Can I participate in any Berkeley Connect department?
Berkeley Connect is currently offered in more than a dozen departments.
You may join any participating department that aligns with your academic interests. See the pages Participating Departments & Find the Right Program to select a section.
I haven’t declared a major. Can I still enroll?
Yes! Berkeley Connect welcomes all students — first‑years, sophomores, juniors, junior transfers, and seniors.
If you’re exploring majors, Berkeley Connect is a great way to learn more about a field.
Can I participate through a department where I’m minoring?
Yes. Berkeley Connect is a great way to deepen your involvement in any academic area you’re interested in.
My department doesn’t offer Berkeley Connect. Can I still participate?
Yes. You do not need to be a major in a participating department.
Many students join Berkeley Connect outside their home department or use it to explore potential majors, double majors, or minors.
For help choosing a program, see Berkeley Connect: Finding the Right Program
Can I enroll for more than one semester?
Yes. Many students return for multiple semesters or a full year.
Can I enroll through more than one department?
Yes. You may:
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take Berkeley Connect in different departments in different semesters
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take Berkeley Connect in up to two different departments in the same semesterYou may not take two sections in the same department in the same semester.
There is no limit on the number of semesters you can participate.
Is Berkeley Connect a course?
Yes. To participate in Berkeley Connect, you enroll in a one‑unit, Pass/Not Pass course offered by a participating department.
There are no exams, no papers, and no homework.
To pass, you simply attend and participate in:
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small‑group meetings
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one‑on‑one mentoring sessions
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special events
Can I participate in any Berkeley Connect department?
Berkeley Connect is currently offered in more than a dozen departments.
You may join any participating department that aligns with your academic interests. See the pages Participating Departments & Find the Right Program to select a section.
How do I enroll in Berkeley Connect?
Enroll via CalCentral. You can search the course catalog using the Berkeley Connect course attribute. Generally, first‑ and second‑year students enroll in 98BC, while third‑ and fourth‑year students enroll in 198BC. You may enroll in any section that meets your scheduling and credit requirements.
What will we do during the semester?
Berkeley Connect includes four main activities:
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One‑on‑one advising: Meet with your mentor at least twice to discuss academics, course planning, and your experience at Berkeley.
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Small‑group meetings: Join a group of up to 20 students every other week for discussions related to the discipline.
Special events: Hear from faculty, attend alumni career panels, and participate in informal talks. Field trips: Visit campus resources such as the Berkeley Art Museum, Bancroft Library, or Lawrence Berkeley National Lab.
What does “mentoring” mean in Berkeley Connect?
You’ll be paired with a mentor — an advanced graduate student or recent PhD — who meets with you individually and leads your small‑group discussions. Mentors help you navigate the major, find resources, and think through academic questions— including exploring graduate school.
What are the benefits?
At a large university like Berkeley, it’s easy to feel lost. Berkeley Connect helps you:
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build community with students who share your interests
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receive guidance from a graduate‑student mentordiscover campus resources
I still have questions — who can I talk to?
Contact the central Berkeley Connect team at berkeleyconnect@berkeley.edu.