Black/Afrikan Diaspora Community

The Black/Afrikan Diaspora community at UC Berkeley plays an integral role in enriching the campus’s diversity and academic excellence. This community brings with them a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, activism, and intellectual contributions. Despite systemic challenges, Black students at Berkeley continue to thrive through collective empowerment and advocacy for Black liberation.

Resources:

• Professional Resources: Black Students in Health Association (BSHA),Haas Undergraduate Black Business Association (HUBBA), Womxn of Color Initiative – Graduate Assembly, Black Equal Opportunity Employment Journal, Jopwell
• Support Resources: African American Initiative Scholarship, mentorship programs.
• Events: Black Heritage Month programmin, town halls, and socials.

Latinx/Chicanx Community

Latinx/Chicanx Community

The university supports the Latinx/Chicanx community by offering culturally relevant resources such as academic counseling, financial aid for undocumented students, and vibrant cultural programming. Dedicated spaces like the Latinx Resource Center provide opportunities for connection and advocacy, ensuring Latinx students can succeed academically and personally.

Appointment with EOP Success Counselor

• Via Zoom and in person at the Latinx Student Resource Center.
• To schedule an appointment with Sandra Arias, visit http://tinyurl.com/F24SandraEOPAdvising

Resources:

• Latinx Resource Center
• Financial aid for undocumented students
• California Dream Act

Events

• Día de los Muertos celebrations (cultural festivals)
• Academic workshops

Indigenous Community

UC Berkeley supports Indigenous students by recognizing the importance of cultural preservation and representation. Resources include the Native American Student Development Office, financial aid opportunities, and tools for meaningful land acknowledgments. The OEVP also organizes events and programming to celebrate Indigenous cultures and foster a sense of community.

Land acknowledgment: The OEVP recognizes that Berkeley sits on the territory of xučyun (Huichin) (Hoo-Choon), the ancestral and unceded land of the Chochenyo (Cho-chen-yo) speaking Ohlone people, the successors of the historic and sovereign Verona Band of Alameda County. This land was and continues to be of great importance to the Muwekma (Muh-wek-muh) Ohlone Tribe and other familial descendants of the Verona Band. We recognize that every member of the Berkeley community has benefited, and continues to benefit, from the use and occupation of this land since the institution's founding in 1868.

Resources:

• Native American Student Development Office
• land acknowledgment tools
• Financial Aid

Events:

• Powwows
• Indigenous Peopels' Day
• Upcoming Events

Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim Communities

Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim Communities Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim Communities

UC Berkeley recognizes Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim (MENA/Muslim) student communities. The university offers dedicated resources, including the Muslim Student Association (MSA), which organizes prayer spaces and Halal dining options, as well as the MENA Student Development Office, which provides cultural, academic, and emotional support. Immigration and citizenship resources are also available to assist students navigating legal systems. We advocate for the representation, safety, and inclusivity of the MENA community on campus.

Resources:

• Halal dining options and prayer/meditation spaces.

Events

• Ramadan Iftars, cultural showcases, and interfaith dialogues.
• Arab Heritage Month and MENA cultural week programming

Performences

• Azaad, Cal Bhangra, Deewani, Dil Se, Laya of Berkeley, Maya at Cal, Natya at Berkeley, Nazakat at Berkeley (Cal Kathak), Raas Ramzat, UC Berkeley Zahanat

Asian American and Pacific Island Community

UC Berkeley actively supports the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, which includes students from more than 50 ethnic groups with unique cultural and historical experiences. The university ensures that AAPI students have access to resources that address academic, social, and cultural needs. Through the Asian Pacific American Student Development Office and other advocacy organizations, students can find support for mental health, leadership development, and navigating identity challenges. It encompass more than 50 different ethnic groups – including 24.7 million Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States

Wellness Resources/Reports:

• AAPI representation and diversity within the student body
• AAPI Mental Wellness Guide.

Events:

• Lunar New Year
• Heritage Celebrations

Jewish Community

Jewish Community

UC Berkeley offers key resources for Jewish students including the Berkeley Hillel and Chabad Jewish Student Center, which offer opportunities for worship, community service, and Jewish learning. Students can access Kosher dining options and participate in events such as Shabbat dinners, Jewish holiday celebrations, and interfaith dialogues. The university also supports advocacy efforts to combat antisemitism and promote inclusivity, providing safe spaces for students to discuss identity.

Resources:

• Center for Jewish Studies - Resources
• Berkeley Hillel - Wellness Resources
• Support for the UC Berkeley Jewish Community
• Magnes Collection for Jewish Art and Life
• Antisemitism Education Initiative
• Resources & Support for Trauma, Tragedies, and Loss

Events

• Speaker Events
• Heritage Month Celebrations

LGBTQIA+

UC Berkeley is deeply committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ students by creating a campus environment that prioritizes inclusivity, safety, and equity. The Gender Equity Resource Center (GenEq) serves as a hub for advocacy, providing access to counseling, ally training, and leadership opportunities. The university also hosts events like Pride Month celebrations and National Coming Out Day, which amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and foster a sense of belonging. Berkeley’s commitment extends to ensuring inclusive housing, offering mental health services tailored to LGBTQIA+ experiences, and supporting student organizations that empower queer and trans students across all disciplines.

Resources:

• Gender Equity Resources Center (GenEq)
• Queer Alliance & Resource Center
• LGBTQ Counseling

Events:

• Pride Month programming
• Coming Out Day

Disabled Students Program

Disabled Students Program

The Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) provides accommodations such as extended testing time, assistive technology, and note-taking services to support academic success. Beyond academics, the university offers workshops on disability awareness, advocacy initiatives, and networking events designed to build community among students with disabilities. Campus-wide accessibility is prioritized through ongoing audits and improvements to physical and digital spaces, ensuring every student can thrive in an inclusive environment.

Cal students registered with the Disabled Student Program can schedule hour-long one-on-one appointments with an experienced Career Counselor to support their career exploration, preparation, and job seeking as an employee with a disability. 

• Sign up on Handshake. Select “DSP Counseling” as the appointment type.
• If you experience any accessibility difficulties with scheduling, email ricardo.flores@berkeley.edu
• Documents: Career Readiness Checklist, Preparing for a Career Fair 
• • Proof of disability form: Sample Schedule A
  • Slideshow on informing potential employers about your disability: Strengths Based Disclosure

Resources:

• DSP/TRIO Online Disability Resources

Events

• Accessibility awareness workshops
• Community Events

International Students

UC Berkeley fosters a welcoming and supportive environment for its diverse International Student population, which represents over 100 countries. The Berkeley International Office offers personalized guidance on visa processes, work authorization, and cultural adjustment. Language programs and conversation workshops help students refine their English skills and integrate into campus life. In addition to academic support, the university hosts global mixers, cultural showcases, and orientation programs tailored for international students. These initiatives ensure that students from around the world feel connected and supported as they navigate the academic, social, and cultural landscape at Berkeley.

Career/Community Resources:

• Berkeley Career Engagement Resources
• Community Resources for International Students

Events:

• Global student mixers/ orientation events,
• Cultural showcases