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 Coffee with a Prof, a UCSD program. Two cats are enjoying coffee together with a tea bag labeled as "Career Growth."

Coffee With a Prof

The Undergraduate Colleges understand the value of meeting with your professor and/or graduate teaching assistant (TA) during your tenure here at UC San Diego. The Coffee-with-a-Prof programs allow you, the student to meet and have coffee, with an esteemed faculty member or graduate teaching assistant in order to gather insight concerning a course or career opportunities in your field of study. This is a complimentary program provided by the Undergraduate Colleges.

Guidelines and Participation

Undergraduate students may participate in the Coffee-with-a-Prof program once per quarter during the academic year. The program is NOT available through summer sessions.

1. Contact your professor or graduate teaching assistant and extend a meeting invitation. Work together to choose a date, time, and location to meet over coffee during Weeks 5-10.

  • See lists of approved coffee locations here. Check the appropriate website for hours of operation.
  • Use the invitation example below, if needed:

    Dear Professor or TA,

    I am currently a student in your X course. Would you be interested in meeting me for coffee this quarter? I would like to learn more about your research and how you got started in your field. There is a great program, Coffee-with-a-Prof, which allow us each a complimentary coffee while we meet. I look forward to hearing from you.

    Thank you,

    Your name


2. After your professor or TA has confirmed the details, complete and submit the online application to sign up for the program.

Application

preview image of application

3. Wait to receive an email from a Sixth College staff member to schedule a pick-up time.

  • Vouchers will be picked up at the Sixth College Hub, located in the Catalyst building of the NTPLLN. Same-day pick up is NOT available. Please allow 2-3 business days before your meeting for voucher pickup. 
  • The voucher will look like a gift card and is your “ticket” to complimentary coffee for you and your professor/TA.
  • If you sign-up and do not pick-up your voucher after two attempted pickup times, your voucher will be forfeited.

 

4. After you pick up the voucher, confirm the meeting time with your professor/TA and then meet up!

  • Redeem your voucher at one of the authorized locations. Your professor or TA must be present. Turn in the voucher to the attendant to receive the funds for your coffee.

Questions/Concerns? Contact: sixthsa@ucsd.edu