Graduate Student Survey
Thank you to all graduate students who participated in the 2023 Graduate Student Survey!
Results from Recent Graduate Student Surveys
The 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. The survey has been held since 2007. In recent years (2011-2021), between 37% and 59% of graduate students have participated.
2023 Graduate Student Survey
Conducted from April 11 to July 4, 2023. Respondents: 41% of graduate students (43% of Doctoral and 36% of Masters) enrolled in winter 2023. The 2023 survey was part of the University of California Graduate Student Experience Survey (UCGSES).
Results will begin to be available starting in Fall quarter.
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).
- Questionnaire for the 2021 Graduate Student Survey
- Results (Interactive Data Tables): COVID-19 and Remote Learning (UC Santa Cruz and other UC campuses), 2021
- Results (Interactive Data Tables): Academic Experience, Advising, Climate for Diversity, Finances, Housing, Professional Development, and Student Services (UC Santa Cruz and other UC campuses), 2021
- Infographics Showcasing Key Results:
- Reports (PDF):
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.
- Questionnaire for the 2021-22 Graduate Studies Planning Form
- Results: Report on Graduate Studies Planning Form for 2021-22
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.
- Questionnaire for the 2019 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: Completing Graduate Degrees on Time: Students Reported Reasons for Slowing Their Progress, 2019 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: Doctoral Student Feedback on Programs Offered by the Center for Innovations in Teaching and Learning (CITL), 2019 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: Doctoral Student Feedback on Teaching Preparation, 2019 Graduate Student Survey
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.
- Questionnaire for the 2017 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: PhD Students' Challenges in Developing Writing Expertise (infographic)
- Results: Humanities PhD Students' Challenges in Developing Writing Expertise (infographic)
- Results: Physical & Biological Sciences PhD Students' Challenges in Developing Writing Expertise
- Results: Social Sciences PhD Students' Challenges in Developing Writing Expertise (infographic)
- Results: Engineering PhD Students' Challenges in Developing Writing Expertise (infographic)
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.
- Questionnaire for the 2013 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: PhD Student Professional Development: This report summarizes the key findings on students’ self-evaluation of their preparedness to carry out various professional tasks such as conducting independent research, preparing scholarly articles for publication, and making presentations.
- Results: Graduate Policy Journal (published by the University of CA Student Association): Includes UC Santa Cruz results from the 2013 survey.
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.
- Questionnaire for the 2011 Graduate Student Survey
- Results: Teaching Assistants’ Experiences and Training (July 2012)
- Results: Professional development opportunities and climate for diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2012)
- Results: Student Voice Practices and Departmental Climate (July 2012)
- Results: Recommendations for improving campus climate for graduate students Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion (September 2012): Based on these results, the Advisory Council on Campus Climate, Culture, and Inclusion (ACCCCI) made recommendations for improving campus climate for graduate students.
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.
