Golden State Today

A new school year at UC Berkeley brings a fresh cohort of students and several notable changes, including the arrival of a new chancellor, Rich Lyons. The campus is also introducing a new academic department, additional student housing, programs aimed at bridging divides, and sports for students with disabilities.

Chancellor Lyons has highlighted civil discourse and bridging political and cultural divides as key focuses for the academic year. He stated, “We want to equip students with skills to engage across divides and build bridges of understanding with those from different backgrounds and points of view.”

The campus is celebrating the achievements of its Olympians who won 23 medals in Paris this summer. Additionally, Berkeley’s Financial Aid Office has successfully navigated challenges posed by delays in FAFSA data to support families.

Among the physical transformations on campus are the new graduate student apartment complex named xučyun ruwway, reflecting Ohlone heritage. The Lawrence Hall of Science now incorporates Indigenous science into its programs. Other construction projects include Anchor House for transfer students and the upcoming Bakar ClimatEnginuity Hub.

The university is also launching a Campus Mobile Crisis Response team to address urgent mental or behavioral health crises on campus property. This initiative aims to limit police involvement except when necessary for safety.

Berkeley’s Department of Neuroscience has been established in response to growing research in various disciplines. Dan Feldman, the department's inaugural chair, emphasized that consolidating faculty from different departments will facilitate major research advances.

Other new academic offerings include an undergraduate major in educational sciences and a minor in Israel studies. Following last year's release of "Oppenheimer," all new students are encouraged to watch the film as part of a shared learning experience through the On the Same Page program.

Inclusive recreation continues to expand with adaptive sports courses designed for students with disabilities. These efforts are part of Berkeley’s Exercise is Medicine program aimed at promoting holistic well-being among students.

The Student Union is expanding its footprint with additions like Berkeley Art Studio West and a second Cal Student Store at Anchor House. The original art studio has enhanced its ceramics program with new kilns.

Innovative vending solutions created by alumni startups are also being introduced on campus, including brd BOT for hot food and Yo-kai Express for ramen dishes.

Anne Brice, Jason Pohl, and Robert Sanders from the Office of Communications and Public Affairs contributed to this report.

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