"UCSF provides ample opportunities to connect with faculty, colleagues, and alumni so that you always feel supported. Whether it's a seminar, workshop, small group studies, or a coffee break, UCSF fuels both your professional and personal growth."
Jessica Wagner, PhD student, Rehabilitation Science
Year 5: Complete and Launch
As you approach the end of your program, your focus shifts toward completion and transition.
Key priorities include:
- Meeting all administrative and degree requirements
- Planning for commencement
- Securing your next career step
This stage requires organization and forward planning — but it is also a time to celebrate. You have built expertise, resilience, and professional identity. Take time to recognize that achievement.
Academic
- Update Student Portal
- Apply to Fellowships (Internal and External)
- Bi-Annual Dissertation Workshop
- Attend Dissertation Office Hours for Review & Formatting
- Bi-Annual Dissertation Committee Meeting
- Work On and Publish Manuscript
- File Dissertation
- Petition to Graduate
- Dissertation Talk
- Commencement
- Complete Doctoral Exit Survey and SED
Curricular and Co-Curricular Activities
- GRAD 210: Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Academic Leadership
- GRAD 214: Responsible Conduct of Research
Career
- Postdoc/Job Search (If postdoc, reach out to prospective research teams)
- CPD resources to facilitate PI/program dialogue on completion