Advising

Graduate student advising services 

The Division of Graduate Studies provides comprehensive support to help you navigate every stage of your graduate experience at SFSU. Our advising team assists with admissions, academic requirements, and university processes so you can focus on your success. Whether you are exploring graduate education or seeking support as a current student, our team is here to guide you through each step of your graduate academic journey. Contact our office or use Navigator to schedule an appointment. 

Prospective student advising 

Considering graduate studies at SFSU? Our staff and student ambassadors are here to help you see if SFSU is a good fit and support you through the admission process. Contact our office if you need help with: 

• Cal State Apply questions and application troubleshooting 
• General graduate student inquiries 
• Submitting official transcripts and understanding required documentation 
• Registration issues, including holds, enrollment troubleshooting, and deadlines 
• Connecting you with your graduate advisors, program coordinators, and academic departments 

Graduate Student Ambassadors 

Talk to a Graduate Student Ambassador. They are current second-year SFSU graduate students who serve as peer guides, mentors and community connectors for newly admitted and prospective students. Representing a wide range of programs and lived experiences, our ambassadors offer insight into graduate student life, academic expectations, campus resources and strategies for navigating your transition to SFSU.  

Ambassadors can: 

• Share their experiences within their graduate programs and research communities 
• Provide peer-level guidance on adjusting to graduate study and campus life 
• Answer questions about student support services, community-building opportunities, and navigating university processes 
• Help you feel connected, supported, and welcomed into the SF State graduate community 

Whether you want to ask questions about coursework or campus resources or simply talk with someone who has been in your shoes, our Graduate Student Ambassadors are here to help. 

Meet our Graduate Ambassadors

Zoom with an Ambassador

Current graduate student advising 

Both the Division of Graduate Studies and academic departments help current students progress through their graduate career. Graduate Studies can help you navigate academic requirements, university processes and forms, registration issues and more. From the start, make sure to reach out to your advisors.  

Your Graduate Coordinator is usually part of the academic department. They will help you navigate your program form admission to graduation by advising on academic milestones, monitoring your degree progress, approving key requirements and connecting you with faculty, resources and Graduate Studies support to ensure your success. 

Your Graduate Program Specialist will support you with the administrative steps of your graduate journey. This includes registration holds and issues, Advancement to Candidacy, thesis formatting, applying for graduation and the final award of your degree. 

Graduate Coordinators

Graduate Program Specialist