Register

UC Berkeley’s New Graduate Student Orientation (NGSO) will take place virtually on August 19 & 20 and in-person on August 27. 

On August 27, in person workshops, lunch and a resource fair will be held in Dwinelle Hall and Plaza respectively from 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Below you can find the schedule for the day. While registration for individual in-person sessions is not required, we encourage you to register for the day so we can properly welcome you!

Did you register for virtual NGSO sessions, happening August 19 & 20? If not, take a look at the schedule and register for each session that interests you.

Register for In-Person NGSO on August 27

August 27: In Person NGSO

Session TimeSession Title Session LocationSession Description
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.UAW 4811 New Worker Orientation DWIN 155 (level D)Required orientation for all new GSIs, ASEs
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Graduate Student Wellness and Mental HealthDWIN 145 (level D)This presentation will address a number of issues including: transitioning into Cal, wellness, life balance, stress & resilience, Imposter concerns, diversity & community, building relationships with your advisor, and mindfulness. Learn about the services you can access through the GA Wellness Center and how to access counseling and psychiatric services.
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.The Graduate Assembly: UC Berkeley's Graduate Student GovernmentDWIN 88 (level C)The GA's main thrusts are grad student funding/resources, well-being, and advocacy. In this talk, we'll discuss current projects/initiatives, spaces and resources the GA provides, and the roles that you can play in shaping the graduate student experience at Berkeley.
9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.Navigating Cal: As a Graduate Student from a Chicanx Latinx PerspectiveDWIN 229 (level E)This workshop will discuss how to navigate Cal from Chicanx Latinx identities. Chicanx Latinx graduate students and admin will speak of their experiences as well as spaces and resources they used to create comunidad and address challenges along their journey.
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.The University Library: Your Partner in Research and TeachingDWIN 155 (level D)The UC Berkeley Libraries comprise one of the largest academic libraries in the United States, with unique collections that attract researchers from around the world. Learn how the Library’s collections and services can save you time and boost your research to the next level.
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.Learning to Embrace Failure (mistakes!) for Greater Success in Graduate SchoolDWIN 145 (level D)In this talk we will discuss how "failure" is a normal process of becoming a professional / academician, honoring this process rather than feeling shame, using your curiosity and creativity to expand your knowledge and productive ways to deal with "failure".
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.Grad CalFresh ClinicDWIN 88 (level C)Want to submit a new CalFresh Application or have questions about a current application? Come join the Basic Needs Center team for our Grad CalFresh group Clinic! We can support with the CalFresh Application process!
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.Key Strategies for Navigating UC Berkeley as a Graduate Student ParentDWIN 109 (level D)Please join staff from the Student Parent Center for a presentation about key resources and strategies, to help you navigate campus as a graduate student parent.
10:40 a.m. - 11:40 a.m.Immigration & Employment Essentials for International StudentsDWIN 229 (level E)Berkeley International Office will explain the basics of F-1 and J-1 immigration status, including on and off-campus employment options
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.LunchDwinelle Plaza
12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Resource FairDwinelle Plaza
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Cultivating a Respectful Graduate Community: Sexual violence and harassment prevention education for graduate and professional studentsDWIN 155 (level D)The 60 min training on sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention is a required education opportunity that all new graduate students must complete. This training will cover topics such as: the definitions and impact of sexual violence, being an active bystander, how to challenge unhealthy social norms that normalize violence, how to support a friend or colleague impacted by violence or harm, as well as the resources, rights, and options for those impacted by SVSH.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.University Health Services and Student Health Insurance Plan OverviewDWIN 145 (level D)Overview of the medical, mental health and health promotion services at University Health Services as well as an overview of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Funding your Graduate EducationDWIN 88 (level C)This is a combined overview of funding from the Financial Aid Office and The Graduate Division Funding Team. Topics that will be covered; Loans, Work Study, How to look for an Academic Appointment and how to Search for outside funding, and a Q and A portion.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Innovation & Entrepreneurship Opportunities at UC BerkeleyDWIN 229 (level E)Please join us for a curated introduction to the many innovation and entrepreneurship resources available to you at UC Berkeley.
1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.Navigating UC Berkeley as a Black Graduate StudentDWIN 109 (level D)The session will highlight resources, program and opportunities available for Black Grad students as well as build community and share various ways to engage with the Black community on campus.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.Cultivating a Respectful Graduate Community: Sexual violence and harassment prevention education for graduate and professional studentsDWIN 155 (level D)The 60 min training on sexual violence and sexual harassment prevention is a required education opportunity that all new graduate students must complete. This training will cover topics such as: the definitions and impact of sexual violence, being an active bystander, how to challenge unhealthy social norms that normalize violence, how to support a friend or colleague impacted by violence or harm, as well as the resources, rights, and options for those impacted by SVSH.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.Wellness, Recreation, and PlayDWIN 145 (level D)Come hear from RecWell, Athletics, and CalPerformances about various events occurring throughout campus and how to get involved!
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.ITIN Drop-off EventDWIN 88 (level C)This event is for incoming graduate students, who are receiving UCB funding, to be able to submit all of their required documents to apply for an Identification Tax Identificaiton Number (ITIN).
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.Undocumented Graduate Students Community Welcome and OrientationDWIN 229 (level E)Array of information and resources for all incoming and current undocumented graduate students! We will be joined by current students who will also share words of wisdom. Light refreshments will be provided.
2:10 p.m. - 3:10 p.m.GenEq: Your campus gender & sexuality resource centerDWIN 109 (level D)Learn about the Gender Equity Resource Center and campus resources focused on gender and sexuality. Meet staff and current graduate students to hear about upcoming community building events, local resources, and more.
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.Remarks from the DeanDWIN 155 (level D)Thank you so much for joining us for New Graduate Student Orientation 2024. We'd like to invite you to meet with Lisa García Bedolla, Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Division.