Diversity & Community Fellows Program

Call for Applications

The Office for Graduate Diversity (OGD) is seeking Diversity and Community Fellows for the 2025-2026 academic year. Fellows will be appointed for the period August 11, 2025 through May 22, 2026. 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 cultural, academic, and professional experience of graduate students to foster a culture of belonging, particularly for those who have been minoritized in higher education.

Fellows’ projects may include:

  • Recruitment and outreach to current and prospective underrepresented students;
  • Supporting peer mentorship;
  • Championing the Graduate Diversity Task Force recommendations;
  • Coordinating events and workshops for graduate students on relevant issues; and
  • Uplifting successful diversity and inclusion initiatives across campus

Application deadline: May 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm PST. Finalists will be contacted regarding next steps in mid to late May 2025.

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. NOTE: In the application, you will be asked to rank your top five (5) preferred placements for the fellowship.  If you are interested in all placements, be sure to select “any placement” as one of your 5 options.

Why become a Diversity and Community Fellow?

  • Opportunity to intentionally develop and improve leadership and professional skills around issues of diversity and inclusion for fellows as you explore academic and professional careers;
  • Coordinate with the Office for Graduate Diversity team to co-create the community you desire as a Cal graduate student;
  • Advocate to campus leadership on issues impacting underrepresented 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.

Eligibility and Application

All UC Berkeley graduate and professional school students meeting the below eligibility requirements are welcome to apply. For the 2025 – 2026 academic year, fellows must be:

  • Current or admitted UCB graduate or professional students
  • Enrolled full time for the entire academic year
  • In good academic standing
  • Available approximately 5 hours per week

Application deadline: May 2, 2025 at 5:00 pm PST. Finalists will be contacted regarding next steps in mid to late May 2025.

Submit Your Application

Time Commitment

Diversity and Community Fellows will be expected to commit to an average of 20 hours of engagement per month during the Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 academic year. Fellows’ weekly commitment will 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 will be expected to attend weekly and D&C Fellows Monthly 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