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!
New Student To-Do
YEAR 0:
January - March: Check your admissions portal for decisions released by the Dean of the Graduate Division
March 2: File the FAFSA (priority deadline)
April 15: Sign/Return your financial offer letter to gradprog@chem.ucsb.edu
May 15: Apply for Campus Housing (opens on March 1)
June 15: Submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR)
Late Spring - Summer: Submit your Statement of Legal Residence
Late Spring - Summer: Establish your UCSBNetID, and activate your UCSB email account; complete Visa requirements (international students only)
YEAR 1:
Late August - Early September: Arrive in Santa Barbara!
Upon Arrival:
- Complete New Hire Paperwork with DCB Payroll Manager
- Obtain your Chemistry email address through LSCG
- Apply for a parking permit (if applicable)
Mid-September: Attend the Mandatory New Grad Academic Training (NGAT)
After Course Registration: Submit availability form for Fall and receive your teaching assignment (for TA's)
Late September: Fall instruction begins
September - October: Finalize rotation schedule for Fall and Winter
November 1: First paycheck available (set up through BARC)
May - June: Establish California residency (for out-of-state domestic students only)
For more information, visit Graduate Division's Admitted Students Page and the Graduate Student Resource Center
Choosing a Research Area & Primary Research Advisor
You are strongly encouraged to keep an open mind about the type of research you wish to pursue and with whom, until you have had the chance to explore different research groups. Graduate school is a significant part of your life, and choosing a research advisor is one of the most important decisions you'll make during this time. It’s recommended that you interview faculty members and future lab mates who share your research interests.
- ACS: Planning for Graduate Education in Chemistry
- The Chronicle of Higher Education: Choosing The Right Research Adviser
Active Exploration Requirement: Participation in at least 3 research groups is required. A “rotation” may may differ depending on the research area and is defined by the DCB as one of the following:
- Attendance at a minimum of 3 group meetings
- A multi-week lab rotation including collaboration on a project
Area and Advisor Selection: To remain in good academic standing, you are required to formally join a research group by the end of your second quarter, but not before the end of winter quarter. Students are not obligated to commit to a particular professor, even if they have worked for or been paid by that professor during the summer preceding their first year. Take the time to carefully consider this decision, as making choices too quickly, with limited information, or out of obligation may negatively affect your graduate career. Ensure that your decision is well-informed and mutually agreed upon by both you and your research advisor.