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Greetings!
Happy Fall Quarter! We hope you are enjoying the first few days of instruction!
Happy spooky October! We enjoyed meeting some of you during our open house and the academic year kick off event! We look forward to meeting more of you at our upcoming events!
In this newsletter, you will find information regarding upcoming CASP events, CASP requirements, and deadlines. You will also meet our staff members who works hard to ensure a positive experience for our scholars! Please read through to learn more about these opportunities and events around campus!
We are open! Come by and say hello to our office located on the 3rd floor of Center Hall (through Door E & F). We have free printing, a dry kitchen, and a study space open Mon - Fri from 9 am - 5 pm.
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Visit the CASP day-to-day calendar of events to keep up to date with CASP events, resources, and other opportunities available to you all!
To schedule a time to meet with one of our professional staff members virtually, please check our availability by clicking here.
Questions? Ask us here!
casp@ucsd.edu
(858) 534 - 8366
Center Hall, 3rd Floor (through Door E & F)
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2025 CASP Academic Year Kickoff, upcoming cohort taking a photo together!
PC: Kehaulani from Wonder Struck Photography
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Meet the CASP Team!
PC: Kehaulani from Wonder Struck Photography
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Campus Community Centers & More
| | Important Dates for Fall Quarter | | | Monday, September 22nd | Fall Quarter Begins | | Thursday, September 25th | Instruction Begins | | Thursday, October 9th | Wait List Ends | | Friday, October 24th | Deadline to Drop Classes without "W" on Transcript | | Friday, November 7th | Deadline to Drop Classes with "W" on Transcript | | | | Tuesday, November 11th | Veterans Day Holiday. All offices, including CASP, will be closed. | | Thursday - Friday, November 27th - 28th | Thanksgiving Holiday. All offices, including CASP, will be closed. | | | | Friday, December 5th | Instruction Ends | | Saturday - Saturday, December 6th - 13th | Final Exams | | Saturday, December 13th | Fall Quarter Ends | | | | Wednesday - Thursday, December 24th - 25th | Winter Break | | Wednesday - Thursday, December 31st - January 1st | New Year Holiday | | | CASP Scholarship Requirements | | The CASP team works hard to make sure your experience with us is above and beyond! Below is an overview of the staff that you will likely see frequently in the office this year! | | |
Shenelle Watkins, Ed.D | Director
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
Favorite spot at UCSD: Copa Vida
Bucket list: To vacation in the south of France
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
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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
Specializations: Classes/Enrollment, Tutoring Resources, OLC Requirements, Academic Jeopardy, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission, General advising, Financial aid eligibility/questions.
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Maria Soto | Student Retention Specialist
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!
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
Specialization: Academic jeopardy, General advising, Withdrawing for the quarter/ Readmission.
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Nicole Howard | Office Manager
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.
nhowardopp@ucsd.edu
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Frida Acevedo, Class of 2027, Human Developmental Sciences | Student Supervisor
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: The Preuss School
College: Sixth College
Favorite Spot on Campus: Club Med
On my bucket list: See the northern lights in real life!
Advice to new students: Be curious and embrace the opportunities that college may offer :) You got this
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Sunny Nguyen, Class of 2028, Public Health with a concentration in Medicine Science
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Canyon Hills High School
College: Marshall College
Favorite Spot on Campus: Pinpoint Cafe (SIO campus)
On my bucket list: Going to Japan during their Spring Cherry Blossom season!
Advice to new students: Try to get out of your comfort zone and take advantage of new opportunities :)
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Kevin Tran, Class of 2026, Business Psychology
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
High School: Grover Cleveland Charter High School
College: Seventh College
Favorite Spot on Campus: Blue Bowl
On my bucket list: To live out my dreams in a big city and to New York one day!
Advice to new students: Get involved as much as you can and always be the real you.
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Jerry Zhang, Class of 2028, Mathematics-Computer Science
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: La Jolla Country Day School
College: Eleanor Roosevelt College
Favorite Spot on Campus: Starbucks!
On my bucket list: Go on a glider at gliderport or any other place!
Advice to new students: Please move in as early as you can--this way you can make friends when everyone is trying to find their community.
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America Barreto, Class of 2026, Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience with a minor in General Biology
Hometown: San Diego, CA
High School: Lincoln High School
College: Revelle College
Favorite Spot on Campus: Hammocks on Library Walk
On my bucket list: Befriend a Sea Otter :)
Advice to new students: Having a support system and not being afraid to venture out of your comfort zone (even if that means doing it by yourself) is essential!
| | | 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. | |
Share Your Story | Fall Scholar Update Report | | |
Each year, CASP scholars have the chance to share their story through this survey, which becomes a personalized one-page report for your scholarship supporter(s). It’s a meaningful way for them to see the real impact of their generosity – through your voice!
What to expect:
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Six questions that will feed into three short sections: Who I Am, Where I’m Going, What I’m Grateful For
- 20-30 minutes to complete – you must log-in to complete so you can save progress and come back
- Focus on authenticity – we’ll edit for grammar and spelling
- Examples to guide you are included within the survey
Support available:
- Alejandro will host office hours each Monday ahead of the deadline from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the CASP office for feedback or brainstorming
- Can’t make that time? Reach out to Alejandro to schedule another time slot that works for you!
If you've already received an email from Alejandro about this, please disregard this. Otherwise, this is an optional but meaningful exercise to help your supporters see the real impact of their generosity – through your voice!
| | Welcome to CASP Corner, your go-to space for all things CASP! Each edition we’ll shine a spotlight on our incredible scholars and alumni whether they’re studying abroad, returning to welcome new scholars, sharing their best tips, or showing us the amazing things they’re doing after graduation. This is where we celebrate the CASP community and all the ways our scholars inspire us! | | CASP Goes Global: Jeremy Tran | | | | | |
Thanks to the UCEAP program, I had the incredible opportunity to conduct research abroad in Taiwan over the summer. This was definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had in my entire life! While working on my research project, I was fortunate enough to explore Taiwan with my host university, National Taiwan University (NTU). During these trips, we participated in numerous activities in order to immerse ourselves in their traditional culture. From harvesting tea leaves and watching a traditional puppet show, to visiting the historic Longshan Temple and exploring an aboriginal village. In the lab, I had the opportunity to work alongside the graduate students from NTU, who were not only great in academics, but also incredibly kind and welcoming outside of research. They showed warm hospitality by translating food menus, taking us on a trip to Jiufen, and simply being good friends. Overall, it was a fun, meaningful, and unforgettable experience, one that I would highly recommend anyone to try at least once in their college journey!
📍 Check out more pictures here!
| | | Outstanding CASP Alumni - Sandy La | | |
Hello Everyone! :)
My name is Sandy La, and I am a CASP alum who recently graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. in Public Health and double minors in Biology and Psychology. I am now pursuing my Master of Public Health at UC Davis. When I first started college, I envisioned a career in medicine. However, after taking public health courses and learning from incredible professors, I realized that my true passion is in public health and decided to shift my path.
I want to remind you that it’s completely okay not to have everything figured out right now. College is full of opportunities to explore, and there are so many amazing classes and advisors who can help you on your journey. If you can, take courses that genuinely spark your interest, you never know which ones might lead you to something you truly love.
CASP will always hold a place in my heart. I have met so many amazing peers and mentors who are there to support you and truly wish to see you succeed. They offer so many amazing resources that I wish I would have taken more advantage of when I first started my college journey. As a first generation student it was scary walking into college not knowing anything about it, but the CASP staff and peer mentors were an amazing support system for me to reach out to whenever I had a question.
| | | My biggest advice to you is to be okay with being uncomfortable. There are so many opportunities for you at UCSD and as a CASP student. Don't be afraid to try because there is truly nothing holding you back! Don't be afraid to go up to people and talk to them, or to join that club that you're interested in. The next few years will go by in a flash so make sure to make the most of your time. You are going to do amazing! | | | In‑Person Fall Career Fair | | |
📅 Thursday, October 9th, 2025 | 10 AM - 4 PM | LionTree Arena | Fall Career Fair In Person
UC San Diego is hosting the Fall Career Fair on Thursday, October 9th from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. This event will be at the Liontree Arena with doors opening at 10:00 am and closing at 4:00 pm. The career fairs are open to UC San Diego students and alumni only. In order to gain admittance to the fair, students MUST register through Handshake AND bring their student ID the day of the fair.
| | Student Services and Academic Support Fair | | | | |
📅 October 10th, 2025
📍 Library Walk
The Student Services & Academic Support Fair is designed to help both graduate and undergraduate students discover the many academic departments, student services, and special activities available at UC San Diego, while providing an opportunity for your department to outreach and connect with many and new returning students.
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📅 October 20th - 24th, 2025
📍 Library Walk
The UC San Diego Vendor Fair is a tri-annual on-campus event open to local vendors selling various merchandise. Located in the middle of campus on Library Walk, our fair attracts hundreds of students daily giving them the opportunity to support and learn about local businesses. The fair showcases a variety of items including clothing, jewelry, phone accessories, beauty and body products, sunglasses, and much more!
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📅 October 11- 12th, 2025, 8 AM to 4 PM
📍 LionTree Arena
Join us for the inaugural Hoops for The Hub, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament and 3-point contest fundraiser benefiting The Hub Basic Needs Center at UC San Diego. Open to adults 18 and older of all skill levels, the tournament guarantees each team at least three games. But this is more than just a tournament—it's a chance to make a real impact.
Proceeds from the tournament will provide students with nutritious, no-cost food, temporary emergency housing, and/or financial crisis support, ensuring they have the resources to focus on their education.
Whether you're hitting the court or cheering from the sidelines, you can support the cause by donating funds or bringing donations of non-perishable food and hygiene products to the event. Get your team together, show off your skills, and compete for a great cause—because every dollar and every donation will make a meaningful impact. Let’s play to help students thrive!
| | Las Cafeteras | Hasta La Muerta | | |
📅 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 7:30pm PDT
📍 Epstein Family Amphitheater
Tickets: $25–50 | UCSD Student: Limited Free Tickets via SSO
“Hasta La Muerte” is an enthralling new production celebrating Life and Death, in the spirit of the Indigenous/Mexican practice, known as Day of the Dead.
From the imagination of Las Cafeteras, “Hasta La Muerte” is a 2 act, multi-dimensional theatrical and musical performance that explores the stages of grief and loss through the celebration of life and death. The production revisits Mexican folklore to tell new stories, engage old archetypes, challenge patriarchy, uplift the role of curanderas and re-examine our imagination about “death” and the “after-life.”
| | La Mezcla | Ghostly Labor Performance | | |
📅 Friday, October 24, 2025 7:30pm PDT
📍 Epstein Family Amphitheater
Tickets: $30–50 | UCSD Student: Limited Free Tickets via SSO
Ghostly Labor is a multidisciplinary, rhythmic performance that explores the history of labor in the US-Mexico borderlands and the joy of collective resistance. This work brings together Tap Dance, Mexican Zapateado, Afro Caribbean movement, live music and animated archival video. Featuring an all female dance company, spoken word, traditional Son Jarocho music from Veracruz, Mexico and an Afro-Latinx percussive score, this full length dance theater production highlights historical events, such as the Bath Riots of 1917, the experiences of farm workers and domestic workers throughout California, and generations of labor that have gone unseen.
| | Ceramic and Mosaic for Climate Change | | |
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
📍 Craft Center
Come glaze the ceramic tiles with our reclaimed glazes. A wide range of colors will be provided. In parallel, we’ll grout the first climate change mosaic together. Drop ins welcome! No fee, just fun!
| | Bookstore's Halloween Costume Contest | | |
📅 Tuesday, October 31, 2025 11:00am - 3:00pm PDT
📍 Bookstore
This year, The Bookstore is going digital with judging happening on social media! On Halloween day, visit the BOOkstore from 11 AM to 3 PM to get a snapshot of your costume by our team of ghosts and ghouls. Contest open to all UC San Diego Students, Staff, Faculty and Alumni!
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The Twilight Saga
Thursdays @ Price Center Theater
6:30pm doors // 7pm show
Oct. 9: Twilight
Oct. 16: New Moon
Oct. 23: Eclipse
Oct. 30 Breaking Dawn pt. 1
Nov. 6 Breaking Dawn pt. 2
Plus! Collectible swag for superfans!
(while supplies last)
Free for UCSD Students w/ID
| | Co-Curricular Record Workshops | | |
📅 Wednesday, October 1st, 1 PM - 2:30 PM (VIRTUAL)
Hosted by Experiential Learning, Teaching and Learning Commons
This workshop introduces students to the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), a verified record of their co-curricular experiences and skills developed outside the classroom. By attending this workshop, students will learn how to utilize the CCR to enhance their transferable skills and career portfolio.
| | | Triton Transfer Hub: Mapping Out Your Quarter Workshop | | Join the Transfer Retention Specialist and Transfer Peer Coaches for coffee and donuts while we review and discuss quarter system adjustment, midterm preparation, and time management strategies! | | | APIMEDA: Discovering Your Career Compass Worksho | | Raza Resource Centro Community Writing Collective | | Triton Transfer Hub Event | | | | |
📅 Wednesday, October 1st, 1 PM - 2:30 PM
📍Triton Transfer Hub
Triton Firsts and Triton Transfer Hub have collaborated to create F.I.R.S.T. U.P. to assist you with this transition. With that, we invite you to attend this event on October 1 at 1:00 PM located in the Triton Transfer Hub, where you will learn about essential campus resources, network with current UC San Diego students, and maybe even make a friend to share this exciting journey with.
| | LGBT Resource Center: Autumn Night Series | | |
📅 Multiple dates, please see the poster and the RSVP form for details
📍 LGBTRC
Bring your friends and come have fun, meet your fellow LGBTQIA+ peers, and see our resource center! For the first 10 people that show up to each event, you’ll be able to pick up an EXCLUSIVE tote bag! 🛍️
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📅 Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 (5:00-7:00PM)
📍 Pepper Canyon Hall, 2nd Floor Room 264, 264
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Join the Raza Resource Centro for a welcoming mixer designed for graduate and professional students to connect, compartir cultura, and explore campus resources. Meet peers from across disciplines, build community, and discover all that the RRC has to offer. Open to all graduate and professional students.
The RRC is open to everyone, and we strive to emphasize and foster the access, retention, and graduation of Chicanx-Latinx students as well as create strong connections with our surrounding community.
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📍 Pepper Canyon Hall Room 264, Conference Room
📅 Wednesdays, Weeks 1–10
⏰ 12:00–1:00 PM
For questions, contact Kimberly Knight-Ortiz at knightortiz@health.ucsd.edu
| | Cross Cultural Center: Feel the Beat with Salsa Dancing | | | | |
📅 Monday, October 13th, 2025, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
📍 Price Center East 2nd Floor
Experience the rhythm, culture, and fun of Latin dance! Open to all levels, sessions focus on basic steps and musicality. Build confidence, stay active, and meet new friends—all while learning to dance in a fun, welcoming environment.
| | Triton Transfer Hub: Transfer Craft and Community | | |
📅 Tuesday, October 14, 2025 12:00pm to 1:30pm PDT
📍 Pepper Canyon Hall 261
ERC and the Transfer Hub are hosting a craft and community hour and all transfers are invited! Join us in the Confrence room of the Triton Transfer Hub from 12pm-1:30pm On Wednesday October 14! Enjoy snacks, crafting and build community with fellow transfers.
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Graduate and Professional Schools Fair
Thinking about going to graduate or professional school?
Join us at the Graduate & Professional School Fair on Monday, October 27th from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Library Walk.
Meet with representatives from a wide range of graduate and professional programs, explore advanced degree opportunities, and get your questions answered about admissions, funding, and career pathways.
Don’t miss this chance to take the next step toward your future!
| | Women's Center: Working Parents | | |
These support groups are in collaboration with the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program and the Women's Center, facilitated by Izabel Caetano Francy, LCSW, a Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) licensed clinician, who is also a full-time remote working parent. These are open to all UC San Diego Students, Faculty, and Staff.
Questions? Please contact Izabel C. Francy at icfrancy@ucsd.edu
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Working Moms of 0 - 5 Year Olds Group
Next session: Wednesday, October 22nd, 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM. (Sessions are held on the fourth Wednesday of every month)
Please join us for a supportive Zoom discussion and opportunity to connect with other UCSD working parents.
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Working Parents of Elementary and Middle Schoolers Support Group
Next session: Wednesday, November 5th, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. (Sessions are held on the first Wednesday of every month)
Please join us for a supportive Zoom discussion and opportunity to connect with other UCSD working parents.
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Working Parents of Teens Support Group
Next session: Thursday, October 9th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Sessions are held on the second Thursday of every month)
Calling all parents of teens! Please join us for a supportive Zoom discussion and opportunity to connect with other UCSD working parents.
| | Click on the image for more information! | | Scholarships & Opportunities | | |
Achieve your Higher Education Dreams
In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.
In 2024, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $4.9 million in scholarships to more than 1,200 San Diego students.
| | We are happy to announce that Price Center has expanded its hours to provide students with more options for late-night studying. Price Center East (Levels 1 & 2) and Burger King will now be open 24 hours Monday through Thursday and Open Desk and Sun God Lounge will now be open until 2am Monday through Thursday. | | Tritons Connect is open to all students, alumni, staff/faculty, and the UC San Diego community. Join us to connect 1:1 or in groups, post and apply for job opportunities, get matched with or be a mentor, and so much more. Signing up is easy! | | |
We are so happy to have you all be part of the CASP family and look forward to seeing you all throughout your time here at UC San Diego.
Visit our Flickr account to view more pictures from our Kickoff event.
| | We are bringing back giveaways in our newsletter! We are giving away CASP swags to the FIRST 5 CASP Scholars that email their favorite fall song to casp@ucsd.edu! | | | | |
