Resources

Welcome to our resources page! We hope this will help you find useful tools, positive groups/associations, and helpful websites. For more resources, please visit the Graduate Division Graduate Student Life page.

Tools and Websites You Should Know

Grad Division

The Grad Division is the central resource for Graduate Education at UCSD. You will find the answers to many questions you might have during your time here as a graduate student.

Blink

Blink is a great place to start looking for websites related to UC San Diego. It's a search engine that looks for websites within the UCSD Network.

Career Services

The Career Services Center helps UCSD students and alumni achieve their career goals through a variety of programs and resources including: career advising, on‐line job listings, workshops, job fairs, special events and extensive reference rooms.

Housing

We give faculty, staff, and students a wide variety of choices to ensure a comfortable living experience. Navigate housing information from the top-level and explore additional topics on the left.

International Center

The International Center's mission is to facilitate and promote UC San Diego's participation in global scholarship, international educational exchange, and scholarly investigation. Their work is integral to the University's larger goals of global collaboration and innovation.

UCSD News

Stay in the know with UCSD News!

Transportation and Parking

Learn more about Transportation and Parking at UC San Diego. Don't forget about the Free Bus Zones, Carpools, Car-Sharing: Zip Car, Pedal Club, Transit/Coaster Club, and more!

My TritonLink

This is a great place to start as it is for all current students. Check out the Toolbox full of good resources. Find more information on academics, finances and jobs, student life, wellness, and campus services.

Groups and Associations

Chemistry Graduate Student Council (CGSC)

The Chemistry Graduate Student Council was founded June 5, 2017. CGSC communicates and advocates for the rights, concerns, and objectives of the graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at UC San Diego. Their goals consist of representing the graduate student voice, creating open channels of communication with administration, communicate student interest for career developement and outreach opportunities, address academic interests, engage the graduate body, and sustain a social, well-connected community of graduate studetns by facilitating events and social gatherings.

Cross-Cultural Center

The CCC offers programs and services specifically designed to reflect UCSD’s commitment to excellence, scholarship, and community through cross‐cultural interactions. The center’s focus areas include: faculty, staff, and student exchanges, educational material and resources, student outreach and retention activities, speakers, film series, community outreach, support and discussion groups, and leadership development.

Graduate and Professional Student Association

The GPSA is the official student government representing graduate and professional students. It is comprised of two or more representatives from each department and an internally elected executive board that leads bimonthly meetings. Functions of the GPSA include allocation of the graduate student activity fee, the appointment of graduate students to campus‐wide committees, and the sponsorship of academic and social events. Graduate students in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry select two regular members and one to two alternate GSA representatives at the beginning of each Fall quarter. See a list of registered student orgs.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center

The LGBT Resource Center at UCSD is a diverse, open and public space for all members of the university community to explore issues relating to sexual and gender identities, practices and politics. It develops student leadership, builds workplace equity, promotes academic research, and provides resources. The Center challenges existing definitions of variant genders and sexualities by engaging in community building on‐ and off‐campus. This Center sustains and develops visibility, sense of community, and knowledge of diverse queer people.

UCSD Student-Parents Resource

The UCSD Health, Recreation, and Wellbeing has joined hands with the UCSD Grad Parents Network and the UCSD Undergrad Student Parents Network to support your academic achievement amidst the unique challenges and additional responsibilities you face as a student-parent.

UCSD Chemistry & Biochemistry Society for Women in Graduate Studies (SWIGS)

The primary goals of our group are to generate constructive discussion on various issues that affect women in the field, positively impact graduate student well-being by creating a supportive network, and build upon skills necessary for our professional development. We hold informal monthly meetings as well as larger networking and outreach events. Visit our website at swigs.ucsd.edu, or contact us at chemswigs@ucsd.edu to get on our mailing list or learn more about our organization. Hope to see you soon!

Women's Center

The Women’s Center provides education and support on gender issues affecting UCSD students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Center aims to advance women’s intellectual, professional, and personal goals, and to increase awareness of the issues affecting women and men of diverse backgrounds and experiences. It offers quiet spaces for study and meetings, support groups and workshops, and children’s play and care space (parent must arrange for supervision of their children at all times).

Chem International Friendship Group (CIFG)

A safe space that welcomes Chem grad students from all social, cultural and religious backgrounds, to share your experience, exchange thoughts, and feel supported. Join us in this wonderful community through the slack channel: https://join.slack.com/t/cheminternati-we99837/shared_invite/zt-kv3ka9o5-Oqv3Btyq4JDh0~VOK6tiwA

Funding and Food Resources

TA Loan Program

Effective Fall 2023, the Graduate Student TA Loan Program is discontinued. New loan requests should be submitted via the Short-Term Loan process.

GEPA has made the decision to align with the other UC campuses and meet this existing need through the Short Term Loan that is facilitated by Financial Aid Services. By consolidating the efforts of both our offices we are able to provide this loan service on a quarterly basis during the academic year rather than just once per year. The Short-Term loan is also not contingent on having graduate academic employment, making it available to the broader graduate student population.

Full details of the Short-Term Loan can be found on the Financial Aid Services website here:

https://fas.ucsd.edu/types/loans/short-term-emergency-loans.html

Department Travel Award

Upon exception, this one-time $500 award can be redirected towards other educational needs (i.e. laptop purchase).

Triton Food Pantry

The mission of the Triton Food Pantry is to provide a discreet service to UCSD students in need of food. Our goals are to ensure that every student has enough energy to get through the day and that no student should give up a single meal for any reason. We aim to build a network of food resources and awareness about food insecurity so that every UCSD student has nutritious fuel to achieve academic success.

The Triton Food Pantry now has two locations: Student Center A and One Miramar St (Grad/Family Housing), and is operating by window service pick-up via appointment. Click here to see the Spring 2021 hours for each location.

Calfresh at UCSD

CalFresh is California's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that awards those who are eligible with monthly grocery benefits based on individual need to help supplement their food budget and buy food.

Please complete this CalFresh Assistance Form and a CalFresh Outreach Assistant will email you to assist with your CalFresh needs. Feel free to review some general CalFresh program information:

Connect with CalFresh:

Chat with a CalFresh Outreach Assistant via LIVE chat on our website
Email: calfresh@ucsd.edu
Phone: 858-246-5581
Walk-in Hours for Spring Quarter 2021:

Food Recovery Network (Basic Needs)

The Food Recovery Network (FRN), The Hub Basic Needs Center, and the Graduate and Professional Student Association have partnered to distribute ready to go meals, by pick-up appointment at both The Hub Basic Needs Center and One Miramar St (Grad/Family Housing).

The Basic Needs Office is open 9:00am - 4:30pm M-F for walk-in or general questions. Students are encouraged to fill out the Basic Needs Assistance Form. Please see below to schedule an appointment at either location:

The Hub Basic Needs Center: https://bit.ly/39hUZNU

One Miramar St (Grad/Family Housing): https://bit.ly/3w1PegK

Connect with FRN:

Email: frn@ucsd.edu
Social media: Facebook & Instagram: @frnucsd

ISPO Financial Support

In the event of an emergency, or situation where you find yourself in need of emergency funding, you may seek assistance at the International Students & Programs Office (ISPO). Please contact ISPO for more information about the UC San Diego Internal Loan programs below. Applications will be reviewed on an individual basis. Please keep in mind that funding is limited.

Scholarships, Fellowships, and Grants for International Students

A scholarship is an award of financial aid given to a student with the intent of furthering their education. They are awarded on criteria specific to the donor of the award and generally reflect their values and purposes.

Specific scholarships, funding, and/or grants may be limited due to certain eligibility requirements based on the funding source; these eligibility requirements are in no way discriminatory, but rather to protect the interests of the funding sources.

Financial Aid & Scholarships Office

Graduate students receive their primary funding through their department. For more information about graduate aid, please visit the Graduate Division website . If graduate support is limited, you may be eligible to apply for an unsubsidized Stafford loan or a graduate PLUS loan . Please note that graduate students are not eligible for UC Grant funding. To apply for the loan programs complete the FAFSA for the upcoming year as early as possible. Although there is no deadline, it is recommended that you complete the FAFSA in early spring for the upcoming FALL quarter.

Financial Aid and Scholarships Office via email at finaid@ucsd.edu, during their Virtual Counseling hours Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. via Zoom, or phone on Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 858-534-4480. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office also offers financial assistance through services such as:

Financial Literacy and Money Management: learn about budgeting, loan repayment, FAFSA, credit and protecting your money and many other useful ways to become knowledgeable on all aspects of money management
Triton Registration Installment Plan (TRIP): TRIP allows you to pay your mandatory tuition and registration fees in three monthly installments rather than in one lump sum payment.

Emergency Loan Funds: limited emergency loan funds are administered by the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office and are offered in small amount to help students in critical, short-term emergencies
Instructions for Budget Add-Ons: unexpected expenses can occur despite careful planning of your academic year budget. If you incur certain costs above the expenses shown on UCSD’s estimated budgets and costs of attendance, the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office may be able to add them to your budget and cover them with student loans, based on availability of funds.
- Also see the Budget Add-On Forms in Cost of Attendance Section

Instructions for Appeals: if your financial circumstances have changed after you’ve filed your FAFSA, or CA Dream Act Application, you can file an appeal with UCSD.

Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA)

Travel Grants: GSA created a Travel Grant program to award graduate and professional students grants of up to $300 for in-state and up to $500 for out-of-state travel to conferences where you will present your own professional work. This program is funded by GSA, Graduate Division, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and the Office of the Chancellor.

Funding for Events: Any graduate student in good standing can request GSA funds. To promote the equitable allocations of student fees and sustainable growth of student organizations, The GSA Office of Financial Affairs has adopted certain funding principles to review requests for the upcoming year. Please note that no more than $7 per graduate student will be funded per event.

UC San Diego Extension- Student Grant Program

We are committed to enhancing the UC San Diego student experience by providing opportunities to enroll in UC San Diego Extension and Test Preparation courses at little or no cost. In partnership with the University, UC San Diego Extension offers a limited amount of student grant funds to full-time UC San Diego students. Each grant is good for up to $500 off of one Extension course and/or one test preparation course and you are responsible for paying anything over the grant amount at the time of enrollment.

Medical Assistance Fund

The UC SHIP Reserve Fund Investment Committee (RFIC) granted funds to UC campuses for distribution to students with a financial hardship, to assist the student in paying their out-of-pocket medical expenses that exceed $500 up to the in-network individual out-of-pocket maximum.

All graduate and undergraduate students and dependents who are currently enrolled in UC SHIP, and enrolled for at least one term before the date of the medical service, are eligible. The medical service date must be during the 2020-2021 plan year. Student must have no outstanding financial balance with their campus and have applied for charity care from the provider of service.

Training Grants

Training grants are externally funded programs that provide funding and training for undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and/or clinical residents.

Graduate Division Fellowships

Fellowships are one of the best ways to fund your graduate education. UC San Diego’s Graduate Division encourages all graduate students to apply for fellowships. Fellowships provide financial support for graduate students to enhance an individual’s potential to develop into an independent scholar or professional without a payback obligation.

Resources for Student Parents and Caregivers

$1100/quarter childcare reimbursement for GSRs and ASEs
One-time financial assistance for students w/ dependents experiencing hardship
Basic Needs
- Triton Food Pantry
- CalFresh Assistance
- Lyft Program
- Emergency Housing (858-246-2632)
More resources: com/caregiversResources
Connecting with other students with dependents and staying informed of resources:
- Parents and Caregivers blog
- Student-led Facebook group sharing resources and community tips
- University Facebook group for the Parents, Guardians & Caregivers Association
- Slack channel where students with dependents connect and share resources (students can email Eric Snyder at e5snyder@ucsd.edu or Heather Romero-Kornblum hromerok@ucsd.edu for an invite).

Health and Well-Being

Emergency Contact

Please make sure the Student Affairs Office has your up-to-date emergency contact information by filling out or adding updates to the Chem/Biochem Emergency Contact Form. Additionally, don't forget to sign-up for the campus emergency notifications.

CBC Dedicated Mental Health and Well-Being Resources

The department has been working with CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) to put in place dedicated resources for our Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate students.

Counseling and Psychological Services

A staff of well‐qualified psychologists and counselors provide assistance to students who may be experiencing academic, emotional, personal, marital, family or vocational problems. Individual and group counseling, psychotherapy, marriage or relationship counseling, sex therapy, family therapy, behavioral and hypnotic techniques are available. Individual counseling and psychotherapy are offered within the context of a short‐term model. All services with the exception of specialized testing are available at no charge. Services are offered at all six college locations as well as the main center. Confidentiality is assured.

Office of Student with Disabilities

Every effort is made to accommodate students with disabilities. For more information on the support available for students with disabilities, please visit: https://osd.ucsd.edu/

Health and Dental Coverage

The Student Health Center provides primary care during the academic year for all students who are enrolled and whose fees are paid. Summer Health Coverage and dental coverage has varied year‐to‐year; check with the Student Health Center for current information. Premiums for the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) are paid as part of registration fees. This is a comprehensive group health plan mandatory for all graduate students. Students who have health insurance benefits equal to or better than those provided by SHIP may be waived from the SHIP requirement by following the correct procedures.

Live Well UC San Diego

LiveWell UC San Diego supports students in achieving a more balanced and healthy lifestyle in the areas of intellectual, physical, occupational, emotional, social, spiritual, financial, and environmental wellness.

Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination

Works to resolve complaints of discrimination and/or harassment through informal resolution or formal investigation.

Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention Resource Center

The Sexual Assault & Violence Prevention Resource Center (SARC) envisions a world free of violence. To that end, through policy development and campus-wide collaborations, we are committed to providing education and support services that empower students, faculty, and staff. SARC is dedicated to creating a safe and respectful community that does not tolerate sexual assault, domestic violence, and stalking.

SARC offers workshops on violence prevention for the entire UCSD campus and provides free and confidential services for students impacted by violence, with a focus on survivors of sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.

Ongoing Opportunities

Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA)

The San Diego IRACDA is a program to provide training to those interested in honing their research and teaching skills.

NOBCChE Conference- DuPont GOLD Competition

DuPont in collaboration with the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) Annual Conference hosts the DuPont GOLD (Growth Opportunities Leading in Diversity) program, a new platform geared towards exposing doctoral and post-doctoral scientists from underrepresented groups to the wide range of career opportunities in industrial research at DuPont.

International Student Resources

International Students & Programs Office

The International Students & Programs Office promotes intercultural engagement and provides services for UC San Diego's international students to achieve academic, personal, and professional success.

English as a Second Language Program

UC San Diego Extension English as a Second Language (ESL) Proram courses for adults will help you to become more successful in your career or academic studies by improving your English language skills. We offer morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Classes will focus on key subject areas like academic and technical writing; business English communication, grammar and vocabulary; conversation, discussion, and oral presentation; medical English; and English pronunciation and fluency.

Courses that tend to be most useful for international students are:

Other Resources

Engaged Learning Tools

https://students.ucsd.edu/my-tritonlink/tools/
A suite of tools to help students navigate finding a real job (REAL Portal), marketing their experiences to future employers (Portfolium), validates their Co-Curricular Experiences on campus (CCR), and lastly, provides additional contextual information about a student's courses and instructors (Enhanced Electronic Transcript). More information about these tools can be found in the Triton Link tools, under Engaged Learning Tools section.