GradSphere

GradSphere is a digital tool innovating how the UC Davis graduate education community manages services for nearly 10,000 student, faculty and staff users. GradSphere replaces outdated forms with smart tasks and real-time digital approvals to help graduate students move through their academic journey. 

A History of GradSphere

GradSphere emerged to meet the need for a more efficient system that would improve faculty, staff and graduate student workflows while elevating the UC Davis graduate educational experience. Working in partnership with Appian and IET, Graduate Studies focused on implementing a business process automation tool that would transition services away from paper- and PDF-based forms. This platform further catalyzes how Graduate Studies – in conjunction with the broader UC Davis graduate education community – continues to work toward moving the UC Davis graduate education landscape forward.

GradSphere Metrics and Utilization

3,400+

Students Served

1,000+

Faculty Users

80+

Grad Program Staff Users

30,000

Tasks Completed

GradSphere metrics and utilization data from April 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What was the GradSphere timeline to launch?
  • A timeline for GradSphere

    As of April 1, 2024, GradSphere was live!

    All academic advising forms were transitioned over from Box to GradSphere. Other Graduate Studies forms (such as financial aid forms) remain in their current locations for now.

  • Who has access to GradSphere?
  • GradSphere is a tool for current graduate students, graduate program faculty, graduate program coordinators and Graduate Studies staff. The purpose of this tool is to enable users to initiate, manage and track graduate forms and workflows in a more streamlined, transparent and user-friendly way.
  • Is there a version history for GradSphere?
  • Yes! You can find a page with known issues (and a timeline for resolution) as well as a version history for GradSphere here.
  • How do I get support for GradSphere?
  • Email gradsystems@ucdavis.edu to start a support ticket. Or consult the resources at GradSphere's Training and User Resources page.
  • Who was involved in the launch of GradSphere?
  • Graduate Studies Sponsors: Jean-Pierre Delplanque (Dean), Erum Abbasi Syed, Duncan Temple Lang
    IET Advisors: Neeraj Chauhan, Sonja Colbert, Mark Thonen

    Project Managers and Core Project Team: 
    Managers: Jasmine Bonite (Graduate Studies) and Julie McCall (IET)
    Core Project Team: Will Angel (Graduate Studies), Jose Boveda (IET), Sarah Driver (Graduate Studies), John King (Graduate Studies), Michelle Lockett (Graduate Studies)

    Stakeholder Advisory Group: 
    Graduate Program Coordinators: Sam Arcement, Alisha Bartolomucci, Andi Carr, Ryan Gorsiski, Stephanie Fallas, Alyssa Parsons, Christal Wintersmith, Lauren Worrell, Karryn Doyle, Jaime Allen
    Graduate Students: Daniel Castaneda (2023-2024 GSADC), Benjamin Fong (2023-2024 GSA President)