Graduate Advisors
Staff Graduate Advisors
For CS doctoral students: grads-cs@berkeley.edu
For EE doctoral students: grads-ee@berkeley.edu
For masters students: Michael Sun
Head Graduate Advisor
John Wawrzynek (for CS) and Ali Javey (for EE). However, for most forms that need a signature from a head graduate advisor, the staff graduate advisors may also sign. In general, the head graduate advisor may not be familiar with each individual student case and the staff graduate advisors can verify the information.
Faculty Advisors
How do I find a faculty advisor?
Most students find a research advisor with little difficulty. For those who do encounter hardship, the least common reason is a lack of qualifications. Any professor is likely to be flattered by an invitation to supervise a student’s research, even if s/he feels compelled to decline the invitation. So students should be assertive and flexible. The sooner a student starts looking for an advisor, the easier it will be for them to retarget their research interests, should that prove necessary.
Can I change my faculty advisor?
Students are free to change their faculty advisor, and quite a few students do this between the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. However, it can be awkward to leave an advisor who has invested their time, energy, and financial support. The best way to avoid awkwardness and misunderstanding is to have free and open communication; students should always inform their advisor of their intentions.
What do I do when I change my faculty advisor?
Students seeking a faculty advisor or a change of advisor should email their staff graduate advisor, including both the current and desired advisors in the “cc” field to ensure a smooth transition. The staff graduate advisor will then update the department database.
Can I have more than one faculty advisor?
The EECS department leaves the choice of having co-advisors entirely up to the student and their primary advisor. Some students already benefit from this structure, while others prefer a single advisor. To formally add co-advisors, students simply need to inform their staff graduate advisor for an update in the department’s records.
When should I worry about not having a permanent advisor yet?
All students should have a permanent advisor by the end of their second semester, and no later than the end of their third semester.