Updated October 28, 2024 to reflect Spring 2025 experience and timeline.
You might be wondering: what will Golden Bear Orientation (GBO) look like? Below are three sample schedules for GBO Spring 2025: transfer students, UCEAP and first years. Due to the smaller Spring 2025 entering cohort, teh majority of programs will be hosted together. There will also be time on Thursday for you to connect with a small group of peers led by continuing students.
We understand that a model built for so many students will not accommodate every individual; if after reading through the sample schedules below you believe that you will need accommodations during GBO, please scroll to the bottom of this page* to find instructions on how to request these accommodations.
Spring 2025 GBO Sample Schedule (Transfer Students)
Spring 2025 GBO Sample Schedule (UCEAP Students)
Spring 2025 GBO Sample Schedule (First Year Students)
Check In
Check In will occur on Thursday, January 16, 2025 from 12:00-1:00pm in Pauley Ballroom (MLK Student Union, 3rd Floor). This time includes lunch.
Convocation
Convocation is the official kickoff to your GBO and Berkeley experience! Campus leadership and peers will share their insight and you may even get to meet Berkeley’s most famous bear.
College Programming
College Programming consists of programming designed by each college (e.g College of Letters and Science, College of Natural Resources) to prepare students for life in that specific academic environment. During these events, there will be an introduction to your college and more specific sessions centered around what to expect from your college and major. Check the Cal Events App for specific events related to your major.
EAP Welcome (UCEAP Students Only)
Join the Berkeley International Office (BIO) for an EAP Welcome event. Note that only UCEAP students who opt into attending all of GBO may attend this session.
Campus Tour
Time to explore your new home with the help of continuing students! See if you can find all the hidden bears.
Small Group Discussion
Berkeley can feel like a large place with an unlimited amount of acronyms and resources. You will hear directly from peers about how to make connections, find support and build your community during this small group discussion.
Bite of Berkeley
We are surrounded by incredible and varied food options in the city of Berkeley. Exploring those is built into GBO! You and your small group will be assigned to visit a local restaurant to one of your lunch or dinner blocks during GBO.
Late Night Programming
Late Night Programming offers opportunities to get to know campus and its surroundings and experience entertainment at and around Cal. More importantly, Late Night Programming allows new students to bond and have fun with their groups and other new Cal students! While programming is scheduled all night, these events are optional.
Transfer Student Welcome (Transfer Students Only)
Transfer Student Welcome is a program in partnership with the Transfer Center, with its main goal being to welcome all transfer students to the Berkeley community and to discuss services and resources available to them.
Virtual EAP Orientation Hosted by Berkeley International Office (UCEAP Students Only)
Berkeley International Office (BIO) will host a Virtual EAP Orientation on Friday, January 17 from 9:30am-12:30pm PST. Note that all UCEAP students are required to attend this session regardless of GBO participation status.
New Student Services will provide a space in the MLK Student Union for students to log into the Virtual EAP Orientation to allow students easy access to breakfast, lunch and the Resource Fair without having to plan for commute time.
Resource Fair
The Campus Department Resource Fair will introduce incoming students to 70+ campus departments, including Berkeley Study Abroad and University Health Services. The fair will be hosted in person and will allow you to connect directly with staff from various campus departments. Lunch will be provided during this time.
Campus Resource Breakout Sessions
As an incoming student, you have unique needs and interests. Campus partners will host workshops based on themes to go further into the resources and pathways available to you. Check back in December for the full list of workshops. Each workshop will be hosted twice so you can attend more than one.
Bear Foundations
Bear Foundations is intended to start or continue the conversation of community and identity for new students. During the large group program and following small group discussion, students will learn about UC Berkeley’s Principles of Community, Othering, and Belonging, and reflect on their identity and relationship with campus. New students will recognize that they play an active role in creating a safe and healthy culture at Cal and will leave this program reflecting how to improve their communities at Cal. We want new students to continue their knowledge of exploring stories of identities, intersectionality, community-building through different platforms and media.
Closing Social
To cap off a great two days of GBO, join your fellow new students and enjoy some sweet treats.
Meals
Two meals will be provided each day of GBO. All meals will be able to provide options for dietary needs. If you do not see your dietary need met, please directly ask one of the New Student Services staff present.
Bear Pact (Pre-GBO for Spring 2025 Students)
Bear Pact is a mandatory performance that will teach you about important issues faced by college students: sexual violence and harassment, related policies, reporting options, and resources, mental health, bystander intervention, alcohol and substance use. Learn about the many ways you can maintain a balanced lifestyle and the resources on campus that can help you in this pursuit. You will also gain strategies to take care of friends, classmates, and roommates. Due to the shortened overall January GBO schedule, Bear Pact will be completed remotely prior to attending GBO. Students will receive instructions to access a recording of the Bear Pact program via bCourses and complete an associated quiz.