Updated October 28, 2024 to reflect changes to Spring 2025 GBO and UCEAP student participation.
Q: Is Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) in person?
A: Yes- Spring 2025 GBO will be done in a fully in person format. There may be limited virtual access to programming such as livestreams and recordings of events, but there is no overall virtual orientation experience. Those who are unable to attend orientation in-person or have extenuating circumstances are encouraged to check out our Policies page of our website and fill out the Golden Bear Orientation Spring 2025: Exemption and Accommodations form by Tuesday, December 17, 2024. You can reference the emails from New Student Services for details and the GBO Sample Schedule page for updated schedules.
Q: I have unique circumstances that may limit how I am able to engage in GBO programs and/or other experiences. What can NSS do?
A: If you believe you will not be able to engage with GBO or may need unique accommodations to participate in the program due to your circumstances, reach out to New Student Services as soon as possible. More information about this process can be found on the Policies page of our website.
Q: Is there a cost associated with Golden Bear Orientation?
A: Yes, all new students are required to pay the New Student Programming Fee. You will be assessed a fee on your first semester CalCentral bill. The New Student Programming Fee is $475 for incoming Fall 2024 undergraduates ($320 for UCEAP students) and $300 for incoming Spring 2025 undergraduates ($200 for UCEAP students). If applicable, look at your financial aid package to see if this fee will be covered by financial aid in the form of the “New Student Grant.” If you have financial concerns related to the New Student Programming Fee, please complete the Golden Bear Orientation Spring 2025: Exemption and Accommodations Form (Those who receive a full exemption will have the New Student Programming Fee removed). Please refer to our Office of the Registrar Tuition & Fees page for more details on student fees.
These are the critical dates for the Golden Bear Experience, including Golden Bear Orientation (GBO). This page is updated often so please refresh your web browser each time you visit.
Q: I am a UCEAP student studying abroad at Berkeley. Do I have to participate in the Golden Bear Experience, including attending Golden Bear Orientation?
A:UCEAP students are no longer required to attend Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) but are invited to opt into participation in the two day, in person GBO January 16-17, 2025. This change was made to reflect the unique needs of UCEAP students studying at Berkeley.
UCEAP students can opt into attending Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) in person by completing the Spring 2025 UCEAP GBO Opt-In Form by the deadline of December 17, 2024. Note that this form requires you to be logged into your UC Berkeley email account (bMail). See the EAP GBO Sample Schedule to learn more about the program. Submission of the Spring 2025 UCEAP GBO Opt-In Form will provide full access to the two-day program and require payment of the EAP New Student Programming Fee of $200.
Requests to opt into the program after December 17, 2024 will be reviewed on a case by case basis and will require participants to pay the EAP New Student Programming Fee of $200.
UCEAP students will still receive Golden Bear Prep International, an online module meant to introduce students to life outside the classroom prior to arriving on campus and will be invited to attend the Virtual EAP Orientation with Berkeley International Office (BIO) on Friday, January 17, 2025 from 9:30am-12:30pm PST regardless of if they choose to opt into attending GBO in person.
Questions? Reach out to New Student Services via email (nss@berkeley.edu) and our team will help your transition to UC Berkeley.
Q: How will I find community as a new student?
A: We know that building community is essential to success at Berkeley and new students’ first couple semesters are extremely important for building their community. In addition to offering a fun array of community-building activities as part of GBO, we are actively exploring different ways to help connect students with their peers and engage with their co-curricular interests. Visit Student Affairs’ Berkeley Life blog for ideas on how to find community.
Q: How will I be connected to current UC Berkeley students? How will I be connected to other new students?
A: During GBO, we plan to have multiple opportunities for you to learn from the experiences of current UC Berkeley students. A key component of GBO is the small group experience led by Orientation Leaders (OLs). OLs are continuing students who are volunteering their time to help make your transition to Berkeley smooth. They will guide you and a small group of fellow incoming students through programs during GBO. Your small group will consist of other incoming students, either first years or transfers depending on your incoming status.
Q: I don’t know where I am living this fall/spring, what does that mean for me and GBO?
A: Regardless of where you choose to live, New Student Services is committed to facilitating your transition to UC Berkeley. GBO programming is not based solely on where you chose to live and/or if you live in University Residence Halls. Incoming students will have the ability to connect with their small group, as well as other communities (academic, identity, interest, etc.).
Q: I have questions about housing, course enrollment, financial aid, etc. Who do I talk to and how?
A: While our Office Representatives are more than happy to connect you with other campus resources, unfortunately they are not able to answer certain questions that fall out of our office’s function. Here is a list of other departments that may provide a more direct answer for your questions:
- For questions related to financial aid, fees and tuition, billing, payments, and disbursements, registration and enrollment, and student records, contact Cal Student Central.
- For questions regarding registration, transferring credits, transcripts, residency requirements, veterans benefits, and other related issues, contact the Office of the Registrar.
- For questions about issues that relate to your Conditions of Admission (I.e., sending in transcripts/exam scores by a certain deadline, status updates on receiving student records), contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions
- For questions related to housing (move-in, contracts, deadlines, offers, etc.), please contact Cal Housing.
Q: I am sick or unable to attend GBO due to unexpected circumstances. What does this mean for me and GBO?
If you get sick or are dealing with an unexpected situation, please take care of yourself appropriately and reach out to us. You should not come to in-person activities if you are sick. Please email the New Student Services team, and we will work with you individually to determine possible solutions. We recognize that, if there are barriers to your participation in GBO, these barriers will likely impact your entire Berkeley experience.
You are always welcome to contact our office at (510) 642-7733 or through email at nss@berkeley.edu if you may be unsure about which office would be appropriate to contact for your concerns.
For any specific questions you have, feel free to email nss@berkeley.edu. Our NSS Representatives will be happy to refer you to the right resources based on your needs! While we may not be the main point of contact, we focus on helping students connect with resources that they will utilize throughout their entire Berkeley career.