Summer 2009 Letter Home: A Newsletter for Cal Parents

Cal Parents welcomes all parents and guardians into the UC Berkeley family. Through the activities and resources of the program, we provide a vital link between home and the campus. This newsletter is one of our primary vehicles of communication with parents. It is published three times each year and mailed to the families of all undergraduates. If you are not currently receiving Letter Home and would like to be added to the mailing list, please contact Cal Parents at 510/642-7147 or by e-mail at calparents@berkelely.edu.

This year's University Medalist: Emma Shaw Crane

American Cultures: Rethinking assumptions and attitudes

Rolling out the blue & gold carpet

Summer 2009
•	Parents Events: Rolling out the blue & gold carpet Parents Weekend Highlighs, Oct. 2–4
•	Budget News: Amid budget woes, academic excellence is top priority
•	Academic Programs: Navigating a clear path The internationally recognized Disable Students' Program works hard to level the plaing field for students with extra challenges Sidebar: Let your fingers do the walking: Tips from the DSP staff
•	Student Awards: An intellectual superstar When University Medalist Emma Shaw Crane witnessed human-rights abuses as a child, she set out to make a real difference Sidebar: Parting Words: The finalists
•	Faculty Profiles: Faculty who love what they do inspire anew 'Giving props' to superlative profs • When teachers and students share one roof: For 'residential faculty' and their undergraduate neighbors, proximity makes for valuable exchanges, insights, and suprises • Learning through service: A Spanish teacher invites students to use their language skills in service to the community. • A classroom shining light: A linguist brings an 'arcane' topic to life.
•	Academic Programs: Discussing differences, building bridges Berkeley's first-ot-its-kind requirement helps students learn about race, culture, and ethnicity—and "rethink attitudes, assumptions, and political and social understandings"
•	The Cal Parents Fund: bSpace enhances student learning—in and out of class
•	News Briefs A new year begins Free debit card for use on and off campus Staying ahead of the flu Senior-class gift to Cal College drinking: parents step up Opt in to receive emergency alerts New and improved SHIP benefits Do we have your e-mail?

Comments? E-mail calparents@berkeley.edu.