Resources for Current Students
Student Support and Engagement Services

Welcome to Student Support and Engagement Services at the Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, a program dedicated to providing comprehensive support to students while they navigate their academic journeys, fostering a sense of community within the division, and preparing them for impactful careers in occupational therapy.

Student Support and Engagement extends its services to all academic programs within the division, including the Entry-Level Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (E-OTD), Bachelors to Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Post-Professional Master of Arts in Occupational Therapy (PP-MA), Post-Professional Doctorate of Occupational Therapy (PP-OTD), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Occupational Science.

What We Offer

Our program offers a comprehensive range of services, activities, and events to support students in their academic and professional development.

• Educational Support
  We provide tailored assistance for many and specific courses, helping students to understand complex concepts and to excel in their studies. This includes after-hours support for those who need it.
• Studying and Learning Strategies
  Our resources are designed to help students develop effective study habits and maximize their academic potential.
• Peer Tutoring
  We offer peer tutoring for select courses when needed, guided by instructors.
• Resource Connection
  We facilitate pathways for students to connect with instructors and access relevant university resources.
• Community Building
  Our events provide opportunities for belonging and collaboration within the Chan community. This includes our Connection Lunches and Dinners, where students have the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff over a meal. The Student Support Lounge (CHP 139) is also open every day during lunch for students, providing a dedicated space for support and engagement.
• Well-Being & Resilience
  We provide guidance and support for enhancing well-being, directing students to appropriate resources to strengthen resilience and problem-solving skills.
• Practice Exploration Opportunities
  We host practicing clinicians and active researchers to share their experience and insights into the field of occupational therapy, allowing students to gain a new perspective into the various practice settings OT encompasses.

Inquiries and Appointments

If you have specific questions, want to offer feedback or suggestions, or would like to book an appointment for peer support or guidance, use this form.

Student Support and Engagement Faculty and Staff

• Dr. Tessa Milman, Director of Student Support and Engagement
• Ann Cassar, Student Services Assistant for Student Services and Student Support
• Dr. Julie McLaughlin Gray, Associate Chair for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs
• Ryan Pineda, Student Services Advisor III
• 
  
  Lily Reinikka, E-OTD Student, Student Support Worker
  Hi everyone! I’m Lily and in the Mental Health immersion this summer (cohort 1). I’m also your 2nd-year E-OTD representative! Looking forward to meeting you over lunch in the lounge and being another resource in the division. Come say hi!! Fun Facts
  1. I grew up in Minnesota
  2. I LOVE spicy vodka rigatoni
  3. I studied abroad in Italy
  4. I’ve been binging Your Friends and Neighbors on Apple TV

• 
  
  Andrea Ochoa, E-OTD Student, Student Support Worker
  
  Hello everyone, I’m Andrea, a 1st-year E-OTD student. I’m currently in the Pediatric Immersions for this summer (cohort B). I’m excited to meet all of you and connect during lunch in the student lounge, and get to know everyone throughout the semester.
  
  Please feel free to stop by the lounge and say hi. I’d love to chat and connect with you all!
  
  Fun Facts

  1. I grew up in Orange County
  2. I played over 9 sports
  3. In my youth, I played soccer in Paris
  4. I bake cakes and various desserts
  5. I have two dogs named after Star Wars characters

• 
  
  
  Elizabeth Acevedo, PP-OTD, Pedagogy Resident
  
  Hi everyone! My name is Elizabeth Acevedo. I am a first-year in the E-OTD program & I am excited to work with you all this upcoming school year. I am unsure of what populations I wish to work with as an OT. I know I would like to work with underserved populations in the L.A. area.
  
  My Hobbies

  1. Dancing
  2. Spending quality time with family & friends
  3. Crocheting
  4. Traveling

USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

1540 Alcazar Street, CHP 133, Los Angeles, CA 90089-9003

ACOTE accreditation | NBCOT certification

The USC entry-level doctorate in occupational therapy (OTD) degree program (cost of attendance) is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education® (ACOTE®) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The USC entry-level master’s degree program (cost of attendance) is in Accreditation–Inactive status by ACOTE®. View our program’s ACOTE® standards public data. ACOTE® c/o the American Occupational Therapy Association, Inc.®, 7501 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 510E, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 652-AOTA, www.acoteonline.org.

Professional program graduates are eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, Inc.® (NBCOT®), nbcot.org. Program results from the NBCOT can be found online at www.nbcot.org/Educators-Folder/SchoolPerformance.