First-Year Orientation 2018

Planning information for the 2018 First-Year Orientation

Wednesday, 15 Aug

Schedule

10:00-11:30 Orientation (Lounge)
- Welcome from the Chair (Eliot ~10:00)
- Mentoring and advising systems (Aaron, ~10:30)
  - Faculty side of advising (we describe student side)
- Expectations
  - Pass out academic roadmap
  - how many classes should you take?
    - classes in other departments (physics, CS, pottery, language)
    - filling your 12 units
  - when to start research and how?
    - How pick to Picking a Research Advisor meeting coming soon to a department near you
  - AY290
    - What is it?
  - expectations by the end of 2nd year
    - 6 core classes, 12 astro units
    - 2/3 for letter grade
  - prelim - 3 classes
    - 1 of radiation/fluids
    - other options - stars, SF, ISM, galaxies, cosmology, (planets, high energy)
  - Funding
    - 1st years are covered for teaching and through summer (after 1st year you need an advisor)
    - GSI vs GSR in subsequent years
    - check to make sure you are getting paid/tuition is paid each semester
- Talks
  - lots of talks in the department
  - See also schedule of department events
  - GO TO COLLOQUIUM, THURSDAY LUNCHES AND GSPS!
  - mention 1 min colloquium

11:30-12:00 Orientation (Lounge)
- Getting set up
  - *residency info*
  - new_students_read_this page to look for resources
  - in the department (cubes, building access, email, printing, scanners)
  - campus resources (gym, health center, eye center, dentists, bearwalk)
  - What is Berkeley Time?
  - upcoming events reminder
    - Set up onboarding
    - GSI orientations (Thurs 16 Aug -international, Fri 17 Aug - everyone)
    - Picking a Research Advisor meeting (in a few weeks)
    - Jobs Meeting
    - Welcome Party (????)
- Fun Stuff to do in Berkeley
  - Outreach: Deepthi (~11:45 am)
  - How to get around (Bus pass, BART), things to do in the area
  - Sierra Conference, Ski Trip, etc.