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Information for Incoming Students

Resources for incoming MIAS, MLIS, and PhD students. All information is subject to change without notice.

Orientation

MLIS and Phd students need to register for an orientation session to introduce them to the resources available in the Department of Information Studies, in the Graduate School of Education & Information Studies, and throughout UCLA.

Orientation Registration

Important Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE READ ALL MAILED INFORMATION CAREFULLY. MANY OF YOUR QUESTIONS WILL HAVE BEEN ANSWERED IN THE SHEETS SENT TO YOU FROM THE DEPARTMENT OR ELECTRONICALLY FROM THE GRADUATE DIVISION.

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 early 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 without penalty from that time through the second Friday of fall quarter - October 7, 2011.

You should enroll in the two fall core courses IS 200 and IS 260. 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.

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. Classes will be dropped if tuition are not paid by Ocrober 7, 2011.

NOTE:   California residents pay tuition each quarter; non-California residents and international students pay tuition and non-resident 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. The form can be found here.

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 and complete the Research Methods Requirement Approval Form. 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 several classes that will give you a head start in the MLIS program, including IS-245, a core class.

IS 245 Information Access (4 units) is a core class that all MLIS students must take. This summer it will be offered in Session A. During the academic year it is scheduled again in the winter quarter. Generally the smaller enrollment in the summer class is an advantage.

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 no registration fee for summer classes. You will be assessed $309 per unit for summer classes along with a one-time campus fee of $62.

Q.         Can I take prerequisites during the summer?

 A.         Yes, you can. However, as mentioned above any summer course will automatically appear on your graduate transcript and be calculated into your cumulative GPA. Even though a prerequisite cannot 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

Updated: 10/25/11