Diversity & Community Fellows Program

Call for Applications

The Office for Graduate Diversity (OGD) is seeking Diversity and Community Fellows for the 2026-2027 academic year. Fellows will be appointed for the period August 10, 2026 through May 21, 2027. Diversity and Community (D&C) Fellows, individually and collectively, will support advancing and implementing the Diversity and Inclusion goals of OGD and the Graduate Division. The D&C Fellows Program is directed by Assistant Dean for Graduate Diversity, Martha Chavez, and Fellows will collaborate with the Office for Graduate Diversity team and campus partners.

Critical components of this work will include but are not limited to, supporting an inclusive graduate community and enhancing the academic and professional experience of graduate students to foster a culture of belonging and success.

Fellows’ projects may include:

Recruitment and outreach to current and prospective graduate students;
Supporting peer mentorship
Coordinating events and workshops for current and prospective graduate students on relevant issues; and
Uplifting successful diversity and inclusion initiatives across campus

Application deadline: May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm PST. Finalists will be contacted regarding next steps in late May/ early June 2026.

Submit Your Application

Diversity and Community Fellow leads new admits on a campus tour holding STEM sign. — Diversity and Community Fellows contribute to many programs including visit days for new admits.

Fellowship Placement

In addition to being involved in outreach and recruitment and mentoring prospective and current students, all Fellows will be assigned a placement to support either OGD programs, initiatives, or campus partner offices.

IMPORTANT: In the application, you will be asked to rank your top five (5) preferred placements for the fellowship. Ranking should be as follows: 1 = Top choice; 2 = Second choice; 3 = Third choice; 4 = Fourth choice; and 5 = Fifth choice.

Admissions Outreach and Recruitment

Contribute to increasing diversity in graduate education by assisting in planning, convening, and emceeing events to support outreach and recruitment efforts at UC Berkeley and beyond. Recruitment travel may be involved.

Inclusive Excellence Hub

Support a multi-disciplinary and dynamic learning community by assisting in planning, convening, and emceeing events at the Inclusive Excellence Hub (e.g., professional and academic development, wellness, community building events, etc.)

American Indian Graduate Program

Strengthen educational connections, recruitment, and support for prospective and current Native American, and Indigenous graduate students by assisting in planning and convening community events, career/professional development, wellness activities, etc.).

UndocuGrads Program

Improve educational opportunities and experiences for undocumented graduate students by assisting in planning, convening, and emceeing events (e.g., community dinners, leading community panels, uplifting professional development needs and wellness activities for undocumented graduate students, etc.).

Path to the Professoriate Program

Support a thriving educational experience for first-year PhD students in all academic disciplines by assisting in planning, convening, and emceeing events that provide resources, guidance, and connections.

College of Chemistry (CoC) Initiatives

CoC Diversity and Community fellows will support the Chief Diversity Officer on any number of efforts that support the recruitment, retention, and professional and career development of both current and future graduate students.

College of Engineering (COE) Initiatives

COE Diversity and Community Fellows will support the Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence and the Director of Graduate Student Services on planning and implementing new initiatives to improve climate, recruitment, retention, and professional and career development of both current and future graduate students.

Mathematics and Physical Sciences (MPS) Initiatives

MPS Diversity and Community Fellows will support the MPS Dean’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) team to plan and implement new initiatives to improve academic practices, policies, and protocols in support of recruitment, retention, and graduate student success. Fellows will assist in planning and implementing novel approaches for collecting, interpreting, and acting on the findings of departmental climate data; supporting and expanding new approaches to graduate student leadership development and career advancement; and strategies for effective outreach and recruitment.

STEM*FYI Program

Advance community building and support for graduate students by assisting the STEM*FYI Program in resource sharing and planning career/professional development, wellness, and social events.

New Leader Scholars Program

Support initiatives to connect and bring together current students, alumni, and other partners who support the New Leader Scholars Program’s mission to advance social justice, provide opportunities to develop leadership, and support the advancement of students into the academy.

Division of Equity and Inclusion Graduate Thriving Initiatives

Support thriving initiatives that enhance the graduate student experience, including assisting in planning, convening, and emceeing events, gatherings, and other important activities.

Undergraduate Transfer and Mentorship Initiatives

Provide mentorship support for undergraduate, first-generation college transfer students and those in the Millers Scholars Program.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Justice (DEIBJ) Departmental Initiatives

Support DEIBJ, culture, and climate initiatives within campus departments by sharing student experiences and perspectives and assisting in planning and convening events.

STEM Excellence through Equity & Diversity (SEED) Scholars Program

Support STEM excellence by providing undergraduate SEED Scholars Program
Participates with mentoring sessions and helping plan, convene, and emcee professional development and graduate school preparation events.

Why become a Diversity and Community Fellow?

Opportunity to intentionally develop and improve leadership and professional skills around issues of diversity and inclusion as you explore academic and professional careers;
Coordinate with the Office for Graduate Diversity team to co-create the community you desire as a UC Berkeley graduate student;
Advocate to campus leadership on issues impacting graduate students;
Share your experience and knowledge by participating in recruitment events.

Stipend

Diversity and Community Fellows will receive a stipend of $7,500 per academic year, paid at the start of each semester. This annual stipend is in addition to any other awards, stipends and fellowships that students may be in receipt of, and doesn’t limit eligibility to hold academic appointments. Fellows cannot be on Filing Fee status during the fellowship period and must reside in the Bay Area and be available to attend in-person activities during the fellowship period.

Eligibility and Application

All UC Berkeley graduate and professional school students meeting the below eligibility requirements are welcome to apply. For the 2026 – 2027 academic year, fellows must be:

Current or admitted UC Berkeley graduate or professional students
Enrolled full time for the entire academic year
In good academic standing
Residing in the San Francisco Bay Area
Available approximately 5 hours per week

Application deadline: May 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm PST. Finalists will be contacted regarding next steps in late May/early June 2026.

Submit Your Application

Time Commitment

Diversity and Community Fellows are expected to commit to an average of 20 hours of engagement per month during the Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 academic year. Fellows’ weekly commitment include supporting OGD’s diversity and inclusion goals and holding weekly mentoring sessions to share information on their own and other graduate student experiences and knowledge of campus resources. Fellows are expected to attend weekly placement meetings and monthly D&C Fellows meetings.

Connect with a Diversity & Community Fellow

Want to know what it’s really like to be a Diversity & Community Fellow? Meet current students in this role, set up a time to talk.

Questions?

Contact the Office for Graduate Diversity

Email the Office of Graduate Diversity