First-Year Orientation 2020
- Schedule
- Logistics

First-Year Orientation 2020

Planning information for the 2020 First-Year Orientation

Tuesday, 18 Aug

Schedule

Tuesday, Aug 18:

9:00am-11:00am Orientation (Zoom)
- Welcome from the Chair with Josh Bloom
- Mentoring and advising systems with Eugene Chiang
  - Faculty side of advising (we describe student side)
- Expectations
  - Go over academic roadmap
  - How many classes should you take?
    - 12 units/semester
    - Can I take classes in other departments (e.g., physics, CS, pottery, language)?
  - AY290 and AY375
    - What are they?
  - When to start research and how?
    - Need to have a research advisor/project lined up by next summer.
    - “How to Pick a Research Advisor” meeting coming soon to a department near you!
  - Expectations by the end of 2nd year
    - 6 core classes, 12 astro units
    - 2/3 for letter grade
    - Oral Prelim - 3 classes
      - (at most) 1 of radiation/fluids (i.e., you can't prelim in both)
      - other options - stars, galaxies, cosmology, planets, high energy, etc.
  - Funding - Any additional questions not covered in meetings w/ Yasasha?
    - 1st years are covered for teaching and through summer (after 1st year you need an advisor)
    - GSI vs GSR in subsequent years
    - Check regularly to make sure you are getting paid correctly and that your tuition & fees are paid each semester.
- Talks
  - So many talks in the department!
  - GO TO COLLOQUIUM, “LUNCH” TALKS, AND GSPS!
    - Also a good idea to go to at least one seminar (TAC, CIPS, BCCP/Cosmology Seminar)
    - These can also count toward your required 12-units/semester.
- Getting set up
  - *California Residency*
    - More information at https://registrar.berkeley.edu/tuition-fees-residency/residency-tuition-purposes.
    - Covid19 update here: https://registrar.berkeley.edu/service-adjustments
  - New students read this and the get set up page to look for additional resources.
  - What is Berkeley Time?
  - Fun Stuff to do in Berkeley
    - Sierra Conference, Ski Trip, etc.
    - Things to do in the area
    - How to get around (Clipper Card including buses and BART)
  - Upcoming events:
    - Set up GSI / GSR onboarding HR paperwork (?)
    - GSI Orientations (Thurs 20 Aug - international, Fri 21 Aug - everyone).
    - Respect is Part of Research (Wed 19 Aug from 8-10AM PT)
    - Ay375 GSI Bootcamp (Mon 24 Aug & Tues 25 Aug from 9-10AM PT)
    - GSPS: Jobs Meeting (Fri 28 Aug from 3-4PM PT)
    - 1 Minute Colloquium (TBD; in a few weeks)
    - Picking a Research Advisor meeting (TBD; in a few weeks)
10:30am-10:45pm ASE Union Presentation (w/ Nathan Sandford)
10:45am-11:00am Outreach Opportunities (w/ Emily Ramey and Casey Lam)
11:00pm-12:00pm Zoom mingling/lunch with grad students