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[If you prefer this newsletter in another format, you may download it here in the following formats, or contact us if you need another format: PDF, DOCX.]

Pre-Graduation Checklist

Preparing for graduation can be a daunting task. Regardless of when you plan to graduate, it is never too early to consider the following tips when making your graduation plans:

  • Discuss your post-graduation plans with your Disability Specialist. This is a good time to review your documentation and make a copy for your records or discuss updating your documentation.
  • In addition to meeting with your own specialist, consider making an appointment with Abby Tilden to discuss obtaining accommodations for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT or other pre-graduation and pre-professional school exams.
  • Plan a site visit to graduate facilities
  • Funding sources for grad school

Graduate Diversity Day

Graduate Diversity Day is coming!
Sunday, March 17th
8:30AM-2:00PM
Alumni House.

We'll need to know if any students might need accommodations at least 10 days prior.

More information coming soon!

More information coming soon

Grad School Seminars

DSP will be offering two exciting seminars for students who plan to attend graduate school:

10AM-12NOON, Room 171 Barrows

Friday, February 8: "Graduate & Professional School Strategies—Part I"

  • The world of graduate school explored (Part 1)
  • Choosing a graduate school, funding for graduate school, and writing the personal statement, accommodations and professional exams (Dr. Carla Trujillo, Director, Graduate Diversity Program)

Friday, February 15: "Graduate & Professional School Strategies—Part II"

  • The world of graduate school explored (Part 2)
  • Succeeding in graduate school, recruitment, retention & thriving (Susan Schweik, English and Disability Studies)

Join Eye to Eye and Mentor Kids with Learning Disabilities

Eye to Eye's mission is to improve the life of every person with a learning disability. It fulfills its mission by supporting and growing a network of youth mentoring programs for those with learning differences, and by organizing advocates to support full inclusion of people with LDs and ADHD in all aspects of society.

UC Berkeley's Eye to Eye chapter is revving up again and looking for students with Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) to be mentors at Berkeley High School.

Our mentoring day and time this semester is Thursdays from 3:30-4:45pm. If you cannot make that time and would still like to be involved, there are other opportunities and events you can attend.

CONTACT: Zoila & Rosie

Trio Student Support Services

The purpose of our TRIO/SSS grant is to provide enrolled students with disabilities with needed academic, financial, and other support services during each stage of their academic career (Transitioning into Cal, Becoming a Scholar, and Preparing for the Years After Graduation). In partnership with our students, we endeavor to increase their disability awareness, sense of community, and pride.

TRIO Day Open House

Celebrate National TRIO Day (which falls on the last Saturday in February) at DSP/TRIO's Open House! Meet DSP/TRIO Staff, Peer Mentors, and other campus TRIO partners for a casual meet-and-greet.

Thursday, February 21st
3:00-5:00 p.m.
DSP lobby, 260 César Chávez Student Center
Refreshments will be provided

DSP/TRIO support services include:

  • Academic Support, including tutoring
  • Additional Financial and Money Management services
  • Personal Support & Disability Advocacy

New DSP/TRIO Scholarship Information Page

We now have scholarships sorted according to specific disability. The categories include:

Be sure to check scholarships this month that have upcoming deadlines (typically in February and March).

Activities to Get You Connected

Peer Mentors

Did you know DSP has Peer Mentors, students with some time under their belt, who know the ropes at Cal? They can assist with many things, including picking the greatest classes and professors, how to talk with others about disability-related issues, how to get around Cal, and where to get the best slice of pizza. Interested? Tell your Specialist if you are interested in connecting with a Peer Mentor. The Peer Mentors are also available most days at the Peer Mentor table near the DSP front desk to answer questions.

Social Group Series

Every feel like everyone is adjusting to Cal, but you are being left behind? Want to learn to connect and communicate with students, staff and others? Want to improve your Cal experience? Join our series of 9 group meetings designed to address your social concerns. Thursdays 12:10PM beginning February 17th, through April 14th. Jean Franco, PhD and Connie Chiba, PhD facilitate this group series. For more information, email Jean or Connie.

Disabled Students' Union (DSU)

Get involved with the DSU! Its purpose is to serve students with disabilities, and any other students with a social history of injustices, to ensure equal access to the physical campus, university events, housing and educational resources. Check out their Facebook page.

Workshop for Students with ADHD

Focus for Success Workshop: A 6-week workshop designed to assist the student in addressing the demands of the university by focusing on time management, organizational skills, maintenance skills, procrastination and more. In addition, we will be introducing Open-Focus Attention-Training Technique. Tuesdays 4-5:30PM Beginning Tuesday, February 12/Room TBA/Cesar Chavez Student Center.

Pull Out & Post

[Click here to download a PDF version of the Pull Out & Post to keep handy.]

Drop-In L&S Advising

L&S Advising has returned to DSP. Marie Lanigan will be holding office hours for DSP students on Tuesdays from 10AM to noon and 1-4PM. No appointments—Maire will see students on a first-come, first-served basis. She can assist you with your course schedule, academic progress and other requirements. If you plan to graduate, initiate a degree check!

CPS Counseling at DSP

Jean Franco, PhD will be available to DSP students on an appointment basis or during drop-in hours: Tuesday 11-12PM at DSP and Thursday 11-12PM in the SLC (rm.150). Jean is also available Monday 9-11AM in the Student Learning Center (SLC) in room 150. To schedule an appointment, call 510-643-2570.

Peer Mentors

Meet experienced Cal DSP Students who are more than willing to share their valuable tricks of survival as a university student managing a disability. Peer Mentors will hold drop-in hours in the DSP Office: Monday: Kaitlin 10AM-noon, Tuesday: Brooke 2-4PM and Thursday: Airlex 2-4PM.

DSP/TRIO's Hot Topics in Disability Invites You to Attend:

March 15: Self-Advocacy: Soft Skills for Success: BRAG! The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn Presented by Peggy Klaus

April 12: Disability and the World of Employment Presented by Tom Foley

May 3: Voices of Experience/ Panel of college graduates with disabilities who are succeeding in the workplace.

All are on Fridays, 10AM-noon, 170 Barrows Hall

Disability Awareness Week

March 10-15

Watch for updates and announcements regarding program plans!

GRADUATING DSP STUDENTS! MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The Disabled Students' Program TRIO/SSS Project will celebrate your accomplishment by hosting a luncheon at the Alumni House

Friday, May 10th, 12 noon-1:30 p.m.

Courses to Enhance Your Success

Exploring Learning Differences: Strategies for Success

Education 98/198 is designed specifically to assist students with learning disorders in achieving academic and personal success at Cal. Students will learn how to get around, over, or under the barriers placed in their path by learning disabilities or Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This seminar provides a friendly environment, cooperative learning, and peer support as students develop awareness of their own learning styles, knowledge of campus resources, and the ability to ask for accommodations and services that will speed them toward their goals.

The course meets on Wednesdays, 1-3PM, 151 Cesar Chavez Student Center. To enroll, sign up through TeleBEARS for Education 98 (CCN 23662) or Education 198 (CCN 23902) and attend the first class. Questions? Please contact your DSP Specialist or Connie Chiba, 510-642-0518.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND DISABILITY COURSE OFFERING

For Students with Disabilities Planning Their Careers: See our Cal Newscenter feature.

CC# for UGIS 98 (Section 1) = 89018
For UGIS 198 (Section 1) = 89984
2 Units P/NP
Fridays, 10:00am-12:00 noon
170 Barrows

Education 98/198: Strategies for Success (Capstone)

A 2 UNIT P/NP course specifically designed to assist undergraduates with their senior theses and other similar "capstone" projects. In a small, supportive environment students will build heir strategies for reading, researching, writing, and presenting their scholarly ideas to hone research questions and successfully meet their goals. The course is offered at both the lower and upper divisions:

ED 98 Section #13: Thursdays 2-4 (Location: 123 Wheeler Hall) CCN 23659
ED 198 Section #13: Thursdays 2-4 (Location: 123 Wheeler Hall) CCN 23899

For more information contact Gonzalo Arrizon (642-1330) or Chaniqua Butscher (643-9278). Sponsored by the Student Learning Center Study Strategies Resources Program, and the GRADUATE SCHOOL OF EDUCATION. Faculty Sponsor Richard McCallum, Ph.D.

Career Center News

DON'T MISS THIS SEMESTER'S CAREER FAIRS!

  • Diversity Career Fair, January 30th-31st
  • Internship & Summer Job Fair, February 20th=21st
  • CED (Environmental Design) Job Fair, March 14th
  • Green Career Fair, April 10th
  • Just In Time Job Fair, April 17th-18th

(All of the above-mentioned fairs will be held in the RSF Field House.)

Be sure to review CALLISTO now to meet these rapidly approaching resume submission deadlines. Don't wait until the last minute, as it takes time to create/update your resumes and cover letters!

DECEMBER 2012 Cal GRADS

If you haven't already done so, you will also need to sign up for the Career Center's Alumni Advantage services in order to remain eligible for Spring 2013 OCR - details at https://career.berkeley.edu/Callisto/OCRGrads.stm and https://career.berkeley.edu/Alumni/Alumni.stm.

PROGRAMS & WORKSHOPS NOW BEING SCHEDULED FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER ON CALLISTO

Don't forget to sign in to Callisto and check out the latest offerings. You will see programs related to careers in engineering, medicine, non-profits, government and everything in between! Check back regularly, as programs are updated often, and be sure to RSVP early!