Graduate Forms UC Davis BAE

Graduate Program Forms

Graduate Student Forms and Links

Welcome to the Graduate Program in Biological Systems Engineering (GBSE)! During your time in the program, you will encounter a variety of forms that are essential for completing program requirements and maintaining your official graduate record. These forms fall into two main categories: GBSE Program Forms and Graduate Studies Forms. Understanding the difference between them is important for successfully navigating your degree.

Most forms take 2–4 weeks for full processing, so it is strongly recommended that you submit your forms as early as possible. Always consult with your faculty graduate advisor, major professor, or the GBSE Graduate Program Coordinator if you are unsure which form to use or when it is due.

GBSE Program Forms

Program Forms are created and managed within GBSE. They help track your progress on program-specific requirements, such as coursework, research milestones, and committee approvals. Completing these forms ensures that you stay on track within GBSE and meet the expectations of your advisor and the program.

Program Requirements

Administrative & Logistics Forms

  • GBSE Desk Request & Policy 2025
  • GBSE Hall Access & Safety Agreement

Funding & Financial Forms

  • GBSE PhD Student Travel Program
  • GBSE Fellowship Payment Preference

Programs of Study

Degree Planning Tools

Mentoring & Advising

Ph.D. Milestone Forms

Master’s Degree Milestone Forms

MS Plan I (Thesis)
MS Plan II & M.Eng
  • MS Comprehensive Examination Application
  • Verification of Completion of Comprehensive Exam

Graduate Studies Forms

Grad Studies Forms are official campus forms managed by UC Davis Graduate Studies. They are required for all graduate students and carry formal authority at the university level. These forms document your official progress toward your degree and are recorded in the university system.

A complete list of forms and petitions pertaining to all graduate students can be found on the Office of Graduate Studies website.

GradSphere Forms (“Smartest”)

Use GradSphere whenever possible — forms here are fully automated, updated instantly in your student record, and fastest for processing.

  • Qualifying Examination Application
  • Advancement to Candidacy
  • Variable Unit Change Request
  • Filing to Graduate
  • Filing Fee* (also requires the Filing Fee Completion Form PDF)

Questions: gradsystems@ucdavis.edu

DocuSign Forms (“Semi-Smart”)

Best option if the form isn’t available in GradSphere. Forms route electronically through approvers.

  • Committee Reconstitution
  • Degree Objective Change
  • S/U Grading Option Request
  • Permission to Drop Request
  • Planned Educational Leave Program (PELP)*

Must first discuss with your major professor and advisor. Contact your graduate program coordinator for support.

PDF Forms (“Least Smart”)

Use only if the form isn’t available in GradSphere or DocuSign. These take longer to process.

  • Filing Fee Completion Plan* (requires Filing Fee Application in GradSphere)
  • In Absentia Registration
  • Late Enrollment
  • Release of Academic Hold
  • Time to Degree Exception
  • Transfer Coursework Petition

Additional Resources