Congratulations on your admission to UCSB, and welcome to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry!

As an incoming graduate student in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UCSB, you will enroll in two key courses during the fall quarter: Chem 293 and Chem 501. These courses are designed to integrate essential orientation activities into your academic schedule, providing a comprehensive introduction to the department and preparing you for your graduate studies.

Academic Advising: All new students will receive information about selecting a research group and the Ph.D. Program Requirements from the Faculty Graduate Advisor. They will also meet with their respective area advisors. The area advisors will explain coursework requirements and help students plan their schedules for the first year. Students should not enroll in graduate coursework before their advising appointments. Students are expected to register for fall quarter courses via GOLD immediately following their appointment wih the area advisor.

Lab Safety:  To be eligible to hold a teaching position students must attend a mandatory Laboratory Safety Course, taught by Environmental Health and Safety, and pass the exam.

IT Support and Chemistry Email Addresses: The Life Sciences Computing Group (LSCG) is available for technical support. All students must establish an @chem.ucsb.edu email address, which they will receive a tutorial on during orientation.

Parking Permits: Graduate students employed on campus 45% or more of their time qualify for a Graduate Student staff B ePermit. Those employed less than 45% of their time may qualify for a student C Commuter ePermit. Note that your appointment must be entered in UCPath before you can apply for one of these permits. Refer to UCSB Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) for eligibility, pricing, and application.

BARC, Tuition, & Fees: Over the summer, students will notice charges to their BARC (UCSB Billing Office) accounts for fall quarter tuition and fees. Fee payments cannot be processed until students are registered for courses and completed all employment paperwork. For fall, fee payment will begin after students meet with the area advisor and register for classes. The department cannot begin payment and processing of tuition and fees can not begin until students have registered for at leat 8 units.

Financial Matters: To be hired, students must bring a birth certificate or social security card AND driver’s license OR passport. International students are required to bring their passport and all current visa information. For questions regarding payment and employment, please contact the Payroll Manager.

Stipend monies specified in a student's Financial Offer Letter are distributed via the student's BARC account. TAs and GSRs will recieve their first paychecks on November 1st. We are unable to distribute stipend or other monies prior to officially being hired and/or matriculating to the University, be sure to budget accordingly.

Social Activities: These events are planned to allow new students to become better acquainted with each other and their new home as well as to allow current members of the Department to meet the new students. Have fun and enjoy!