Resources to be a Highly Successful Graduate Student
GradPathways Institute for Professional Development
Since its inception in 2004, GradPathways has supported the professional development of thousands of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars at UC Davis. To achieve these goals, the GradPathways Institute provides innovative programming based on 8 core competencies. These include: Success and Socialization; Writing and Publishing; Presentation Skills; Teaching and Mentoring; Leadership and Management; Professionalism and Ethics; Career Management; and Wellness and Life Balance. Programming for each competency is provided through the Institute and in partnership with UC Davis campus units.*
The GradPathways Institute for Professional Development (GPI) is creating an enhanced professional development ecosystem at UC Davis. Through innovative navigational and curricular tools, GPI is strengthening its programs originally developed as GradPathways, expanding experiential opportunities, creating community through the new Graduate Center, and making visible - and equally valuing - the broad array of ever-changing career paths for advanced degree holders.
The GradPathways Institute is supported through a combination of candidacy fees, donor sponsorship, and Graduate Studies.
*Partners include: the Internship and Career Center, the Center for Educational Effectiveness, the University Writing Program, Counseling Services, the Graduate School of Management, and the Mike and Renee Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
Student Community Centers
There are several community centers on campus directed to assisting students from all backgrounds. The Student Community Center is home to several student resources, including the AB540 Center, the Cross Cultural Center, the LGBTQIA Resource Center, and the Women's Resource and Research Center.
The Graduate Center at Historic Walker Hall is going to be the new home of the Graduate Student Association, The Postdoctoral Scholars Association, and Graduate Studies. The building is currently under construction and is expected to open in Fall 2020. This building will serve as the main hub for all graduate-centered activities and will contain resources such as a Student Parent writing room, multiple meeting rooms for graduate students, and common spaces that will connect graduate students with one another.
Diversity and Support Resources
UC Davis is home of many student academic and service centers that assist students through their college education. While some resources appear to be targeted toward undergraduate students, they are all available to graduate students as well (and many of the staff encourage graduate students to come).
- Cross Cultural Center
- Diversity Education Program
- LGBTQIA Resource Center
- Graduate Diversity Program
- Services for International Students and Scholars (SISS)
- Harassment and Discrimination Assistance Prevention Program (HDAPP)
- Student Disability Center (SDC)
- Women's Resource and Research Center (WRRC)
- UC Davis Culture Days
- Center for African Diaspora Student Success
Internship and Career Center (ICC)
The internship and Career Center has programming and consultations designed specifically for Masters and PhD students. Their one-on-one consultation services include: job search and career exploration, CV and resume review, cover letter review, and interview preparation, among several other helpful services.
In addition to one-on-one consults, the ICC also hosts workshops, career fairs, panels, networking events, and career treks (site visits) to major local companies in tech, government, and BioPharma.