Student Organizations & Mentoring

Student Organizations and Mentoring

In the Physics Department

Society of Physics Students (SPS) 

The Society of Physics Students is a professional, national organization for all students interested in physics. We are the chapter at University of California - Berkeley. We do fun projects, promote and discuss physics, tour lab facilities, and connect with professors and their research. 

SPS sponsors a mentorship program aimed at introducing underclassmen and incoming transfers to the undergraduate physics community and encouraging them to be part of a mentorship family. Applications are sent out on the listserv at the beginning of the Fall Semester.  Email e_i@sps.berkeley.edu for more information about how to sign up to get a mentor, or to become a mentor yourself.

Society of Women in the Physical Sciences (SWPS)

SWPS is a student group run by female graduate students in Physics, Astronomy, Earth and Planetary Sciences and Biophysics. Our goals are to encourage women and minorities to study the physical sciences and to create a friendly and supportive environment in these departments for all students. Contact the SWPS listserv for more information: swpscoord@lists.berkeley.edu.

IGenSpectrum

IGenSpectrum is a student group at UC Berkeley dedicated to improving the visibility and professional preparation of LGBT physicists. Founded in 2014, IGenSpectrum has already hosted a visiting colloquium speaker in a discussion of the challenges facing LGBT scientists; a summer research supplement program for undergraduates; and many social events. Contact the leadership of IGenSpectrum at officers@igenspectrum.berkeley.edu.

The Compass Project

The Compass Project is a self-formed group of graduate and undergraduate students in the physical sciences at UC Berkeley. Our goals are to improve undergraduate physics education, provide our participants with opportunities for professional development, and increase retention of students, especially those from populations typically underrepresented in the physical sciences. Services provided have included a summer program, fall and spring semester courses, mentoring, a research lecture series, and other academic and social support.

Berkeley Connect in Physics

Berkeley Connect links undergraduate students with experienced mentors in Physics. These mentors lead small groups of 10-20 students in regular meetings; they also meet with students one-on-one to provide guidance and advice. The core of the Berkeley Connect program is a one-credit, pass-fail course that is designed to create a community of students with similar intellectual interests. Physics 98BC is the Physics Berkeley Connect course for freshmen and sophomores; Physics 198BC is the Physics Berkeley Connect course for juniors and senior.

Physics Latinx Community

Physics Latinx Community provides a community of support, and an alliance for Latinx in our department. Together, we create a strong sense of community and a safe space for each other.

Hispanic Engineers and Scientists (HES)

HES is a student organization that was established in 1974 to create a community amongst all Latinx engineering and science students at UC Berkeley. The Hispanic Engineers and Scientists of the University of California, Berkeley are determined to increase the number of culturally responsible engineers and scientists who succeed academically, lead professionally, and contribute passionately to society.

Outside of the Physics Department

Space Exploration Society at Berkeley

Our main goal is to stimulate interest in a space-related career for students of all majors at University of California, Berkeley. We will accomplish our goals by forming a network of students interested in space, providing leadership opportunities, educating both students and non-students with scientific outreach, participating in space-related competitions (rocket-building, 3D printing, space policy), and interacting with professional organizations and companies.

Black Graduate Engineering and Science Students (BGESS)

A group founded in 1987 by Black Berkeley graduate students to build academic and social support systems for students of African Heritage.

Research Exchange

The goal of the Research Exchange is to increase the advancement of diverse PhD students and postdoctoral fellows from participating top tier institutions into the most competitive research and teaching careers. To achieve this, we have established the Research Exchange. Through this program, the alliance will sponsor a student or postdoctoral fellow’s visit with a faculty member or research scientist for a short period to learn new techniques, engage in collaborative discussion for innovative problem solving and face-to-face interaction between scientists at any of our participating institutions.

STEMinist Chronicles

The STEMinist Chronicles is a student organization at UC Berkeley dedicated to making photoessays of womxn in STEM. Our mission is to share the stories of womxn in STEM and use these narratives to highlight diversity within STEM fields and foster a more inclusive environment for all. 

Undergraduate Lab @ Berkeley (ULAB)

We believe that every student interested in participating in research at Berkeley should have the opportunity to do so. We are committed to individually helping new students find research on campus, developing student-led research projects, and connecting & supporting students already involved in research.

Campus-wide

Centers for Educational Equity and Excellence (CE3)

Comprising 10 distinct programs, CE3 offers a comprehensive array of counseling programs, supplemental aid, and scholarships to support former foster youth, veterans, student parents, undocumented students, and transfer students of all ages and life experiences. We aim to ensure that the most vulnerable students achieve their potential at the number one public university. We connect students in need with critical resources — from holistic academic guidance, scholarships, mentoring, and career preparation to nutrition and child care support.

UCB Basic Needs Center

Our goal is to provide economic, food and housing justice for all UC Berkeley community members no matter who they are or where they come from. The Basic Needs Center serves as a space for students to create community and access coordinated basic needs services.

Student Technology Equity Program (STEP)

We connect WiFi hotspots, and other required technology to students in need. 
Note: Please be sure to check in with the Office of Financial Aid to see how additional grants and funding might impact your financial aid package.