About Cal Parents
About Cal Parents

Parents' Frequently Asked Questions

The Cal Parents helplines field hundreds of calls from families each year. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions — click on them for answers. If you have questions that are not addressed here or elsewhere on our web site, contact the Cal Parents e-mail helpline or call 510/642-7147.

• Student Services • Academics • Keeping in Touch
• Finances • Health and Safety  
• Housing • Visiting Cal  

Student Services

What extracurricular activities does UC Berkeley offer for students?

In addition to sports and cultural activities, there are more than 700 registered student organizations on campus. Student groups include academic and professional, ethnic and cultural, political and social action, recreational, religious, and service-oriented programs. The Office of Student Life has more information.

What services are available for students with disabilities?

Through the Disabled Students' Program (510/642-0518), students with documented permanent disabilities or chronic illnesses can arrange for services from readers, note-takers, sign-language interpreters, and other academic support staff. Additionally, the program offers attendant referrals, assistive technology, and help with housing.

Where can my student purchase a computer?

The Scholar's Workstation — the campus's computer store — sells desktop computers, laptops, software, and peripherals at educational discounts to students. (It may be possible for some students to receive financial support in purchasing a computer). Campus Computer Repair and Support provides in- and out-of-warranty repair and operating systems support for Apple and Dell computers and Hewlett-Packard laser printers.

Will there be someone to help my student set up her computer when she gets to campus?

Students will need to be resourceful and generally self-reliant in setting up their desktop computers or laptops, but there is help. Students living in the residence halls have access to residence hall computing support. Depending on the level of help your student needs, there are resources for getting other computer help and getting started for new users.

Academics

What happens if my student is on academic probation?

Students are placed on academic probation if their cumulative UC grade-point average falls below 2.0 or if their GPA in any single semester drops below 1.5. Students who have been placed on probation should seek advising in their school or college for help in planning their class schedule or counseling on issues that may be affecting their classwork. Many students experience academic difficulties
at some point during their time at Berkeley, but advisers can help get your student back on track and recommend tutors, counseling, workshops, study groups, and other assistance.

My student needs academic support. Where can he find an adviser?

All colleges and schools on campus have academic advisers who can help students choose majors, plan their courses of study, and fulfill requirements for graduation. Academic advising is also available at the Student Learning Center, the Athletic Study Center, and Student Life Advising Services.

I pay all my son's fees, but when I call the registrar asking for his grades, they won't let me see them. How can I get copies?

You can't. Berkeley considers its students to be adults, with all the responsibilities and rights to privacy that adult status entails. The campus complies with the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) of 1974, also called the Buckley Amendment, which promotes student privacy by limiting the information that schools are allowed to give out about individual students. So, the campus cannot give you your son's grades without his written permission.

My daughter wants to explore psychology and economics as possible majors, but the prerequisite courses were full last semester. How can she get the classes she needs?

Some popular majors, like these, are hard to get into, but your daughter shouldn't give up. She can visit the department and put herself on an informal waiting list for next semester (there is no guarantee that she will get in, but the persistent are often rewarded). Most popular courses are also offered in Summer Sessions.

Finances

How can my student get an emergency loan quickly?

Emergency loans for living expenses are available from the Financial Aid Office for currently registered students. Rules and maximum amounts are subject to change, so have your student check with the Emergency Loan Office in 220 Sproul Hall, 510/642-0470. Loans must be repaid in approximately 60 days.

Who can help me understand the campus billing system?

Beginning in fall 2005, billing and payment for student fees is done online only. The campus's Billing and Payment Services answers basic questions about billing services, as well as more detailed information about procedures, regulations, and resolving problems.

Are there ATMs on campus? Where is the nearest bank?

The campus has several ATM machines representing one bank and three credit unions. The credit union ATMs don't charge for transactions by non-members. Major banks within walking distance of the campus include Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Washington Mutual, and Citibank. All are on the south or west sides of campus.

Health and Safety

What kind of student health program is offered at UC Berkeley?

Cal offers comprehensive medical, mental health, and health promotion services to all students through University Health Services (UHS), the campus's outpatient health center. All registered students may use the services just as they would their doctor's office and urgent care center. The facility is fully accredited and staffed by board-certified physicians, nurse practitioners, physician's assistants, a nutritionist, nurses, and health educators. A comprehensive counseling center, staffed by psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists, offers individual and group counseling and includes a complete career counseling center. Services are supported by registration fees and are provided at no extra cost or for moderate fees covered by the Student Health Insurance Plan.

To use University Health Services, does my student have to be enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?

All students are required to have major medical insurance to cover what UHS does not — hospitalization, away-from-campus care, and some specialty services. To meet this requirement, students automatically are enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan. Some students choose to waive SHIP enrollment, but your student can use all UHS services whether or not he or she stays enrolled in SHIP.

If my daughter already has insurance through our family plan, do I need to buy the Berkeley-endorsed plan?

No, she can waive enrollment in SHIP by filling out an online waiver form by the specified deadline.

What if my student becomes sick and has to miss the remainder of the semester?

You or your student should call the Social Services unit at the Tang Center (510/642-6074), and a counselor will provide assistance.

Does UC Berkeley offer treatment programs for alcohol and drug abuse?

Counseling, prevention, and education programs, support groups, medical treatment, and other resources are available to assist students who have alcohol or drug-related issues — or have friends or roommates with these issues.

My student seems depressed. Are there campus resources to help?

Counselors at the Tang Center, home of University Health Services, can help with concerns about depression. Counseling and Psychological Services at UHS employs a multicultural group of social workers, psychologists, and psychiatrists who can discuss choosing majors, defining interests and abilities, clarifying career goals, coping with personal crises, dealing with relationships, or just college life. UHS services are partially funded by fees, and some are offered at no additional charge. For information by phone, call 510/642-9494.

Does the campus sponsor night safety programs?

The UC Police Department operates a night safety shuttle and escort service that provide safe access to cars, campus facilities, nearby homes, and public transportation. Students are encouraged to be alert to suspicious behavior and to walk with a friend on well-lit paths when out at night.

Housing

Can two friends room together?

Yes, we encourage students to indicate a roommate on their application and carefully follow all of the directions. We make every effort to accommodate roommate requests. However, it is more difficult to room students together who have different admission status (e.g., a fall admit with a spring admit or a freshman with a transfer student). Students in this situation who are willing to accept a triple-occupancy space should contact Michelle Kniffin, the assistant director for assignments in the housing office.

What can I expect on Move-In Day?

Campus residence halls offer lots of tips for moving in — from directions and transportation to campus to checklists for equipping your room. You can call 510/642-4108 for answers as well.

When must students move out of residence halls at the end of a semester and when can they move in at the beginning of a semester?

Students must move out of the residence halls by 10 a.m. one day after finals end. (See the academic calendar for finals schedules.) The residence halls are closed during winter break and generally reopen one week before spring classes resume. Continuing students must leave at the close of the fall semester, but they do not need to move their belongings (some students prefer to remove valuables like laptops, etc.). All students must move themselves and their belongings out at the end of the spring semester.

What can I do if my son has a problem with a roommate?

Although many long-lasting friendships are formed in the residence halls, your student should not assume that his roommate will be his best friend. Roommates should try to get to know one another and be respectful, honest, and considerate. Residence hall staff work with students to develop a roommate agreement, setting boundaries and clear expectations. They recommend discussing needs and differences in lifestyles and values and, when necessary, learning to work out compromises. If communication breaks down and problems arise, your son should see the resident assistant on his floor. Staff are trained in conflict resolution and will help your son with relationship problems.

How can we find out about fraternities and sororities?

Berkeley has 19 sponsored sororities and 38 sponsored fraternities. Members are recruited to these Greek-letter organizations, usually in the first few weeks of the fall semester. Information about individual sororities or fraternities is available through the Office of Student Life (510/642-5171) or Cal Greeks.

How does my student go about finding off-campus housing?

Start at Cal Rentals, for housing counseling, listings, materials, and advice. Part of the campus's Residential and Student Services Programs, Cal Rentals can help your student formulate an effective housing search strategy. Your student can also contact Cal Rentals by e-mail or phone at 510/642-3642.

Visiting Cal

How can we take a tour of campus?

Free guided campus walking tours are offered daily. On weekdays, the 90-minute, student-led tours begin at the campus Visitor Center, 101 University Hall (2200 University Ave.) at 10 a.m. Weekend tours begin at the Campanile (Sather Tower) in the center of campus on Saturday at 10 a.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m. For details, including directions and where to park, check out Visitor Services. For a spectacular view of the campus without the travel, take our online tour.

What hotels are located near the Berkeley campus?

There are many hotels, motels, and bed-and-breakfasts in and around Berkeley. See our visitor guide for a sampling of places to stay near campus.

Where do I park when I visit campus?

Parking is at a premium in Berkeley, and regulations are strictly enforced both on and around campus and in city lots. University parking lots and campus spaces are reserved weekdays for permit-holders; the lots are open to the public for a fee on evenings and weekends. Public parking lots are metered or attended; all are fee lots. Complete parking information is available online.

Keeping in Touch

How can I send packages to my student in the dorm?

Be sure to include the student's name, unit or building, room number, street address, city, state, and zip code. Packages and deliveries are held for pick-up in the mailroom of each residence hall, and your student will be notified. It's a good idea to let your student know you have sent something.

How often should my son come home?

College is your student's time to grow and establish his own identity. Discourage him from coming home too soon or too often. While it is hard to know your student is lonely, homesickness is a natural and normal part of leaving home and becoming independent. Bringing homesick students home on weekends can inhibit their ability to develop new friendships and prolong their adjustment to being away.

What is The Parents Fund?

State funding and student fees make up just a portion of UC Berkeley's operating budget. Donations to The Parents Fund help bridge that financial gap by providing flexible funds for the Chancellor to use where they are needed most — all to benefit students. Families can make a gift that will help fund freshman and sophomore seminars, undergraduate research, the Library, the Career Center, classroom improvements, and night safety programs, among many others.

How can I change my mailing address to ensure that I receive mail from Cal?

Contact Cal Parents by e-mail or call 510/642-7147 — we'll make the change for you.