Undocu-Success Center

About Us

At CSUMB, we celebrate the diversity our students bring and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive. The Undocu‑Success Center empowers undocumented scholars of every background in their educational journey and fosters a supportive campus community dedicated to academic and personal achievement. 

Whether you’re considering applying to CSUMB or are already part of our Otter community, the Center offers programs and resources — from academic and personal counseling to financial‑aid guidance and career education — to help you transition to the university and succeed.

Immigration Legal Services

CSUMB offers free immigration legal services to all CSU students, employees, alumni and their families. Through our partnership with Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD), experienced attorneys and paralegals provide confidential support with consultations, DACA renewals, family‑based petitions and more. These services are designed to ensure undocumented and mixed‑status students — as well as the wider CSUMB community — have access to the guidance and resources they need. 

Schedule a Consultation

To schedule a consultation with an attorney, select the “Schedule a legal consultation” button below. All services are provided virtually by phone for your convenience.

Schedule a legal consultation

Services

• DACA renewals and consultations
• Asylum and TPS applications
• Family‑based petitions
• U & T visas
• Detention and court defense
• Citizenship and green‑card applications

Who Can Use These Services

Free immigration legal services are available to all members of the CSUMB community — including students, staff, faculty and their families. 

About Immigrant Legal Defense (ILD)

Stay connected with ILD for updates on upcoming events and opportunities. ILD is a nonprofit organization that partners with CSUMB to provide free immigration legal services. For questions, contact ILD at info@ild.org 

Events and Training

The Undocu‑Success Center hosts workshops and events throughout the year, covering topics such as immigration updates, financial aid, wellness and professional development. Event details are shared by email and updated regularly on our website.

CSU UndocuAlly Training

The UndocuAlly Training helps the CSUMB community learn how to better support undocumented and mixed‑status students. The training builds awareness of current laws and policies, highlights the diversity of the undocumented community, and shares practical strategies for fostering an inclusive campus.

Course: ­CSU – Becoming an Ally to the Undocumented Community

What You’ll Learn

• What it means to be an ally and why allyship matters
• Key definitions and terms
• The diversity of the undocumented community
• Building allyship skills
• Campus legal resources
• Resources for allies
• The allyship pledge

To get started, log in to the CSU Learn portal and select the course. After completing the training, email the Undocu‑Success Center at undocusuccess@csumb.edu to request your certificate of completion.

Training Objectives

• Build a foundation of knowledge to support undocumented and mixed‑status students
• Provide space for faculty and staff to ask questions and concerns
• Explore best practices for inclusive classrooms and student services
• Promote academic, social and personal success for undocumented students
• Establish a campus‑wide network of trained allies
• Increase awareness of undocumented student needs
• Create a culture that values diversity and rejects discrimination

Who is an UndocuAlly?

An UndocuAlly is a member of the CSUMB community who advocates for undocumented students, protects their privacy, and affirms their right to higher education. Allies listen with empathy, offer resources, create spaces of trust and respect, and challenge discriminatory behavior. Their role is to help students feel supported and included in every part of campus life.

Undocu‑Success Conference

The Undocu‑Success Center invites you to the 7th Annual Undocu‑Success Conference on Saturday, April 19, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This free event is open to all students, faculty, staff and community members.The conference creates space to share knowledge, build community and highlight practices that advance support for undocumented and mixed‑status students. Sessions will focus on immigration & legislative updates, mental health & wellness, community resources, Undocu‑Entrepreneurship, and graduate‑school pathways.

Student Resources (General Content Block)

The Undocu-Success Center connects students with opportunities, support, and community to help them succeed at CSUMB and beyond.

Student Involvement

The Undocu-Otters and Allies Club empowers students through advocacy, awareness, and peer support. The group works to create an inclusive campus where all students—regardless of national origin, language, or immigration status—can thrive. Follow them on Facebook or Instagram, or contact them at dreamers@csumb.edu. Adviser: Bernadette Ortiz, bortiz@csumb.edu. 

The OC3 Social Justice Scholars Program offers students the chance to design and lead campus programs focused on cultural awareness and social justice. Each participant receives funding to organize an event based on their interests. For details, email oc3@csumb.edu  or follow @csumb.oc3.

Through the #CaliforniansForAll College Corps, students earn a stipend and education award in exchange for service in the community. For more information, contact Andrew Amorao at aamorao@csumb.edu. 

The UROC Researchers Program provides paid or credit-bearing undergraduate research placements, preparing students for graduate study and professional careers. Contact uroc@csumb.edu for details.

Campus Leadership and Advocacy

Associated Students represents the CSUMB student body by advocating for affordable tuition, equitable governance, and access to resources that promote student success. Learn more at as@csumb.edu.

Basic Needs programs ensure students have access to food, housing, wellness resources, and other essential support for academic and personal well-being. Contact basicneeds@csumb.edu.

The Office of Community and Belonging provides funding for initiatives that advance inclusive excellence and student belonging. To learn more, contact Associate Vice President Nizhoni Chow-Garcia at nchow-garcia@csumb.edu.

Celebrating Student Success

The Undocu-Otters Affinity Ceremony honors the achievements of undocumented and mixed-status graduates each spring. Open to all students who wish to participate, the ceremony includes speakers, performances, and cultural celebrations. Graduates who take part receive a stole and certificate of recognition. For details, email affinitygrads@otterstudentunion.org.

Scholarships and Fellowships

The Undocu-Success Center maintains a database of scholarships and fellowships that do not require proof of U.S. citizenship. Opportunities are available for students at all levels, including those eligible for DACA, TPS, or in-state tuition under AB 540.

Key resources include:

• MALDEF Scholarship Resource Guide
• United We Dream Scholarship List
• TheDream.US (Note: not available for students in California)
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation scholarships

Additional tools and resources are available through Immigrants Rising, the Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and the National Immigration Law Center. For scholarship support, email undocusuccess@csumb.edu.

Community Resources

Students and families can also access local and statewide resources, including:

• ILRC Immigration Preparedness Toolkit
• ICE Raid Preparedness Guide
• United Farm Workers Foundation
• Catholic Charities
• United Way Monterey County