Graduate Division Dean's Update: 1/24/25

Dear Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars,
 
I’m sitting in a Chicago hotel room right now. Even though I spent fifteen years of my life here, I have absolutely no desire to step outside. It’s cold—really cold. But that’s given me the space to sit, reflect, and think about what I want to share with y’all this week. Let’s be honest: 2025 is barely a month old, and it already feels like a whirlwind. There’s so much happening, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything that needs fixing.
 
As I’ve been pondering all of this, I keep circling back to a film I saw last week, Every Little Thing. It’s a documentary about a woman in Los Angeles who rescues and rehabilitates hummingbirds. It’s a stunningly beautiful movie. After the screening, the hummingbird rescuer and the director hosted a Q&A. During that session, my friend raised her hand and shared, “The movie was a beautiful reminder that when everything around us feels overwhelming, sometimes we just have to focus on the small things right in front of us that we can change.”
 
Sitting there in Santa Monica, just blocks from areas affected by the fires, I felt the room collectively exhale. People nodded in agreement. The message was simple yet profound: focus on changing the small things that are right in front of you.
 
That idea stuck with me. It sent me spiraling down a rabbit hole, reflecting on the things I could change, the things I wanted to change. It also made me reflect on my values and the importance of naming them. This train of thought took me back to a recent conference where I heard Dr. Julia DiGangi speak. She’s the author of Energy Rising: The Neuroscience of Leading with Emotional Power, and she talked about transforming negative emotions and past experiences into powerful action and leadership. One of her exercises involved crafting a personal power statement—a concise declaration of who you are and what you stand for. So, here I am, giving it a shot. It may not be concise, but it’s from the heart:
 
I am a mom, an educator, an artist, an empath, a humanitarian, and someone who lives life out and proud. I live my life unapologetically, proud of who I am, who I love, and the journey I’ve taken. I strive to create pathways for everyone to become who they want to be. I fight for access to those journeys, for the support and guidance to make those journeys possible, and for the tools necessary for success. I fight for the voices that are too often unheard, for those who struggle to believe in themselves, and for anyone whose dreams have been blocked—or who never had the chance to dream.
 
I fight for the pursuit of knowledge, enlightenment, collaboration, and compassion. I fight to see each person as they are: where they’ve been, where they stand now, and where they want to go. I fight to lift others up far more than I ever tear anyone down. I fight for opportunity.
 
Writing this feels a little vulnerable, maybe even a little silly. It’s definitely more introspective than I usually am, but sometimes these exercises help us ground ourselves. They remind us not only of who we are but also who we aspire to be.
 
So, I encourage you to try it for yourself. Write your own power statement in whatever form feels right for you—a list, a poem, a collage, a song, or even an interpretive dance. Now is the perfect time to take inventory of who you are and what you believe in.
 
CA SB791 and AB810: Misconduct Disclosure and Release- THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT TO PAY ATTENTION TO!!!
 
These two state bills that went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, require final job candidates to disclose specific information as part of the job application process. 

  • Senate Bill 791 (SB 791) is a California law that requires finalist candidates for academic or administrative positions at California State University (CSU), the University of California (UC), and community college districts to disclose any final administrative or judicial decisions that determine sexual harassment occurred within the last seven years. It permits applicants to disclose if they have filed an appeal with the previous employer, administrative agency, or court, if applicable. 
  • Assembly Bill 810 (AB 810) expands the definition of misconduct to include all incidents (e.g. harassment, discrimination, unethical behavior, etc.), whereas SB 791 only included sexual harassment/sexual violence. This bill also requires a waiver from all final applicants, so that UC can make reasonable attempts to follow up with the previous institution where any reported incidents occurred. 

Implementation for staff and academic populations is effective Jan. 1, 2025 system wide, and UC Irvine will begin including a Misconduct Disclosure Questionnaire as part of the hiring process for academic populations. This includes ALL graduate student employees.  

  • As a condition of employment, all student employees will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer. 
  • “Misconduct” means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, dishonesty or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. 
  • Transfer from another UC campus requires a new misconduct disclosure.
  • Shifts between TA and GSR appointments in the same hiring unit do not require a new misconduct disclosure.

While you may not anticipate shifts between hiring units, it is recommended that ALL student employees fill out this disclosure.  If you don’t and a future employment opportunity at UC Irvine shifts to a different hiring unit, then it’s possible that the position and compensation will get delayed. It’s quick to fill out. Please take a moment to do it now:  
https://form.jotform.com/UCIAcademicPersonnel/UCI-MDR-GradStudentEmp
 
As always, my executive team and I will still be holding office hours in the coming weeks. Please see the times below. They are first come, first serve:  https://uci.zoom.us/j/7277477
 
Wednesday, January 29 – 11 AM
Friday, January 31 – 11:30 AM
Wednesday, February 5 – 10:30 AM
 
Now on to the rest of this week’s events and opportunities:
 
Research in Implementation Science for Equity (RISE) Program
Research in ImplemResearch in Implementation Science for Equity (RISE) is an all-expenses-paid training opportunity for junior faculty who are underrepresented in the biomedical sciences. RISE is designed to train competitive scientists and enhance the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. The program involves a two-week RISE Summer Institute, focused on implementation science and career mentoring, which is hosted by UCSF’s Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics in partnership with the Center for Vulnerable Populations in July in San Francisco. RISE Scholars also complete a second institute the following summer.
RISE is a part of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute’s Program to Increase Diversity among Individuals Engaged in Health-Related Research (NHLBI-PRIDE). It is funded through an NHLBI grant R25HL126146.
Recruitment for Cohort 12 (2025-2026) is now open. Click here for more details about the program and how to apply.

Partnerships for Research in Implementation Science for Equity in Heart and Lung Diseases (PRISE-HL) T32 Program
In March 2023, the PRISE Center was awarded a T32 grant from The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The goal of the Partnerships for Research in Implementation Science for Equity in Heart and Lung Diseases (PRISE-HL) T32 program is to provide support to outstanding post-doctoral scholars with interdisciplinary training in implementation science and health equity approaches to help transform the uptake and delivery of evidence-based interventions for heart and lung diseases in clinical and community settings. Trainees will benefit from a team-based approach to mentoring through a career development committee that includes one faculty member with content expertise in clinical or translational research in heart and lung diseases, one faculty member with methodological expertise in implementation science-based methods, and one faculty member with expertise in health equity research (if not already covered). 

There are FOUR open positions in the PRISE Center sponsored T32, to start by July 1, 2025. The location for this postdoc position is the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) or the University of California, Irvine (UCI). The position may be fully remote or hybrid, depending on the research scope. 
One-year training slots are available on a competitive basis  to trainees proposing implementation science research in NHLBI priority areas (heart, lung, blood, and sleep disorders), with a focus on health disparities. 

How To Apply: https://opportunities.ucsf.edu/content/postdoc-opportunity-ucsf-partnerships-research-implementation-science-center-prise-center-0
 
For questions: Contact the PRISE Center Program Manager: Tiese Etim-Inyang, Tiese.etim-inyang@ucsf.edu
 
CROSSING LATINIDADES HUMANITIES RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Now accepting applications (deadline 2/15/25)
 
2025 Summer Institute in Latino/a/x/e Humanities Studies, Methodologies and Theories
June 20-29, 2025, Chicago, Illinois
 
As part of our leadership in the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, UC Irvine announces the call for the Crossing Latinidades Humanities Research Initiative – Summer Institute in U.S. Latino/a/x/e Humanities Studies Methodologies and Theories.
 
Eligible doctoral applicants must have completed their second or third year in a U.S. Latino/a/x/e humanities and/or humanistic social science Ph.D. program, be in good academic standing, and not yet be ABD by May 2025.
 
The Summer Institute is an intense in-person pre-doctoral program for those interested in pursuing a dissertation project on U.S. Latino/a/x/e topics and is held at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) campus. Each participant receives a $3,000 stipend to cover travel, transportation, a few meals not offered by the institute, and other expenses and incidentals incurred while attending. Housing is provided in shared apartments on the UIC campus. After successfully completing all sessions and activities in the Summer Institute, participants will be enrolled in the two-semester Crossing Latinidades Mentorship and Professionalization Program with a faculty mentor of their choice outside their university. Participants are also required to attend virtual Professionalization Workshops during Fall of 2025 and Spring 2026.
 
With this application, you may also be considered for a Crossing Latinidades Predoctoral Research Fellowship in 2025-2026 (pending funding). To be eligible, you must agree and commit to work 20 hours per week in a Latino/a/x/e research project with a faculty member at your own university. You must forego any other employment, such as TAships, GRAships, hourly employment. and/or any other type of outside employment.
 
Application requirements:
•           Application Cover Sheet & Questionnaire (linked on Google Form)
•           1-2 paragraphs on your general topic of study and interest for a future U.S. Latino/a/x/e Humanities dissertation project
•           Narrative (1000 words or less)
•           CV
•           Two Letters of Recommendation
 
Submit application and letters of recommendation at: https://forms.gle/t5cqxQH7GcJWuuUF9
 
Questions? Please see the attached FAQ document or contact Belinda Campos, Professor of Chicano/Latino Studies, at bcampos@uci.edu
 
Summer Quantitative Methods Training or Teaching Opportunity
UC Irvine is an institutional member of ICPSR. ICPSR offers a summer program to work on statistics, quantitative methods, and data analysis. Workshops are held in person in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan, but also synchronously or asynchronously online. The workshops are attended by graduate students and postdocs from around the world.
 
If you are interested in participating in any of the courses, ICPSR has a scholarship deadline of January 27. If you have mastered various quantitative methods, ICPSR offers a paid opportunity to TA for their workshops as well. Applications are due at the end of January.
 
Please reach out to campus ICPSR representative and Graduate Division liaison for UCI Libraries, Melissa Beuoy (melissa.beuoy@uci.edu), for more information. She can share the TA application announcement, but she also attended the summer program in person and can answer questions about the in-person vs online experience.
 
Spring 2025- Graduate Division Completion Fellowships
If extreme health issues, major research delays, or other significant circumstances have substantially impacted your academic progress, you may apply for one quarter of funding through a Completion Fellowship. This call is ONLY for the Spring Quarter of 2025 (not in the summer) and cannot be combined with other UCI stipends or appointments. The goal is to provide you with a final quarter of support to complete your dissertation.

Priority will be given to students who have cost-share from their school, particularly if more than one quarter or summer funding is needed. Students may also plan to combine the fellowship quarter with an additional quarter on filing-fee status, allowing for up to three quarters of work leading to degree completion.

If an additional quarter of NRST funding is required, it will be included as part of the Completion Fellowship.

If you are out of funding (this includes anyone eligible for employment) that would cover the cost of a quarter, you may apply for one quarter from the Graduate Division.

  • Applicants must specify how their research or other academic work was delayed. Applicants may also provide information about how events affected them, although details are not required.
  • A letter of support and any matching funds available from their associate dean, chair, or adviser.
    Applicants must submit a timeline for completion of the degree.
  • Completion fellowship recipients must file their dissertation and degree no later than the end of the Fall quarter of 2025. Departments/Schools/Colleges will be required to re-pay the awarded funds to the Graduate Division if the filing requirement is unmet.
  • Completion Fellowship recipients cannot hold any university employment, including but not limited to TA/Associate/Reader/Tutor or GSR/GSAR/ positions during the fellowship quarter.

 
APPLY NOW:  https://cglink.me/2eo/s82827
 
No applications will be accepted after January 31, 2025
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Questions? Contact: Jaymi Smith @ jaymis@uci.edu
 
Doc 2A NRST Support
This funding is available for students who have entered Doc 2A status (anyone enrolled for more than 9 quarters past their advancement to candidacy for the Ph.D.) and need assistance paying the Non-Resident Supplemental Tuition. Not everyone who applies for aid will receive it.  The allocations depend on the quantity of submissions, the quality of submissions, your academic status, and available funds.
 
If you became or will become Doc 2A in Spring of 2025 and are fully out of funding, you may apply for one quarter of NRST support. This funding is NOT guaranteed.

  • Applicants must supply a statement of how their research was delayed.
  • A letter of support and any matching funds available from the department is required from the applicant’s advisor or school.
  • Applicants must submit a timeline for completion of Ph.D.

Apply now: https://cglink.me/2eo/s82828
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Questions: jaymis@uci.edu
 
Reminder to Take Part in Habit Story Assessment
As a reminder, Graduate Division has an exciting opportunity tailored for PhD students at UC Irvine. This assessment is geared toward PhD students. 
 
The Grad Division is thrilled to offer you a chance to participate in an innovative student success and professional development program. This program is designed to:

  • Identify your productive habits and strengths  
  • Discover your derailers so you can stay on track 
  • Equip you with actionable strategies to reach your full potential and manage the stress of your doctoral program 

Why Participate?

  • Exclusive Access: This program is valued at $240 per person, but Grad Division completely covers the cost 
  • Tailored to PhD Students: Specifically designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities in doctoral studies
  • Personalized Guidance: Receive customized insights and strategies through the Digital Coach

What does the program include? 

  • You are invited to complete Habit Story, an assessment designed to measure your productive and counterproductive habits (est. time commitment: 18 – 24 minutes) 
  • Then, over the next four weeks, you will receive an email with access to participate in four (4) self-guided “Discovery Sessions” with the Digital Coach, guiding you through a process of self-reflection and coaching. 

To get started, please click here. Upon creating your account, you will be prompted to enter a product; please use “7956ce692d4”. 
 
If you have any questions or technical difficulties, please access user support through the chat bubble on the bottom right corner of your screen or contact us at support@twostory.com.
 
Take Advantage of Division of Career Pathways’ Professional Photo Booth
The Division of Career Pathways (DCP) is pleased to introduce our all-new Professional Photo Booth, a complimentary, walk-in service at the Division of Career Pathways offering FREE professional headshots for UCI students, staff, and faculty. These professional headshots are perfect for your LinkedIn/ Handshake/ Zoom profile, department website, and also works for UCI Digital ID photo requirements. 
 
Graduate Student Therapy Group

  • Every Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 11 AM PT
    A process-oriented therapy group for graduate students who would like to receive/provide support, learn about self and others, share their experiences, and discuss possible ways to cope with struggles. 
  • The focus of the group will be determined by the members; possible topics may include academic distress, personal growth, relationships, and work-life balance.
  • Pre-group screening required. Contact the Counseling Center at 949.824.6457 to schedule.

OTHER FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 
 
NBR Chinese Language Fellowship – Now Accepting Applications
The National Bureau of Asian Research (NBR) is pleased to announce that the Chinese Language Fellowship Program (CLFP) is accepting applications for the 2025–26 academic year. The deadline for applications is February 17, 2025.
 
The CLFP, sponsored by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, provides fellowships of up to $50,000 for American graduate students (PhD and current or recent MA) so that they can devote one year to intensive Chinese language training at an institution of the fellow’s choice, generally in China or Taiwan. The fellowship is intended to cover all expenses at a graduate student level, including tuition, housing, living stipend, and other miscellaneous fees.
 
To be eligible for a fellowship, an applicant will:

  • Be a current or recent MA-level graduate student, or a current PhD-level student
  • Be able to demonstrate a minimum of intermediate Chinese language skills
  • Be able to devote themselves to full-time intensive Chinese-language study for one academic year
  • Desire to advance U.S. public policy toward China through improved expertise and understanding, or to contribute to scholarly research and teaching on China in order to develop future generations of China specialists
  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the United States

 
Interested applicants can learn more about the program at www.nbr.org/clfp or by contacting fellowships@nbr.org. Virtual consultations and information sessions are available upon request. We will also be hosting virtual information sessions in late 2024 and early 2025 (dates and times TBD).
 
ResearchAmer!ca’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program
ResearchAmer!ca is awarding microgrants of up to $3,000 on a rolling basis to STEM groups led by master’s, PhD, postdoc, or professional students to design and execute projects that create dialogue with public officials, local community leaders, and the public around issues of common concern. These funds provide opportunities for grantees to develop skills in areas such as communication and program planning, along with an understanding of public policy and government to have an impact in their local communities. Click here for more information.

Dean’s Recent Alumni Fellowship
This fellowship aims at easing the transition from graduate school into full-time careers either in academia or other industries. While the fellowship is unpaid, a recipient of this fellowship will receive access to resources that will pay immense dividends going forward and was developed in consultation with young professionals and alumni to provide resources they wished they had access to while in graduate school. Click above for more information and to apply.
 
More information is located on the Current Fellowships page and 2023-24 Funding Timeline.  Additionally, please reach out to Turner Dahl (tdahl@uci.edu) with any questions you may have.
 
In Closing 
Yep.  It’s now that time.  Quote time.
 
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”
― William James

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
― Mother Teresa

“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
― Coretta Scott King

Hope all of you have a restful weekend.
 
All the best,

Jaymi Lee Smith
Interim Vice Provost for Graduate Education
Interim Dean of the Graduate Division