Design M.F.A. Handbook

First Year Schedule:

Second Year Schedule:

D. Suggested Timeline

See the official Academic Calendar for quarter dates and deadlines.

Fall Quarter First Year

• Beginning of the quarter: First-Year mentors are assigned

Winter Quarter First Year

• By January 15: Complete the Continuing Fellowship/Scholarship application

• By Week 10: 

  • Determine Thesis Committee and Thesis Committee Chair (also referred to as the Thesis Advisor or Major Professor)

  • Schedule the first Thesis Committee meeting

Spring Quarter First Year

• At the end of the quarter: 

  • Prepare and present First-Year Presentation

  • Schedule and attend the First-Year Review with the Thesis Committee

  • Sign and submit the Student Progress Assessment (SPA)

Summer Between First Year and Second Year

• Based on the Thesis Committee's recommendations, students consider pursuing the following activities during the summer, keeping in mind that they will present a summary of summer progress to their committees during the Fall Quarter:

  • Apply for Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval if recommended by the Thesis Committee

  • Conduct Case Studies

  • Travel to attend seminars, workshops, and conferences

  • Produce a literature review

  • Work on creative projects and submit for exhibitions

• Consider enrolling in DES 292, Design Internship; or DES 299, Independent Study (but enroll for the credit for this coursework in the Fall Quarter, Second Year)

Fall Quarter Second Year

• By Week 3: Submit a Thesis Abstract, Thesis Proposal, IRB (if applicable), and an optional research paper from DES 222A to the Thesis Committee  

• By Week 4: Meet with Thesis Committee to discuss summer progress and second-year plan. Use this opportunity to update the First-Year Presentation, including the summer research and a revised schedule

• By Week 10: Complete IRB if recommended and submit a thesis abstract to the Thesis Committee and the Chair

Winter Quarter Second Year

• By Week 3: 

  • Meet with Thesis Committee for a progress update and feedback

  • Submit thesis abstract (approximately 300 words) with images (if relevant) and with citations as needed to the Thesis Committee

• By January 31: Have the Thesis Committee Chair sign the Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts Plan 1 Form and submit it to the M.F.A. Chair

Spring Quarter Second Year

• By Week 3: Meet with Thesis Committee for a progress update and feedback

• By Week 5: Submit the Commencement Release Form

• By June 1: Submit the Written Thesis to the Thesis Committee (3,000 words minimum, maximum set by the committee) 

• Towards the end of the quarter:

  • Attend the opening of the M.F.A. Exhibition

  • Prepare and deliver Thesis Presentation

• At least four days before commencement: 

  • Meet with Thesis Committee for the Second-Year Final Review. This MUST be with the full Thesis Committee 

  • Have the Thesis Committee Chair sign the Master of Fine Arts Report Form – Plan I: Project or Show. Then obtain the M.F.A. Chair's signature and submit the completed form to Rachelle Agundes at least two days before commencement

  • Submit the thesis as approved by the Thesis Committee Chair with images to the designated box.com folder

E. Variable Unit Courses: DES 292s, 298s and 299s 

DES 292 (Internship), DES 298 (Group Study), and DES 299 (Independent Study) provide graduate students with opportunities to pursue work in their chosen area of research. These are variable-unit courses, with units based on the expected workload:: 1 unit ~ 3 hours/week, two units ~ 6 hours/week, three units ~ 9 hours/week, four units ~ 12 hours/week. Requirements vary by instructor, but most faculty supervising DES 299 expect students to meet with them on a weekly basis. Faculty who supervise variable-unit courses do so in addition to their regular teaching responsibilities as an overload assignment. In general, Senate Faculty are encouraged to support student requests unless (a) the student has already completed an independent study with them and would benefit from working with other faculty or professionals, or (b) the faculty member has extenuating circumstances that prevent them from supervising the course. Please note that lecturers are not required, encouraged, or compensated to teach overload courses, although some choose to do so voluntarily.

• DES 292 (Internship)

• DES 292 (Internship) is intended for graduate students who wish to gain experience by working on someone else's ideas, projects, or professional practice in a supervised learning environment. Every internship requires both a Site Supervisor, who directly mentors the student, and a Faculty Sponsor, who oversees the academic component and awards credit. The defining characteristic of a DES 292 internship is that the graduate student is in a learning role, working under someone with greater experience, expertise, or responsibility for the project. The student is not serving as the primary expert or independent professional. Internships may take place on-site or remotely. Whenever possible, internships should provide both academic credit and compensation, although many internships are completed for academic credit only. Most students complete DES 292 during the summer between the first and second years of the M.F.A. program. Students may apply a maximum of 8 units of DES 292 toward the degree. Before beginning an internship, students must complete the required approval forms. At the conclusion of the internship, students must participate in an exit meeting with their Site Supervisor, obtain the supervisor's evaluation and signature, and submit a written report to their Faculty Sponsor summarizing the experience. The report should explain how the internship contributed to the student's thesis research.

• DES 298 (Group Study)

• DES 298 (Group Study) is similar to an independent study but involves two or more students working together under the guidance of a faculty member. Students meet as a group with the instructor while pursuing a shared area of study or research.

• DES 299 (Independent Study)

• DES 299 (Independent Study) is advanced study in studio practice on independent projects with faculty consultation. It is a variable unit course between 1 and 12 units. Students will perform 3-36 hours per week of work, depending on the number of units. The total number of hours will be based on the Carnegie formula of 3 hours/week/unit. DES 299 is an opportunity to work individually under the guidance of a faculty member who has expertise in an area where a graduate student wants to investigate. A graduate student taking undergraduate classes to learn content can take the undergraduate course as a DES 299, provided that the graduate student would need to carry out all the coursework just like an undergraduate student would and on top of it meet once a week with a faculty sponsor of the DES 299 and develop one-on-one graduate-level work based upon content learned in the undergraduate class. 

Internships vs. Employment. A graduate student who is hired to independently complete work for someone else's project or organization as the primary expert is considered an employee, not an intern. Such work is employment and is not eligible for internship credit. Internship credit is appropriate only when the student is in a structured learning environment and is being mentored by someone with greater expertise. When a UC Davis campus center hires a graduate student to conduct research or project work during the academic year, the student should generally be hired as a Graduate Student Researcher (GSR). Summer employment may follow different hiring procedures. Graduate students should understand the position, appointment level, and rate of pay before accepting employment. Because graduate students possess more advanced training than undergraduate students, hiring units should consider placing them at an appropriate pay level. Students who have questions about employment classifications or compensation are encouraged to consult the Graduate Chair.

Enrolling in a Variable-Unit Course. To enroll in DES 292, DES 298, or DES 299, students should first contact the faculty member with whom they would like to work. Once the faculty member agrees to supervise the course, the student and faculty sponsor must complete the DES Variable-Unit Course Contract. The completed form must then be signed by the student's Thesis Committee Chair or the Graduate Chair before being submitted to Rachelle Agundes.

F. Electives 

Students may take elective courses from a wide range of departments and programs, based on their interests, research goals, and educational needs. Elective selections should be made in consultation with the First-Year Mentor and the Graduate Program Chair. Students who wish to enroll in a Design course that has prerequisites should email the instructor to explain their graduate student status, relevant skills, and research interests, and request a Permission to Add (PTA). In some cases, it may be more appropriate to audit an undergraduate course while enrolling in DES 298 (Group Study) or DES 299 (Independent Study) with a Senate Faculty member or the course instructor. This allows the student to complete the undergraduate coursework while also engaging in additional graduate-level study. 

The Design faculty strongly encourages students to take at least one or two electives outside the Department of Design during the M.F.A. program. Some courses may require instructor permission to enroll. Taking courses in other disciplines is an excellent opportunity to broaden research, develop interdisciplinary perspectives, build relationships with faculty across campus, and collaborate with graduate and undergraduate students from other fields.

Suggested electives that other graduate students have taken and found helpful, or that faculty recommend, include: 

• ANT 138: Ethnographic Research Methods in Anthropology 

• CDM 136: Electronics for Artists 

• CMN 170: Digital Technology & Social Change 

• CMN 172: Interpersonal Technologies 

• CRD 249: Media Innovation & Community Development 

• GEO 298: Group Study

• LED 202: Research Methods in Environmental Design 

• MGT 240: Management Policy & Strategy

• PSC 100: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 

• PSC 130: Human Learning and Memory 

• PSC 131: Perception 

• PSC 135: Cognitive Neuroscience: The Biological Foundations of the Mind  

• PSC 151: Social Psychology 

• PSC 154: Psychology of Emotion

• PSC 155:  The Psychology of Cultural Appropriation 

• UWP 102J: Writing in the Disciplines: Fine Arts

• UWP 104T: Writing in the Professions: Technical Writing

G. Leave of Absence

A Planned Education Leave Program (PELP) allows graduate students to temporarily pause their studies when circumstances arise that make it difficult to continue enrollment while intending to return to complete their degree.

H. Workload and External Employment 

Being a full-time graduate student in the M.F.A. program is a full-time commitment. The minimum enrollment of 12 units per quarter represents approximately 36 hours of academic work per week, based on the Carnegie standard of 3 hours of work per week for each unit of credit. For example, a typical 4-unit seminar or studio course requires approximately 3–6 hours of class time each week, plus 6–9 hours of work outside of class, for a total of at least 12 hours per week. Many students also hold a 50% (20 hours/week) Teaching Assistant (TA), Work-Study, or Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) appointment (see Funding below). When combined with full-time coursework, this results in an expected workload of approximately 56 hours per week, often requiring additional studio and research work during evenings and weekends.

Students who choose to take on additional consulting, freelance work, or outside employment should carefully consider the impact on their academic progress. Combining full-time graduate study, a campus appointment, and outside employment can easily result in 60–75 or more hours of work per week. If outside employment negatively affects the quality of coursework, studio practice, research, or participation in the program, it ultimately impacts both the student's educational experience and the strength of the M.F.A. program. For these reasons, the Department of Design strongly discourages full-time M.F.A. students from taking employment outside the program while enrolled. Admission to the M.F.A. program carries the expectation that students will make the program their primary professional commitment. Because Teaching Assistant, Work-Study, and GSR appointments are integral to both the educational mission of the department and graduate student funding, outside employment schedules cannot be considered when assigning these positions.

This guidance does not apply to TA, Work-Study, or GSR appointments. These positions are considered an important component of graduate education, providing valuable experience in teaching, research, and professional development while helping offset tuition and educational costs. As a terminal degree, the M.F.A. prepares graduates for careers that often include university teaching and research, and these appointments are an important part of that preparation. In addition, the Department of Design relies on TA, Work-Study, and GSR appointments as its primary means of supporting graduate students financially. Students are therefore expected to prioritize these appointments over employment outside the department or university. Students who choose not to accept a 50% TA, Work-Study, or GSR appointment, when one is offered, should understand that they will generally be responsible for paying their own tuition and fees for that quarter.

Thesis

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A. Thesis Overview 

The M.F.A. program in Design at UC Davis supports a variety of approaches to thesis development. Some students enter the program with a well-defined research direction and begin focused work immediately. Others spend their first year exploring ideas before refining their interests through coursework, experimentation, and the First-Year Presentations. Regardless of where a student begins, the thesis is developed in close collaboration with the Thesis Committee, with primary guidance provided by the Thesis Committee Chair (also referred to as the Thesis Advisor or Major Professor). The two-year M.F.A. journey centers on developing a Thesis Project that culminates in a public exhibition and documenting the research, creative process, and original contributions in the Written Thesis.

The Thesis Project provides an opportunity to pursue work that reflects a designer's vision, values, and emerging professional identity. Through historical and contemporary research, critical inquiry, experimentation, and creative practice, students develop original work that contributes to design knowledge and discourse. The department expects the Thesis Project to culminate in a thoughtfully conceived body of creative work presented in a public exhibition and grounded in two years of sustained research and inquiry. Throughout the thesis process, students are encouraged to consider questions such as:

1. What issues, ideas, or communities matter most to me, and how should they shape my work as a designer? 
2. How can I translate my motivations and values into a meaningful design practice?
3. Whose work relates to my own, and how does my practice contribute something new or distinct?
4. What knowledge, skills, methods, or collaborations do I need to pursue my research goals successfully?

The Written Thesis documents the context, research, methodologies, creative process, and outcomes of the Thesis Project, demonstrating how the work contributes to the field of design.

B. Thesis Committee

The role of the Thesis Committee is to guide each student's research, creative practice, and professional development throughout the program. To help students identify potential committee members, the Department of Design provides opportunities during the first year for students to become familiar with the Design faculty's research, teaching, and creative work. By the end of the Winter Quarter of the first year, each student is expected to identify and declare a Thesis Advisory Committee.

A typical Thesis Committee consists of at least three Senate Faculty whose research and expertise align with the student's thesis direction. At least two committee members must be Design faculty, and one Design faculty member serves as the Thesis Committee Chair (also referred to as the Thesis Advisor or Major Professor). The Thesis Committee Chair is generally the faculty member whose expertise most closely aligns with the student's research interests and serves as the primary mentor throughout the thesis process. The Thesis Committee Chair also approves and signs many required M.F.A. documents, including in regards to the Written Thesis. Although additional committee members may be added when appropriate, committees larger than three members are uncommon and often introduce unnecessary complexity.

During the first year, students work with a Thesis Advisory Committee. Upon completion of Advancement to Candidacy, typically during the Winter Quarter of the second year, the Thesis Advisory Committee becomes the student's official Thesis Committee. 

A student or faculty member may request changes to the committee, especially in consideration of changes to form and content as the thesis progresses. Students who wish to change the membership of their Thesis Committee should discuss the change with the Graduate Program Chair. Following any committee change, a Thesis Committee meeting should be scheduled promptly so that all members have a shared understanding of the student's progress and can provide coordinated feedback.

Throughout the program, students and Thesis Committees work closely with the Graduate Program Chair and the Graduate Program Coordinator to complete required administrative processes and receive guidance and support. The Department Chair also serves as an additional resource if questions or concerns cannot be resolved through the Graduate Program Chair or Graduate Program Coordinator. 

C. Thesis Project and Exhibition

Thesis Project culminates in a visual exhibition at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, a hub of creative practice for today’s thinkers, makers, and innovators that is grounded in the legacy of UC Davis’ world-renowned first-generation art faculty. The Thesis Committee will set the standard for the depth and breadth of individual Thesis Projects as well as their modes of exhibition and presentation and collaborators or interns. 

• Grad Exhibition Handbook - WAITING FOR LINK

• Shrem Museum Floor Plans Galleries 3 and 4

D. Thesis Abstract & Proposal 

The Thesis Abstract is a concise, approximately 250-word summary of the Thesis Project and Written Thesis.

The Thesis Proposal is a 2–3 page document that outlines the proposed Thesis Project. It should describe the research topic, situate the project within the relevant field of design and scholarship, explain the proposed research methods, and identify the project's goals and intended outcomes. There is no required format for the proposal; however, it should be professionally presented and easy to read (for example, using a 12-point font and double spacing). Students are encouraged to include images or other visual materials when they help communicate the proposed work.

E. Written Thesis 

The Written Thesis documents the research, context, methodologies, and outcomes of the Thesis Project. The minimum length is 3,000 words; the maximum length is determined by the student's Thesis Committee.

The Written Thesis should situate the Thesis Project within the relevant field of design and scholarship while explaining the research methods and creative process used to develop the work. In many cases, the first section synthesizes existing research and establishes the project's context, while the second documents the project's methodology, describing how the work was conceived, developed, and realized.

Students may use any recognized academic citation and formatting style, such as Chicago or MLA, unless otherwise directed by their Thesis Committee. The document should be professionally formatted and easy to read, with careful attention to typography, spacing, and overall presentation.

Upon approval by the Thesis Committee Chair, the Written Thesis should be submitted as a PDF to the designated Box folder using the filename lastName_firstName.pdf. 

Students must also submit 3–5 high-resolution images documenting the Thesis Project and/or its development. Images should be 300 dpi, at least 5 inches on the shorter side, saved as JPG, TIFF, or PDF, and named using the following convention: lastName_firstName_image01.jpg, lastName_firstName_image02.jpg, lastName_firstName_image03.jpg, etc.

Submitted images may be used by the Department of Design for the graduate program website and other promotional materials.

Note: The Written Thesis is not submitted to the UC Davis Office of Graduate Studies, and students do not schedule a final filing appointment with Graduate Studies. The Department of Design maintains the Written Thesis for review by faculty, graduate students, and other interested readers. The student's Thesis Committee determines whether the thesis requirement is passed based primarily on the quality of the Thesis Project, with the Written Thesis providing supporting documentation and scholarly context.

F. IRB Approval for Human Subject Research 

If a student's Thesis Project involves research with human participants, Institutional Research Board (IRB) approval or an official IRB determination must be obtained before any research begins. Students should begin planning for IRB review as their thesis research takes shape near the end of the first year. Whenever possible, IRB applications should be submitted by late in the first year or no later than the summer or fall of the second year. Because review timelines vary and may take several weeks or months, students are strongly encouraged to begin the process as early as possible.

Before submitting an IRB application, students must first submit the application to their Thesis Committee Chair for review and incorporate any recommended revisions. Students are also strongly encouraged to seek feedback from their full Thesis Committee before submitting materials to the IRB.

Whether a project requires IRB review depends on the nature of the research. Students should begin by reviewing the UC Davis IRB guidance, "Does My Project Need Review by the IRB?" and the information on Exempt Research. Many design research projects involving interviews, surveys, or observations may qualify for an exempt determination. However, in consultation with the Thesis Committee, students may be asked to submit exempt research to the IRB for an official determination before beginning the research.

Students are strongly encouraged to contact the UC Davis IRB office with questions before completing the required training or preparing an application. Speaking with an IRB staff member early in the process can save considerable time and help determine the appropriate submission pathway. In addition, funding agencies and academic journals often require documentation of IRB review or exemption. Even when a project is determined to be exempt or not to constitute human subjects research, students should request formal written documentation from the IRB for their records.

Contact IRB: 

• 916-703-9158 or [email protected]

• IRB Director, John Tupin: [email protected]

G. Presentations & Reviews 

Students may request a thesis review meeting with their Thesis Committee at any time and may invite additional participants, as appropriate.

All students are required to participate in a First-Year Review, quarterly progress reviews throughout the second year, and a Second-Year Final Review. Students are responsible for scheduling these meetings with all members of their Thesis Committee and ensuring that the committee is available to attend. Schedule online group meetings using a tool such as Doodle or When2Meet. 

• First-Year Presentation and Review
• The First-Year Presentation is held late in the Spring Quarter of the first year. Each student gives a 20-minute visual presentation to the Design faculty, graduate students, and the public, followed by 10 minutes of discussion. The presentation should provide an overview of the student's work completed during the first year, including exploratory projects that may not become part of the final Thesis Project. Students should also introduce their Thesis Committee and identify their Thesis Committee Chair.
  
  Presentation files must be uploaded as a PDF to the designated box.com folder as a by 5pm the day before the scheduled presentation. All media should be embedded in the presentation rather than relying on an internet connection. Files should be named using the format: lastName_firstName.pdf. 
  
  Following the public presentation, each student must schedule and attend a First-Year Review with the Thesis Committee. Before the meeting, the student must complete the student sections of the Online Student Progress Assessment.
  
  During the review, the committee first discusses the student's progress with the student (approximately 30 minutes). The student is then asked to leave the meeting while the committee meets privately (approximately 20 minutes). During this discussion, the Thesis Committee Chair completes the faculty sections of the Student Progress Assessment in consultation with the Thesis Committee, including the "Goals and Expectations for the Upcoming Year." The student is then invited back into the meeting, and the committee reviews these goals and expectations, including recommendations for summer work (approximately 10 minutes).
  
  After the meeting, the Thesis Committee Chair submits the completed Student Progress Assessment. The student then submits the assessment, after which the Graduate Program Chair reviews and approves it.
  
  The Student Progress Assessment remains unchanged unless there is a significant change to the student's thesis, such as a substantial shift in research direction or a change in Thesis Committee membership. If this occurs, the assessment may be updated following a Thesis Committee meeting to discuss the changes and establish revised goals and expectations. 
  
  If the First-Year Review indicates unsatisfactory academic progress, the student will be placed on academic probation. The Thesis Committee Chair will notify the Graduate Program Chair, who will then notify the Office of Graduate Studies. If progress is satisfactory, no notification is sent to Graduate Studies, and the student continues in good academic standing. If progress is judged to be marginal, no notification is sent to Graduate Studies; however, the Graduate Program Chair will work with the student to monitor progress and support a return to good academic standing.
• Second-Year Presentation and Review
• Students are required to schedule and meet with their Thesis Committee before Week 4 of the Fall Quarter to review summer progress and discuss plans for completing the Thesis Project. Students are encouraged to prepare a 20-minute visual presentation summarizing their research and creative work to date, as well as their plan for completing the Thesis Project before the Second-Year Final Review.
  
  Students are required to schedule and meet with their Thesis Committee before Week 3 of the Winter Quarter for a progress review and feedback. During this meeting, the Thesis Committee Chair should sign the Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts–Plan I form. The completed form must be submitted to the Graduate Program Chair by January 31.
  
  Students are also required to schedule and meet with their Thesis Committee before Week 3 of the Spring Quarter for a final progress review before the Thesis Exhibition and Second-Year Final Review.
  
  The Second-Year Presentation is held in conjunction with the M.F.A. Thesis Exhibition at the end of the Spring Quarter. Each student gives a 20-minute visual presentation to the Design faculty, graduate students, and the public, followed by 10 minutes of discussion. The presentation should provide an overview of the Thesis Project, including the research process, creative development, and final outcomes. Presentation files must be uploaded as a PDF to the designated Box folder by 5:00 p.m. on the day before the presentation. All media should be embedded in the presentation rather than relying on an internet connection. Files should be named using the format: lastName_firstName.pdf
  
  Students must submit the Written Thesis to all members of the Thesis Committee by June 1. After committee members have had sufficient time to review the document, students are responsible for scheduling the Second-Year Final Review with the full Thesis Committee. The review must take place at least four days before commencement to allow time for any required revisions. 
  
  The Final Review may take place in the exhibition space, allowing students to discuss the Thesis Project in detail while responding to questions from the committee. Following its review of both the Thesis Project and the Written Thesis, the Thesis Committee determines whether to recommend awarding the Master of Fine Arts degree. 
  
  After a successful Final Review, the Thesis Committee Chair signs the Master of Fine Arts Report Form – Plan I: Project or Show. The form is then signed by the Graduate Program Chair and submitted to Rachelle Agundes at least two days before commencement.
  
  Students must also submit the final, approved Written Thesis as a PDF and supporting project images (JPG, TIFF, PNG, or PDF) to the designated Box folder. Files should be named using the following format: lastName-firstName-thesis.pdf, lastName-firstName-image01.jpg, lastName-firstName-image02.jpg, etc. 

H. Variations in Approach to the Thesis Project 

The form of an M.F.A. thesis varies according to the student's research area, research goals, intended audience, and creative practice. In consultation with the Thesis Committee, students develop a thesis that is appropriate for their research and the requirements of the M.F.A. degree. Depending on the project, the emphasis may be primarily studio-based, primarily writing-based, or an integrated combination of both. In some cases, the research may also be supported through an externally funded research project.

For most students, the Thesis Project is studio-based and culminates in work presented in the M.F.A. Exhibition. However, some thesis projects may place greater emphasis on written research. In these cases, the exhibition may focus on communicating the research process and findings through posters, prototypes, installations, visualizations, or other creative forms, rather than presenting a traditional studio project. Regardless of the balance between creative practice and written scholarship, all students are expected to participate fully in the M.F.A. Exhibition.

Some students may choose to conduct sponsored or funded research as their Thesis Project. For example, a student working with a research center such as the California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) may undertake a project funded by an external organization, with the research supervised by the student's Thesis Committee. This model, which is common in engineering and applied research fields, is also appropriate for certain design research projects.

Externally funded research projects should not be confused with professional consulting or client work. A graduate student who is hired as an independent professional to complete work for a client is providing expertise as a practitioner rather than engaging in graduate-level research. Professional practice alone does not constitute an M.F.A. Thesis Project. The Thesis Project must challenge the student to develop new knowledge, research methods, creative approaches, or scholarly contributions under the guidance of the Thesis Committee.

The Thesis Committee has the final responsibility for determining whether a proposed Thesis Project is appropriate for the M.F.A. degree. The committee evaluates the suitability of the project's topic, goals, research methods, outcomes, and overall format. This flexibility allows students to pursue a wide range of research and creative practices while ensuring that every Thesis Project meets the academic standards and expectations of the M.F.A. program.

I. Unsatisfactory Progress / Probation / Disqualification

A student whose academic or thesis progress is determined to be unsatisfactory will be placed on academic probation. This includes students whose annual evaluation indicates unsatisfactory progress or who receive written notification from their Thesis Committee or the Graduate Program Chair that their progress is unsatisfactory. Students placed on academic probation are expected to satisfy the requirements and timelines outlined in the written notice from the Office of Graduate Studies and/or the Thesis Committee. Failure to meet these requirements may result in a recommendation for disqualification from the M.F.A. program in accordance with UC Davis Graduate Studies policies.

• Academic Probation

• Pending the results of the First-Year Review, students whose academic performance is less than satisfactory or who are not meeting program requirements are placed on academic probation and given a timeline to return to good standing. Students on academic probation are subject to disqualification. 

• Disqualification 

• Disqualification means that, for one or more of the academic reasons listed below, a student is no longer eligible to continue graduate study at the University of California, Davis. A student may be disqualified only by the Dean of Graduate Studies and in accordance with the procedures outlined below. The term “disqualification” should not be confused with “dismissal.” Dismissal is removal from graduate study based on behavior or conduct. 

• Appeals 

• A student who is subject to disqualification or who has been disqualified may submit an appeal within 30 days for reconsideration for a cause to the Administrative Committee of the Graduate Council. Such appeals will be considered only if based upon appropriate cause, such as (a) procedural error, (b) judgments based upon non-academic criteria, (c) verifiable evidence of personal bias, or (d) specific mitigating circumstances contributing to the student’s performance. Questions of academic judgment or evaluation will not be considered as an appropriate basis for submission or consideration of a student’s appeal of disqualification. The Administrative Committee will make a recommendation to the Dean of Graduate Studies as to the disposition of the case, and the Dean will make the decision. The Dean will review the appeal, and a final decision will be rendered within 60 days. The outcome of the appeal is final. 

Forms

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In most cases, students will be prompted to fill out these forms. Please contact Rachelle Agundes for further information.

• Variable Unit Course Contract (for DES 298 and DES 299)

• Online Student Progress Assessment

• Candidacy for the Degree of Master of Fine Arts-Plan 1 (also referred to as Advancement to Candidacy)

• Master of Fine Arts Report Form 

• Petition to Double Major

Advising

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A. Graduate Program Coordinator

The Graduate Program Coordinator/Student Affairs Officer is Rachelle Agundes. She advises students on course registration, teaching assistantships, Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) opportunities, paperwork and filing deadlines, grants and other funding opportunities, and other areas of administration. 

Rachelle's email is [email protected].

B. Faculty Advising Responsibility

The Graduate Council recognizes that advising graduate students by faculty is an integral part of the graduate experience. Faculty advising is broader than advising a student as to the program of study to fulfill course work requirements and is distinct from formal instruction in a given discipline. Advising encompasses more than serving as a role model.

The UC Davis Graduate Council has established advising principles that guide the relationship between faculty and graduate students. Although the Thesis Committee Chair serves as the student's primary academic mentor throughout the M.F.A. program, many advising responsibilities are shared among members of the Thesis Committee, the Graduate Program Chair, and other faculty. As a result, interactions between faculty and graduate students often include an important advising component.

Successful advising is a shared responsibility. Faculty are expected to provide guidance, mentorship, and timely feedback, while students are expected to communicate regularly, seek guidance when needed, and take responsibility for making satisfactory academic and creative progress. 

Senate faculty have a responsibility to advise graduate students. Advising has been defined as: 

Guiding students through degree requirements, such as by:

1. Providing a clear map of program requirements from the beginning, making clear the nature of the coursework requirements, and defining a timeline for degree completion.
2. Providing clear guidelines for starting and finishing thesis work, including encouraging the timely initiation of the thesis research. 

Guiding students through the thesis, including:

1. Clearly evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the students’ research. 
2. Encouraging an open exchange of ideas, including the pursuit of the students’ ideas. 
3. Checking regularly on progress. 
4. Critiquing oral, written, portfolio, and performed work.
5. Providing and discussing clear criteria for authorship of collaborative research. 
6. Assisting in finding sources to support thesis research, such as teaching assistantships, graduate student researcher assistantships, fellowships, etc. 
7. Being aware of students’ research needs and providing assistance in obtaining required resources. For example, serving as students’ advocate for necessary desk and/or lab space. 

Guiding students through professional development by:

1. Providing guidance and serving as a role model for upholding the highest ethical standards. 
2. Treating students respectfully. 
3. Encouraging and critiquing oral, written, portfolio, and performed presentations. 
4. Encouraging participation in professional meetings of regional groups as well as learned societies. 
5. Facilitating interactions with other scholars and practitioners on-campus and in the wider professional community. 
6. Providing assistance with applications for research funding, fellowship applications, and other applications as appropriate for the respective discipline. 
7. Serving as students’ advocate in academic and professional communities. 
8. Providing career guidance, specifically assisting in the preparation of a CV and for job interviews, as well as writing letters of recommendation in a timely manner. 
9. Recognizing and giving value to the idea that there are a variety of career options available to the student in his or her field of interest and accepting that the student’s choice of career options is worthy of support. For example, guiding the student toward teaching opportunities when it is appropriate for the student’s goals. 

C. First-Year Mentor 

Students are assigned a First-Year Mentor, a Senate Faculty member whose expertise aligns with the goals and interests described in the application. The mentor serves as a resource during the student's first year, providing guidance on coursework, research, and navigating the program. They can also recommend courses within the Department of Design and across the university that support the student's academic and creative goals. Although not a requirement, students often ask their first-year mentor to serve on their Thesis Committees.

D. Graduate Student Responsibility

As partners in the advising relationship, graduate students have responsibilities. 

As advisees, students should: 

1. Be aware of their advising needs and how these will change throughout the graduate tenure. They should discuss these changing needs with their Thesis Committee Chair. 
2. Recognize that one faculty member may not be able to satisfy all advising needs. Seek assistance from multiple individuals/organizations to gain the experiences and opportunities described above. Learn to balance the feedback received with the research intentions. Faculty advisors may not always agree, the challenge is to critically consider feedback received, make adjustments as helpful, and move forward. 
3. Respect the advisors other responsibilities and time commitments. 
4. Maintain and seek regular communication with members of the Thesis Committee. 

Funding

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A. Academic Appointments and Tuition Remission

Graduate student academic employment includes the following academic appointments: Reader, Teaching Assistant (TA), Associate In_ (AI), and Graduate Student Researcher (GSR). All positions are a great way to gain professional experience and advance a career as well as earn a paycheck and obtain tuition and fee remissions. A minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA is required to hold an academic appointment. 

Assignments are given at a minimum of 50% and maximum of 75%. Although weekly work hours fluctuate with academic appointments, students should not work more than the total of the designated workload on a quarterly basis. The approximate weekly hours for appointments are as follows:

• 50% appointment ~ 20 hours/week

• 75% appointment ~ 30 hours/week 

The Design faculty recommend no more than 50% appointment in any quarter, but it is student's choice whether to accept a 50% or 75% workload. 

Academic appointments at 50% and above include tuition remission and partial or full fee remission. To ensure these benefits are applied before fee payment deadlines, students should complete and submit all hiring paperwork as early as possible.

Read more:

• TA, AI_, GSR and Reader Appointments

• Academic Personal Manual (APM)

• Job postings on Handshake

• UCPath at UC Davis (payroll and benefits)

• Reader

• The title of Reader is assigned to a student employed to provide course support, which typically includes grading undergraduate assignments, papers, and examinations. Readers do not have the instructional responsibilities or duties assigned to Teaching Assistants (TAs).

• Teaching Assistant (TA)

• A Teaching Assistant (TA) is a registered graduate student in full-time residence who is selected on the basis of academic achievement and potential as an instructor. Teaching Assistants work under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member while developing their teaching skills. New first-year graduate students participate in a TA orientation during the Fall Quarter, which provides training and resources to support successful teaching.

  Successful Teaching Assistant appointments depend on clear and timely communication between the instructor and the TA throughout the quarter. Regular communication helps establish expectations, prevents misunderstandings, and reduces end-of-quarter stress related to grading and course responsibilities.

  Faculty are expected to assign responsibilities that are appropriate to the appointment percentage and to be mindful of the workload associated with the position. Course design, grading expectations, and assigned duties should reflect the time for which the TA is appointed, and faculty are encouraged to check in regularly with their TAs throughout the quarter.

  Clear expectations, open communication, and mutual respect contribute to a positive and rewarding teaching experience for both faculty and graduate students.
  
  → The TA’s Guide to Effective Teaching at UC Davis
  → TA Evaluation Questions

• Associate In_ (AI)

• An Associate Instructor (AI) is a graduate student employed to serve as the instructor of record for an entire lower-division course or for a designated group of students within a lower-division course. An Associate Instructor may teach an upper-division course only with prior written approval from the Chair of the Academic Senate Committee on Courses of Instruction.

  The minimum qualifications for appointment as an Associate Instructor include a master's degree and at least one year of teaching experience, which may include service as a Teaching Assistant. Completion of 30 units of graduate coursework is considered equivalent to completion of a master's degree for the purposes of eligibility.

• Graduate Student Researcher (GSR)

• A Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) is a graduate student employed to perform research related to the student's degree program under the direction of a faculty member or other authorized principal investigator within an academic department or research unit.

  With the approval of the Thesis Committee and the Graduate Program Chair, students may receive DES 299 (Independent Study) credit for research conducted as part of a GSR appointment, provided that the research contributes directly to the student's degree requirements.

B. Union Representation

Graduate student employees are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW), which negotiates contracts covering wages, benefits, working conditions, and other terms of employment for represented academic student employees.

• UAW

C. California Residency

The University of California charges different tuition rates for California residents and nonresidents. Residency for tuition purposes is determined by the University of California based on the information students provide in the Statement of Legal Residence (SLR). While residency determination is straightforward for most students, those with more complex residency situations may need to provide additional documentation or information.

• Tuition Costs
• Residency for the Purpose of Tuition

D. Travel Support

For information on travel registration and insurance, go to the Global Affairs website.

• Departmental Awards
• The Department of Design offers M.F.A. funding for travel to present research at conferences or to participate in other travel for research up to $400 with a rolling deadline. Each student is eligible to receive one award per year.
• Graduate Studies Awards
• Graduate Studies offers travel grants for students presenting research at conferences. Applications for the Graduate Student Travel Award are accepted and reviewed on a semi-annual basis. Applications for travel during a calendar year are due by March 15. Applications for travel during the academic calendar of the following year are due by October 15. 

E. Fellowships, Grants, and Other Opportunities

• Departmental Thesis Support

• The Department of Design generally provides Thesis Project support stipends to help offset out-of-pocket expenses associated with the M.F.A. Exhibition. The department may also purchase selected exhibition and installation materials that become part of the department's inventory after the exhibition concludes. Students should consult the Graduate Program Chair for current funding opportunities and eligibility requirements.

  During the second year of the program, students may supervise a limited number of undergraduate interns whose work supports the Thesis Project. The Thesis Committee must determine that the proposed internships are appropriate and provide a meaningful educational experience for the undergraduate students.

  In these cases, the graduate student serves as the Site Supervisor, providing day-to-day direction, mentorship, and project oversight. The Thesis Committee Chair serves as the Faculty Sponsor, oversees the academic units, and is available to address questions or concerns. The Thesis Committee must approve the scope of the internships and their relationship to the Thesis Project and exhibition. Undergraduate internships are appropriate only when the graduate student has sufficient expertise and experience to provide effective supervision and support the interns' educational goals.

• Fellowships and Grant Opportunities

• Graduate fellowships and awards recognize students for outstanding academic achievement, creative accomplishment, and potential for future contributions to scholarship and the field of design. Selection criteria may include the quality of previous undergraduate and graduate coursework, evidence of research or creative achievement, demonstrated potential for future scholarship, the statement of purpose, letters of recommendation, publications, awards, and other supporting materials. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate or previous graduate coursework is generally required for consideration. Although some awards consider financial need, most are awarded primarily on the basis of academic merit.
  
  Internal Fellowships
  UC Davis fellowships and graduate scholarships are generally awarded annually for the following academic year, beginning in the Fall Quarter. Unless otherwise specified, awards are made for one academic year. Students who wish to be considered in subsequent years must submit a new application. Continuing students typically apply online after October 1 for funding during the following academic year.
  
  External Fellowships
  Students are encouraged to apply for external fellowships offered by government agencies, foundations, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations. Application deadlines vary by program and are listed with each funding opportunity. Award offers are generally made beginning March 1 and must be accepted or declined in writing by April 15, or by the deadline stated in the award letter, whichever is later. Awards that are not accepted by the stated deadline may be withdrawn.
  
  → Internal Fellowships
  → External Fellowships

• Popular Sources

• Numerous funding opportunities are available through UC Davis and external organizations. Students will receive periodic email announcements about fellowships, scholarships, grants, and other funding opportunities. Graduate students in the Department of Design have been highly successful in securing competitive funding. 
  
  Examples of funding opportunities include:
  → Big Bang
  → Big Ideas 
  → Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS)
  → Davis Humanities Institute (DHI)
  → Imagining America Publicly Active Graduate Education (PAGE) Fellowship
  → Mellon Foundation 
  → Mike and Renée Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  → The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF)

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to be considered for many forms of financial assistance. Although the FAFSA may be submitted at any time, students are strongly encouraged to file by the priority deadline of March 2.

  The FAFSA is used to determine eligibility for a variety of funding sources, including fellowships, block grants, GAANN fellowships, stipends, loans, work-study funds, and some Graduate Student Researcher (GSR) appointments. Students should include the UC Davis school code (001313) when completing the FAFSA. Additional information is available through the UC Davis Financial Aid and Scholarships Office.
  
  → Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

People

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*NOTE: make sure internal links are up to date later when people pages are up

The Department of Design is a collaborative community of professors, lecturers, staff, graduate students, and alumni who each play an important role in the graduate experience. Faculty include both professors (tenure-track and tenured) and lecturers (including continuing and adjunct appointments). While graduate students typically work most closely with professors as research advisors and thesis committee members, they are encouraged to engage with and learn from all members of the faculty throughout their time in the program.

• Professors
• Lecturers
• Staff
• Graduate Students
• Alumni

Workspaces

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Check out the Campus Map.

A. Cruess Hall

Cruess Hall houses most of the Department of Design's faculty offices, classrooms, and instructional facilities. It is also home to the department's studio work spaces. The facilities include a computer studio with laser and photo printers, dye and sewing labs with digital textile printing capabilities, a prototyping lab with 3D printers, electronics workstations, and laser cutters, as well as wood and metal shops. Some spaces require training before use, and some equipment, materials, and services may require a fee.

Graduate students may obtain building keys and access codes, as appropriate, from the Tool Room. Access is granted based on research and teaching needs.

• Computer Studios
• Cruess 205 and 207. 
  
  The instructional computer studio and digital printing studio provide a variety of resources and equipment to support students' design education and the successful completion of their projects. The printing studio includes large format scanners, inkjet printers and laser printers.
  
  → About the Computer Studios
  → Computer Studio Hours

• Makerspace / Metal Shop

• The Metal Shop provides students with access to equipment for metal fabrication, assembly, and model making in support of coursework and creative projects. Available equipment includes a Miller MIG welder, jeweler's bench, sheet metal shear and brake, drill press, and saw. Students must complete the required safety training before using the shop.

• Makerspace / Prototyping Lab

• Cruess 1102.

  The Prototyping Lab provides students with access to equipment for laser cutting, 3D printing, electronics, and other fabrication projects. Available equipment includes 3D printers, laser cutters, a hot-wire foam cutter, precision rotary tools, and soldering stations. Students must complete all required safety and equipment training before using the lab. Please check the website each quarter for updated hours of operation.

  
  → Prototyping Lab Website

• Makerspace / Wood Shop

• Cruess 1104.

  The Wood Shop provides students with access to traditional woodworking tools and equipment for furniture design, product design, model making, and fabrication. The shop includes a wide range of stationary and portable power tools, hand tools, workspaces, and equipment for laminating and assembly. Students must complete the required safety training before using the shop. 

  → Wood Shop Website
  → Email Jeff Farley to schedule a tour or training session

• Textiles & Fashion / Dye Lab

• Cruess 108, 111A and 111.

  The Dye Lab is equipped for textile experimentation, surface design, and natural dyeing. Key features include print tables and dyeing facilities. Graduate students may use the Dye Lab when it is not scheduled for instructional classes, subject to departmental policies and availability.

• Textiles & Fashion / Sewing Lab

• Cruess 132.

  The Sewing Lab features industrial sewing machines and dress forms in addition to other equipment supporting textile and fashion research. 
  
  In addition, there is a 15-needle embroidery machine available for use through Professor Gozde Goncu-Berk (mailto:[email protected])

• Support / Tool Room

• Cruess 101.

  The Tool Room provides equipment, supplies, and other resources to support teaching, learning, and creative practice within the Department of Design. Graduate students may check out specialized equipment for extended periods, while undergraduate students may borrow available equipment on an overnight basis.

  → Tool Room Website
  → Specialized Equipment for M.F.A. Students

• // Ladder Policy

• Graduate students and employees must complete Ladder Safety Training before using ladders in Department of Design facilities. To complete the training requirements:

  1. Submit a request to [email protected].

  2. Complete the required Ladder Safety Training.

  3. Forward their completion notification email to [email protected].

B. Other Workspaces

• Hoagland Hall
• Hoagland Hall Rooms 136 and 260 serve as the graduate studios, providing dedicated spaces for M.F.A. students to work, study, collaborate, and build community. The studios also host thesis committee meetings, critiques, and other graduate program activities. 
  
  Graduate students also have access to the Design Collection, a teaching collection of design books, artifacts, and other materials that support research and creative practice. Visits to the collection are by appointment. To schedule a visit, contact Adele Zhang at (530) 752-3623 or [email protected].
• California Lighting Technology Center

• 633 Pena Drive, (530) 747-3838 (Off campus)
  
  The California Lighting Technology Center (CLTC) includes full-scale laboratories for lighting design research and development, prototyping, and product testing. The facility supports interdisciplinary collaboration among designers, engineers, and researchers working to advance energy-efficient and human-centered lighting solutions. Graduate students may have opportunities to collaborate with CLTC through faculty research, coursework, or thesis projects.
  
  → The California Lighting Technology Center Website

• Sprocket Hall / Weaving Lab

• Sprocket provides graduate students with access to copy machines and the Weaving Lab, supporting a variety of research, fabrication, and studio needs.

• Everson Hall / Visual Resources Library
• The Visual Resources Library provides image and visual media resources that support teaching, learning, and research. Graduate students have access to extensive image collections, art reference materials, and assistance with image management, research, and digital media technologies.
  
  → Visual Resources Library Website
• Walker Hall Graduate Center

• The Walker Hall Graduate Center provides graduate students with dedicated spaces for meetings, collaboration, teaching, and remote work.
  
  The center includes four small meeting rooms that may be reserved online. Reservations are limited to one two-hour session per day and must be made at least two hours in advance. Because these rooms are in high demand, they are not guaranteed for recurring office hours. Each room is equipped with a large display and videoconferencing technology, making them well suited for Zoom meetings, presentations, and virtual collaboration.
  
  → Walker Hall Graduate Center
  → Facility Use (including room reservations)

C. Museums and Galleries

• Design Museum

• 124 Cruess Hall.

  The Design Museum presents rotating exhibitions that explore design from global, historical, and contemporary perspectives, with an emphasis on ethnographic arts and consumer cultures. The museum serves as a resource for teaching, research, and creative inquiry, and includes the Design Collection, which features historical artifacts, contemporary objects, and other materials that support scholarship and studio practice.

  Graduate students may view and work with materials in the Design Collection by appointment. To schedule a visit, contact Adele Zhang, Collection Manager, at [email protected] or (530) 752-3623.

• Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

• 254 Old Davis Road, (530) 752-8500.
  
  Grounded in the legacy of UC Davis’ world-renowned first generation of art faculty, the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art is a hub of creative practice for today’s thinkers, makers, and innovators, now and for generations to come. Serving both the public and the university community with a dynamic artistic program, the museum presents exhibitions and events that advance students’ understanding of their place in the world, connects faculty teaching and research, and creates a lively forum for community engagement and creative practice. 

• Gorman Museum of Native American Art

• 1316 Hart Hall, (530) 752-6567 
  
  The Gorman Museum of Native American Art is dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary Indigenous art and is one of the few museums in the United States with this focus. Through rotating exhibitions, public programs, and educational initiatives, the museum showcases the work of living Indigenous artists and serves as an important cultural and scholarly resource for the UC Davis community. It is located at 1316 Hart Hall, (530) 752-6567 

• The Basement Gallery

• Art 60, (530) 752-0105, [email protected] 
  
  The Basement Gallery is a student-run gallery featuring shows by undergraduate students of the Art Department, with intention to create an exciting art space of sophisticated and professional art shows that appeal to diverse crowds and that highlight the quality work being made by students.
• Craft Center Gallery
• South Silo, (530) 752-1475 
  
  The Craft Center Gallery exhibits the work of staff, participants, and friends of the Craft Center. Often, the shows are the first public exposure of an artist’s work, but just as often, they are also presentations of the most recent crafts of long-practicing artisans. Craft Center shows can be composed of a variety of media, or they can feature the potential of a single art form. 
• Shields Library Exhibits
• Shields Library, (530) 752-6561, (530) 752-1167, [email protected]
  
  The Shields Library Exhibits feature rotating and permanent displays that highlight the work of current and former UC Davis artists, along with special collections that support research and creative inspiration. Notable exhibitions include works by influential faculty artists as well as the American Farm photography collection, which documents the history and transformation of agriculture in the United States through the work of more than 80 photographers.

Resources

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A. Expectations

Check out the UC Davis Graduate Student Bill of Rights and Responsibilities.

• Principles of Community
• UC Davis strives to create an environment of equity and justice demonstrated by respect for one another. Please review the UC Davis Principles of Community to learn more about how we can maintain a culture of mutual respect and caring.
• Departmental Culture

• Graduate students are expected to contribute to the intellectual and creative life of the Department of Design by participating in departmental events throughout the academic year. These activities provide opportunities to engage with faculty, fellow graduate students, visiting scholars, artists, designers, and members of the broader university community.

  Departmental events include orientations, the Arts Group Luncheon, the annual Department of Design meeting, the Alberini Family Speaker Series and related graduate student events, Picnic Day activities (including the Design Fashion Show), the M.F.A. Exhibition, guest lectures, faculty candidate job talks, and other special events as announced.

B. Canvas

Canvas is UC Davis's learning management system for course websites, communication, assignments, grading, and other instructional activities. The Canvas Help Desk provides technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (844) 303-8285. Training resources and workshops are also available for students who would like additional assistance using Canvas.

For most courses, the instructor of record is responsible for creating the Canvas course site and assigning appropriate administrative roles and permissions to Readers and Teaching Assistants.

Graduates who need access to Canvas courses in which they previously served as a Teaching Assistant or Associate Instructor should contact the Canvas Help Desk at (844) 303-8285 to request that their account be reactivated.

C. Library

The UC Davis Shields Library provides extensive resources to support graduate research in design, art, and related disciplines, including research databases, journals, books, archives, and interlibrary loan services. Use the online search to find library materials.

• UC Davis VPN

• Students working off campus can access the library's subscribed databases and electronic resources by connecting through the UC Davis VPN. After signing in to the library website with a Kerberos account, students can also access personalized library services, including borrowing records, saved searches, and citation management tools.
  
  If a needed article or book chapter is not available through the UC Davis Library, students may submit an Interlibrary Loan (ILL) request. Through an international network of participating libraries, ILL provides electronic copies of articles and book chapters, as well as loans of books that are unavailable through UC Davis. These services are provided at no charge, subject to copyright restrictions.
• Archives and Special Collections
• The library's Archives and Special Collections provides access to rare books, manuscripts, photographs, archives, ephemera, artists' materials, and other primary source collections that can support creative practice and scholarly research. The collections include materials documenting art, design, California history, UC Davis, and many other subjects. Special Collections also presents online and in-person exhibitions that may serve as valuable research resources and sources of inspiration for Thesis Projects. Check out this online exhibition called 50 Features of Special Collections: The “Preoccupations of a Generation”
• Recommending Books and Other Materials
• The library continually expands its collections, and students are encouraged to recommend books and other materials that support their research interests. Professor James Housefield ([email protected]), the Department of Design's library liaison, welcomes recommendations and can assist with collection development. Students may also submit purchase recommendations directly through the UC Davis Library website.

D. Email & Information Technology

The following technology resources provide support for email, classroom technology, computing services, and other information technology needs at UC Davis.

• Computing Accounts

• College of Letters & Sciences Information Technology (LSIT)

• Information and Educational Technology (IET)

• Classroom Technology Problems Hotline: (530) 752-3333 

• IT Express Help Desk: (530) 754-4357

E. Conflicts, Harassment & Reporting

• Conflicts of Interest

• To maintain a fair, professional, and respectful learning and working environment, students, faculty, and staff are expected to avoid situations that create actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
  
  → Office of the Campus Counsel Conflicts of Interest

• Sexual Violence Prevention

• UC Davis is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and inclusive learning and working environment. Students are encouraged to become familiar with university resources related to the prevention of sexual violence and sexual harassment, as well as the options available for reporting concerns and seeking support.
  
  → Online Sexual Violence or Sexual Harassment Report
  → Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Website 

• Anti-Discrimination Policy (Protected Categories)

• UC Davis prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected category under federal and California law. Students who experience or witness discrimination or harassment are encouraged to use the university's reporting resources for support and assistance.
  
  → Anti-Discrimination Reporting (Protected Categories) Report Form

• Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP) 

• The Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention Program (HDAPP) provides resources, education, and support related to discrimination, harassment, hate, and bias at UC Davis. Students who believe they have experienced or witnessed discrimination, harassment, hate, or bias are encouraged to report their concerns so the university can respond appropriately.
  
  Graduate students serving as Readers, Teaching Assistants (TAs), or Associate Instructors (AIs) are considered Responsible Employees under university policy and are required to report disclosures of discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment, sexual violence, or other prohibited conduct to HDAPP. Students should refer to the HDAPP website for additional information about these reporting responsibilities and available resources.
  
  To discuss a concern, schedule an educational presentation, or request informational materials, contact HDAPP at:
  
  → Davis campus: (530) 747-3864
  → UC Davis Health: (916) 734-3417
  
  HDAPP also provides an anonymous call line for individuals who wish to raise a concern without disclosing their identity:
  
  → Davis campus: (530) 747-3865
  → UC Davis Health: (916) 734-2255

• Whistleblower & Whistleblower Retaliation 

• UC Davis encourages students, faculty, and staff to report suspected violations of university policy, unethical conduct, fraud, or misuse of university resources. The following resources provide information on reporting concerns confidentially or anonymously.
  
  → Whistleblower & Whistleblower Retaliation 

Confidential Resources 

• Center for Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE)

• The Center for Advocacy, Resources & Education (CARE) is a confidential resource for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating or domestic violence, and stalking. CARE provides confidential advocacy, support, information about reporting options, safety planning, and referrals to additional resources.

  CARE Office: (530) 752-3299

  Emergency On-Call Victim Advocate: Call the CARE answering service at (866) 515-0155. The on-call advocate will respond as soon as possible.

  →  CARE website 

• The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP)

• The Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) is a confidential resource that provides counseling, consultation, and support services for UC Davis employees, including graduate student employees.

  ASAP: (530) 752-2727

  →  ASAP website

• The Office of the Ombuds

• The Office of the Ombuds is a confidential, independent, impartial, and informal resource that helps members of the UC Davis community address concerns, resolve conflicts, and explore options for managing workplace and academic issues.

  Office of the Ombuds: (530) 754-7233 

  →  Office of the Ombuds Website

• The Women's Resources and Research Center

• The Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC) provides information, support, referrals, educational programs, and community resources on a wide range of topics, including sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, gender equity, and student well-being. The WRRC's spaces, programs, and services are open to all members of the UC Davis community.

  Women's Resources and Research Center (WRRC): (530) 752-3372

  →  WRRC website

F. Job Search Sites

• College Art Association

• Design Research Society

• Glassdoor

• HigherEducation

• Indeed

• LinkedIn

• Rhizome

• ZipRecruiter

G. Skills Building Sites

• d.school
• Gray Area
• Instructables
• Treehouse
• MakerFaire 

H. Transportation

• UC Davis Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS)

• Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS) manages campus transportation, parking, bicycle registration, transit programs, and commuting resources. Students who bring a bicycle to campus are required to register it with TAPS. Students should also be aware that parking and bicycle regulations are actively enforced, and citations may be issued for traffic violations, improper bicycle operation, or parking violations.
  
  → Transportation & Parking Services (TAPS)

• Maps of Davis 

• The City of Davis provide a variety of maps to help students navigate campus, locate buildings and parking, identify bicycle routes, and explore the surrounding community.
  → City of Davis Maps Page
  
  Check out the cool, citizen-built map of shared, free, and mutual-aid resources by 2026 DES M.F.A. student Zahra Baxi:
  → open:grounds

• Buses

• Davis offers a variety of public transportation options for travel within the city and throughout California, including local bus service, regional transit, passenger rail, and intercity bus service.
  
  → Unitrans ($1 fare within Davis)
  → Yolobus
  → FlixBus 

• Trains

• The Davis Amtrak station provides convenient rail service to destinations throughout Northern California and connections to cities across the United States via the Amtrak network.

  The Capitol Corridor also connects to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) at the Richmond station, providing convenient access to San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and a direct BART connection to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). BART fares can be paid using a Clipper card (physical or mobile), Tap and Ride, or a contactless credit or debit card at station fare gates.
  
  → Amtrak / Capitol Corridor
  → BART / Clipper / Tap and Ride

• Transportation to Sacramento International Airport
• The Sacramento International Airport can be reached by public transportation using Yolobus Route 42A or 42B.
  
  Go to the Yolobus Routes page and select Route 42A or 42B.
  Route 42A travels from Davis to Woodland and then to Sacramento International Airport.
  Route 42B travels from Sacramento International Airport to Woodland and then to Davis.
  The trip takes approximately one hour and costs $2.50.
• Fleet Services

• Fleet Services offers a fleet of vehicles available for rent, including cars, vans, and trucks. Recharge account numbers only. 
  
  → Fleet Services  

• Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART)

• BART is the commuter train line service that connects the suburbs and gets you across the bay from Berkeley to SF.
  
  → BART

I. Local & Regional Arts Listings

Davis and the surrounding region offer a vibrant arts and cultural community, with opportunities to experience exhibitions, performances, films, music, festivals, and outdoor activities throughout the year. The following resources are a good starting point for staying informed about local events and exploring the region.

• News and Arts Listings

• → Davis Enterprise Events
  → Good and Weird Davis
  → The Davis Dirt
  → East Bay Arts and Culture
  → Sacramento Bee
  → San Francisco Chronicle
  → San Francisco Arts Listings
  → SFGate

• Community Events

• Art About: Downtown Davis comes alive every second Friday evening with a self-guided art walk of receptions at galleries, art studios, and businesses.

  Davis Farmers Market: Open year-round on Saturday mornings and Wednesday evenings (April through September), featuring local produce, food vendors, live music, and community activities.

• Performing Arts and Film

• Varsity Theatre: An independent theater in downtown Davis featuring international films, independent cinema, and film festivals.

  Veterans Memorial Theatre: Hosts music, theater, dance, and community performances.

  Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts: Presents world-class performances in music, dance, theater, jazz, and public lectures.

  Aggie Ticket Office: Provides tickets for Aggie Athletics, student events, and performances at campus venues.

• Outdoor and Educational Destinations

• Arboretum and Public Garden: A 100-acre botanical garden and public landscape with walking and cycling paths extending approximately three miles along Putah Creek.

  California Raptor Center: A wildlife rehabilitation and education center dedicated to the care, conservation, and public education of birds of prey.

  Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area: Davis lies along the Pacific Flyway, making the region one of the premier locations in North America for observing migratory birds throughout the year. The Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area features an auto tour route, walking trails, seasonal wetlands, exceptional birdwatching, and one of Northern California's largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats.

J. Reading & Writing Support

UC Davis provides a variety of resources to help graduate students strengthen their academic reading, writing, study, and professional communication skills throughout the M.F.A. program.

• How to read like a graduate student
• UCD: How to request a letter of recommendation
• Student Affairs Academics and Career

K. For International Students

Services for International Students and Scholars provides practical information and resources to help international students navigate academics, immigration requirements, campus services, and daily life at UC Davis. 

• International Guide / Preparing for UC Davis
• Services for International Students and Scholars

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