2023 Graduate Student Survey

The UCSC Graduate Student Survey is now open!

All enrolled graduate students are invited to participate in the 2023 UCSC Graduate Student Survey starting on April 11. This survey takes place every two years at UC Santa Cruz and all other UC campuses. 

Faculty and staff are encouraged to let graduate students know that the survey is open. Currently enrolled doctoral and master's students will received emailed invitations to participate. 

The survey provides a unique formal opportunity for students to share their experiences and input about the quality of their graduate program, mentoring, financial support, climate for diversity, experiences as a TA, GSR, or GSI, and satisfaction with campus services. 

Survey findings will be shared with faculty, staff, and campus decisionmakers, and will be incorporated into regular formal reviews of each department. The survey has been run since 2007.  Participating students will be entered into drawings of giftcards from $25 to $200, which can be used at shops and restaurants throughout downtown Santa Cruz, as well as at other retailers and online stores. 

                     

Results from Recent Graduate Student Surveys

The UCSC Graduate Student Survey is a survey of doctoral and master's students that takes place every two years to evaluate and improve the academic and social experiences of graduate students. In recent years of the survey (2011-2021), between 37% and 59% of graduate students have participated. 

2021 Graduate Student Survey

Conducted from April 15 to July 1, 2021.  Respondents: 37% of graduate students (41% of Doctoral and 27% of Masters) enrolled in winter/spring 2021.  The 2021 survey was part of the University of California Graduate Student Experience Survey (UCGSES).

GSS 2021 infographic icon about academic preparation

Doctoral Student Academic Preparation from the 2021 Graduate Student Survey (PDF)

GSS 2021 infographic icon about financial support

Doctoral Student Financial Situation from the 2021 Graduate Student Survey (PDF)

  • Reports (PDF):
GSS 2021 finances report thumbnail Doctoral Student Financial Situation and Support, 2021 Graduate Student Survey
GSS 2021 teaching report thumbnail Doctoral Student Feedback on Teaching Preparation, 2021 Graduate Student Survey
GSS 2021 campus services report thumbnail Doctoral Student Feedback on Campus Services, 2021 Graduate Student Survey

2021-22 Graduate Studies Planning Form 

A short survey to prepare for the 2021 Fall quarter, conducted from May 6 to May 23, 2021. Respondents: 42% of graduate students (47% of Doctoral and 24% of Masters) enrolled in spring 2021.

2019 Graduate Student Survey 

Conducted in Spring/early Summer 2019. Respondents: 49% of graduate students (50% of Doctoral and 48% of Masters) enrolled in winter/spring 2019.

2017 Graduate Student Survey

Conducted in Spring/early Summer 2017. Respondents: 59% of graduate students (60% of Doctoral and 53% of Masters) enrolled in winter/spring 2017.

2015 Graduate Student Survey

Conducted in Spring/early Summer 2015. Respondents: 53% of graduate students (55% of Doctoral and 47% of Masters) enrolled in winter/spring 2015.  

2013 Graduate Student Survey

Conducted in Spring/early Summer 2013. Respondents: 54% of graduate students enrolled in winter/spring 2013. 

2011 Graduate Student Survey

Conducted in Spring/early Summer 2011. Respondents: 51% of graduate students enrolled in winter/spring 2011.  The 2011 survey had an additional "common module on campus climate" and was part of the Diversity and Community Building Study.

2007 Graduate Student Survey

Respondents:  UC Santa Cruz graduate students enrolled in winter and/or spring 2007 quarters

  • Results:  Overview for Overall Graduate Student Population  -  Focus:  Provides summaries for the overall graduate student respondent population regarding survey response rates, respondent characteristics, decision to attend UC Santa Cruz, financial aid, housing, campus social events, health insurance, graduate student services, and employment plans.       
Email surveys@ucsc.edu with your request for results by a specific department/program (with campus comparisons), regarding evaluations of program/department, curriculum, resources, faculty, teaching and research experience, career preparation, funding, and overall satisfaction.