undergraduate students

HEERF funding bolsters writing support for undergraduate students

cpark077 — Thu, 10 Mar 2022 20:05:40 +0000

HEERF funding bolsters writing support for undergraduate students cpark077 Thu, 03/10/2022 - 12:05 More News Chloe Park March 10, 2022

Since the start of the pandemic, online learning and the impacts of COVID-19 have presented challenges for UCR students. With limited resources available to support student achievement and persistence, School of Education (SOE) advising staff noted flagging GPAs and higher student withdrawal rates were threatening to exacerbate gaps in educational opportunity and degree completion.

In order to lessen these challenges, the SOE sought support from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to strengthen the Undergraduate Writing Support Program which was launched in 2019. The HEERF funding ($110K) allowed SOE to expand the Program, which initially had only one writing assistance coordinator, with more graduate and undergraduate student staff who serve as writing mentors and coordinate events and workshops. The grant is designed to bolster writing support systems encouraging Education Majors to enact more assertive help-seeking behaviors that enhance students’ sense of belonging, transfer pathway success, time-to-degree, and graduation rates.

According to the proposal led by Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education Robert Ream, “We chose this central focus of writing because it is among the most important process skills that underlies all content areas—not only the ones our students will be addressing within the Education Major, but across all courses and disciplines. Writing improves the ability to think more clearly, communicate effectively, and share a wide range of perspectives that can be heard by others."

The Writing Support Program offers assistance to students through one-on-one appointments or workshops to help students learn APA formatting, how to correctly cite research, write strong sentences with supporting evidence, and even how to write about themselves for graduate school applications.

Find out more about the Writing Support Program here, and meet the team below:

Writing Support Coordinator Delaney Rood is a Master’s student in the SOE’s Higher Education Administration and Policy program. Delaney is a first-generation college student whose higher education journey began at College of the Desert (COD) in Palm Desert, California, where she graduated with an A.A. in English with highest honors. There, she began her career in student supportive services at the Tutoring and Academic Skills Center as an American Sign Language Tutor, and eventually, as a Writing Tutor. She also worked as Personal Writing Tutor to students in the Disabled Students Programs and Services center. After transferring to UCR, Delaney continued her work in student support as an Undergraduate Writing Tutor at the Academic Resource Center.

Delaney graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCR in 2020 with a B.A. in English. In her graduate program, Delaney’s research focuses on issues of access and retention for marginalized, underserved, and nontraditional student groups, specifically in the area of developmental education and student supportive services. In addition to her years of experience in academia, Delaney also has a decade of experience in management and training coordinating in the food and beverage industry. Delaney joined the SOE Team in 2020 as the Writing Support Coordinator for the SOE Undergraduate Writing Support Program. Since, with the support of the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund grant, SOE’s Writing Support Program has flourished and now includes Graduate Writing Mentors and Undergraduate Writing Assistants that support SOE undergraduates through every step of the writing process. Outside of work, Delaney is an amateur photographer and enjoys travel, hiking, weightlifting, and exploring Southern California.

Writing Mentor Eric Davidson is a Ph.D. student in the SOE's Higher Education Administration & Policy Program. After finishing high school in his hometown of San Diego, California, he spent nine years living in Tucson, Arizona where he earned his B.A. in political science and M.A. in higher education from the University of Arizona. Eric brings years of mentoring experience to the Writing Support Program from his time spent as a teaching assistant, lecturer, and academic coach. In his academic life, he writes about higher education policy and economics, most notably on the subject of intercollegiate athletics as a member of UCR's Center for Athletes' Rights and Equity. In his free time, Eric enjoys many outdoor sports- snowboarding, skateboarding, cycling, rock climbing, and hiking. He is also a songwriter and record producer.

Student mentor Nhi Bui majors in English with a Psychology minor at UCR. Having published an academic article and an independent poetry collection, Nhi’s experience writing across curriculums and genres lends to a passion to share the literature arts with her peers. With a background in education, her training extends from teaching preschool to college age students. She hopes to attend graduate school and settle in a Southern California suburb after graduation. When not writing, Nhi can be found feeding her pet snake, playing Dungeons & Dragons, or forwarding astrology memes.

Student mentor Natalie Gomez is an undergraduate student at UCR studying English and a supplemental instruction leader under the English department at Chaffey Community College. Natalie's goal is to take her reading and writing abilities to law school. She has a passion for helping others improve their writing skills and build confidence in their writing. In the Writing Program, Natalie can’t wait to build a welcoming and comfortable community at UCR through writing.

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undergraduate students

Meet ASUCR’s new undergrad representative for SOE students

cpark077 — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 21:40:48 +0000

Meet ASUCR’s new undergrad representative for SOE students cpark077 Wed, 02/16/2022 - 13:40 More News Chloe Park February 16, 2022

SOE's undergraduate representative
Dorothy Leigh Doronila

Taking on the position and responsibility to present students’ concerns to the Associated Students of UCR council could be intimidating. However, Dorothy Leigh Doronila didn’t hesitate to take on the role as ASUCR’s representative for School of Education students. Doronila is a first-generation student majoring in Education, Society, and Human Development as well as Political Sciences and Administrative Studies, with a concentration in finance. Her goal is to connect students to greater opportunities that the University of California, Riverside and extended communities have to offer.

Doronila is also a part of many other organizations like Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and is one of the ASUCR senators who works with the African Student Program and Undocumented Student Program. Not only is she involved in multiple organizations on campus, but she has a history of legislative experiences outside of campus. As the new representative for SOE students, she’s able to use her previous experiences while also learning more of legislative settings on campus.

One of the reasons Doronila took this role, is that she knew she could “create a change and growth in SOE with the use of the knowledge and concerns I have accumulated throughout a variety of the enlightening SOE courses.”
With the goal to properly represent all students, Doronila works directly with the administration, the students, and the City of Riverside. She hosts town hall meetings in an open forum setting for “students to come in and have a voice with an audience of those in higher powers; deans, advisors, and more. I will make myself available as a point of contact as well as actively engage myself in SOE programs and student organizations.”

Being the only student representative for the School of Education in ASUCR’s legislative branch, there’s a lot of responsibility and importance of her role in the SOE student community. Knowing this, she aims to keep a close relationship with the students to hear their concerns, as well as keeping them updated about the news, events, and changes within UC Riverside.

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undergraduate students

Meet GSOE's 2020-21 student ambassadors

juliep — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 15:38:45 +0000

Meet GSOE's 2020-21 student ambassadors juliep Tue, 09/29/2020 - 08:38 More News Julie Porter September 29, 2020

Each year, GSOE welcomes a new group of Education Ambassadors -- top-notch education students who support the vision and spirit of the GSOE by collaborating with faculty and staff to provide engaging, informative, and personalized experiences for the ESHD community. Ambassadors participate in a variety of outreach and recruitment events (virtually, for now), and facilitate a wide range of student engagement workshops and opportunities for learning and mentorship. Students ambassadors serve as role models, lending their unique insight and voice to the undergraduate experience and by helping shape a vibrant learning community.

Meet the 2020-2021 GSOE Ambassadors!!
Current and prospective students can feel free to email our ambassadors if you'd like to connect, or have any questions about life at UCR!

Thomas Cortez
Learning and Behavioral Studies
4^th year
tcort007@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can help provide students with the right resources for academic success such as student programs, how to navigate UCR. I can also provide advice about what has helped me in my academic courses, such as tips for studying, and help students get involved with their community at UCR, or their own communities.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I have personally participated in Highlander Orientation for transfers as a student and student ambassador, and I have participated in Highlander Day/Live as a student ambassador.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? When I first came to the University of California, Riverside as a transfer student Fall 2019, I met Sergio, a student ambassador for the Graduate School of Education. He was someone I could look up to as a first-gen, student of Color, and transfer student. I saw that he had a passion for helping others, and I knew that was something I wanted to be involved in. I am always trying to learn and become a better educator to my colleagues, my community, and my family. Becoming a GSOE student ambassador is a way to lead and serve my community.

Alessandro De La Cruz
Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice
4^th year
adel151@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can help students with advice on how to reach out to professors, how to adjust to UCR life as a transfer, and finding campus resources.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I decided to become a GSOE student ambassador so I could help new students find their footing as college students, and mature in their learning and place here at UCR.

Sindy De La Rosa
Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice
4^th year
sdel016@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I feel like with the current circumstances that we are in, students need encouragement and community more than ever, myself included. I think GSOE student ambassadors can continue to play a great role in building that community and social interaction that might be missing in this 2020-2021 school year. I can help students by reaching into my own networks and finding answers to questions they need help solving. Most importantly, simply willing to be a friend to anyone that needs it in these difficult times, which may feel very isolating. In the school of education, we fight through adversity together!

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I have been a part of student organizations such as Mujeres Unidas (17'-18'), an inclusive womxn empowerment club. I was involved and committed in the Chicano Latino Youth Conference (18'-20') planning committee that was under Chicano Student Programs. During that same time I became involved with ASUCR and was involved in a Mental Health Fair Committee (19') after attending a very influential Student Lobbying Conference (19') in Sacramento. I also enjoyed volunteer work at the R'Garden (18'). Currently, I have leadership in a club called Future Teachers of Color(19'), this is a space dedicated to educators who are committed to social justice, as well as my ongoing leadership and involvement with Chicano Student Programs with Raza Assembly (19'-20') where students of Raza Orgs come together and build community.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? As a student, I have struggled with finding resources, networking, and navigating the everyday endeavors college students face, especially as a first-generation like myself. Within the list of intersectional struggles I faced, I found great comfort in the Graduate School of Education. I absolutely love my major and every hard working member that has contributed to the success of this college, and it's one of the reasons I decided to be an ambassador. I want to add to that success, and share that with students. Through the school of education I have met some of the greatest people I know. This college has become a sense of comfort, confidence, and pride knowing that I am a GSOE student. I decided to be a GSOE ambassador to add that same sense of comfort and confidence I felt, and help students navigate their experience in higher education.

Yvette Rodriguez
Learning and Behavioral Studies
4^th year
yrodr016@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can help students navigate GSOE and UCR, whether it be providing input for class recommendations, or help with student events, or just welcoming them into our GSOE family with open arms.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I participated in this year's Highlander Orientation for the incoming GSOE freshman. I've also participated in Camp Kesem's first virtual summer camp, "Kesem at Home" this year via zoom.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? The reason I applied to become a student ambassador is that I wanted to be a friendly face that my peers could come to when needed. I know how lost one can be while attending UCR during their undergraduate years. During my freshman year, I know that I struggled with finding the right resources/advice or social organizations, so when applying I knew that I wanted to guide those who were in the same pickle that I was, and help them with any questions or concerns that they had. I also enjoy being able to meet new faces when I get the chance.

Hunter Rodriguez
Comparative Studies (Community Leadership / Learning & Behavioral Studies)
4^th year
hrodr008@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I'm striving to help build community amongst my peers, and also advocate for them as the Education, Society, and Human Development major continues to grow from its beginnings. I want to help provide programs and resources that allow for student engagement, and the advancement of our students' experience here in GSOE. I can best help my students behind the scenes through marketing and planning.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I have participated in Highlander Orientation and this ambassador program.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I wanted to be a student ambassador so I could help build community amongst my peers and advocate on behalf of them as our new undergraduate program continued its growth. I fell in love with the small community atmosphere that existed in Sproul Hall, and I not only wanted to be a part of it, but continue that experience for all incoming students.

Ashley Taylor
3^rd year
atayl030@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can help students with housing, registration, and getting involved/finding resources on campus

What are some of the activities you have participated in? Things I have participated in are Highlander Orientation, Associated Students of UCR, UC Students Association Student Organizing Summit, Residential Life, and Let’s Take Action.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I decided to be an ambassador because I knew I wanted to find a way to continue to work with students of UCR, and further develop myself as a leader and campus resource; this position has allowed me to experience new things and find my passions in education.

Diana Torres
Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice
4^th year
dtorr028@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can help connect students with campus resources, answer questions about the education major, and put on fun and informative GSOE events.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I have participated in Highlander Orientation, been a Student Research assistant, a Mujeres Unidas member, and a Chicano Peer mentor.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I wanted to create a sense of community among GSOE students and make sure they all have the resources and support they may need.

Hong An Trang
Learning & Behavioral Studies
2^nd year
htran159@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I look forward to connecting with students and supporting the journey through UCR and GSOE.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I have been a part of the Assistance, Coaching, and Encouragement program at the Academic Resource Center and was a member of American Sign Language Club and Vietnamese Student Association.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? The ambassadors helped me feel at home within GSOE, and I want to help other students feel the same.

Brenda Valdez-Gutierrez
Community Leadership, Policy, and Social Justice
3^rd year
bvald009@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? I can offer mentorship and support to students, and help amplify their voices and concerns in our university.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I was a Chicano Link Peer Mentor and have participated in The Butterfly Project, Residence Hall Association, College Readiness Counseling, HU, and Chicano Student Programs Student Tours/Panels

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I became a student ambassador to join a community who shares the drive to positively impact their communities through education.

Marla Vazquez
Learning and Behavioral Studies
3^rd year
mvazq038@ucr.edu

What types of things can you help students with as a student ambassador? As a GSOE student ambassador, I want to help fellow students and peers navigate the institution better, and nurture better connections with one another.

What are some of the activities you have participated in? I helped with Highlander Orientation, various GSOE events, Highlander Early Start Academy, Spanish tutoring, Chicano Student Program Events, and Women's Center Screenings.

Why did you want to be an ambassador? I decided to be a GSOE ambassador to empower and equip my fellow peers with the resources they need to succeed. I wanted to become a bridge for students and institution to better communicate with one another.

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undergraduate students

GSOE Undergraduate Education Awards

juliep — Wed, 15 Jul 2020 17:19:24 +0000

GSOE Undergraduate Education Awards juliep Wed, 07/15/2020 - 10:19 More News July 15, 2020

Congratulations to the recipients of the GSOE Undergraduate Education Awards!

Outstanding Achievement Award: Selected by their respective college deans, this award recognizes students for their exemplary achievement in academics and research or creative activity, their breadth of involvement in the college, and for their commitment to service and citizenship: Jennifer Ramos '20

As a student at UCR, Jennifer Ramos was involved in several organizations and the recipient of numerous awards including the UC Center Sacramento Presidential Public Service Fellowship, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, the Cultural Experiences Abroad Scholarship, the S.L Gimbell Foundation Scholarship, and Kern Community Foundation Scholarship.

Jennifer served as a GSOE Student Ambassador, was a TRIO Scholars Mentor mentoring first-year students, and had the opportunity to present on the power of storytelling at the Alumni of Color Conference at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

She participated in the UC Center at Sacramento program where she took political science courses, interned at the California Department of Education with the Government Affairs Division, and conducted her own research which focused on the digital divide in California. In her research, she explored issues related to equity, and access to technology and high-speed internet among students from low-income backgrounds, and how this impacts graduation rates and one’s digital citizenship.

Jennifer also studied abroad in Spain, taking courses on Spain’s educational law and Spanish culture, and serving as an English tutor. Jennifer aspires to eventually earn her Ph.D., and start a non-profit organization for at-risk youth.

Academic Excellence Awards: These awards recognize students, who are selected by their faculty, for achieving excellence in their academics, and research or creative activity: Veronica Thai '20 and Sergio Iribe '20.

During her time as a student, Veronica Thai participated in research and was the recipient of several scholarships. She was an assistant in the OBSERVE Lab in UCR’s psychology department, where she participated in research that uses data from heterosexual and same-sex couples to find patterns and linguistic indicators of a healthy relationship. In 2015, Veronica was named a recipient of the Simon Scholarship, and the following year, she earned the Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce scholarship. Veronica also was the recipient of one-time scholarships from the Assistance League and the National Charity League Inc. Veronica plans to pursue a graduate degree, and eventually become a school psychologist and help children and families succeed in the education system, and in life.

During his time as a student, Sergio Iribe, who was raised in El Monte, was a GSOE Student Ambassador, a Peer Advisor in the School of Public Policy academic advising office, and a student researcher with the Center for Educational Transformation (CET). He participated in the UC Center at Sacramento program where he took courses on state policies and politics. He also interned at the California Research Bureau in Sacramento. During this internship, he conducted research and assisted with data collection on various topics pertaining to state legislature. In 2019, Sergio was a recipient of Vallarta Supermarkets Scholarship. Sergio was recently accepted, and just began the GSOE's Master's in Education and teaching credential program. His ultimate goal is to become a teacher, and then potentially become a principal or work in a school district in some capacity.

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undergraduate students