Ph.D. Advising

The graduate program coordinator/advisor, the graduate director, and the graduate committee administer the Economics Department’s graduate program.  

Students with questions or concerns about university/program administration, policy, processes, or degree progress, should contact the Program Coordinator and Program Advisor by email at econ_grad_coor@ucsc.edu, or reach out to Program Director Ajay Shenoy. 

Meenoo Kohli

• Title
  • Senior Graduate Programs Coordinator

Susan Burkhardt

• Title
  • Economics Graduate Programs Adviser

Ajay Shenoy

• Title
  • Associate Professor

In addition to policy matters, the graduate committee is responsible for awarding funds for presentations at scholarly meetings, funds for summer fieldwork, and nominations for fellowships. For issues related to academic and professional development, courses, academic milestones, etc., students should contact their faculty advisor. 

Ph.D. forms

Graduate student facilities

Offices and mailboxes

Graduate students are assigned office spaces located in Engineering 2. Each student is issued an office key from the graduate program coordinator. Graduate mailboxes are located in the graduate lounge, room 410. Be sure to check your mailbox frequently, as important announcements are placed in the mailboxes. No personal mail should be delivered here.

Graduate computer facilities

The graduate student computer room is located in E2, room 434.  There is also a copy machine/printer/scanner across the hallway.

ID card and keys

Once you obtain your UCSC student ID card you will need to get it programmed to be authorized for building/lab access. Learn more about obtaining an ID Card. Your ID card will give you access to the Engineering 2 building after hours, 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. and weekends, as well as specific department office space.

International student resources

The International Student Services & Programs Division serves as the international student advising center. Staff members provide visa/immigration counseling concerning required course loads and financial problems and employment, plus a variety of other services to help international visitors adjust to academia and life at UC Santa Cruz. The following resources address common international student needs: 

• Requesting an I-20/DS-2019 
• Obtaining a social security card/number
• How to complete the visa check-in
• Register for the mandatory International Graduate Student Orientation

For more information about entering the U.S., health services and immunization requirements, transportation, housing, driver’s licenses, local events and activities, and more, view the International Student Handbook and General F1 Information.

To be eligible for Teaching Assistant opportunities, students for whom English is not their first language must score a 26 or higher on the Spoken Word portion of the TOEFL iBT; or a Speaking score of 8 or higher on the IELTS test.