The summer prior to students joining BMS in the fall will be assigned a Graduate Advisor. Students must meet with their assigned Graduate Advisor quarterly during Year One, and at least twice during Year Two. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss the student’s coursework, lab rotations, and general academic progression. The Graduate Advisor is someone who will be outside of rotation or thesis lab choices, and thus a neutral person to confide in and discuss issues that may be uncomfortable to discuss with a rotation or thesis PI. The advisor can be an important ally during the student’s time in the program in case of conflicts with faculty, postdocs or other students. It is important to remember that advisors will focus on career advice rather than scientific advice, so students may be paired with advisors outside of their field of interest.
Schedule of Advising Meetings
BMS Graduate Advising Schedule
*It is the responsibility of the student to schedule all meetings
Graduate Advising in the Third Year and Beyond
Once the student has formed a thesis committee, the committee will take over most advising tasks. However, graduate advisors are encouraged to develop a relationship with the student and continue to be available to provide career advice and help resolve difficulties.
Advising & Counseling Resources for Students
UCSF Learning Resource Services
For students encountering more difficult academic demands or who would like to improve their overall approach to academic success, there are numerous strategies that can help enhance study skills, test, performance, and mastery of material. Services are provided through workshops tailored to specific academic programs and through individual consultations, and cover understanding of learning styles, application of more effective study strategies, better test preparation, more efficient use of time, and better management of test anxiety.
UCSF First Generation Support Services
First Generation Support Services supports the mission of Student Life to provide innovative services and collaborate to foster an inclusive community that supports our diverse students to succeed in advancing health worldwide.
UCSF Counseling & Psychological Services
Students receive ten free counseling sessions at Student Health per year. Counseling may cover emotional issues, help in finding your academic/career path, etc. Once the annual session limit is reached, referrals can be made for low-cost counseling.
UCSF Student Success
This website is meant to help you navigate the wide range of resources and services at UCSF that will help YOU succeed. Explore the site, and please let us know if you think something is missing here! You can also see a slide-deck-style presentation about services for students, or a simple list of links to resources mentioned on this site.