Graduate Advisors & Student Services Advisors

In This Section

The Role of the Faculty Graduate Advisor

The Faculty Graduate Advisor serves as the primary point of contact within their department or program for prospective and current graduate students. Faculty Graduate Advisors typically chair the admissions committee and answer questions from prospective students regarding research opportunities, faculty, and academic programs.

For current students, the Faculty Graduate Advisor reviews academic requests and petitions, such as part-time status, leaves of absence, and other policy-related exceptions. They are also responsible for approving requests that require an exception to Graduate Division or program policies.

The Role of the Graduate Student Services Advisor

Each department has a dedicated Graduate Student Services Advisor who serves as the primary staff contact for graduate students. Graduate Student Services Advisors assist with funding questions, process forms and administrative requests, prepare exception memos, and provide guidance on university and departmental policies.

They also serve as a liaison between graduate students, the Faculty Graduate Advisor, and the Samueli School of Engineering Office of Graduate Student Affairs to help ensure students receive timely support throughout their academic journey.

The Role of the DECADE Mentor

DECADE Mentors promote inclusive excellence within graduate education. They work collaboratively with graduate students, DECADE student representatives, faculty, and administrators to foster a welcoming and supportive academic environment while advancing equity, inclusion, and access across graduate programs.