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A Message from the Dean

A Message from the Dean

Headshot of Dr. Janine Jones, a woman with dark skin, silver curly hair, wearing a blazer and smiling.

Fall 2025

Dear Colleagues,

The admissions process marks the beginning of an important journey for our graduate students. For many applicants, it’s a time filled with both excitement and uncertainty—especially for those who are the first in their families to pursue graduate study or who are navigating new cultural, national, or linguistic experiences. It’s essential that we meet them with clarity, efficiency, and a sense of welcome from the very beginning.

Graduate Program Assistants (GPAs) are often the first point of contact for prospective students and play a key role in guiding them through each step of the process. The work you do is crucial—not only for shaping the experiences of our applicants but also for sustaining the strength and vibrancy of our graduate programs and the campus as a whole.

The Graduate Division admissions team is here to support you. We’ve developed this manual as a practical guide to help you navigate the admissions process and respond to the wide range of questions and situations that may arise. We encourage you to reach out to our staff with questions, concerns, or suggestions. Your feedback helps us improve our systems and better support your work—and, ultimately, our students.

Thank you for your continued commitment to graduate education and to the success of our academic community. Your efforts truly make a difference.

 

Best,

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Janine M. Jones, Ph.D., NCSP, LP

Associate Vice Chancellor for Graduate Affairs

Anne and Michael Towbes Dean of the Graduate Division

University of California, Santa Barbara