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Supporting College of Sciences Students
The College of Sciences’ Student Success Center is a catalyst for academic accomplishments
By Alex Roush
“Welcome to the College of Sciences Student Success Center! Our mission is to assist all COS students in discovering their passion within the sciences and developing each student’s science identity. We want to help you thrive while you are here at UTSA!” This warm greeting from College of Sciences Student Success Center (COS SSC) Director Daniel Ramirez-Escobedo exemplifies what the center represents for students: a welcoming environment that supports them throughout their academic journey.
The SSC is a key resource for all COS undergraduate students as well as any student taking a course within the college. Located in the Flawn Sciences Building, the SSC provides students with a variety of study areas along with whiteboards and study materials. Additionally, Science Mentors are on hand to answer any question students may have.
What is a Science Mentor?
Science Mentors meet with COS students (referred to as mentees) to provide the resources they need to thrive academically. All mentors are also COS students, so they can share their similar experiences and connect with their mentees on a more personal level. Mentees typically meet with their mentors three times every semester to talk about how their classes are going and to share any areas in which they are struggling. The Science Mentor then provides the proper resources to the mentee.
Science Mentors receive comprehensive training and develop skills in many different areas. As Science Mentor Euchgoebjnai (Belle) Cyriaque said, “My time working at the College of Sciences Student Success Center is like nothing I could have ever imagined. The amount of work experience that I’ve obtained through this job—from event planning, to leadership skills, to growth in communication with individuals from different backgrounds, to problem-solving skills and so much more—has truly encouraged a lot of growth for me as a student and an individual. What I have most enjoyed is the faculty-to-student relationships. I appreciate working with Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies Dr. Timothy Yuen; our director, Daniel Ramirez-Escobedo; and our coordinators, Vero Salazar and Tracy Lopez. I am encouraged that they care about our feedback on how to make the COS SSC a hub for academic and professional success for COS students.”
The COS SSC does not offer direct tutoring, but when a student requests help with a specific course, Science Mentors direct them to the correct resource. “This year, we have an Academics Committee working to provide students with opportunities such as our How to Study Like a Scientist workshop and other great events,” said Science Mentor Analisa Rojas. “I’d suggest checking our social media and website calendar for the latest updates on our events.”
The COS SSC also hosts social events dedicated to helping mentees mingle and make friends within the college. For example, the SSC hosted a College of Sciences: Paint Par-Tea event in August. Students met their mentor as well as other students within the college. They enjoyed free snacks and HTeaO, picked up canvases, and sat and painted in the shade. Some students even left with new “Back to the Lab” tank tops.
The COS SSC also hosts an event series titled “Taste of Success.” The series debuted in the Fall 2022 semester and invites UTSA alumni and industry professionals to talk about their academic journey and to share their success story. The students watch these informative presentations while enjoying free food and beverages. In September, the SSC showcased Senayda Saucedo, a fourth-year medical student at UT Health San Antonio’s Long School of Medicine. She completed UTSA’s FAME (Facilitated Acceptance to Medical Education) program. Saucedo connected with the students and shared her college experience as well as interview tips for medical school.
The SSC offers space for students to work collaboratively.
Does the College of Sciences Student Success Center offer any resources during the summer?
In summer 2022, the COS SSC hosted workshops focused on students’ time-management skills and ways to improve their professional networking. “We believe that students should take advantage of the wonderful resources and opportunities available to them at UTSA,” said Rojas. “We make an effort to host events that we feel are vital for the success of College of Sciences students.”
Will my Science Mentor actually care about me?
Mentors genuinely care about their mentees. As Science Mentor Edwin Calderon said, “Working at the COS SSC, I often think back to when I first transferred to UTSA. I remember being so lost and confused with my degree and science identity, I barely knew of any resources UTSA had to offer, and I often contemplated dropping out. Remembering this has made me proud of becoming a Science Mentor because I now find myself in a position where I can reach out to others and provide those resources I wish I had. It fills me with joy meeting with mentees because, by answering their questions, I know that they are one step closer to reaching their goals. Maybe one day they will become a Science Mentor to someone else as well, so we’re progressively building a stronger science community at UTSA.”
