Purpose
The Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group wants to support students in establishing a clear path forward when a current lab is no longer a workable fit. This fund may provide short-term bridge support while a student moves to another lab. It applies to students who are already in a lab. All awards depend on available funds, appointment rules, and program review.
Students should know
- Support is normally limited to one academic quarter.
- A transition may involve conflict, lack of fit, a faculty-initiated separation, loss of support connected to a transition, or a lab closure or relocation.
- The fund does not provide continuing support for an underfunded lab placement, without a lab-transition plan.
- Students seeking an initial lab placement should contact the Graduate Program Coordinator; a different process applies.
Review Process
- Complete the BMEGG Lab Transition Funding Request Form and submit it to the BMEGG Graduate Program Coordinator.
- The BMEGG Chair and a designated BMEGG Graduate Advisor review the request.
- BMEGG records the decision, conditions, support period, and rationale.
- If approved, the student follows the agreed transition plan and check-in schedule.
Decision factors
- The request fits the purpose of the fund.
- A defined funding gap may interrupt degree progress.
- The student has a feasible transition plan, or needs bridge time to develop one.
- The request is proportionate, administratively feasible, and likely to support placement in a new lab.
Another UC Davis option
Graduate Student Employee Transitional Position Program
UC Davis offers a separate employment-based program. Consider it if you hold a PI-funded, UAW-represented graduate employee appointment. Campus eligibility also requires good employment standing, dependence on the PI for employment, at least three quarters with that PI, a qualifying irreparable employment conflict or the PI's departure, and no prior transitional position. If selected, the appointment may be up to one quarter as an ASE or GSR; positions are limited.
How to consider the options: Use this BMEGG form for BMEGG's case-specific bridge review during a lab transition. Review the campus program when your situation may meet its employment criteria. The programs have separate eligibility and review processes. Ask the BMEGG Graduate Program Coordinator if you are unsure which path fits.