The Office of Undergraduate Studies advances student success through collaborative efforts to foster an inclusive learning environment, a dynamic curriculum, high-quality support services, and effective advising that helps students navigate a meaningful path to their educational and professional goals.
Undergraduate Studies provides leadership for areas including academic learning services, advising, articulation, general education, and writing across the curriculum. We also work with the Academic Senate through the shared governance process to develop and improve policies.
Meet the Team
Dr. Michelle Hawley has served as Dean of Undergraduate Studies since 2015. Previously, Dr. Hawley served as Founding Director for the Honors College. She led strategic planning for this new college, designed to help diverse and outstanding students reach their full potential and become leaders in their fields. She integrated the Early Entrance Program and the President’s Scholars into a robust four-year College that emphasizes civic engagement, knowledge creation, and leadership.
Dr. Hawley is a Professor of English. She earned a B.A. in English from Pomona College and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Chicago. She has also served as faculty director of service learning and has published and presented research in Victorian literature and culture and children’s literature.
Dr. Margret Garcia has served as Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies since 2015. Prior to that, Dr. Garcia served as the School Psychology Program Coordinator in the Charter College of Education for over 20 years. She has also served as Associate Chair for the Division of Special Education and Counseling. Dr. Garcia has been active in the California and National Associations of School Psychologists and served as the President of the School Psychology Education Committee which is comprised of statewide School Psychology university trainers.
Dr. Garcia earned a B.A. in Psychology at UCLA and a PhD. in Educational Psychology at UC Berkeley. Her primary interests in teaching and research are in the areas of Assessment, Counseling, and School-Based Consultation.
Raul Santa Cruz (B.A.)
Mr. Santa Cruz joined the University Academic Advisement Center in 2022 and was promoted to the Office of Undergraduate Studies in 2023. As the UGS Analyst & Assistant to the Associate Vice President & Dean, he provides administrative support for the Office of Undergraduate Studies and the student-centered initiatives the department sponsors.
Mr. Santa Cruz is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) at California State University Northridge.
Esther Tam (M.B.A.)
Ms. Tam joined the University's Admission Department in 2008 and transferred to the Office of Undergraduate Studies in 2017. As the University Catalog Editor, she reviews and updates all catalog pages to ensure the accuracy of information. She also maintains the university curriculum database, coordinates the curriculum and program review process, performs operational analysis, manages the Curriculog user accounts, and administrates Curriculog user training webinars.
Ms. Tam earned her first degree in Diplomacy at National Cheng-Chi University (Taiwan) and a M.B.A. at City University of Seattle.
Cheryl Pugh (M.L.I.S.)
Ms. Pugh joined the Office of Undergraduate Studies in 2013. She is responsible for maintaining and updating the articulation agreements with Cal State Los Angeles and the California Community Colleges throughout California in order to facilitate the transfer of students to Cal State Los Angeles.
Ms. Pugh holds a Master of Library & Information Science at San Jose State University. In March 2017, she was one of the recipients of the Cal State Los Angeles Distinguished Women Awards.
Contact Us
Student Services Building 7380 (office location map)
Students inquiries, email us at: ugstudies@calstatela.edu
Faculty with curriculum or Curriculog questions, email us at: curriculog@calstatela.edu
323.343.3830