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Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
Hometown: Richardson, Texas
kvanness@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322
High School: Plano Senior High School
College (BA): Brown University
MA & C.Phil: UCSD Department of Literature. Currently injoint doctoral program in education at UC San Diego and California State University, San Marcos
Favorite spot at UCSD: The May 1970 Peace Memorial on Revelle Campus
Bucket list: To finish my dissertation!
Advice to new students: UC San Diego can feel big & impersonal, but you will find your place if you look for it.
Karen has worked at UC San Diego for over 15 years as a writing instructor and as a program coordinator in Student Affairs. She is currently working on her doctoral dissertation on the role of the University of California system in the success of non-traditional students.
Schedule an Appointment, https://calendly.com/karenvanness -
Maria "Ria" Rodriguez, M.A. | STUDENT SUCCESS COORDINATOR
Hometown: El Cajon, CA
m4rodriguez@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392
High School: Granite Hills High School
College (BA): University of California, Merced
College (MA): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Price center because of all the food!
Bucket list: Cage Diving with Sharks
Advice to new students: “If you were born with the weakness to fall you were born with the strength to rise.” – rupi kaur
Ria Rodriguez is the inaugural Student Success Coordinator in the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program. In herrole she oversees the peer mentorship program for first-year students, as well as summer transition interventions, alumni tracking, amongst other responsibilities. Ria is alumna of UC Merced, where she majored in Political Science. She completed her Master of Arts in Education in the Postsecondary Educational Leadership Program with a specialization in Student Affairs. As a first-generation college student, Ria is passionate about creating community and supporting students throughout their journey at UC San Diego. She has been with UC San Diego since 2015 and is excited to continue her journey of growth to better serve the students she works with.
Schedule an Appointment,https://calendly.com/m4rodriguez
Student Retention Specialist
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Maria Soto
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Gompers Preparatory Academy
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: Muir & Price Center!
Bucket list: Create an organization that supports first-generation students applying to college!
Advice to new students: Please do not be afraid to ask for help! There are lots of people on campus willing to support and guide you, as long as you ask. When things get rough, remember that you deserve and earned your spot-on campus!! Lastly, enjoy your time, try new things, and discover yourself on this journey.Maria Soto is a first-generation, Latina, alumna from the University of California, San Diego. She is part of the 2015 CASP Cohort and majored in Ethnic Studies with a minor in Education. Maria was born and raised in South East San Diego and it has always been her dream to come back and help students towards their educational goals. She is passionate about social justice issues, access, and equity in education.
m8soto@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-3526
Schedule an appointment, https://calendly.com/m8soto
Office Manager
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Kimberly Rodriguez Jimenez (they/them/elle)
Hometown Chula Vista, CA and Tijuana, B.C., México
High School: Chula Vista High School
College (BA) University of California, San Diego
Favorite spot at UCSD: OASIS and UCSD Women's Center
Bucket list: To visit every state in Mexico
Advice to new students: "What we do is more important than what we say or what we say we believe." - bell hooksKimberly has worked for the Chancellor's Associates Scholars Programs as of July 2016. As a first-generation, low-income student, Kimberly is passionate about social justice issues and has worked as a student counselor in various capacities throughout their time at UC San Diego. They are an alum of UCSD and where they majored in Language Studies and minored in International Studies and Business. Currently, they are enrolled in an M.A. in Couple and Family Therapy with the California School of Professional Psychology.
ksr002@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322
Schedule an Appointment, https://calendly.com/ksr002
College Academic Advisor Liaisons
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Roberto Mata| REVELLE COLLEGE
Email: r2mata@ucsd.edu -
Karla Kastner | JOHN MUIR COLLEGE
Email: kkastner@ucsd.edu -
Sierra Rios | THURGOOD MARSHALL COLEGE
Email: s9rios@ucsd.edu -
Amado Berrios | EARL WARREN COLLEGE
Email: aberrios@ucsd.edu -
Thailia Roman | ELEANOR ROOSEVELT COLLEGE
Email: troman@ucsd.edu -
Erin Nicole Vedar, M.A. | SIXTH COLLEGE
Hometown: San Diego, CA
College (BA, MA & MA): San Diego State University
Favorite Spot at UCSD: Anywhere I can see the ocean or a good sunset
Bucket list: Travelling safely with the people I love, and eating all the delicious food I can find
Advice to new students: Ask for what you need. There are so many people on this campus that want to see you succeed, but we won't know what you need until you speak up. Make yourself HEARD and KNOWN. We got you!About me:
Erin Nicole (she/they) Vedar is the proud daughter of Filipino immigrants, and a recent graduate from the San Diego State University MA in Postsecondary Educational Leadership, specialization in Student Affairs program. A brand new Academic Advisor to Sixth College, she utilizes both a student affairs and mental health lens in her work with underrepresented students, and first-generation students of color. Erin Nicole is passionate about supporting students through their educational journeys in a holistic way - whether it's physically, mentally, academically, personally, or professionally. In her spare time, she loves traveling with her loved ones, chasing sunsets and good food, and dancing the night away.Email: envedar@ucsd.edu
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Kelly Guerriero, M.S | SIXTH COLLEGE
Hometown: Anchorage, AK
College (BA): CSU - Chico
College (MS): Colorado State University
Favorite Spot at UCSD: Fallen Star
Bucket list: Swim with dolphins
Advice to new students: Enjoy your time in college. Work hard and plan, but do not put too much pressure on yourself to know what you want to do for the rest of your life. Take this time to explore different topics/subjects and find out what your passions are!Email: kguerriero@ucsd.edu
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Vanesa de Boer | SEVENTH COLLEGE
Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, CA
College (BA): UC Riverside
College (MA): University of Redlands
Favorite spot at UCSD: Walking along Ridgewalk
Bucket List: Traveling with my family to Spain & Indonesia
Advice to new students: Take this time to explore your interests! Seek opportunities to connect with the various communities at UC San Diego and reach out when you need support.I am currently a Senior Academic Advisor at Seventh College. Before my current position, I was an Academic Advisor for the School of Biological Sciences for many years. I enjoy helping students navigate their path while at UCSD and providing the resources that will assist them to be successful in their journey.
Email: vdeboer@ucsd.edu
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Michael "Mike" Markulin | EIGHTH COLLEGE
Email: mgmarkulin@ucsd.edu
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Liaison
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Kimberly Knight Ortiz
Hometown: San Jose, CA
College (BA): UC San Diego
College (MSW): San Diego State University
Favorite spot at UCSD: Forest behind RIMAC
Bucket List: Going to Thailand
Advice to new students: Find your people and community, they will make your UCSD experience so special!Kimberly Knight Ortiz (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been working at Counseling and Psychological Services since June 2021. Kimberly attended UCSD, studied psychology and identifies as a first generation Latina. She strives to provide a safe space for individuals of all sexualities and genders. She is also bilingual in Spanish and English. In her role as the liaison to CASP she provides consultation with professional staff, presentations/workshops to students and has set aside 3 intake slots a week for CASP students. If you want to schedule an appointment with Kimberly please contact CAPS directly at 858 534 3755 or request an appointment online through the caps.ucsd.edu website. You can find more information on Kimberly's therapeutic style through this link: https://caps.ucsd.edu/about/staff.html#Counseling-Staff
Student Office Coordinators
The Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program has occasional vacancies in positions for students to serve as office coordinators to support the Office Manager and assist with activities. E-mail Kimberly if you're interested.
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Jennifer Becerra Rodriguez, Class of 2024
Jennifer is the the Student Supervisor for the CASP Office Coordinator Team.Hometown: Spring Valley, CAHigh School: Monte Vista High SchoolEarl Warren College, Sociology & Education ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: Ridge Walk Academic Complex (RWAC) 5th Floor Outdoor TerraceOn my bucket list: Visiting the national parks and hiking trails all over California!Advice to new students: Don’t be afraid to choose the path that is right for you rather than sticking to what you are told to do or what everyone else is doing. Choose what you desire and love what you do. -
Inhae Lee, Class of 2025
Hometown: Los Angeles, CAHigh School: Benjamin Franklin High SchoolThurgood Marshall College, Business Psychology (Korean Studies minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: CASP OfficeOn my bucket list: Traveling to various countries and to learn another languageAdvice to new students: Go at your own pace and don't be afraid to experience new things! -
Jael Huhn, Class of 2024
Hometown: South San Diego, CACommunity College School: Southwestern CollegeSixth College, Literatures in EnglishFavorite Spot on Campus: 4th Floor of GeiselOn my bucket list: Learn how to Scuba DiveAdvice to new students: Always make sure you're leaving time for yourself to enjoy a personal hobby! -
Sandy La, Class of 2025
Hometown: Oakland, CAHigh School: Oakland High SchoolSixth College, Public Health (Biology and Psychology minors)Favorite Spot on Campus: Biomedical LibraryOn my bucket list: To see the bioluminescent blue waves and to learn how to ice skateAdvice to new students: Don't be too hard on yourself. You are trying your best and thats all that matters ◡̈ -
Saw Paw Kay, Class of 2025
Hometown: City Heights (DiverCity Heights), San Diego, CAHigh School: e3 Civic High SchoolThurgood Marshall College, Political Science: Public PolicyFavorite Spot on Campus: CASP OfficeOn my bucket list: Travel to my Mother's home country, Myanmar, one day.Advice to new students: We all have a twofold moral purpose: To develop intellectually and spiritually and contribute to the betterment of the world!
CASP Peer Leaders (CPLs)
The CPLs work with a caseload of 8-10 CASP students providing peer mentorship, support, and counseling related to academic, personal, and sociocultural issues affecting their college transition. The role of the CPLs is to foster a welcoming, safe, and inclusive community among entering students and to encourage student development and identity awareness through one-on-one meetings and quarterly group events. Any questions about our CPLs, or if you’re interested in applying to be a CPL in the future, please contact us at casp@ucsd.edu.
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Cassandra Lotero, Class of 2024
Hometown: Los Angeles, CAHigh School: Francisco Bravo Medical Magnet High SchoolEarl Warren College, General Biology (Psychology minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: Keeling Apartments 6th-floor study spotOn my bucket list: See the Northern Lights in personAdvice to new students: Don't be afraid to ask questions! It is okay not to know everything, everyone makes mistakes. -
Daiana Sandoval, Class of 2025
Hometown: Chula Vista, CA/Tijuana, B.C.High School: Castle Park High SchoolEleanor Roosevelt College, Clinical PsychologyFavorite Spot on Campus: Geisel 1E or MOMsOn my bucket list: Visit all DisneylandsAdvice to new students: Enjoy the little wins. -
Dustin Rojas
Hometown: Los Angeles, CACommunity College: Santa Monica Community CollegeThurgood Marshall College, Communications (Dance minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: Seventh housing balcony by BistroOn my bucket list: Travel to Japan, Greece, Peru, France, and the PhilippinesAdvice to new students: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, try everything— join a club, try a new sport— make the most out of your college experience. -
Elizabeth Felix Castro
Hometown: Lemon Grove, CACommunity College: Grossmont CollegeJohn Muir College, PsychologyFavorite Spot on Campus: 8th floor Library, RIMAC GymOn my bucket list: To ensure YOU have a successful experience at UCSD <3Advice to new students: Congrats on making it here! Be proud of yourself. Ensure you take care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. Hit the ground running with a strong foundation of equipment, friends, and study groups. Have fun and stay hydrated! -
George Aguilar
Hometown: Los Angeles, CAHigh School: Bravo Medical Magnet High SchoolJohn Muir College, Cognitive ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: WongAvery LibraryOn my bucket list: Meet DrakeAdvice to new students: Take it one day at a time and prepare for the worst, hope for the best! Also, I highly recommend joining at least one club/org here on campus, they will make your experience so much better!!! -
Karina Oquendo
Hometown: La Mirada, CAHigh School: Saint Joseph High SchoolSeventh College, Literatures in EnglishFavorite Spot on Campus: GliderportOn my bucket list: Puerto RicoAdvice to new students: Everybody's just trying to make friends, so don't be afraid to talk to new people!! As an introvert coming to a big school full of people I didn't know, I was really nervous, but once I put myself out there, I ended up meeting some of my closest friends. Go to random club events, invite people to lunch, etc...it'll be worth it! -
Leila Kepler
Hometown: Riverside, CAHigh School: John W. North High SchoolSixth College, Cognitive ScienceFavorite Spot on Campus: Mom's CafeOn my bucket list: Travel to BrazilAdvice to new students: Keep trying when it gets hard in school, it's all a part of the progress ;) -
Luiza Khazanovskaya
Hometown: San Diego, CACommunity College: Grossmont CollegeJohn Muir College, NeurobiologyFavorite Spot on Campus: 5th floor of Social Sciences Research BuildingOn my bucket list: I want to visit the 7 wonders of the world!Advice to new students: Stay organized by using a planner of some kind (planner booklet, Google Calendar, Apple Calendar)! Keeping track of all assignments, midterm dates, appointments, etc. is nearly impossible without the help of a planner! -
Maria Cortes-Morton
Hometown: San Diego, CAHigh School: San Diego High SchoolEarl Warren College, Communication (Spanish Lit&Theate minor)Favorite Spot on Campus:The hammocks by main gymOn my bucket list: See the northern lights -
Michelle Sorto
Hometown: Los Angeles, CAHighschool: New Designs Charter SchoolEarl Warren College, Pharmacological Chemistry (Visual Arts and Japanese Studies minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: Target :)On my bucket list: Traveling the world with my friendsAdvice to new students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help!! -
Nicholas Equihua
Hometown: Vista, CACommunity College: MiraCosta CollegeJohn Muir College, International Studies- Political Science (Law & Society minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: 5th Floor Sixth College TerraceOn my bucket list: Witness the Cherry Blossoms Bloom in JapanAdvice to new students: Keep moving forward no matter what. -
Nicole Tran
Hometown: San Diego, CAHighschool/Community College: The Preuss SchoolSixth College, Pharmacological ChemistryFavorite Spot on Campus: MOM'sOn my bucket list: Go see Zedd liveAdvice to new students: GO TO YOUR CLASSES! LIKE FOR REAL! -
Oscar Guzman
Hometown: Escondido, CACommunity College: MiraCosta CollegeSeventh College, History (Pre-Law)Favorite Spot on Campus: MOMs-Scripps PierlOn my bucket list: Become President of the U.S or Drive a Koenigsegg Agrea RAdvice to new students: Work Hard Play Hard or It's going to get harder before it gets easier so remember to take a deep breath and keep going until the finishl line. -
Paola Baylon
Hometown: Chula Vista, CAHighschool: E3 Civic HighThurgood Marshall College, Clinical Psychology (Socio-Cultural Anthropology minor)Favorite Spot on Campus: Women's CenterOn my bucket list: Go to England or JapanAdvice to new students: Do not define yourself based on expectations of others, at the end of the day YOU and only YOU can change and mold what you do and who you become :) -
Samantha Dyer
Hometown: San Diego, CACommunity College: San Diego Mesa CollegeSixth College, General BiologyFavorite Spot on Campus: The swinging hammocks behind Taco Villa.On my bucket list: I want to visit Alaska and see all the natural beauty it has to offer.Advice to new students: It is ten times harder to put yourself back together than it is to fall apart. Stay on top of your coursework and find a balance between taking care of yourself, having fun and achieving your goals. If you do fall behind, reach out for help as soon as you can. Your professors, TAs and the entire CASP team are here to help you succeed.
OLC Co-Facilitators
Once-A-Week Learning Communities (OLCs) co-facilitators assist in planning and leading 50-minute learning community seminars that give students an opportunity to engage with peers on topics ranging from transitioning into college to utilizing on-campus
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Bushra Azrar
Hometown: Santa Clarita, CAEarl Warren CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Geisel LibraryOn my bucket list: SkydivingAdvice to new students: To put yourself out there and really get to know your professors, roommates, and classmates. -
David Rodriguez
Hometown: San Diego, CAThurgood Marshall CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Geisel LibraryOn my bucket list: An off-road driving, hiking, and camping adventure.Advice to new students: Get to know your College GE's and Graduation Requirements. Create an Academic Plan. -
Eli Gallegos
Hometown: Palmdale, CAJohn Muir CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: M.O.M.'s Cafe in MuirOn my bucket list: To go to Mexico, reconnect with la culturaAdvice to new students: Say 'yes' to new experiences more often! You'll surprise yourself when getting out of your comfort zone. -
Isabella Newell
Hometown: San Diego, CAJohn Muir CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: The hammocks around campusOn my bucket list: Publish a bookAdvice to new students: You are capable of so much more than you think! Also... go to office hours -
Maheeka Bimal
Hometown: Mumbai, IndiaEleanor Roosevelt CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Biomed library/Wong Avery libraryOn my bucket list: Visit all the wonders of the world!Advice to new students:Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want: you only need one yes! Have faith in yourself and always go with your gut. -
Megan Taylor
Hometown: Lancaster, CAEarl Warren CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Sixth College 4th floor ocean viewOn my bucket list: Travel to EuropeAdvice to new students: Prioritize yourself, you are important and what will be will come to you -
Nadia Flores
Hometown: San Diego, CASeventh CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Copa Vida or Audrey’sOn my bucket list: Help kids in any third-world country, live abroad, ski, parasail, go on a hot air balloon in Cappadocia, and skydive.Advice to new students: Live in the moment because you won’t ever get this time back. -
Sofia Vasquez
Hometown: Brawley, CA / Mexicali, B.C. MéxicoThurgood Marshall CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Raza Resource Centro & Student CenterOn my bucket list: To learn a third languageAdvice to new students: Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it! Also explore everything that UCSD has to offer and reach out to others to find a community here on campus! -
Sonia Alvarez
Hometown: Los Angeles, CAEarl Warren CollegeFavorite Spot on Campus: Either Marshall lawn or any of the hammocks.On my bucket list: To go skydiving.Advice to new students: It’s normal to feel unsure about this first year and to not have a clear picture of where you’re headed, so just focus on the fact that you’re here and you have the skills to do great things. Don’t worry too much and have fun as you discover what makes you excited and what you definitely want to avoid.