Student Success is What Motivates Staff Award Recipient Vanessa Lopez

One of the two Fall 2019 recipients of the College of Science Staff Award is Retention and Graduation Specialist Vanessa Lopez, who works in the College of Science Advising Center. Prior to working at CPP, Lopez worked at UCR as a Student Affairs Officer, and began working at CPP in 2016 for the Registrar’s Office.

“I’ve worked in higher education since I was a graduate student and being a first generation student, I faced difficulties in my academic career that made me realize I didn’t have much help and support,” said Lopez. “Not that people weren’t around, but I didn’t know what was available to me.”

Having worked with students at both UC and CSU schools, Lopez said, “CPP is very student oriented with research opportunities and student support programs, whereas UC’s don’t have the same systems in place.”  Lopez said she often feels “in awe of the intelligence of the students in the college,” and that they are “curious to their core to find answers to incredibly difficult questions. It makes me even more committed to helping them so they can be their best,” said Lopez.

In the College of Science, Lopez works with students to ensure their timely graduation and evaluates what help they might need. “There are so many outside factors that impact students, so I reach out to discuss their methods and options moving forward,” said Lopez. “One of the reasons students don’t do well is due to lack of preparation. I was one of them, so I realized that I wanted to be that person that helped students like me.”

In addition to reaching out to students directly, Lopez has posted announcements on the college’s social media to get the word out that she is available to help them. “One of the hardest parts of my job is getting students in the door.” Lopez said. “I want to be the person they can connect to so they can get through it.”

In her five years at CPP, Lopez has developed numerous connections within the college and across campus. She said that utilizing these connections allows her to have more options to offer her students support. “I assure the students that their faculty are there to help them—they just can’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Since the university moved to virtual course delivery in March, Lopez has still been helping students. “I am scheduling appointments and the session is now held online through zoom or over the phone as a result of COVID,” Lopez said.

 “I reach out to them to offer resources to help them in their studies so they don’t go through it alone. By changing their habits and utilizing support systems, a student’s attitude and confidence increase significantly.”

Lopez states that sometimes her job can be difficult, but seeing students overcome their challenges and graduate makes it worthwhile. Lopez said, “It’s all about long-term success and despite it being challenging, this is my dream job because I am helping our students succeed.”