You can always send e-mails to legalstudies@berkeley.edu.
If you are an incoming UC Berkeley student (or know one) who is interested in learning more about queer culture, resources, and experience at UC Berkeley, or someone who feels they could benefit from community support or mentorship, we encourage you to apply to be a mentee ("Pal") for the Fall 2026 semester.
Applications are due Monday, August 31st at midnight.
For questions, check out our website or contact qcp@berkeley.edu.
Learn more and RSVP on our event guide (screen reader friendly version here)! We hope to see you there :)
● Get together with other students to talk about the fields of Ethnic Studies and African American & African Diaspora Studies?
● Find out what inspired your professors to teach and research the things they do?
● Hear your professors discuss key questions in the field?
● Get personalized mentoring from an experienced graduate student?
● Explore what you can do with your major once you graduate?
If so, consider joining Berkeley Connect in Ethnic Studies and/or African American & African Diaspora Studies! When you enroll, you are assigned a mentor (an advanced graduate student) and placed in a small group (of not more than 20 students) led by your mentor. Activities include:
● Small-group discussions: biweekly informal conversations about important ideas, texts, and methods
● One-on-one advising with your mentor, focused on your academic questions, concerns, and aspirations
● Special events featuring distinguished ES/AAS faculty and alums
● Excursions to visit the rich resources available to you on the Berkeley campus
No papers, exams, or outside reading are required—just lots of face-to-face interaction with others who share your passion for the study of race/ethnicity in the United States and beyond. If you participate in Berkeley Connect for one semester, you receive 1 unit of credit. More program details are available at www.berkeleyconnect.berkeley.edu.
How to sign up: During course enrollment, sign up for one of our sections below.
We try to group students by class status but you can enroll in any section that fits your schedule and credit requirements. You do not need to be an ES/AAS major or minor to take part!
Fall 2026 sections are as follows:
● ETHSTD 98BC, section 1 (lower div): Th 5-6, CN 18988
● ETHSTD 198BC, section 1 (upper div): Th 6-7, CN 18987
● AFRICAM 98BC, section 1 (lower div): Th 5-6, CN16711
● AFRICAM 198BC, section 1 (upper div): Th 6-7, CN 16710
Hope to see you in the Fall!
Professor Vernadette Gonzalez, Berkeley Connect Faculty Advisor
Welcome new students!
We are excited to invite you to the DSP 2026 New Student Orientation.
This will be an introduction to the Disabled Students' Program, which will include all the types of academic accommodations and support available to you as students with disabilities at UC Berkeley. You will meet many of the DSP team members, learn how to sign up for services, and what to expect as a student.
We will also cover the roles and responsibilities we each have while you are enrolled, and introduce you to some additional beneficial DSP resources that can assist in advocating for your disability identity.
Please use this RSVP form to receive the Zoom information, and let us know by August 10th if you have any access needs in order to attend and participate. CART Captioning will be provided.
When: Tuesday, August 18th, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Where: Virtual, via Zoom. Please RSVP for the Zoom link
Who: New and continuing students are welcome to attend, as well as family members
How: Please use the RSVP form to let us know if you have any access needs
We look forward to welcoming you, Go Bears!
You are invited to the DSP 2026 New Student Orientation!
DSP (Disabled Students’ Program) welcomes new and continuing students with disabilities to this event. This will be an introduction to DSP processes and services, the many types of academic and social support that are available to you, and will provide some answers to common questions.
DSP Orientation will be virtual via Zoom, on Tuesday, August 18th, from 9:30 - 12:30 PM. Please RSVP for the Zoom link and to inform of any access needs.
Family/chosen family/support people are welcome to RSVP and attend as well.
The recording will be available on BCourses afterward.