Graduate Student Advising & Mentorship

Graduate Student Advising & Mentorship

The advising experience for graduate students is different from the undergraduate program. Graduate students work with an Advising Support Network focused on mentoring and guiding them through the program to eventual success. This network includes:

• Major Professor:
• Your primary faculty mentor (often your PI). They guide your area of focus, course of study, research topic, and career preparation.
• Graduate Faculty Advisor:
• Your first source for questions about degree requirements and course planning. Graduate Advisors approve all Office of Graduate Studies forms and must sign paperwork before submission. You are assigned a Graduate Advisor each year and will be notified of your assignment via email. You can also check your directory listing to see who is your advisor.
• Graduate Program Coordinator:
• Your point of contact for non-academic questions and program logistics. They connect you to campus resources, explain policies/procedures, act as a liaison, and advocate for you within the program.

Working with Your Major Professor & Graduate Advisor

Graduate students work closely with their Major Professor and Graduate Faculty Advisor for guidance on academic planning, research progress, and career development. These meetings are essential for:

• Discussing research direction and thesis/dissertation planning
• Selecting courses and determining a plan of study
• Completing Graduate Studies forms and approvals
• Receiving mentorship and professional guidance

Find your Graduate Advisor

Graduate Advisors are assigned annually and are listed on your profile in the program directory. You will also be notified of your assignment via email.

How to Schedule a Meeting

• Major Professor:
• Contact your Major Professor directly via email to arrange a meeting. Be sure to include your availability, the purpose of the meeting, and any relevant documents (e.g., draft plans, forms, or research notes).
• Graduate Advisor:
• Contact your assigned Graduate Advisor by email to schedule a consultation about degree requirements, course planning, or Graduate Studies forms. Include your availability and any materials you would like to discuss.

💡 Tip: Check your faculty directory or departmental listing to confirm the correct email address. It’s best to request meetings at least a week in advance to accommodate busy schedules.

Graduate Program Coordinator Advising

The Graduate Program Coordinator offers both drop-in advising and scheduled appointments depending on the time of quarter.

• Drop-In Advising:
• - Short (10–15 min), first-come, first-served sessions
  - Best for: quick questions about schedules, forms, deadlines, or clarification of policies
  - Held virtually via the BAE Virtual Advising Desk
• Drop-In Hours (09/22/25 – 10/03/25):

• - Monday: 1:30 – 3:00 pm
  - Tuesday–Thursday: 1:30 – 3:00 pm

  👉 To meet with the Graduate Program Coordinator during drop-in hours, log on to the BAE Virtual Advising Desk during the times listed above.

• Scheduled Appointments:

• - 30 minutes in length
  - Best for: in-depth degree/program planning, annual advising holds, Graduate Studies form approvals, or complex academic/personal concerns

  👉 To schedule an appointment with the Graduate Program Coordinator, go to the UC Davis Advising Appointment System → select Biological and Agricultural Engineering → Graduate – Biological Systems Engineering Advising to view availability and schedule an appointment.

Grad Coordinator Advising Timeline

• Weeks 0–1: Drop-ins only
• Weeks 2–10: Scheduled Appointments + Drop-ins
• Finals Week: Drop-ins only
  (Schedule subject to change | No advising on University holidays — see the UC Davis Academic Calendar)

Office Closures & Holidays

Advising is closed on all University Holidays & Academic Breaks. Please check the UC Davis Academic Calendar for details.

✅ Tips for Graduate Students

• Check your UC Davis email regularly for important advising updates and reminders.
• Confirm expectations with your major professor before submitting paperwork.
• Bring questions or forms prepared to make the most of your appointment.
• Review Graduate Studies policies and your program handbook regularly.

Webpage updated: 03/2023