Information for Incoming Students - Updated May, 2013
Resources for incoming MIAS, MLIS, and PhD students. All information is subject to change without notice. FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT ORIENTATIONS WILL BE POSTED LATER IN THE SUMMER (2013).
Frequently Asked Questions
PLEASE READ ALL MAILED AND EMAILED INFORMATION CAREFULLY. MANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS WILL HAVE BEEN ANSWERED IN THE COMMUNICATINS SENT TO YOU FROM THE GRADUATE DIVISION, THE SCHOOL OR FROM THE DEPARTMENT.
PLEASE keep your email address updated with the University and with the Department as much of the communication is sent electronically.
Q. How do I enroll in courses?
A. UCLA uses an online enrollment process called URSA. You will have received information on using URSA with your electronic letter of admission from Graduate Division.
The department mails a large packet of information in mid-July each year to admitted applicants. Included in this packet is information about the fall schedule, courses open to incoming students, possible student jobs, advisors, etc.
NOTE: Enrollment and registration are two different things in UCLA language.
Registration means paying fees/tuition. Enrollment means signing up for classes.
Q. When do I enroll?
A. You can enroll at any time over the summer. You will need to check URSA for your enrollment appointment. You can enroll from that time through the second Friday of fall quarter. Fall 2013’s deadline is October 11th.
MLIS students can enroll in the two fall core courses IS 200 and IS 245. We do recommend that you wait to enroll in an elective after receiving the information packet sent during the summer. In that packet, we will list the courses the Department feels are appropriate for MLIS student in fall quarter, the courses that are not advisable for incoming students, and those electives open to enrollment for entering students. We also suggest that you get in touch with your faculty advisor, who will give you advice about your individual program.
PHD students should enroll in the two fall doctoral core classes IS 291A and 298A and the colloquia series IS 290 (2 units). You may choose to take any elective of interest that the department offers in fall. You may sign up for an independent study with your faculty advisor. It is probably best to discuss additional classes your advisor
Q. How do I get a faculty advisor?
A. Advisors are assigned to incoming students on the basis of your interests as expressed in your statement of purpose. In the early-July packet, we will give you the name of that person and their email address so that you can get in touch before starting classes.
Q. When do I register?
A. The statements for fall quarter are sent electronically (called eBill) at the beginning of September. Fees/tuition are due on the 20th of the month.
NOTE: California residents pay tuition each quarter; non-California residents and international students pay tuition and the nonresident supplemental tuition each quarter.
Q. I have a previous master’s degree, can some of that coursework count toward the MLIS degree?
A. Possibly. Once you are enrolled in the MLIS program, discuss your previous work with your advisor. S/he can tell you which courses enhance the coursework we offer. You can petition the Professional Program Committee for a course reduction. It then must be approved by the Graduate Division and the coursework will be entered in narrative on your UCLA transcript. Course reductions will be allowed for department courses taken through Concurrent Enrollment prior to entering the MLIS program (no more than 2 courses or 8 units).
A. The Department regulates doctoral courses. No previous work can be applied to the PhD program by the Graduate Division.
Q. What if I took a research methods course for a different degree?
A. It is possible that you may not need to take another research methods class. You should check with your faculty advisor, who can approve some research methods courses. No course reduction is granted if a previous research methods course is approved as fulfilling the MLIS requirement.
Q. Can I take classes in the summer before I start the program?
A. Yes, incoming students can take classes in the summer. In fact, we find that students often need to make difficult choices during the academic year because of the number of electives offered and the need to fulfill the core course requirement. Taking some classes in the summer frees up conflicts later in the year.
This summer we are offering a number of classes particularly IS 245 Information Access (4 units). IS 245 is a core class that all MLIS students must take. This summer it will be offered in Session A. It is scheduled again in winter quarter. Generally the smaller enrollment in the summer class is an advantage.
IS 281 Historical Methodology of Information Studies (4 units). One option for the research methods requirement. It is often taken by students in the Archival Studies or the Rare Books, Print and Visual Culture Specializations. It identifies key primary and secondary source materials.
Some of the electives may be appropriate depending on your background and interest. You may want to check with the instructor before enrolling.
NOTE: These courses will automatically appear on your graduate transcript.
Q. How do I enroll in summer classes?
A. You can enroll online at http://www.summer.ucla.edu/. As a UC Graduate Student, there is a non-refundable campus fee/registration fee of $65 for summer classes. You will be assessed $339 per unit for summer classes along with a one-time campus fee/registration fee.
Q. Can I take the statistics prerequisite during the summer?
A. Yes, you can. However, as mention above any summer course will automatically appear on your graduate transcript and be calculated into your cumulative GPA. Even though the prerequisite will not be applied to your graduate course (or unit) requirements.
Q. Where can I find more information about technology resources on campus?
A. Look at BruinTech's What Students Need to Know About Technology Resources..
Useful Links
- BruinCard
- BruinOnline (E-mail and proxy server information)
- Driving, commuting, and parking information for the GSE&IS Building
- Department e-mail lists
- Fees and tuition
- General technology and computer guidelines for IS students
- IS MIT Lab information (including hours)
- Main IS Student page
- Maps: UCLA - GSE&IS Buildings and nearby parking
- MyUCLA (personalized portal to UCLA, includes access to BruinOnline e-mail)
- Transportation resources for students (including parking)
- UCLA Central Ticket Office (discounted entertainment tickets. sports tickets, and bus passes)
- UCLA Graduate Division Orientation Guide
- UCLA Restaurants and Dining Options
- UCLA Financial Aid Office
- UCLA Housing
- UCLA Store (including the book store)
- Unofficial UCLA MLIS Survival Guide (or How to Get Started in Library School)
- URSA (student records and registration information)
- Westwood Village Online (A guide to the community surrounding campus)
