Current Students

ECE Graduate Handbook 2020-2021

ECE Graduate Student Council- The goal of the ECE Graduate Student Council is to organize both academic and social events for the graduate student body, faculty, and staff in the department, and to be a resource for ECE graduate students as they begin their work at UCSD. 

Eta Kappa Nu (HKN - Kappa Psi chapter)- Eta Kappa Nu (IEEE-HKN) is the student honor society of IEEE and is dedicated to encouraging and recognizing excellence in IEEE fields of interest. Members consist of students, alumni, and professionals who have demonstrated exceptional academic and professional accomplishments. Student members are selected on the basis of scholastic standing, character, and leadership.  At UCSD, HKN provides free tutoring and hosts a variety of workshops and events to promote technical, professional, and academic development.

UCSD Graduate Student Association- Council includes representatives from every graduate program at UCSD, and meets on a regular basis throughout the school year. Council has the authority to pass resolutions and other documents expressing the official position of GSA on any number of issues. Council oversees the dispersal of funds to campus departments, programs, and organizations. As expressions of the unified voice of the graduate and professional student community, such position statements serve as powerful tools for campus administrators to gauge the practicality and effectiveness of various policies and initiatives.

Jacobs Graduate Student Council- The Jacobs Graduate Student Council (JGSC) is the representative student body of Jacobs School of Engineering  at UC San Diego. Their mission is to improve UC San Diego’s reputation as #1 Engineering School in the country by providing graduate students the opportunities they need for success in their academic and professional life. They encourage collaboration between students, administration and industries through providing social and professional networking opportunities for graduate students in Jacobs School through various programs and seminars. JGSC will promote a sense of identification with and participation in the community of Jacobs graduate students to enhance the overall Jacobs experience.

IEEE at UCSD- IEEE at UC San Diego is a non-profit pre-professional student organization. The organization is dedicated to providing engineering students with hands-on experiences, technical and professional development and other resources to help them achieve their true potential as they develop into professional engineers.

Women in Computing (WIC)- An organization composed of coders and engineers - both women and men - who support the female presence in computing. WIC runs events, from tech talks to socials, grad school preparation, joins conference scholarships, and coding competitions. WIC provides opportunities for female engineers to connect and succeed.

Center for Student Involvement (CSI)- The Center for Student Involvement offers student positions, student organizations, leadership opportunities, community service, Greek life, workshops, seminars, events, and more!

IDEA Center- The IDEA center  fosters an inclusive and welcoming community, increases retention and graduation rates, and promotes a sustainable culture of academic excellence among all engineering students at UC San Diego. 

Gordon Center- The Gordon Center provides hands-on leadership and team building skills, mentoring, individual and team coaching, community outreach, and connections with industry partners. This program is a comprehensive, clearly defined pathway for students to develop into engineering leaders. Gordon Scholars are selected students who demonstrate exceptional engineering leadership attitudes, capabilities, and knowledge. The Scholars attend a rigorous 20-week development program to increase the success rate in college and post-college careers.

Resources for Research- The Library at UC San Diego provides various links and guides for graduate students who are conducting research. 

Academic Integrity- The Academic Integrity (AI) Office promotes and supports a culture of academic integrity in order to reinforce quality teaching and learning at UC San Diego.

International Students and Programs Office (ISPO)- The ISPO is an inclusive and globally-engaged University community where all international students achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals. They enrich the academic, research, and intercultural experiences of international students, provide the highest levels of knowledge and expertise in advising and immigration services within a welcoming and supportive environment, and advance global education and engagement efforts, in partnership with campus departments and units, at UC San Diego

Physical & Mental Health- Physical and mental health provide an important foundation for ensuring academic, professional, and personal success. UCSD graduate students have access to a wealth of resources for the improvement and maintenance of physical and mental health. Some helpful resources on campus (and virtually) include the Collegiate Recovery Program, Triton Food Pantry, CARE at SARC (Sexual Assault Resource Center) , The Zone, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), UCSD Recreation, and Student Health Services (SHS). 

Community Resource Centers- Campus Community Centers at UC San Diego build community among a diverse population of students, faculty and staff members. They are places of belonging, where traditional notions of diversity are challenged. It is where self- awareness is learned, leaders are developed and open dialogue and expression is encouraged. A list of resource centers include the:  Asian Pacific Islander Middle Eastern Desi American (APIMEDA), Undocumented Student Services Center, Black Resource Center (BRC), Cross Cultural Center, Intertribal Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, Raza Resource Centro, Student Veterans Resource Center, and Women's Center. 

Basic Needs Center- UC San Diego Basic Needs Initiatives is a collection of services provided by campus partners to work with both undergraduate and graduate students who have concerns with access to Basic Needs Resources. Services are categorized by Food Security, Housing Stability, and Financial Wellness

The ECE Department is excited to announce a Travel Fund that will be offered to all eligible Masters and PhD students for future conference-related travel or participation in a competition . Students can receive the Travel Fund during their MS/PhD career. In order to be eligible, you MUST be:

• A current ECE graduate student 
  • PhD students are eligible to apply if they are not being currently funded by a PI
• Presenting at an engineering-related conference - you may NOT be reimbursed for simply attending a conference
• Competing at an engineering-related competition. 

The Travel Fund will allow a maximum of $500 over the course of your MS/PhD career to be reimbursed towards:

• Conference Fees (registration)
• Hotel/Lodging
• Travel Fees (airfare, ground transportation)

Expenses for items such as meals, poster printing, presentation supplies, or unnecessary materials will NOT be reimbursed. To request travel funds for an upcoming conference, you must email Christina Vassos (cvassos@eng.ucsd.edu) prior to booking your trip:

1. Description of your trip and proof that you will be presenting (conference invitation, brochure, pamphlet listing your name, etc.)
2. Written/email PI approval of your trip
3. Completed and signed Student Certification for Business Related Travel form

Once you have received confirmation from Christina that your trip has been approved, you may begin booking your trip through Connexxus, the UC's travel program. Please make sure that the selected airfare is the most economical (this is University policy) and that you include price comparisons in the backup documentation. Avoid "package deals" as they are generally ineligible for reimbursement. Expenses combined in a package (for example, using Expedia to book airfare and hotel together) usually fail to meet receipt requirements.

Within one week of returning from your trip, you must email Christina all of your backup documentation to claim expenses. You will be reimbursed only AFTER your trip has taken place. The maximum reimbursement of $500.00 can be spread over more than one trip.

For any questions, please contact Christina.

The Travel Fund will allow a maximum of $500 over the course of your MS/PhD career to be reimbursed towards: Conference Fees (registration) Hotel/Lodging Travel Fees (airfare, ground transportation)

Submitting a Reimbursement Request

To submit a reimbursement, please follow these steps. All reimbursement requests MUST be submitted within 10 DAYS of the event or purchase in order to prevent processing delays. Graduate students who are using Fellowship funds to make a purchase, please email Teresa Ta: tlta@eng.ucsd.edu.

Once these items have been received and you have received confirmation from your Faculty Assistant that a trip number has been created for you through MyTravel, you may begin booking your trip. Please make sure that the selected airfare is the most economical (this is University policy) and that you include price comparisons in the backup documentation . Avoid "package deals" as they are generally ineligible for reimbursement. Expenses combined in a package (for example, using Expedia to book airfare and hotel together) usually fail to meet receipt requirements. If you are planning to book through Connexxus , UC's travel program, please contact your Faculty Assistant and they will be able to guide you.

Once you have completed your trip, you will email your Faculty Assistant all of your backup documentation to claim expenses. You will be reimbursed only after your trip has taken place. Ask your PI for the name of the Faculty Assistant who can help you if you are not sure who to contact. For further information, please visit UC San Diego's Travel page .

If you are a Masters student looking for information regarding the ECE Travel Fund, please look at the above tab. 

If you are scanning your documents before sending, please make sure all information is clear and easy to read. Private and sensitive information should be covered (for example: phone numbers, birthdays, Social Security Numbers, etc.)

If you are not enrolled in direct deposit, reimbursement checks will be delivered to the ECE Student Affairs Office (Jacobs Hall, 2nd floor.) You will be emailed a reminder to pick up your check once it has arrived. Reimbursements typically take 3-5 weeks to process. Please keep this in mind when deciding to make out-of-pocket purchases.

Submitting a Travel Reimbursement Request (PhD Students)

Prior to booking your trip, you MUST email your Faculty Assistant:

• Must show form of payment used, amount paid, name and address of the service provider, date service/expense was incurred, name of person for whom service/expense was provided, description of service/expense