New Grad Academic Training (NGAT)

Hosted by the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry (DCB), New Grad Academic Training (NGAT) takes placeduring fall quarter. This mandatory training includes a variety of events and workshops intended to prepare new students for success as both teachers and learners at the graduate level. Campus-Wide Orientations (including new TA Orientation) will also take place during this time. Students should be sure to always arrive at events on time so that invited guests, speakers, and faculty may begin their introductions and presentations promptly as scheduled.

Academic Advising: All new students will receive information about selecting a research group and the Ph.D. Program Requirements from the Faculty Graduate Advisor. They will also meet with their respective area advisors. The area advisors will explain coursework requirements and help students plan their schedules for the first year. Students should not enroll in graduate coursework before their advising appointments. Students are expected to register for fall quarter courses via GOLD immediately following their appointment wih the area advisor.

TA Training: General Chemistry Laboratory Coordinator, Dr. Chris Bernt, will work with all new students in preparation for laboratory teaching assignments.Workshops, presentations, and assignments include Teaching Responsibilities,Teaching Problem Solving, current grad student panel discussions, lecture presentations, and initial TA meetings. Students will receive a detailed Teaching Assistant Manual.

Lab Safety:  To be eligible to hold a teaching position students must attend a mandatory Laboratory Safety Course, taught by Environmental Health and Safety, and pass the exam.

CHEM 293: All new students are required to enroll in CHEM 293, Faculty Research Seminar, during fall quarter. Faculty members present their active research projects, giving students the opportunity to learn about ongoing research in the department and begin the process of seeking a primary research advisor.

IT Support and Chemistry Email Addresses: The Life Sciences Computing Group (LSCG) is available for technical support. All students must establish an @chem.ucsb.edu email address, which they will receive a tutorial on during NGAT.

Parking Permits: Graduate students employed on campus 45% or more of their time qualify for a Graduate Student staff B ePermit. Those employed less than 45% of their time may qualify for a student C Commuter ePermit. Note that your appointment must be entered in UCPath before you can apply for one of these permits. Refer to UCSB Transportation & Parking Services (TPS) for eligibility, pricing, and application.

BARC, Tuition, & Fees: Over the summer, students will notice charges to their BARC (UCSB Billing Office) accounts for fall quarter tuition and fees. Fee payments cannot be processed until students are registered for courses and completed all employment paperwork. For fall, fee payment will begin after students meet with the area advisor and register for classes. The department cannot begin payment and processing of tuition and fees can not begin until students have registered for at leat 8 units.

Financial Matters: To be hired, students must bring a birth certificate or social security card AND driver’s license OR passport. International students are required to bring their passport and all current visa information. For questions regarding payment and employment, please contact the Payroll Manager.

Stipend monies specified in a student's Financial Offer Letter are distributed via the student's BARC account. TAs and GSRs will recieve their first paychecks on November 1st. We are unable to distribute stipend or other monies prior to officially being hired and/or matriculating to the University, be sure to budget accordingly.

Social Activities: These events are planned to allow new students to become better acquainted with each other and their new home as well as to allow current members of the Department to meet the new students. Have fun and enjoy!