AztecAssist:
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619-594-7008
AztecAssist is SDSU Connects’ virtual adviser. This online tool helps students navigate through their academic journey by offering personalized assistance and answers to common questions, making it easier for them to find the support they need, whether it's related to academics, campus resources, or other aspects of student life.
SDSU CONNECTS
for Staff:
SDSU Staff - Click here to request SDSU Connects support for your department:
REQUEST SDSU CONNECTS SUPPORT
SDSU Connects
for Students:
SDSU Connects - Student Resource Video: 
SDSU Connects Initiative
SDSU Connects proactively supports students in navigating their needs within a dynamic learning environment through outreach in various formats. SDSU Connects aids students in navigating university processes and addresses issues related to registration, finances, and health to ensure their success. Peer Coaches at SDSU Connects engage in individual outreach to answer students' questions and link them to appropriate campus resources. The primary objective of SDSU Connects is to assist students in achieving their academic goals and persisting to graduation. SDSU Connects has the personnel to undertake tasks that many departments may find challenging, such as reaching out to large groups of students individually to disseminate critical information or gather data.
In addition to individual outreach campaigns, SDSU Connects Peer Coaches also serve as mentors to underrepresented minorities not currently served by other campus programs. Peer Coaches engage in one-on-one meetings with students and participate in social engagement events throughout the year. They establish personal relationships with students, guiding them to campus resources and offering support.
SDSU Connects supports various campus wide initiatives. Below are some examples of campaigns and departments that have been supported.
- Outreach to students (non-Financial Aid) who have missed the tuition payment deadline (Cal Coast Student Financial Center)
- Students with Immunization Hold and Sp 2024 Enrollment Appointment (Student Health Services)
- Outreach to students who had not registered for Sp 23 (Enrollment Services)
- Students who had the EC hold - alcohol eCheckup to go requirement (Counseling & Psychologival Services)
- First year students who are missing a golden 4 requirement (Office of the Registrar)
Students whose Cashier's hold was lifted and now can register for Sp23 (Cal Coast Student Financial Center)
“My role as a peer coach is important to the success of the students because we are here to help students and build relationships so they are aware that they are not alone and that there are so many resources available for them at SDSU." - Rabaanie, SDSU Connects Peer Coach, Spring 2023
Christine V. Molina
Assistant Dean of Students for Co-Curricular Programs and Student Support
As Assistant Dean of Students for Co-Curricular and Student Support, Molina provides vision and leadership to promote student success and a high quality of student life, engagement, and development. She has responsibility for the CARES Team, Center for Commuter Life, Glazer Center for Leadership and Service, SDSU Connects team, and provides leadership to the coordinated care advising and affinity group programs. She also collaboratively leads the division’s utilization of SDSU Navigate (EAB).
Christine has been a dedicated member of the SDSU community for 16 years, holding leadership roles supporting undergraduate academic advising and student success. Most recently, she served as the Director of Advising and Evaluations, and provided leadership to undergraduate campus advisors. Previously, she served as Associate Director of Advising and Evaluations, Academic Coordinator/Advisor for Compact Scholars, and Adviser/Evaluator. She is a member of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), and has worked closely with CSU Directors of Academic Advising. Christine earned a bachelor of arts degree in human development from the University of California San Diego and a master of arts degree in postsecondary educational leadership with a specialization in student affairs from San Diego State University.
Miriam Castanon, MSBA
Director of Student Support Initiatives
In this position Miriam leads SDSU Connects and supports work with affinity groups and mentoring initiatives. Miriam has been with SDSU for 29 years and brings a wealth of experience from her roles in Imperial Valley and San Diego. Miriam held the role of director of Educational Opportunity Programs and most recently the acting director of the Latin(x) Resource Center.
Miriam is a first-generation college student born and raised in Mexicali, Mexico. She is a two-time alumna from SDSU with a B.S in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and an M.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business. Miriam is passionate and committed to the success of all students, in particular those students who lack the social, cultural and financial capital to succeed in college.
Emily Kattawar
Program Manager
As Program Manager of SDSU Connects, Emily Kattawar leads initiatives in retention outreach, student mentoring, and Coordinated Care Advising. She also oversees SDSU Navigate (EAB), supporting campus advisors in enhancing student success.
Emily earned both her B.A. in Communication (Media Management) and M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership in Student Affairs from San Diego State University. Her professional journey includes roles in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and New Student & Parent Programs, reflecting her dedication to fostering student engagement and support.
As a parent of two young adults, including an SDSU alumna, Emily values the integral role of parents as partners in the educational journey.
Crissy Ramirez
Coordinator
Crissy Ramirez is an alumna from SDSU with a B.A. in Communication and minor in Counseling & Social Change. As a student leader, Crissy completed the Leadership Certificate, received the Quest for the Best Vice Presidential Student Service Award, served as a student assistant with the Glazer Center for Leadership and Service, and had the privilege of being a peer mentor for the Educational Opportunity Programs BEST Summer Bridge and the Nweya Presidential Program. She plans on continuing her educational journey at SDSU and getting her M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership in Student Affairs. In her current role as the assistant coordinator for SDSU Connects, she finds joy in leading the Connects peer coaches and collaborating with different departments across campus to help students navigate the university.
