Monica De Los Santos, director of Student Services in the Viterbi School Admission and Student Affairs Office, has won a new university award for outstanding academic advising.

Monica De Los Santos

De Los Santos was one of two recipients campus-wide to receive the highly competitive award, which is called the USC Outstanding Academic Advisor Award.  Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs Gene Bickers announced the winners on May 21, 2008, at the annual Council of Academic Advisors Conference.

"The award recognizes the critical role played by advisors of undergraduates in the areas of retention and graduation," said Bickers, "as well as furthering the university's mission."

De Los Santos was recognized for her outstanding mentoring, advocacy and service to undergraduates. Each award includes a plaque and check for $1,500.

As vice provost for undergraduate programs, Bickers is responsible for oversight of the university's Renaissance Scholars, Discovery Scholars, McNair Scholars and Undergraduate Research programs. He also works with the vice president for academic planning and budget to develop new curricular strategies that address USC's commitment to education centered on the needs of undergraduate learners.