±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï (±¬ÁϳԹÏ) may be youthful, but it’s rich in tradition
We honor the history and culture of the land where our campus is situated through:
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Our colors: We chose red and silver—red to be consistent with the tradition of our region and silver for our mascot, the dolphin.
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Our mascot: To honor the heritage and culture of the Chumash, we chose the tribe’s cherished dolphin as our mascot.
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Our commencement: Our inaugural commencement ceremony in 2003 launched traditions, such as:
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A Chumash blessing is provided by a Chumash leader signaling our recognition of building on the knowledge base of the indigenous people who first inhabited this area.
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Striking of a Navy ship bell, loaned by Naval Base Ventura County, by an honored campus staff member to signal the beginning of ceremonies.
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Carrying the Light of Learning by an honorary marshal, to symbolize the University’s commitment to a life of the mind and the central role played by our outstanding faculty.
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Welcome in multiple languages, signifying ±¬ÁϳԹÏ’s commitment to graduating students with multicultural and international perspectives.
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Passing through an arch, symbolizing graduates entering a new phase of life.
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Carrying the ±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï mace, which was carved from native walnut by local artists. Two dolphins dancing on waves, honoring the Chumash crossing the Rainbow Bridge to get to the mainland, top the mace.
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Sounding of the Bell Tower carillon signifies the last candidate crossing the platform.
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Our alma mater: We continue to celebrate ±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï through song every day at 11:55am.
- New Student Convocation Ceremony: We welcome and celebrate our new student Dolphins and invite them to ring their own bell to signify the beginning of their academic journey at ±¬ÁÏ³Ô¹Ï as part of one Dolphin pod.