Message from the Vice Provost and Dean: New Academic Year Greeting, 2016-2017

Though I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming many new graduate students and postdoctoral scholars into our community over my fifteen years of service to UC Davis, this year marks my first convocation as Vice Provost of Graduate Education and Dean of Graduate Studies. Since my appointment in March, I’ve enjoyed getting to know many of the valued members of our graduate education community, and I look forward to meeting and collaborating with many more in the months to come.

The past six months have been unlike any other in the history of UC Davis. New academic years often provoke a renewed sense of focus and purpose, but this year in particular represents the beginning of a new era, both for Graduate Studies and for the campus community at large. A window of opportunity has opened, and it is up to all of us to seize the moment and make impactful, positive changes.  

It is with a deepened sense of resolve and a fresh set of eyes that the Graduate Studies team approaches the 2016-2017 academic year.  In constant collaboration our various constituencies, we will work toward creating a more vibrant graduate education experience that will have a lasting impact on the lives of our graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and faculty.  We are reaffirming our commitment to diversity of thought, experience, and culture by fostering the expansion of interdisciplinary programs and creating new professional development opportunities that prepare students for a wide array of academic, research, and industry career paths.

Whether you’re a new or continuing Aggie, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of all the programs and resources Graduate Studies has to offer, including:

• Academic advising services: Our student affairs officers are here to assist with degree milestones, proper dissertation and thesis procedures, and your academic progress.
• Student financial support: We can help you manage your graduate funding through internal and external fellowships, awards, and stipends.
• Professional development and diversity resources: We work to ensure that your experience at UC Davis is personally, academically, and professionally fulfilling by offering events, resources and services to support a wide variety of enrichment needs.
• Consultation and counseling: We are available to meet with all graduate students individually in a confidential setting to discuss any problems or concerns you are experiencing.

I wish you every success at UC Davis and look forward to seeing all that we can accomplish in the year to come.

Prasant Mohapatra
Vice Provost of Graduate Education
Dean of Graduate Studies​