CSUSB Advising Podcast

In this final episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, host Matt Markin shares a farewell message about the podcast. Since its launch in 2020, the podcast has been created for CSUSB students, offering advising tips, campus resource highlights, student success strategies, and conversations with faculty, staff, advisors, and campus partners. Matt reflects on the purpose of the podcast, thanks the stud...

Julian Trujillo sits down with Arturo Gutierrez and Olga Valdivia from CSUSB’s Watson College of Education to break down the teaching credential journey for the multiple subject, single subject, and special education credential programs. Arturo and Olga share information about admissions requirements, deadlines, hybrid class formats, fieldwork, student teaching, internships, and residency opportun...

Discover how the Master of Arts in Rehabilitation Counseling at CSUSB is transforming lives, careers, and communities. In this episode, Dr. Priyanka Yalamanchili and Dr. Stacie Robertson share how the program prepares students to support individuals  through counseling, advocacy, and employment empowerment. From breaking common misconceptions to highlighting career pathways in schools, government...

Discover how CSUSB students can level up their future with blended programs in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. In this episode, Matt Markin sits down with Dr. Craig Seal to break down how these programs let students earn undergraduate and graduate credit at the same time, save money, and get a head start on careers in accountancy, finance, and human resources. They...

Economics is getting a glow-up at CSUSB. In this episode, Matt and Julian sit down with Dr. Daniel MacDonald, Professor and Chair of Economics, to unpack the new Bachelor of Science in Quantitative Economics and what it means for current and future students. From critical thinking, research, and career paths, this conversation shows why economics is more than charts and numbers. It is about asking...

In this episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, Matt Markin sits down with Dr. Stacy Morris , Director of the Master of Arts in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies , to unpack the heart of this dynamic graduate program. Dr. Morris shares her journey as a first-generation college student, breaks down what students actually learn in the program, and explains how CAFS prepares graduates to shape the...

Matt and Julian sit down with the incredible Dr. Kirk Kanesaka — scholar, global traveler, and proud champion of the Asian Studies minor at CSUSB. Dr. Kanesaka shares how Asian Studies at CSUSB blends culture, health, business, food, and even community internships into a vibrant, hands-on learning experience. Whether you’re an anime lover, a foodie, a future global professional, or just curious, t...

🎙️ AI Miles & The Future of Learning: A Chat About Curiosity, College, and Keeping It Real 🤖 Ever wondered what it’s like to interview an AI with personality? In this episode, Advisor Matt chats with Miles , a witty and insightful AI voice companion from Sesame AI , to talk about how technology is reshaping college life from study habits and stress to career prep and creativity. Miles shares...

🎙️  Archaeology Uncovered: Careers, Myths, and Discoveries with Dr. Guy Hepp  Grab your metaphorical shovel and join cohosts Matt Markin and Aurora Shiva Prasad as they unearth the fascinating world of archaeology with Dr. Guy Hepp, Professor of Anthropology at CSUSB! 🏺 In this episode, Dr. Hepp shares his unexpected journey from art and creative writing to uncovering ancient civilizations, break...

Spring registration is here, Coyotes! 🐾 Join Matt, Aurora, and Julian from the CSUSB Academic Advising office as they tackle your most common registration questions—from planning your schedule and mastering the waitlist game to handling those pesky error messages. Whether you’re a first-year student or heading into your final semester, this episode is packed with insider tips to help you register...

Ever wondered how cultural anthropology helps us make sense of the world—and our place in it? In this episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcas t , hosts Matt Markin and Aurora Shiva Prasad sit down with Dr. Hareem Khan , Associate Professor of Anthropology, to explore the fascinating world of cultural anthropology. From her own winding journey through college majors to her discovery of anthropology as...

Thinking about grad school? Love history, culture, and hands-on learning? In this episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, Matt and Julian chat with Dr. Matthew Des Lauriers , Program Director of the Master of Arts in Applied Archaeology at CSUSB! Here’s what you’ll learn:  💼 Why over 95% of graduates find jobs in the field  🔍 What makes CSUSB’s program stand out from others in California  🤝 How...

Step into one of CSUSB’s best-kept secrets—the Anthropology Museum! In this episode, cohosts Matt Markin and Julian Trujillo chat with Dr. Arianna Huhn, Museum Director and Anthropology Professor, about how this student-powered space blends culture, creativity, and community. From powerful exhibits that share hidden stories to hands-on opportunities where students curate, research, and design thei...

 🎓✨ Thinking about a career in hospitality or tourism? In this episode, Dr. Joseph Tormey , founding director of CSUSB’s Hospitality Management program on the Palm Desert Campus, breaks down the two exciting pathways available: the BA in Administration with a concentration in Hospitality Management and the BA in Hospitality and Tourism . Learn how each program prepares students with hands-on exp...

What happens when your academic advisors interview… an AI? 🤖 In this special episode, Matt and Olga sit down with “ Maya ,” an AI created by Sesame , to see what advice it has for CSUSB students. From study tips to making friends, from internships to defining success, Maya has plenty to say and maybe even surprises us along the way! ⚠️ Important Note: We do not endorse or promote Sesame AI. This...

In this episode, Matt and Olga sit down with Dr. Amanda Wilcox-Herzog, Professor and Chair of the Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies department at CSUSB. Dr. Wilcox-Herzog shares her journey from classrooms to higher education leadership and sheds light on what makes the BA in Child, Adolescent, and Family Studies a dynamic, hands-on, and career-launching experience. Tune in to find out why the...

In Ep. 111 of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, hosts Matt Markin and Olga Valdivia welcome Pedro Saltipar, Academic Advisor at the Palm Desert Campus (PDC) of Cal State San Bernardino. Tune in as Pedro paints a vivid picture of the close-knit PDC community, from its unique student support model and vibrant S3 Studio to standout academic programs. Learn how PDC blends personalized advising, easy access...

In this episode, Advisor Olga and Advisor Matt focus on tips for incoming first-year students for the fall 2025 semester. Key points include the importance of understanding the difference between high school and college, utilizing academic advising, adjusting class schedules, and the significance of campus resources. We also highlight the importance of self-care, checking campus email regularly, a...

In Ep. 109, Olga Valdivia speaks with returning guest, Dr. Fadi Muheidat from CSUSB's School of Computer Science & Engineering. Dr. Muheidat breaks down the various majors you can choose from: Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Computer Systems, and Bioinformatics. Dr. Muheidat clears up common myths about computer science, talks about the programming languages you’ll need to know, a...

What happens when your GPA dips below 2.0 at CSUSB? In this episode, Matt Markin and Ed Mendoza break down Academic Notice —not as punishment, but as a support system designed to help students bounce back. They explore common causes like time management and personal challenges, and share how students can use advising, goal-setting, and even community college courses to get back on track. Plus, lea...

In Ep. 107 of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Craig Seal to discuss the new Master of Science in Human Resource Management. This program is AACSB accredited and consists of 30 units over two years, with five core classes and flexible electives. It targets a wide range of individuals such as professionals already in the industry, those interested in starting their own company or co...

Join Matt and Olga as Dr. Justine D'Arrigo shares exciting information about the minor in Counseling and Social Change! With just 18 units—four core classes and two electives—this program empowers students to drive social transformation through meaningful relationships. From exploring the roots of psychology to building empathy and understanding systems of oppression, the minor offers somethi...

🎙️ In this episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, Matt Markin and Olga Valdivia dive into the bold rollout of ChatGPT Edu across campus by interviewing Dr. Fadi Muheidat , Associate Professor and Director of the Teaching Resource Center! Dr. Muheidat breaks down how this AI tool is now seamlessly integrated into the MyCoyote portal , offering secure, student-friendly access. Discover how you as a...

Finals week is coming — but don’t stress, you’ve got this! In this episode of the CSUSB Advising Podcast, Matt Markin and Olga Valdivia share real talk on how to manage finals week like a pro. We break down simple, yet effective strategies, making a study schedule you can actually follow, and using AI tools (hello, flashcards and quizzes!) to level up your prep. We also remind you why taking care...

Join host Matt Markin and director Ed Mendoza on the CSUSB Advising Podcast as they dive into real student experiences with guests Anita and Anaya, two inspiring student assistants. Anita, an anthropology major, opens up about her journey from the medical track to discovering a passion for people and cultures. Anaya, a kinesiology major, shares how her athletic roots shaped her academic path. From...