Things to do first
GADZOOKS! The Berkeley campus can seem confusing. With over 333,000 students, 20,000 faculty and staff, new construction and building renovations, and unfamiliar policies and procedures, you may feel a little off kilter during your first few weeks here. Besides Resource, the University sponsors orientation and information programs that will help you discover the variety of experiences, activities, and services available at Berkeley.
Orientations
The orientations we’re about to describe are the biggest programs; however, many departments, units, and student groups (which address particular student needs) also offer orientations. These separate programs usually occur during the early weeks of each semester and in the past have included special orientations for African American, American Indian, Asian Pacific American, Chicano/Latino, disabled, graduate, immigrant, queer, re-entry, transfer, and international students. Information on all orientation programs is available through New Student Services, the same friendly people who bring you this Resource guide (nss.berkeley.edu; New Student Services; 2610 Channing Way; askcalso@berkeley.edu; 510/642-4970).
The Cal Student Orientation (CalSO) Program introduces new freshmen, fall extension students, transfer and re-entry students (and their parents and family members) to the Berkeley campus during its summer, fall, and spring orientations. CalSO counselors (trained undergraduates) lead small groups of new students and their guests through a program where they receive academic advising, get help with class selection, learn about student services and extracurricular activities, go on campus tours, and begin meeting some of their fellow classmates. In addition, new students participate in workshops and discussion sections on non-academic concerns such as campus diversity and safety (calso.berkeley.edu).
Continuing Cal students may apply in September to be CalSO counselors for the following summer (calso.berkeley.edu; New Student Services; 2610 Channing Way; askcalso@berkeley.edu; 510/642-4970).
New Graduate Student Orientation is sponsored by the Graduate Assembly (GA). All new graduate students will receive information on every aspect of the graduate student experience—coping with heavy workloads, making good use of free time, exploring the library system, negotiating the financial aid process, understanding the computer facilities, and getting help with personal problems (ga.berkeley.edu; Anthony Hall; businessoffice@ga.berkeley.edu; 510/642-2175).
Fall Welcome Activities
All incoming undergraduates are invited to Welcome Activities (an extension of the CalSO program) from Monday, August 25 through Friday, August 29. Attractions—ranging from academic programs to extracurricular activities (including late-night events)—give you an extensive look at campus services and departments. A calendar of activities, some extending through the first few weeks of classes, will be available at the residence halls, the CalSO Information Tent on Upper Sproul Plaza, and at Visitor Services by August 25, 2008. The calendar will also be posted online earlier in August (welcome.berkeley.edu; New Student Services; 2610 Channing Way; askcalso@berkeley.edu; 510/642-4970).
Special Welcome Week 2008 events
New Student Convocation, Monday, August 25, 3:30-6:30pm on Memorial Glade.
Calapalooza, is a resource fair extravaganza open to all new undergraduate students looking for ways to get involved at Cal (tenetatively scheduled; call CalSO for information: 510/642-4970).
The residence hall staff organize special activities for new residents during Welcome Activities. Programs include campus tours, Academic Services Center open houses, campus safety and diversity awareness programs, movie nights, academic tips, and other educational and fun events.
Tours and information
Visitor Services provides information about the Cal experience and other aspects of campus life. Join a 90-minute walking tour led by friendly and knowledgeable student staff. Campus visits are provided to individuals, schools, and special groups (M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm; berkeley.edu/visitors; 101 University Hall; 510/642-5215).
For those who want to explore the campus on their own, a free campus podcast tour is available at iTunes.berkeley.edu.
In addition to a campus tour, visit the Campanile for a beautiful aerial view of the campus (M-F, 10am-4pm; Sa, 10am-5pm; Su, 10am-1:30pm and 3pm-5pm).
Current campus events are online at: events.berkeley.edu.
The Daily Cal begins each fall and spring semester with a special orientation issue which features student views of campus services and Bay Area activities (dailycal.org; 600 Eshleman Hall; 510/548-8300).
For your parents
Cal Parents is a resource and support program for families of current Cal undergraduate students. New parents receive the handbook, A Resource Guide for Parents. All parents receive the Letter Home newsletter, an invitation to Parents Weekend (October 3-5, 2008), and special regional activities. The Cal Parents web site—and e-mail and telephone helplines—provide additional support services to families (calparents.berkeley.edu; M-F, 9am-4pm; 2200 Bancroft Way; calparents@berkeley.edu; 510/642-7147).