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Events require advance or on site registration to participate. Please check each event for details. Scroll to the next section to view events from our partners! Events are free and open to all students in any major!

Click this link or scan the QR code to register for upcoming events.

 

Fall 2025 Events

National HSIs Week 2025 | September 8-14, 2025 

This is a key opportunity to highlight the essential role HSIs play in serving students and their communities by sustaining educational opportunity, preparing a skilled workforce, and supporting local economies. Federal HSI eligibility and funds are not exclusionary. Nationally, HSIs serve a broad composition of students. We’re joining colleges and universities across the country in recognizing and expanding awareness of the vital work and critical role HSIs play in improving access to education. 

Ventura College HSI Week 2025 | September 15-19, 2025 

Join Project S:AIL in STEM for a week dedicated to deepening our understanding of how to engage and support students, with a focus on Latinx and minoritized student experiences. Through conversations and shared resources, explore the strengths, challenges, and diverse experiences of our Ventura College student communities. Events are open to all students, faculty, staff, and administrators invested in reflection, growth and strengthening our collective commitment to student success.

Event Date/Time/ LocationDescription

Servingness During Uncertain Times: Protecting HSIs in the Current Landscape

Thursday, September 11, 2025

10:00AM-11:00 AM

LRC 125 (livestream) or Zoom

Advance registration is requested for this event to join the livestream.

Presented by: Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE)

Sponsored by: Project S:AIL in STEM

Join AHSIE and IXE ADVISING for a timely webinar examining the legal and institutional challenges facing HSIs in the wake of federal actions and the Tennessee lawsuit involving HSIs. A panel of education experts will share insights on the implications for campuses, federal funding, and how HSI leaders can strategically respond to protect and advance their mission. 

Equations, Engineering, & Empanadas

Monday, September 15, 2025

12:00PM-1:00 PM

SCI 227

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Presented by: Professors Jack Bennett (Math), Ryan Petitfils (Math), and Nell Papavasiliou (Engineering)

Sponsored by: Project S:AIL in STEM

Join math and engineering Professors Petitfils, Bennett, and Papavasiliou for an interactive conversation as they share their journeys, challenges, and insights highlighting how problem-solving, creativity, and innovation shape both careers and everyday life. Whether you’re a future engineer, math enthusiast, or curious how math and engineering shapes the world around us, this event blends informal learning and networking in a welcoming informal setting.   

Basic Needs Community Resource Fair

Tuesday, September 16, 2025

 10:00 AM-12:00 PM

Bookstore Quad

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

 11:00 AM-1:00 PM

VC East Campus

Presented by: Basic Needs Center

Sponsored by: Basic Needs Center

Learn about the Basic Needs Center, student, and community services. Local partners like Clinicas, Ventura County Health, Gold Coast, NextUp, and more will be at VC to share resources and connect with students.

Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Conference Proposal & Scholarship Workshop

Tuesday, September 16, 2025 

3:30PM - 4:30 PM 

SCI 227

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Presented by: Adrienne Arguijo, Grant Director, HSI-STEM

Sponsored by: Project S:AIL in STEM

This session is open to students, faculty, staff, and administrators interested in getting support with submitting an AHSIE conference paper or submitting an application for the student Seed to Tree Scholarship. Former AHSIE Councilmember and Vice President of Praxis, Adrienne Arguijo, will share tips for presenting you best paper or application, the proposal or application process, scholarship eligibility requirements, and more insight into the AHSIE organization. 

Nachos & Neurons

Wednesday, September 17, 2025 

12:15PM - 1:30 PM

SCI 227

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Presented by: Sophia Mateo, AMFT, Therapist

Sponsored by: Student Health

Join us for an open and honest conversation about mental health services designed to raise awareness and reduce the stigma around mental healthcare. Therapy can help people build new thought patterns and coping strategies, which literally changes how neurons operate within the brain. Therapy can also support neuron activity indirectly by reducing stress, improving mood, and encouraging rewarding behaviors. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about therapy, how to advocate for mental health, and explore the support options provided. We understand that discussing this topic might be challenging or uncomfortable, which is why we are committed to creating a supportive, caring, and non-judgmental space to the best of our ability.

Churros and Chemistry

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

4:15PM - 5:15 PM

SCI 226

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Presented by: Dr. Kristin Clark, Professor (Chemistry) and Antonia Flores, Instructional Lab Tech II (Chemistry)

Sponsored by: Science Division, Chemistry Department

Get ready for a sweet mix of science and sweet treats! Join faculty from the Chemistry department for an interactive chemistry event where activities fizz, pop, and change color. We'll have safe, fun, hands-on chemistry demos, learn the science of everyday reactions with household products, and enjoy a fresh churro after the event. Whether you’re a science enthusiast or enjoy learning new subjects, this event promises a tasty blend of curiosity and STEM community.

#TransferThursday & Tacos

Thursday, September 18, 2025

4:30PM - 6:15PM

SCI 223

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Presented by: CSUCI and UCSB Transfer Admissions and STEM Programs 

Sponsored by: Project S:AIL in STEM, VC M.E.S.A., OC STEM, CSUCI and UCSB Transfer Admissions 

Join CSUCI and UCSB Transfer Counselors and STEM student support programs for a mixer, dinner, and an interactive fireside chat with Q&A. Hear from transfer specialists as they share their journeys, challenges, and tips for navigating the transfer process. They'll help you with choosing the right university, adapting to a new campus, balancing academics and life, and making the most of support resources. Whether you’re early in the transfer process or already preparing your applications, this is a great chance to gather insights, build community at your transfer campus, and feel more confident about your transfer path. 

#findoutfriday: Self-Guided Learning and Reflection

Friday, September 19, 2025

¿Qué pasa, HSIs? Podcast 

Hosted by Dr. Gina Ann Garcia, this podcast explores the history and evolution of HSIs, culturally relevant and liberatory practices in HSIs, current and emerging research with HSIs, and the policies that shape servingness. Dr. Garcia is a leading scholar on HSIs. Her research centers on issues of equity and justice in higher education. Learn more here: www.ginaanngarcia.com/podcast. 

Excelencia in Education 

For 20 years, Excelencia in Education has conducted and released its annual analysis that provides insight on Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Emerging HSIs (eHSIs), and HSIs with Graduate Programs (gHSIs). Read Excelencia’s HSIs Factbook 30 Years of Funding which compiles facts on HSIs, eHSIs, gHSIs and the growth of these institutions since 1994. 

Ventura College Library Resource 

Highlighting Latine/a/o, Black/African American, Indigenous, and LGBTQ+ authors, social justice movements and histories, and Chicano History.

Beyond HSI Week 
ASVC Latinx Heritage Month Celebration

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 

10:00 AM-1:00 PM

LRC Lawn

 
4th Annual HSI SUmmit Friday, September 26, 2025
  • 8:30 AM-1:00 PM
  • Guthrie Hall
Blue, green, and purple agave plant with QR code

4th Annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit

Rooted and Rising: Serving Students with Resilient Hearts and Courageous Practices 

An event for all Ventura College, East Campus, and Foundation staff, faculty, and administrators 

Sponsored by: Project S:AIL in STEM 

Advance registration is requested for this event.

Join Project Servingness: Aspiration, Identity, and Learning (S:AIL) in STEM for interactive and collaborative learning sessions. We will focus on serving students through innovation, resilience, and teamwork. This year’s summit celebrates our strengths and our commitment to the communities we serve. Together, we will highlight practices that drive student success, foster belonging, and create pathways forward. Faculty-led presentations, breakout sessions, and a fireside discussion will give participants new expertise, fresh resources, and student-centered strategies to transform our campus community.

 

Tentative Agenda (subject to change)

8:30-9:00 AM 

Check-in & Breakfast 

9:00-9:15 AM

Welcome 

Adrienne Arguijo, Grant Director HSI-STEM, Academic Affairs, Project S:AIL in STEM 

Dr. Lourido-Habib, President 

Vice Presidents  

9:15-9:30 AM

Opening Remarks & Land Acknowledgement 

Dr. SimHayKin Stensgar, Professor of Native American Studies 

Division of Arts, Languages, Social and Behavioral Sciences 

9:30-10:20 AM

Featured Session 

Faculty-Student Allyship Program: Building Connection and Servingness at Ventura College

Lucy Capuano, Professor of Psychology 

Mariana Branda, Associate Professor of Sociology 

Division of Arts, Languages, Social and Behavioral Sciences 

The Faculty-Student Allyship Program was developed to strengthen the connections between faculty and students as a critical next step for faculty toward institutional servingness. This session provides a framework through which faculty can affirm students’ lived experiences, advocate for their needs, and ensure that institutional goals of equity and success are translated into daily practice. Students at HSIs bring with them assets such as bilingualism, resilience, and community connections, which are often overlooked in deficit-based models of education. The Allyship Program directly addresses key priorities for HSIs: community connectivity, mental health, and sustainability. 

Through an asset-based approach, the Allyship Program pairs students with faculty allies who provide listening, validation, encouragement, and connections to campus resources. Faculty allies receive ongoing professional development in cultural competence, informed by frameworks such as Dr. Gina Ann Garcia’s vision of HSIs as agents of institutional transformation. Rather than one-time events, the program embeds long-term, relationship-centered practices into the campus culture. 

10:20-11:05 AM

Session 1 

From Challenge to Collaboration: Responding to Student Basic Needs

Alma Rodriguez, Financial Aid Officer, Office of Financial Aid 

Maria Crisosto Calderon, Basic Needs Specialist, Basic Needs Center 

Vanessa Gonzalez, Student Success and Support Specialist II, Dreamers Resource Center

This session highlights the coordinated efforts of the Dreamers Resource Center, the Office of Financial Aid, and the Basic Needs Center in response to recent federal changes and the ongoing complexities of student basic needs. Participants will learn how campus partners collaborate through referrals, build wraparound support systems, and connect students to both on-campus resources and community social services. This session will focus on strategies that prevent students from being further marginalized in the process. Emphasis will be placed on strengthening campus and community partnerships as well as advancing advocacy efforts that ensure students receive comprehensive and equitable support. 

11:05-11:15 AM

Networking Break 

11:15-11:55 AM

Session 2

Strengthening Co-Conspiratorship: Leveraging Community & Cultural Wealth for Holistic Student Support 

Adrienne Arguijo, Grant Director HSI-STEM, Academic Affairs, Project S:AIL in STEM  

This session develops strategies for advancing co-conspiratorship within and beyond teams who share a mission of providing holistic, wrap-around support for students. Drawing on the framework of community cultural wealth, participants will engage in creating a liaison and co-conspirator resource network that mobilizes the expertise, experiences, interests, and community engagement already thriving on campus. This session positions co-conspiratorship as critical practitioners for fostering collaborative support systems.

11:55 AM-12:30 PM 

Session 3 

Beyond Enrollment: Addressing Barriers in the Transition to College-Fireside Chat 

Vincent Jimenez, Student Services Assistant, The Compass Welcome Center 

This conversation discusses the barriers marginalized students encounter beyond the point of enrollment, focusing on the systemic inequities and personal challenges that impact persistence. The conversation will highlight the cultural and institutional mindsets that make continuing education particularly difficult for marginalized students.

12:30-1:00 PM

Closing Session 

The Future of HSIs: Perspectives, Developments, and Advocacy

Adrienne Arguijo, Grant Director HSI-STEM, Academic Affairs, Project S:AIL in STEM  

Since 1992, HSIs have served a pivotal role in advancing the lives of millions of students, supporting the most diverse populations of students across the nation. Yet, they continue to face complex challenges in sustaining and expanding their impact due to recent federal changes and polarizing perspectives despite growing numbers of eligible campuses. This session will provide an update on the current and future developments shaping HSIs, shifting funding allocations and priorities, and policies that impact our capacity to serve VC students. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of strategic and coordinated advocacy to ensure VC remains resilient and courageous in its transformational work. 

STEM Harbor Student Services Pop-Up Schedule 
Student Services
Dates
Location
Flyer
Student Health Center

12:00 - 1:00 PM 

  • 10/22/2025
  • 11/12/2025
  • 12/10/2025
STEM Harbor (SCI 223)        
Career Center

12:00 - 1:00 PM

  • 9/22/2025
  • 10/29/2025
  • 11/20/2025
STEM Harbor (SCI 223)
Financial AidTBDTBDTBD
East Campus Pop Up: Wednesday, October 8 & Thursday October 9, 2025
  • 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • East Campus LRC

Whether you’ve got questions about STEM academic support, peer mentoring, STEM education plans, research programs, or internships this is your one-stop pop up! Our STEM Support Team will connect you with student resources as a STEM student. No appointment required just drop in!

AHSIE Scholarship Workshop: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  • 4:30 PM-5:30 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

Get support with applying to the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Institution Educators (AHSIE) Seed to Tree Scholarship.

Learn About:
  • The AHSIE organization
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Application process
  • Tips for presenting your best application
     
Application deadline: November 2025. The award package includes a cash scholarship, complimentary conference registration and travel, and recipients will be honored at the AHSIE conference.
 
Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.
VC Foundation Application Support: Wednesday, October 15, 2025 
  • 1:30 PM-2:30 PM
  • SCI 226

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

Join us for a hands-on scholarship workshop and maximize your chances of being awarded! The Ventura College Foundation will provide one-on-one guidance to help you complete your application and craft strong responses.

Application Dates: Sept. 2, 2025-Jan. 22, 2026 @ 5 PM (PST)

Making Moves: Preparing your STEM Transfer Application : Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

This workshop will preview the transfer application process and share quick tips from key deadlines, requirements, selecting schools, to what information you need to prepare in advance of completing your applications. Join us for this application preview session.

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

East Campus Pop Up: Monday, November 3 & Tuesday, November 4, 2025
  • 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
  • East Campus LRC

Whether you’ve got questions about STEM academic support, peer mentoring, STEM education plans, research programs, or internships this is your one-stop pop up! Our STEM Support Team will connect you with student resources as a STEM student. No appointment required just drop in!

Telling your Story: Writing Strong UC Personal Insight Question (PIQ) Responses: Tuesday November 4, 2025
  • 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

This interactive workshop will guide you through outlining your PIQ responses. Learn tips and best practices for drafting PIQ responses. Adrienne Arguijo, Grant Director and former UC Admissions Reader, will break down what UCs are looking for, how to choose the right questions for you, and how to write effective responses that reflect your experience and accomplishments. You do not have to have started your responses to attend. Our team will be on hand to walk you through each question and support you by answering your questions. This is a session you won't want to miss!

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

VC Foundation Application Support: Wednesday, November 5, 2025 
  • 2:00 PM-3:00 PM
  • SCI 226

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

Join us for a hands-on scholarship workshop and maximize your chances of being awarded! The Ventura College Foundation will provide one-on-one guidance to help you complete your application and craft strong responses.

Application Dates: Sept. 2, 2025-Jan. 22, 2026 @ 5 PM (PST)

Drop In: Transfer Application Review Completed Apps: Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  • 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

More details forthcoming.

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

Drop In: UC Final Draft REview: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
  • 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

More details forthcoming.

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

Drop In: UC Final Draft REview: Tuesday, November 25, 2025
  • 4:30 PM-6:00 PM
  • STEM Harbor (SCI 223)

More details forthcoming.

Advance Registration is requested in advance for this event.

Partner Events Fall 2025

Some of our partner events require advance or on site registration to attend. Please check each event for details.

United Farm Workers Foundation Virtual Events
Dreamers Career Center Workshops Tuesday-Wednesday, September 9-10, 2025
  • 9:00-11:00 AM & 1:00-3:00 PM
  • Career Center
Ventura County Regional Men of Color COnference: Stand Tall, Stay Rooted: Friday, Septemeber 19, 2025

  • Registration deadline: Friday, September 12, 2025
  • 8:30AM-4:00PM

A great opportunity coming up for men of color at Ventura College! On September 19, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, we’ll be joining Cal Lutheran, Cal State Channel Islands, Moorpark, and Oxnard College for the Ventura County Regional Men of Color Conference at Cal State Channel Islands Campus. This one-day event is all about celebrating, connecting, and empowering men of color across our region; everyone committed to equity and community building is also welcome.

This year's theme is “Stand Tall, Stay Rooted.” It emphasizes the strength of our heritage, the importance of sharing our stories, and the power of coming together for collective growth.

 Here’s what you can look forward to at the conference:

  • A supportive and inclusive space to foster a thriving community of men of color
  • Opportunities for personal and professional development
  • Building leadership skills and expanding your professional network
  • Honoring the rich, diverse experiences that shape our unique journeys

See flyer for more details.

CSUCI Plot a Thon Student Informational Lunch, Tuesday, September 23, 2025
  • Student Informational Lunch - September 23, 2025
  • CSUCI or Zoom

Hosted by CSUCI Writing & Multi-Literacy Center

What is Plot-A-Thon? A data visualization festival for all students! Scan the QR code on the flyer to register. Registration pends February 7, 2025.

Plot-A-Thon gives students from any college the opportunity to learn about working with data through workshops from experienced professionals and peer tutors, then use that knowledge in a fun competition! Plot-A-Thon consists of Fall workshops that prepare students for the Plot-A-Thon Main Event: the February 28-hour Data Visualization Competition. During the Main Event held in CSUCI’s Broome Library, students are invited to spend the night, hack-a-thon style, while they work on the projects (overnight is optional). There will be plenty of food, caffeinated beverages, workshops, tutors, networking opportunities, and activities throughout the evening!

It is the ultimately “learning by doing” experience!

2025 HBCU Fieldtrip: October 7-12, 2025

  • Applications Due Sept. 8th 

Oxnard College, Moorpark College and Ventura College students are invited to apply to the HBCU Educational/Cultural Tour. During this trip, you will be visiting universities and have the opportunity to learn about the transfer process while getting exposure to new campuses. Students who meet the requirements, must complete the form by September 8th, 2025.

See flyer for more details.

CSUCI STEM Transfer Day: Friday, October 10, 2025 AND October 17, 2025
  • Friday, October 10, 2025
  • 8:30AM - 3:00PM
  • CSUCI

California State University Channel Islands' HSI grant, Project AYUDAS invites students to our 2025 STEM Transfer Day. This event aims to gather regional community college STEM students with your local CSU and get to know more about some of the great STEM opportunities at CSU Channel Islands. The two STEM tracks for this event are:  

Track 1: Computer Science, Mathematics, Mechatronics  

Track 2: Biology, Chemistry, Health Science  

Free lunch, free parking, lab tours, faculty led informational sessions, and advising & enrollment workshops. All will have an opportunity to explore STEM majors available at CSU Channel Islands and more! Transporation from Ventura College to CSUCI provided by bus.

 Friday, October 10, 2025 RSVP at this link:  https://csuci.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8IhmYoT2Zdj2AtM

*Additional Opportunity!*  

Environmental Science & Resource Management (ESRM), Biology and other related majors will be having their STEM Transfer Day on Friday, October 17, 2025 from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm at the Santa Rosa Island Research Station! Come explore more about the ESRM major and undergraduate research on the island with this FREE trip! RSVP soon, space is limited!!!  

Priority registration is open until September 26th!  

Friday, October 17, 2025, SRIRS Trip RSVP at this link:  https://csuci.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_e9W6C0s1Yzkf5v8   

Cal Poly SLO C6 Research Symposium: Friday, October 10, 2025
This all day campus visit to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo will include STEM major-specific campus tours, transfer information, and learn about research opportunities and internships. Finally, attend a dynamic showcase of innovation, inquiry, and discovery at the research symposium! Students from across STEM disciplines within the C6 campus alliance will present research posters. This is a unique opportunity to explore emerging ideas and connect with researchers. Whether you're presenting or just curious, be inspired by the next generation of STEM changemakers. Transportation and meals are provided.

Past Events