Blog

March 15, 2022

Science at Cal’s Graduate Speaker Series

Science at Cal is looking for speakers for Grounds for Science, an informal talk series specifically showcasing graduate student research and talent.  We are excited to announce that upcoming Grounds for Science talks will take place on the first Wednesday of every month…

February 28, 2022

Simpson Research Grant in International Studies for ABDs – 3/15/22

All UC Berkeley graduate students in good standing who will formally advance to candidacy (will have satisfied all requirements of the Ph.D. except the dissertation) by the Fall of the fellowship term, may apply. Funds will not be available until the student has advanced to candidacy. Grants are intended to…

February 28, 2022

Pre-Dissertation Research Grant in International Studies – 3/15/22

The Pre-Dissertation Research Grant in International Studies supports UC Berkeley graduate students who will not formally advance to candidacy by the Fall of the fellowship term. Grants are intended to support travel, lodging, and research-related expenditures for graduate students who are conducting research away from campus. After completing their projects, grant recipients…

February 16, 2022

Mask mandates are changing — Let’s keep safe!

As was recently communicated to the campus community, mask mandates are changing. Masks will continue to be required indoors on campus through Sunday, March 6 — with masks remaining strongly recommended for fully vaccinated individuals beginning Monday, March 7. For anyone who is not fully vaccinated, masks…
sather gate image

February 16, 2022

Advancing a more diverse graduate student community

Dear Graduate Students, This month, we are reminded of the triumphs and struggles of African Americans whose contributions have shaped our country and our world. As we look at where we are today, still fighting for voting rights, the rights of K-12 teachers to discuss race in their classrooms, and…

February 11, 2022

Meet New Graduate Division Staff: Robyn Marren and Jennifer Denton

The Graduate Division is excited to extend a warm welcome to new staff Robyn Marren, Director of Business Operations and Jennifer Denton, Director of Communications! Learn more about each of them, including what they’re looking forward to in their new roles.  Robyn Marren, Director of Business…

February 9, 2022

Gain Experience and Make Connections in the Publishing Industry

Many graduate students will opt for careers beyond academia, but may not immediately know what kind of non-academic careers fit their interests, goals, and skills. Career exploration is a key step in not only broadening your knowledge of career possibilities, but also reflecting on your values and motivations.

February 9, 2022

Call for Nominations: Faculty Award for Outstanding Mentorship of GSIs — 3/18/22

The Graduate Council’s Advisory Committee for GSI Affairs and the GSI Teaching & Resource Center invite nominations from graduate students for the 2022 Faculty Award for Outstanding Mentorship of GSIs. This award recognizes faculty (including both Senate and non-Senate faculty) who have provided GSIs outstanding mentorship in teaching at Berkeley and in preparing for teaching in future careers.

January 18, 2022

Connect your STEM research to your community

Science at Cal is in search of speaker participants for Grounds for Science, a lecture series specifically showcasing graduate student research and talent. For over ten years, Science at Cal has provided opportunities for UC Berkeley scientists to share their research with diverse public audiences through science lectures, cafes, street fairs, farmer’s markets, festivals and other free public events.

January 18, 2022

Exploring Careers Outside of Academia

Many graduate students will opt for careers beyond academia, but may not immediately know what kind of non-academic careers fit their interests, goals, and skills. Career exploration is a key step in not only broadening your knowledge of career possibilities, but also reflecting on your values and motivations.

January 14, 2022

Fernström Fellowship — 2/14/2022

The Fernström Fellowship for Summer 2022 and 2022-23 is open to registered graduate students who wish to study in Scandinavia. Terms of the endowment state “preference shall be given to American students who wish to study in Scandinavia, preferably Sweden, and to students in Scandinavian Languages and Literature,” but the…

January 12, 2022

Welcome back and looking forward!

Dear Graduate Student Community, Happy New Year and welcome back! Amidst the challenges and uncertainty we’ve been steeped in this winter, I hope you were able to do the things you enjoy most and connect with friends and loved ones. These past two years have taught us to live with…
three students sitting at a table in front of laptops

January 3, 2022

A New Year Calls for Reimagining Nurturing Community Support

With the start of a new year, you might already be thinking about upcoming deadlines and your goals for the semester. These deadlines, tasks, and responsibilities can be overwhelming. Here at GradPro, we encourage you to take a step back and reimagine the type of social support that you will need to accomplish all of your competing goals, while not losing sight of what is truly important—your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Lisa García Bedolla

December 15, 2021

Town Hall Recap and a Reminder to Rest, Recharge and Reconnect

Congratulations on making it through this fall semester! We recognize it’s been a tremendous challenge to resume in-person instruction and I want to thank you for your patience and resilience as we’ve all navigated the ups and downs over these past months. But I hope that,  like me, you’ve also experienced the joys of being back in community.
man writing on a paper in front of a laptop

December 13, 2021

How to Prepare for Virtual Video Interviews

In the remote/hybrid/in-person world, virtual interviews have become commonplace. While virtual interviews can eliminate the hassle of traveling, it remains important to adequately prepare yourself. Below are some tips to present yourself in a thoughtful, professional, and prepared manner.
Stern Health Sciences fellows event

November 16, 2021

Introducing the Stern Health Sciences Fellowship Program

The Stern Health Sciences Fellowship program was created to pave the way for new innovation by supporting graduate students in leading-edge research while, at the same time, addressing the urgency of human health needs by making increased funds available immediately. The program was conceived and established through a generous donation by Eric H. Stern, B.S. Business Administration, Chair of the Graduate Division Executive Advisory Committee, and a Trustee of the UCBF Board.

November 16, 2021

New Graduate Student Orientation — An overwhelming success!

“We threw a party and everyone came!”  Lisa Garcia Bedolla August 26th was a reason to celebrate. With the Berkeley campus now open, the Graduate Division had the opportunity once again to experience the excitement of welcoming our incoming graduate students in person. Given that last year’s cohort of…
students at 2019 GradFest

November 16, 2021

Graduate Diversity Initiatives and Promises

Photo: Kelley Cox Photography In July 2020, Vice Provost Lisa García Bedolla and fellow Graduate Division staff convened a working group to meet with Black graduate students and hear their concerns and suggestions about increasing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Cal. Using what we heard in…