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Greetings!
Happy December to everyone! We're so excited for the upcoming break and we hope that you can relax and enjoy the holidays. As we approach finals season, please also take care of yourself and just know that we at the CASP Office are proud of all your hard work this quarter. Wishing you all the best during your finals!
In this newsletter, you will find information regarding upcoming CASP events, CASP requirements, and deadlines. 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:
Monday - Thursday from 9 AM - 4:30 PM
Fridays from 9 AM - 4 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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Meet the 2025 CASP Cohort!
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 & Winter Quarter | | | Friday, December 5th | Instruction Ends | | Saturday - Saturday, December 6th - 13th | Final Exams | | Saturday, December 13th | Fall Quarter Ends | | Thursday, December 18th | Grades available on TritonLink | | | | Wednesday - Thursday, December 24th - 25th | Winter Break | | Wednesday - Thursday, December 31st - January 1st | New Year Holiday | | | | Friday, January 2nd | Winter Quarter Begins | | Monday, January 5th | Instruction Begins | | | CASP Scholarship Requirements | | |
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!
| | Outstanding CASP Student: Fernanda Noriega | | |
Artist Biography
Fernanda Noriega Hernández is an artist born and based in San Diego, California. Although she does not have the proper education in the arts she has honed her skills from a very young age. Experimenting with different media like water paints, oil pastels and more, Fernanda has taken a liking to painting on canvases especially with acrylics. Fernanda is near completing her UCSD journey as an Ethnic Studies and Sociocultural Anthropology double major. With her knowledge she plans to use her artistic skills to advocate against many social injustices affecting our polarized society. After graduating, Fernanda plans to work with social justice organizations helping our communities and will also be getting involved in educational roles. She also plans to get a Masters degree in the near future to further get involved in educational systems in hopes of becoming a teacher and professor.
Artist Statement
Desmadre came to life inspired by real events endured during Fernanda's childhood. Unfortunately because of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement federal agency, Fernanda did not get the opportunity to grow up with her parents in the U.S. With both parents deported back to México, Fernanda was left in the care of her father's sisters to remain in the U.S. From house to house in San Diego to the Bay Area, Fernanda spent her childhood among the care of three different tías.
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Because of this separation from her parents and other following events, Fernanda became inspired to advocate against ICE; to share the agony left behind from the terrorization that ICE induces on the immigrant community.
Desmadre means chaos in Spanish. Among the chaos depicted in the painting, Desmadre also came to be the name of this piece to symbolize the experience of losing one's parent, or madre (mother). “Des” being the symbolic resemblance of the deprivation of having a madre.
| | | Study Abroad Highlight: Macy Tran | | |
✈️ Going on my study abroad journey from sunny San Diego, California, to the picturesque city of Bern, Switzerland, was an adventure that transformed my perspective in countless ways. Leaving behind the familiar Pacific coastline, I found myself immersed in Nature’s Paradise.
Even though this wasn’t too long ago, it ended quickly; 5 weeks felt like a breeze looking back on it now, and I’m in disbelief that it actually happened in the first place. While abroad, I learned about global volcanism(SIO 46GS) and the geology of the Alps(SIO 121GS), while also going on weekly field trips to the breathtaking landscapes of the Swiss Alps, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt, to say the least!
Skills I acquired while abroad included: 1) adaptability and communication, 2) independence and self-reliance, and 3) networking and relationship-building skills.
⭐️1. Adapting to a whole new world and adjusting to this new normal was shocking at first. In my life in America, I only drank bottled water. But in Switzerland, drinking water from fountains and the sinks was something I came to accept and adapt to, due to their promotion of being eco-friendly, while also wanting to respect their culture.
⭐️2. Most days, I managed to go on my own, whether it was to the classroom that was about 2 miles from the Student Lodge, or somewhere in the Old City of Bern, to either grab a snack or explore my curiosity about its medieval architecture and rich cultural tapestries.
⭐️3. As my days in Switzerland started to lessen, the more open I was to connecting with other students in the Student Lodge. I’m happy to say that I was able to connect with a European PhD student after lots of conversations about one another during our free time, who goes to the University of Bern. Who is willing to help me with the college applications, if I plan to further my education in Europe!
I’d also like to thank CEPA Customized Educational Programs Abroad, who were the ones that managed and organized this study abroad trip; especially Hector, who was an enthusiastic, approachable, and knowledgeable tour guide! In addition, I’d also like to thank this UCSD SIO(Scripps Institution of Oceanography) Professor, Geoff Cook (https://lnkd.in/e4bA-nHp), for making this trip possible, but also worthwhile and fun! I’m also happy to consider him as another network of mine :)
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🌍 Reflecting on my time in Bern, Switzerland, I’m grateful for the friendships and connections I’ve formed and the personal growth I’ve experienced. This study abroad journey not only broadened my academic horizons but also instilled in me a lifelong love for travel and cultural exchange. Now in San Diego, I carry with me cherished memories that won’t be forgotten!
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Need a place to prep for finals?
Bring your study materials and join the CASP community for a productive day of studying!
| | Help to Inform Mentorship Practices - Complete Our Quick Survey | | |
Dear Chancellor’s Associates Scholars,
Hi! My name is Kent, and I’m an 11th-grade student at The Bishop’s School. I’m excited to be conducting educational research under the guidance of Dr. Shanelle Watkins through the UCSD Mentor Assistance Program.
My research project focuses on understanding how first-generation UCSD students use mentorship programs to succeed in their studies. Your insights can help shape mentorship strategies for future UCSD students.
As a thank-you for your time, survey responders who provide an email address will be entered into an opportunity drawing for a CASP giveaway. Your responses will remain confidential and only be used for research purposes.
| | World AIDS Day 2025: HIV Testing Event | | |
The University of California, San Diego will commemorate World AIDS Day 2025 from December 1st to December 5th, with an event on December 2nd from 10 AM - 2 PM at Student Health Services - Murray's Place and the LGBT Resource Center with free and confidential rapid HIV testing. Boba tea drinks are available to the first 60 who test and stop by the resource fair in Murray's Place. Gift cards may also be available to those who qualify.
Reduced cost STI testing will also be available at Student Health Services all week with no-cost HIV testing on December 1st and 2nd.
| | Donation Call: Basic Needs Community Thrift | | | |
🗓️ Thursday, December 4, 2025 7:30pm to 9:00pm PST
Join us for SSA's Christmas Concert and experience a magical evening featuring Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker, Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf, and Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride and A Christmas Festival!
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Enjoy warm drinks, sweet treats, and plenty of motivation to keep you on track. Come self-study or bring your friends to study with your peers!
Study, snack, and get into the holiday spirit. PJs are highly encouraged. Don’t miss your chance to join the Study Jam Express! 🚂✨
| | Women's Center: Finals Study Jam | | Finals Season is upon us and the Women’s Center welcomes you to join our Fall Finals Study Jam. From 10am-10pm Monday December 8th our space will be open for YOU! Feel free to swing by to say hello, grab some goodies from our Finals Survival Stashes, engage in our mindfulness or activity rooms, or just have a quiet place to study. | | Raza Resource Center: Study Jam | | | | |
Take a break, recharge, and get ready for finals with the Raza Resource Centro! Join us for our Tea Paw-Ty Study Jam—a cozy day of tea, snacks, lunch, and relaxation. We’ll also be joined by Love on a Leash Service Animals for some much-needed comfort and stress relief as you prepare for finals week.
Swing by anytime between 9 AM–6 PM to study, unwind, and enjoy comunidad. All are welcome!
| | Raza Resource Centro Community Writing Collective | | OASIS: Topic Based Workshops | | Black Resource Center: Unity Hour | | APIMEDA: Unwind the Grind | | Unwind the Grind is a collaboration between APIMEDA Programs and CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services). This is a weekly event for folks to connect with campus staff to explore ways to destress and unwind. | | Love on a Leash: De-stress with Pups | | |
🗓️ Tuesday, December 2, 2025 2:00pm to 3:30pm PST
Join us in Classroom 1 (across from the Service Hub on the main floor) anytime during the event to relax and de-stress with the dogs. No registration is needed.
| | Raza Resource Center: Finals Prepping | | Join us at the Raza Resource Centro for a relaxing and supportive space as you prepare for finals. This session includes a presentation from CAPS on managing stress, a collage-making activity to help you unwind creatively, and free food to keep you energized. Hosted by the RRC Transfer and First-Year Experience Interns, this event is designed to help you recharge, breathe, and feel ready for finals week. | | 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, December 10th, 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, December 3rd, 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, December 11th, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Sessions are held on the second Thursdays 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.
| | Scholarships & Opportunities | | Cross Cultural Center Undergraduate Intern Hiring Now Open! | | |
Hello campus partners and community!
The Cross-Cultural Center is excited to announce that our 2026–2027 Undergraduate Intern application is now open, and we would appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with students! Our intern team plays a key role in fostering social justice education, community building, and student support across campus. This is a great leadership and professional development opportunity for students passionate about equity-centered work and community engagement.
Application Deadline:
Winter Week 3 – Tuesday, 1/20 at 11:59pm
Additionally, we will have an info session and students for change mixer to promote the internship as well as connect students with community as we enter the winter quarter.
2026–2027 Intern Hiring Info Session + Students for Change Mixer:
Winter Week 1 – Wednesday, 1/7 at 3pm-4:30pm
Students can learn more about these opportunities and apply at: https://ccc.ucsd.edu/get-involved/become-an-intern.html
Attached are the flyers you can share through your newsletters, social media, or directly with students who may be interested.
Thank you for helping us reach students and supporting our work across campus! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at ccc@ucsd.edu.
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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.
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