The University of California, San Diego offers a student support program designed to improve the campus environment and educational experience for all students. The goal of the program is to significantly increase the number of underrepresented students who complete doctoral programs in science, engineering, and math and enter careers in the professoriate. Students who participate and/or are funded must agree to fulfill the general participation expectations and specific expectations for each part of the program. Participants are expected to support and encourage diversity on campus.
These opportunities are offered to continuing graduate students. YOU MAY APPLY TO THESE AGEP PROGRAMS AT ANY TIME DURING YOUR ACADEMIC CAREER. See Incoming Graduate Student Programs for opportunities available after admission.
Peer Networking Program
The Peer Networking Program is a student-to-student mentor program that is designed to build community among graduate students at the University of California San Diego (UCSD). The Peer Networking Program (PNP) is an organization designed to build community between incoming and continuing graduate students.
Continuing students voluntarily elect to participate in the program through an application process. They are matched with incoming graduate students. All PNP participants are provided workshops and training sessions to assist in their transition to graduate school and development of an ongoing support community.
Funding to Attend Professional Conferences and Meetings
Up to $1,000 may be provided to AGEP eligible graduate students to attend professional conferences and meetings. Continuing AGEP eligible students may use the online application form and should clearly explain what the conference or meeting is and how it will promote their academic and professional goals. An itemized total cost for the event should be provided. If the cost is more than $1000 please include an explanation of where other funding has been or may be obtained. AGEP encourages students to look for varied sources of funding for such activities and looks favorably on jointly funded ventures with departments or other sources.
Institute for Teaching and Mentoring - SREB Doctoral Scholars Program
Each year in late October, the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Doctoral Scholars Program and AGEP host the Institute on Teaching and Mentoring. This is a four-day conference that has become the largest gathering of minority doctoral scholars in the country. Each year UCSD AGEP sends five eligible doctoral students who are in their third year of their program and beyond to the institute, The program is a multi-year commitment. Newly identified graduate students are sent with those who are returning.
The annual Institute gives the issue of faculty diversity a national focus and provides minority scholars with the strategies necessary to survive the rigors of graduate school, earn a doctoral degree and succeed as a member of the professoriate.
The Institute focuses on mentoring and teaching preparation, community insights and scholar networking. Workshops are scheduled to provide doctoral scholars opportunities to share insights and tips in graduate work. Scholars can network with faculty representatives and other doctoral scholars to share information on teaching, mentoring, research and building a career in higher education.
The purpose of the Institute is to provide scholars with the skills necessary to succeed in graduate study and to prepare them for success as faculty members at colleges and universities. In addition, the Institute provides scholars and their faculty mentors with opportunities to share knowledge about research and academia, to meet other scholars and faculty from around the country, and to link to a larger community of scholars and faculty in various academic fields.
UCSD Diversity Outreach and Recruitment
Graduate students can sign up to participate in the Diversity Outreach Collaboration (DOC). Graduate students can participate as a Liaison to another universities or as a Presenters at special events.
The DOC also has a focus on expanded interaction with California State Universities and other minority serving institutions. Participants may work with faculty and other graduate students to increase contacts with students at these campuses. The DOC also connects with campuses across the state and nation to create Partnerships. Participants (Liaisons and Presenters) help to foster these relationships through their interactions.
General Info
To participate in any or all of these programs, continuing students must complete UCSD AGEP application form to be considered for these programs. If you have questions please contact Valita Jones, valita@ucsd.edu or (858) 822-2030.