CSUCI Initiative for Mapping Academic Success (CIMAS)​

Pell eligible, first generation, and historically underrepresented students are more likely to experience negative course outcomes which can delay time to graduation. The mission of CIMAS is to reduce equity gaps related to non-passing grades and foster students’ progress toward graduation after experiencing such an outcome. CIMAS is a cohort-based student success program designed to develop students’ academic skillsets while building critical affective assets – including a sense of academic efficacy and motivation, as well as increased sense of belonging. CIMAS recruits students who experienced negative course outcomes in the prior semester (non-passing grades, INC, course drops, term withdrawal) and specifically targets Latinx and Pell eligible students. CIMAS cohorts meet weekly, and the program curriculum integrates exploration and development of academic skillsets and efficacy, as well as metacognitive reflection on the application of these skills. Some of these skills and strategies include identifying and overcoming academic challenges, strengthening foundational study skills like note-taking, focused reading, and time management, as well as identifying, navigating, and leveraging campus resources. Upon successful completion of CIMAS, students earn a summer scholarship. Thus, by participating in this program, students are able to avoid delays to graduation by strengthening their academic skillsets and completing a course over the summer (which may not be possible without a summer scholarship).