizing the ancestors of this land,” should be strived for.
Monforti then introduced Interim President Andrzejewski. Interim President Andrzejewski stated that “universities are ultimately built by people,” then transitioned into introducing newly appointed staff and administrators and celebrating new faculty on tenure track along with new lecturing faculty. The promotions of associate and full professors, which Interim President Andrzejewski described as “milestones that reflect years of academic integrity,” were honored with admiration.
Interim President Andrzejewski proceeded by remarking on the below accomplishments and honors awarded to CI this past academic year:
- In regard to last year’s goal of stabilizing enrollment, fall 2025 saw a 2.2% increase and spring 2026 saw a 3.3%, with freshman retention at 80%.
- Revenue and expenditures are aligned for the first time since 2021. Interim President Andrzejewski stated that “balancing the budget is not the destination. Financial sustainability enables us to support our students, our region and our state. Put simply, stability is not the finish line.”
- CI became the only institution in California to be awarded the Seal of Excelencia, an honor for intentionally thriving institutions, through its efforts to serve the Hispanic community at CI.
- CI was ranked No. 7 in social mobility among regional universities in the west.
- $9.9 million was raised through philanthropic activities.
- CI received the Classification For Community Engagement from the Carnegie Foundation Elective Classifications.
Monforti introduced the 2026 President’s Excellence and Innovation Awards and stated that these awards “celebrate members of our campus community whose dedication, creativity, commitment to excellence made a meaningful difference for our students, our colleagues and CSU Channel Islands.”
Interim President Andrzejewski announced and honored the recipients:
- Emma Bibo, Dolphin Radio podcast host, received the President’s Award for Student Innovation.
- Rachel Danielson, Assistant Registrar- Academic Evaluation, received the President’s Staff Award for Excellence.
- Dr. Hyunsook Youn, Department Chair and Associate Professor- Communication, received the President’s Teaching & Innovation Award.
Interim President Andrzejewski expressed her excitement at looking towards the future of CI and announced the goals of CI for 2030 and beyond. Among them were academic excellence, regional impact, student success, the student experience, organizational excellence and finally, institutional stewardship.
The podium on the stage for the Interim President’s Convocation showcased CI’s new blue seal.
Photo by: Madelaine Brown
The CI View had the privilege of stealing a quick moment with Interim President Andrzejewski amidst camera flashes and handshakes at the conclusion of the convocation. In the brief time, the same question asked of ASI’s student government officers was posed. When asked about her one word to describe the year ahead, she said, “progress!” As CI searches for its next permanent president, Interim President Andrzejewski reminded all in attendance that, “the next president is only the next person to steward this university, they will inherit what we have built today.” Be sure to check out The CI View’s official Instagram account for the saved highlight containing the posts from the morning of. @theciview
