College Updates

Some Peer Advice: Study, study, study!

2009-05-07T17:36:02Z

Instruction ends soon (May 11!), and that means final exams and papers are coming up. Find a spot in the library, in a coffee shop, under a tree.... in a tree, and get cracking on those books! I know many of us saw that guy in the library who brought his entire desktop to play video games. Some applauded. Others sneered. Everyone took pictures. I professionally don't recommend it. It only commits you to not showering. Whatever you do, do it soon!

Announcements and Deadlines

2009-05-07T15:38:38Z

Deadline to Withdraw (Semester Out Rule Imposed) - May 11th
Thinking about withdrawing from school? If you're thinking about it, come in and speak to a college adviser during our drop-in advising hours. Let's figure out the best option for your situation.

Last day to add to the Degree List - May 20th
If you want to graduate this semester and have not yet added yourself to the Degree List, visit our Forms & Petitions link on our website or come to 113 Campbell Hall to obtain the Petition to Late Add to the Degree List (after the eighth week of class).

Fun Fact: Saharan Desert = Oasis?

2009-05-07T15:37:25Z

In the 1920's, there was a scientist by the name of Herman Sorgel who published a paper about damming the Mediterranean Sea (several dams). One of the results, among creating new land and universal energy, is increasing the humidity of the Sahara Desert and terra-forming it into a hospitable environment. Although never realized, I am sure that utilizing this barren land could have been a paramount in the movement toward ending global hunger.

Of course, some things are too good to be true. Damming the Mediterranean would have displaced countless African natives, as well as destroying un-discovered wildlife and vegetation. The change in humidity and weather would have also had un-certain and potentially dangerous consequences on the global climate.

More information can be found at http://www.damninteresting.com/?p=965#more-965

Psychology Senior Panel - Tuesday 4/28/09 - 159 Mulford, 7-8pm

2009-04-23T17:43:24Z

Are you interested in the Psych major? Well, if you'd like to hear from seniors sharing their different psych related experiences and backgrounds, you don't want to miss this event. You'll hear everything from favorite classes and internship opportunities to research and applying to graduate schools. Come prepared with your questions.

Fun Fact: Coffee in the Brain

2009-04-23T17:40:59Z

According to the BBC news, the caffeine in coffee can help protect our brains. There is a blood barrier that surrounds our brain to protect it from the chemicals that run around in the rest of our bodies. Caffeine seems to bolster the protection of the barrier. This study supports previous coffee studies that have indicated that a daily cup of coffee reduces the risks of developing Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. So if you remember the last college update, all we have to worry about now is coffee staining our teeth. Yeesh!

Some Peer Advice: Finals are a coming.

2009-04-23T17:37:27Z

Finals are less than a month away! Some of us may be studying already, some others not. Whether it's a big whopper of a paper or just a module exam, it's always a good idea to start early! So maybe take this weekend and go to the SFZoo or Exploratorium, but starting next week, I'd recommend spending at least 2 hours catching up on everything, and then doing your homework. Yes, I know it's hard. You can use this chance to do something a little crazy, like trying that 5 hour energy drink that seems to be promising, but whatever you do, just get started!

Announcements and Deadlines

2009-04-16T16:20:17Z

Tele-BEARS Phase 1 appointment times are starting this week. If you have trouble figuring out your classes, you have a number of resources so go take advantage of them. Major advisers are available at your perspective major departments. Peer advisers are in the lobby outside of our office at 113 Campbell Hall. We also have staff advisers and workshops that might help you.

Fun Fact: Cup of Coffee

2009-04-16T16:19:06Z

I was browsing around the internet when I came upon this fun fact: "Research in the USA has shown that more than 10,000 marriages a year now begin with romances started during coffee breaks." I usually don't drink coffee, and I am sure some of you don’t. Many of us don't have a significant other either. I think it's time to drink some coffee.

Check out this link for other fun facts. http://www.breakfastandbrunch.com/about.php

Some Peer Advice: Changes to Tele-BEARS Phase 1 and Phase 2

2009-04-16T16:14:12Z

For those of you who don't read your emails but read this update, here are two important changes to Tele-BEARS.

1) For Tele-BEARS Phase 1, students will NOT be able to enroll in or waitlist for Physical Education activity classes (PE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5). If you're looking for one of these classes, you'll need to enroll in Phase 2. Check http://pe.berkeley.edu after May 1, 2009 for the final schedule.

2) You must know that there is now a limit to how many units you can enroll in during Phase 2. It's 16 to be exact. You can't enroll in additional classes once you have enrolled in or waitlisted for 16 units. That means, however, you can configure your classes so that you get to 15, and then enroll into a 4 unit class to get up 19. You simply can't add classes after reaching 16 units.

Announcements and Deadlines

2009-03-31T16:09:30Z

The last day to change your grading option from letter grade to Pass/No Pass is this Friday, April 3rd.

If you are graduating this semester and have not yet added yourself to the degree list, you must now see your major advisor to get a major approval memo. Come into our office (113 Campbell Hall) or go online to get the "Petition to Add to the Degree List (after the eight week of class)" form. Fill that out and submit it to our office along with the major approval memo you get from your major adviser.

Peer Advisor applications will also be due on Friday, April 3rd. I will venture forth to say that this is the best job on campus; if your campus job is better, you're probably Chancellor Robert J. Birgeneau.

Fun Fact: Best Lectures around the World

2009-03-31T16:08:16Z

There is a website that has collected webcasts from the best universities around and has posted them in various categories of majors. http://academicearth.org/ has courses ranging from philosophy and history to biology and math. These lectures are really great and are all taught by excellent professors.

Some Peer Advice: Keep up with the news.

2009-03-31T16:06:04Z

Many of us are plenty busy with school work, but here is a tidbit that helps everyone. Keep up with the news and what is going on with the world. I have noticed that many of us are unaware of current events. The easiest way for us to keep up is to look at the news articles on the internet. Another way is to grab a copy of the Wall Street Journal that litters the front porches of the unit dorms.

Announcements and Deadlines

2009-03-10T16:30:05Z

This Friday (March 13) will be the last day to withdraw from the semester without the "semester out rule." Remember that "withdrawing" means you want to stop taking all classes for this semester! If you withdraw after this Friday, the semester out rule requires that you take the next semester (so Fall 2009) off as well.

Fun Fact: A million dollars in your backpack!

2009-03-10T16:29:18Z

There are a lot of things that we like to think about in our daily lives, and money is one of them. I've personally wondered what it would be like to have a million dollars in my possession. How much space would that require? According to this website http://www.pagetutor.com/trillion/index.html, it only requires the space of your backpack! The pictures on this website are neat, as they illustrate what some amounts of money look like. Of course while a trillion dollars looks enticing, I would take the million dollars for the sleek, subtle look. Maybe not.

Some Peer Advice: Write yourself a resume! Summer jobs are coming up.

2009-03-10T16:12:13Z

It may not seem like it, but summer will be coming around, and many of you will want to be working. There are benefits, like money to spend during those warm, t-shirt nights with your friends. You also get to boost your resume with some cool experience. But first to get a job, you need a resume! So start writing them out! Microsoft office has some good templates to work with, but take heed, don't copy them! Usually employers will have applicants use the Word templates, and it comes across as very un-original. Just take a peek and make something original. Write about your education and relative job/club experience. Don't regret doing nothing during the summer and start applying to jobs now! If you need help, go check out the Career Center.