COVID-19 Resources for Graduate Students
The UCSF Graduate Division is dedicated to supporting the well-being and success of its graduate students and graduate programs. This resource page provides regular updates on information and resources related to COVID-19.
University-wide Town Halls and Resources
- UCSF COVID-19 website: Central location for campus-wide information and resources.
- Tune in to UCSF's weekly COVID-19 Response Virtual Town Hall, every other Friday at 4 p.m. Chancellor Sam Hawgood, UCSF Health CEO Mark Laret, EVCP Dan Lowenstein and other campus leaders provide the latest updates of interest to the entire campus community. You can also watch past Town Halls. (Requires MyAccess login.)
- Office of Research Town Halls are being held periodically via Zoom, to provide updates on UCSF's research response to COVID-19. You can also view past research town halls.
- If you're involved in research, visit the Guidance for Researchers page of coronavirus.ucsf.edu.
- (NEW) Wondering about COVID-19 research happening at UCSF? Check out this website dedicated to UCSF COVID-19 related research. It provides a central location to connect to research resources like datasets, SARS-CoV-2 related publications, and relevant funding opportunities.
- Sign up to receive UCSF alerts by text message: Text 333 111 and enter “UCSF”
- Tips from IT on how to work remotely, including Zoom security settings to prevent "zoombombing." (Requires MyAccess login.)
Finances and Basic Needs
- Student Financial Services continues to provide meetings and support virtually, including resources and information on financial aid.
- Basic Needs & Food Security for Students offers ongoing assistance for students during COVID-19, including food, housing and transportation.
- Family Services offers assistance and resources for students, postdocs, faculty, and staff to help support families.
- The Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) has created the COVID-19 Student Support Awards to help UCSF students defray costs associated with work from home or commuting.
- Departmental discretionary funds may be available to help reimburse PhD students for extraordinary pandemic-related commute costs. See guidance on the policy and process.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion during COVID-19
Graduate students are impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but in very different ways. The response to how we approach and support every student's situation should be taken with care.
- Antiracism Resources, Support, and Action - Links for wellness for Black individuals and communities and antiracism awareness and action.
- Read about how COVID-19 has unmasked political and social vulnerabilities and anti-Asian violence.
- The Office of Diversity and Outreach compiled resources and guidance in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion during the COVID-19 crisis.
- The University of California System published a Q&A on increased health risks for black men wearing masks during COVID-19.
- The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Resource Center offers virtual gatherings and resources, including how to add pronouns to your Zoom profile.
- Student Disability Services continues to offer services and resources during shelter-in-place.
Qualifying Exams, Degree Progression and Career Development
- Tips and tools for preparing for qualifying exams and your dissertation proposal defense.
- Stay on track with your training and career goals during the research recovery stage.
- Career Conversations for Researchers in the age of COVID-19. Topics include: Choosing a Thesis Lab; Navigating Productivity Expectations; Hiring Freezes, Rescinded Offers, and Uncertainty.
- The Office of Career and Professional Development (OCPD) is offering a wide range of resources to help learners stay on track.
- UCSF's Learning Resource Services has developed strategies and tips for studying while sheltering-in-place.
- NIH offers virtual training and education, focusing on six core competencies: career exploration and job search skills; communication (writing, speaking, grant writing); teaching and mentoring; leadership and management; the responsible conduct of research; and wellness.
- Find a wealth of emotional health and well being resources on the main UCSF coronavirus site.
- Student Health and Counseling Services offers support specifically for students
- UCSF’s CARE Advocate provides free, confidential support to all members of the UCSF community affected by sexual assault, relationship or family violence, stalking, and/or sexual harassment. CARE Advocacy services continue to be available remotely.
- Get some exercise with one of the online workout videos offered by UCSF Fitness and Recreation
- Student Health and Counseling's COVID-19 Care Protocols explain how to access their services, what to do if you have COVID-19 exposure or symptoms, and best practices for physical distancing and hygiene.
- Check out this article in Psychology Today, "Deepening Connections: What COVID-19 Teaches About Compassion," co-authored by UCSF's LaMisha Hill.
Connect to Community
- Join weekly community calls to stay connected with fellow graduate students, faculty, and staff. Offered by the Initiative to Maximize Student Development Program.
- The Multicultural Resource Center is offering several online gatherings each week.
- Check out online events being offered by the LGBT Resource Center.
- Join a Virtual Lunch offered monthly by First Generation Support Services.
- If you're interested in volunteering to help the campus and community during the COVID-19 outbreak find volunteer opportunities.
- The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is hosting online events to connect with international students, scholars, and the ISSO staff.
Contact Us
- Contact Assistant Dean D'Anne Duncan if you'd like to share virtual community building events with fellow graduate students.
- Postdoctoral scholars with questions are encouraged to contact [email protected].
*Read more about the hand sanitizer project in this story by Julian Mark for Mission Local.