Graduate Advising Structure

Graduate programs require many dedicated faculty and staff to function. Learn more about the advising and administrative rolls in graduate groups below. 

  • Faculty Academic Advisor
  • Review and approve student programs of study, including reviewing for deficiencies/pre-requisites, approving electives, and advising course selection 

    Review and approve Graduate Studies forms for academic components, including degree requirement compliance and appropriateness for student’s degree 

    Meet with students at least annually to discuss Student Progress Assessment (SPA) and progress 

    Advise students during challenging situations, including marginal or unsatisfactory SPAs 

    Advise students generally, including topics related to degree requirements, course selection, campus resources, campus and UCOP policies, mentorship best practices, etc.  

  • Graduate Program Coordinator
  • Advise students and faculty on campus resources, campus and UCOP policies, and general aspects of degree requirements (i.e. core courses, unit requirements, committee composition requirements, etc.) 

    Review and approve Graduate Studies forms for administrative components, including policy compliance 

    Assist committees with scheduling meetings and taking minutes 

    Assist students and faculty with graduate group events and purchases 

    Review course schedules for correctness 

    Send registration information to students, including 299 lists and CRNs 

    Review and update website content 

    Refer students and faculty to Director, as appropriate 

  • Major Professor
  • Mentor student's day-to-day research

    Assist student in identifying and applying to funding

    Support student's dissertation writing
  • Graduate Program Chair
  • Assist in high-level student concerns, including disqualifications and challenging mentorship situations 

    Approve operational and GPFA budgets; ensure proper spending 

    Appoint instructors for core courses 

    Approve final admissions numbers 

    Recommend advisors to Graduate Studies 

    Appoint or recommend (per by-laws) members to graduate group committees and ensure committees are functioning as needed 

    Lead revisions to courses, degree requirements, and by-laws 

  • Director of Graduate Academic Programs
  • Advise students in challenging situations, including marginal/unsatisfactory SPAs and disqualification 

    Advise students and faculty on employment questions 

    Handle hiring process for GSR direct-pay students 

    Advise students and faculty on resources and graduate policies

    Review and approve expense reports  

    Enter appropriate information into budget spreadsheets and audit quarterly 

    Enter course and instructor information into Banner 

    Launch course evaluations in ACE 

    In consultation with graduate group chairs, draft course changes, by-law updates, and degree requirement updates