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UCSB is a unique close-knit community, servicing the needs of a highly diverse group scholars, students, faculty, and staff. The campus offers a wide variety of resources, services, information, and professional staff to help meet your needs throughout your academic career at UCSB. The following resources and services may be of particular interest to graduate students. More comprehensive lists of student services can be found by going to MyUCSB.

• A.   DCB Graduate Web PagesA.   ACCESS Webpage

• Access Card

• A.   Transportation Services

• A.   Campus Libraries     

• A.   Student Health Services  

• A.   Graduate Division  

• A.   General Catalog  

• A.   Office of the Registrar  

• A.   Community Housing Office  

• A.   Counseling Services  

• A.   Career Services  

• A.   Involvement and Outreach Opportunities   

• A.   Office of International Students and Scholars   

Students should utilize the departmental graduate webpage as an initial point of reference for most questions, including the following:

The Access card is the UCSB student identification and registration card. Your Access Card acts as your:

• Official University ID

• Library Card: Check out Library books and materials with the ID Card you already carry

• Meal Card: Use your ID Card for meal swipes in all University Dining Commons

• Door Access: Access campus buildings, classrooms, computer and science labs

• Event Pass: Attend Athletic Dept. events and certain AS events for free

• Bus Pass: Ride all lines of the MTD Bus for free with paid student fees

• RecCen: Use your ID Card for full use of gym facilities and equipment

• Gaucho Bucks: Make prepaid purchases with UCSB's campus currency at all on-campus food facilities, the Bookstore, Student Health and select off-campus merchants

Access cards can be obtained at the Access and Information Desk in the UCen. There is a one-time processing fee of $30. Students should bring proof of registration and a photo ID. If you lose your card, there is a replacement fee of $30.

Bus Usage

Use of the Santa Barbara MTD bus service is covered by each student’s registration fees and tuition. Once you have registered for at least 12 units, your Access card acts as your bus pass.

Parking Permits

Employed graduate students are eligible for a Staff (B) ePermit, but cannot apply until all employment paper work has been completely filled out and submitted. If you are employed less than 45% of your time, you may qualify for a C Commuter ePermit. Rates for 2022-2023 are currently $450 for an annual permit and $120 for a quarterly permit. Prices are pro-rated monthly. Rates are subject to change. Fees are paid quarterly or annually via your ePermit account.

Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP)

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) serves those who primarily commute between their residence and UC Santa Barbara's main campus by foot, skateboard, human-powered kick scooter, bicycle, bus, carpool, vanpool or train. By reducing traffic congestion, traffic emissions and the demand for parking on campus, we conserve energy and contribute to a better UCSB. While motorcycle and remote work may reduce greenhouse gas emissions, traffic, and parking demand, these modes are explicitly not included in the Transportation Alternatives Program's complimentary parking benefit.

TAP membership entitles you to:

• Up to 6-days of complimentary campus parking per quarter

• Discounted 30-day MTD bus passes and other monthly transit passes

• Emergency Ride Home program

The main campus library is Davidson Library, located at the center of campus across from the Arbor.  In addition to a large print collection, the UCSB library provides a host of electronic resources, including online catalogs, databases, and full text electronic journals.  All of these electronic resources are available from anywhere on campus.  Most can also be accessed from home or other off-campus locations with the use of the UCSB Proxy Server. 

Sciences-Engineering Library (SEL): The Sciences and Engineering section of Davidson Library is located on the north side of the second floor.  It is well equipped with collections related to the natural and applied sciences, engineering, and technology.  Chuck Huber (893-2762 or cfhuber@ucsb.edu) is the librarian for the DCB and is available to assist you with your research.  He also teaches Chemistry 284 (Chemical Literature), which is designed to familiarize you with the library and online resources.  This course, typically taught once per year during the winter quarter, is recommended for first year students. 

Student Health (SH) is a primary health care facility that is available to all UCSB students. Students can use the medical services just as they would their regular doctor's office and urgent care.  The facility is fully accredited, staffed by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, advice nurses, dietitians, optometrists, dentists, physical therapists, pharmacists, lab and X-ray technicians, social workers and counselors.

University of California Student Health Insurance Plan: The Gaucho Health Insurance Plan (GHI) is a comprehensive major medical insurance plan, providing medical, nutrition counseling, prescription, vision and dental services.  All students are automatically enrolled in GHI upon registration at UCSB.  Plan and coverage details are available via the Student Health web site or may be obtained from Student Health in person.  Student Health may be reached at 893-5361 for general information or at 893-3371 for appointments. 

The Graduate Division facilitates and coordinates graduate education and student services for all graduate academic and professional programs at UCSB. Under the supervision of the Graduate Deans and under policy set by the Academic Senate Graduate Council, the Division promotes academic excellence in graduate degree programs, fosters a diverse and inclusive graduate community of domestic and international students, and cultivates an intellectually stimulating and socially supportive climate for all graduate students (UCSB General Catalog).

Graduate Student Resource Center: Located in Student Resource Building, Room 1215, the Graduate Student Resource Center is a resource for graduate students seeking information, referral, and support throughout their programs of study.  The Center offers events and workshops aimed at increasing student support. 

Graduate Peer Advisors: Current and prospective graduate students can take advantage of the services provided by the experienced graduate student peer advisors (writing, funding, and diversity & outreach).  Peers take different approaches and address different audiences while working together to provide a comprehensive series of services for the graduate community.  These unique positions exist and complement one another to ensure a rewarding and high quality graduate school experience and promote graduate student success.

The General Catalog is published online annually by the Office of the Registrar and serves as a guide and resource for all students at UCSB.  The Catalog includes descriptions of all courses offered at UCSB during that academic year; University and campus policies, mission statement, accreditation statement, and general information; academic policies and procedures; college, department, and program-specific policies, requirements, and details; and financial information.   

The Office of the Registrar maintains official student records, registration and enrollment information, and annual and quarterly schedules and deadlines.  They also serve as the campus authority regarding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects a student’s right to privacy.  Enrollment instructions, fee information, policies concerning grades, final exam schedules, transcript and verification information, and veterans benefits information, forms associated with registration and credit exceptions, fees, special enrollment programs, and student record changes or inquiries can all be obtained via the Office of the Registrar online or in the Student Affairs and Administrative Services Building (SAASB), Room 1101.

The UCSB Community Housing Office (CHO) is a one-stop resource for rental housing information and dispute resolution.  Services include off-campus rental listings, landlord/tenant, neighbor, and roommate dispute resolution, a mediation program, advice and information about rental rights and responsibilities for tenants and property providers, educational workshops, publications and forms, and move-in/move-out videotaping.  The CHO is a service provided by Housing and Residential Services, they are located in the UCEN, room 3151.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is committed to providing timely, culturally appropriate, and effective mental health services.  All registered students are eligible for services at CAPS. When help is needed in sorting out a personal concern, CAPS is a resource for learning new skills in building self-confidence, relating to others, reducing stress, solving problems, and identifying options. CAPS advocates for and strives to foster a culture of acceptance and appreciation of human differences and special efforts have been made to extend services to diverse student populations.  Liaisons have been established within several departments and offices are staffed at Student Health, San Clemente, EOP, Athletics and their main location, Building 599 across from Storke Tower.  For consultation or to make an appointment, call 893-4411.

Career Services offers a variety of services for graduate students.  They recognize the unique challenges that graduate students face in regards to utilizing career services, including limited time, inconvenience and potential conflict of interest with advisor/department.  Therefore, all resources, handouts, counseling services, and workshops are available for you. In addition, they assist graduate students in the following three main areas found to be pivotal to short and long-term success in the transition from school to career:  honing career focus and goals, acting strategically, relationships and networking.  You are encouraged to peruse on-line resources through their webpage and/or visit them in person in Building 599 across the lawn from Storke Tower. 

DCB Outreach Program: Our Fifth Grade Chemistry Outreach Program is a partnership between local elementary students and teachers and UCSB students and faculty. To improve educational opportunities for K-12 students, we have developed a program that brings fifth grade students to the chemistry lab at UCSB every Thursday morning to participate in hands-on standards-based physical science activities. The program is designed to nourish their natural curiosity in science and to stimulate an interest in pursuing a higher education in science. In addition, UCSB students are given the opportunity to share their love of science with elementary students and to consider a career path as a science educator.

SciTrek: An outreach program run out of the DCB that focuses on allowing 2nd-8th grade students to experience science first hand by designing, carrying out, and presenting scientific experiments. SciTrek allows UCSB undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to volunteer within the program and acquire education and leadership skills.

Center for Science and Engineering Partnerships (CSEP): CSEP offers professional development seminars and workshops for science, engineering and math graduate students on a variety of topics including personal skill building; communicating science; teaching and mentoring; and career development. To hone these skills, graduate students can serve as mentors and/or teachers for K-12 students; community college and/or university undergraduates; and other community partners through their various programs. Those interested in participating should refer to the online program descriptions and contact the appropriate coordinator.

Graduate Students for Diversity in Science (GSDS): GSDS is composed of an interdisciplinary group of young scientists at UCSB. The cornerstone of the group lies in recognition of cultural heritage and diversity of many exceptional scientists who have set resilient foundations through research in their respective disciplines and across many boundaries. The group aims to foster a peer-to-peer mentorship atmosphere to promote research excellence and networking opportunities in academia and industry.

Women in Science and Engineering (WiSE): WiSE, a non-profit organization, was founded in Spring 2001 to promote equal opportunity for women and girls in science and engineering and improve their scientific and career advancement. WiSE encourages the participation of all science/engineering undergraduates, graduates, researchers, faculty, and professionals in the Santa Barbara area. 

Graduate Students’ Association (GSA): The GSA is the elected representative government for UCSB graduate students.  GSA works to (1) ensure that graduate student concerns are addressed in campus and off-campus policy decisions through representation on campus-wide and system-wide committees; (2) provide graduate students with information concerning decisions that are relevant to student life; (3) provide social activities for UCSB graduate students; (4) inform graduate students of additional campus resources and services and (5) provide graduate students with a physical space to use as for both academic and social programming.

Summer Research Mentorship Program (RMP):The RMP is available to graduate students for a period of six weeks during the summer.  Students mentor high achieving high school students in their labs on a project that includes a hands-on component.  Sponsored by Summer Sessions, mentors are offered a stipend of $900.00 per project, plus the cost of supplies up to $100.00.

Engineers Without Borders: EWB-UCSB is open to all interested persons from all fields and currently includes students, staff, and off-campus collaborators.  Their mission is to partner with disadvantaged communities to improve their quality of life through implementation of environmentally and economically sustainable engineering projects, while developing internationally responsible students.

The OISS is the one place on campus that can assist you in all matters that relate to your F-1 or J-1 visa status. The OISS staff can answer your questions concerning how your academic program will affect your visa status; help you with questions about work or internships; help you in the event of an emergency; and put you in touch with the international student associations on campus. OISS sponsors cultural events and workshops to enrich your academic and social life. Their office has a lounge and computer stations that are available to international students during office hours.