Andrea Torres
As student services manager in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, Andrea Torres helps students resolve a wide variety of issues.
And although she may begin each day with no idea of the student challenges ahead, she deals with each case with the same care.
"Regardless of how big or small the issue or crisis is, Andrea responds with a welcoming, supportive and attentive demeanor,” says Lynette Merriman, senior associate dean for Student Affairs. “Her case management skills and knowledge of USC and its policies and processes are first rate.”
Andrea says her office offers a “one stop shop for students” to come and ask questions. “Sometimes the answers are relatively simple and sometimes they are not,” she says. “My days are never dull or the same.”
Many of the concerns she deals with relate to academic advising or pertain to health and family issues. “We want to make sure the students are given as much support as possible,” says Torres. She also frequently works with parents.
The most challenging part of her job is dealing with the quantity of student issues that come her way. She loves working in student affairs, however, and likes the “whole mission” of the division. A favorite aspect of her job is seeing issues resolved and the positive outcomes. “There are a lot of those,” says Torres. “And a lot of appreciative people.”
Andrea earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a master’s in postsecondary administration and student affairs from USC. She began working with students as a financial services counselor in the Student Financial Services Office. Andrea later moved to the academic side and served as graduate admissions advisor and later undergraduate academic advisor for the Leventhal School of Accounting.
Her past jobs at USC have been dramatically different but have contributed to her being a better crisis manager, she says.
Merriman truly appreciates Torres’ capabilities. “Students and their families regularly sing her praises,” she says. “Andrea is a true asset to the division.”