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Graduate Handbook

The Graduate Student Handbook outlines the policies and procedures that govern graduate education at the University of California, Santa Cruz. It is intended for use by Faculty Graduate Representatives, Staff Graduate Representatives, and graduate students. Additional information, forms and resources pertaining to these policies and procedures are available through the Current Students and Prospective Students sections of the Graduate Division website.

Section I: Introduction

The UCSC Graduate Division Mission Statement, the Principles of Community, Nondiscrimination Statement, and Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act.

Section II: The Graduate Community

Information about the Graduate Council, the Graduate Division, Faculty Graduate Representative, Staff Graduate Representative, Graduate Student Association (GSA), and Graduate Student Commons (GSC).

Section III: Commitment to Diversity

Information about the Graduate Division’s goals and programs dedicated to promoting diversity (UC LEADS and UCSC NSF AGEP).

Section IV: Admissions

Admissions criteria, application fee waivers and standardized tests.

Section V: International Students

Information about International Student Services & Programs (ISSP).

Section VI: Fees and Registration

Registration, fees, financial planning, full time, part time and in-absentia status, intercampus exchange, and how to establish legal residency.

Section VII: Financial Support

Information about fellowships and financial aid, including awards, loans, extramural support, and campus employment.

Section VIII: Graduate Student Academic Appointments

Information about academic appointments, including eligibility, regulations, training and benefits.

Section IX: Academic Requirements and Standards

Academic advising and mentoring, maintaining degree status, academic standards and good standing, and academic appeals information.

Section X: Graduate Student Petitions

Information about leaves of absence, readmission and withdrawal.

Section XI: Degree Requirements and Completion

Requirements and degree plans for completion of all graduate degrees.

Section XII: Research Protocols

Animal research and human subjects protocols.

Last modified: Sep 14, 2024