Academic Services

Teaching and Research

Academic apprentice positions provide the single largest source of graduate student support at UCSB. In addition to remuneration, these positions train UCSB graduate students to become leading teachers and researchers in their fields. These skills are transferable to many careers outside of academia as well.

Typically, graduate students are appointed as TAs (Teaching Assistants) and GSRs (Graduate Student Researchers).

A TA serves as a teaching apprentice under the active tutelage and supervision of a regular faculty member; a GSR assists faculty members with scholarly research. Depending on the level of the appointment, benefits for academic apprenticeships include fee remission, payment of Graduate Student Health Insurance Program (GSHIP) and, in the case of nonresident GSRs, tuition remission.

The hiring criteria for student academic apprenticeships vary from one department to another, but all TAs and GSRs are selected for high achievement and for their promise as teachers and/or scholars. GSRs may collaborate in the publication of research results as determined by supervising faculty members. Departments should encourage professional preparation and development of their academic apprentices by offering training opportunities such as classes, colloquia, and workshops. The College of Letters and Science provides departmental contact information and available Academic Student Employee positions.

Maximize UCSB Research and Teaching Opportunities

Network within your department to secure research opportunities opportunities that supplement your coursework and final thesis/dissertation research experience. If there are individuals with whom you would like to work, let them know. Discuss this possibility with your own advisor to ensure that she/he agrees that it would benefit your training. Broad training in methods, techniques, analysis and/or statistics, in addition to specialization in your area of expertise can be helpful.

Join Professional Associations

Most research organizations offer reduced membership fees for current graduate students as a means of encouraging their entry into the field. Some memberships provide subscriptions to related journals and newsletters that will keep you informed about the latest research and provide contact with academics in the field. Others offer reduced rates for conference participation. Take advantage of this opportunity to begin your professional associations while still a student.

Getting First Publications

Talk to advisors or others respected in your field about co-authorship or advice on how to proceed. For many graduate students, a first publication is an informed review of a recent publication that is then published in a refereed journal. When you advance to candidacy, volunteer to review for a journal - many editors are interested in nurturing young reviewers.

Present Your Research Work in Progress

Again, talk with your faculty advisor about opportunities to present your work within the department, at conferences, or as part of a symposium. It is a good practice "job talk," enhances your visibility to prospective employers, and provides input to enhance the quality of your research. Plus presenting your research while in progress, rather than as a finished product, provides an opportunity to gain insights from those who conduct similar work and might suggest additional avenues that should be explored prior to a final defense. The UC Academic Senate has limited conference travel funds for doctoral or MFA students.

For Careers Outside of Academia

The UCSB Graduate Program in Management Practice is a means of getting additional training and preparation in areas outside your discipline. The first component consists of four courses taught in the College of Letters and Science, the College of Engineering, and the Donald Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. The second component is a 160-hour internship in an approved organization.

For Teaching Careers

Plan what and where you would like to teach. Seek to develop expertise in basic core courses in your discipline that many academic employers will want. Get experience in different types of teaching. If your department has a formal procedure for soliciting student applications for assignment of student appointments, submit your name, take the opportunity to indicate your strengths in the area and how an assignment like this would assist you in your intended career. Improve your teaching skills by inviting evaluators to observe you or have Instructional Development videotape your classroom teaching for feedback and improvement.

UCSB Graduate Division offers a Certificate in College and University Teaching (CCUT) for students who will pursue university or college level teaching careers upon completion of their graduate programs. Certificate requirements include completion or attainment of a number of teaching-related skills and experiences culminating in independent instruction of an entire course with the support of a UCSB faculty mentor.

Be a Mentor

In your role as teaching assistant, a member of a research team, or whatever contact that you have with undergraduates, begin to assume the role of mentor. Encourage bright undergraduates with whom you have contact to consider graduate school, particularly those who will enhance diversity and may not be receiving that encouragement elsewhere. Provide advice and ideas about how they can secure the training and preparation that they need to consider and prepare for graduate study. Take an interest and make a difference.