UC Graduate Studies : Graduate Studies advances graduate education at the University of California through strategic planning, analysis, outreach and coordination. This includes the development of graduate research and preparation opportunities as well as advocacy efforts through systemwide initiatives and programs.

Programs

  • Diversity Certificate Program:  Graduate student participation in the program will consider broad issues that affect higher and postsecondary education, as well as the depth of knowledge and experience gained across a variety of learning contexts. Intersectional strategies are explored in the following areas: 1) the micro-dynamics of pedagogy and instruction, 2) the agendas and representation within curriculum, 3) the nuances of departmental politics, and 4) the organizational structures of the educational institution and its relations with the communities it serves.
  • School of Public Policy Program (S2P): Participating graduate students engage with practitioners at the highest level to understand local, state, and federal policymaking; to strategize the value of scientific input in policymaking; and to garner professional development critical to careers in public policy.
  • Women’s Resource Center Graduate Mentoring Program: In this 10-week program, current UCR undergraduate students are paired with current UCR graduate students based on similar academic interests and self-disclosed identities. The goal of the Graduate Mentoring program is to foster growth-oriented mentoring relationships, provide students with information to prepare for graduate school (e.g., programs, funding, and applications), and most importantly, to build community.  This program is open to all UCR graduate, undergraduate, and professional students, and centers the experience of women, and emphasizes a comfortable space for women. We welcome everyone, especially first-generation college students. For more information about this program, please contact wrcgmp@gmail.com.

Funding Opportunities

  • Promoting Graduate Education: A list of major links for fellowship opportunities are available.  
  • University of California Humanities Research Institute: The Graduate Student Dissertation Support grant offers funds to support dissertation work for UC PhD students in the humanities and humanistic social sciences. Support may include travel expenses for dissertation research, supplies such as books or copies directly related to the dissertation topics, and fees for summer institutes likely to advance the dissertation ( such as language or theory programs).
  • AP-LS Diversity in Psychology and Law Research Award : The American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS) seeks to promote diversity by supporting research on psycholegal issues related to diversity as well as research by students from underrepresented groups. Projects are eligible for consideration for this award if 1) they investigate topics related to psychology, law, diversity, and/or multiculturalism (e.g., research pertaining to psycho-legal issues on race, gender, culture, sexual orientation, etc.) or 2) if the principal investigator is a member of an underrepresented group, including racial and ethnic minorities, first-generation college students, LGBT individuals, and students with physical disabilities.

Awards

  • Watkins Commencement Award  : The Dr. Gordon and Anna Watkins Award is presented to a graduating Master’s Degree or Doctoral student for outstanding campus and/or community service. A lifetime membership in the UCR Alumni Association and a $500 gift will be presented.
  • Jenessa Shapiro Graduate Research Award : Provides assistance to a graduate student from an underrepresented background with the cost of conducting research in personality and/or social psychology up to $1,000. Up to two student awards are given per year. This award can be given at any stage of a student’s graduate career; that is, the research does not need to be part of the student’s dissertation.
  • Career Center: The career counselors help with job search strategies, creating a resume and curriculum vitae, selecting a career path, preparing for an interview, and finding employment, both academic and non-academic employment.

Research Travel Awards

  • SPSP Diversity Graduate Travel Award: SPSP established a fund devoted to increasing diversity within personality and social psychology. Travel award winners will receive $500 to be used to cover conference-related expenses, including transportation, lodging, food, and conference registration.
  • AP-LS Diversity Travel Awards : As part of an initiative to increase diversity within AP-LS, the Minority Affairs Committee will provide travel awards to students from underrepresented groups who are presenting research at the American Psychology-Law Society Conference.

Professional Organizations

Society for Community Research and Action (DIV 27 APA): This society is dedicated to promoting community-based research and action, that empowers communities, groups, and individuals.

Critical Educators for Social Justice: A special interest group within the American Educational Research Association that is invested in social justice, human rights, and democracy in education