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Chancellor's Associates Scholars Program CASP
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  4. Professional Staff

Director

  • Shanelle Watkins, Ed.D.

    Shanelle Watkins, Ed.D.

    Hometown: San Diego  
    High School: Point Loma High School 
    College BA: California State University, San Marcos  
    MA: University of San Diego
    EdD: University of California, San Diego (ABD)  
    Favorite spot at UCSD: Does Target count?  
    Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France after I complete my doctoral program 
    Advice to new students: Throughout your journey here, remember your greatness, and that your story is uniquely yours, and do not be afraid to share it! 
     
    Shanelle has worked in the field of education for over 14 years, at the K-12, community college and four-year university levels. As a first-generation student herself, Shanelle’s life passion has been to ensure that all students have supportive pathways to and through postsecondary education. Her dissertation research focuses on the experiences of Black women undergraduate student leaders at Hispanic Serving Institutions in the state of California.

    swatkins@ucsd.edu | (858) 822-5392

Coordinators for Academic Support and Student Success

  • Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    Karen Van Ness, M.A. | ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR

    Hometown: Richardson, Texas
    High School: Plano Senior High School
    College (BA): Brown University
    MA & C.Phil: UCSD Department of Literature. Currently in joint 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.

    kvanness@ucsd.edu | (858) 246-0322

    Schedule an appointment,  https://calendly.com/karenvanness

    Specializations: Classes/Enrollment, Tutoring Resources, OLC Requirements, Academic Jeopardy, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.

Student Retention Specialist

  • Maria Soto

    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

    Specialization: Academic jeopardy, General advising, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission.

Office Manager

  • Nicole Howard

    Nicole Howard

    Hometown: Rocklin, CA
    College (BA): Chapman University
    Favorite spot at UCSD: Pinpoint Cafe @ SIO Campus and Sun God Lawn
    Bucket list: Travel to South America
    Advice to new students: Don’t be afraid to ask for help! We are here to help you succeed.

    Email: nhowardopp@ucsd.edu

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Liaison

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    Coming Soon...

All programs and initiatives coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs and Campus Life and its units are designed and implemented in full compliance with Proposition 209 and the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy.

More information about Proposition 209 can be found here.

More information about the University of California Anti-Discrimination Policy can be found here.