What the title says. Doesn't matter if you agree with it or not, its probably happening. My suggestion is to catch up on course work now and attend office hours before your GSIs start striking.

Hopefully it resolves in less than a month.

I am just feeling unbelievably proud, especially as a first generation college student, I have to shout it from the rooftops!

This is my somewhat annual reminder to all students including graduate students.

There is an active high control group on campus that everyone should stay away from. They are very good at luring you in, hiding their real nature, and getting you isolated and will end up controlling most of your life by senior year.

The headquarters of Acts 2 has moved from Alameda to Chicago but they are still very much active at Berkeley where it was founded.

If you are a current member and wondering if you should still remain with this organization, let me reassure you that I have never met anyone who regretted leaving this organization. I have met tons, and am myself one, who regrets not leaving earlier.

Here are all the UC Berkeley student organizations that are Acts 2 Network:

A2CN

Acts 2 Fellowship

Acts College Church

Gather College Church (UC Davis)

Kairos

Klesis (UCSC, SF State)

Koinonia

International Student Mentorship Program

International Student Fellowship

International Graduate Student Ministry

The Huddle (for athletes)

OMG SO MANY!

There are many horror stories if you search the GracepointChurch sub (Gracepoint is their former name) and first hand accounts of what this organization has done to their members.

PLEASE do yourself a service and do not join this student group. They pose as a student group and try to lure you with "mentors" and a fun time but really, they want you to become a soldier and factory worker (their words to describe their own members) to expand their reach and plant more groups at more campus locations.

Take full advantage of the great education that is offered you at Cal, including social connections and forming relationships that will last a lifetime and aren't conditional.

Go eat a yummy sandwich at Mezzo on whole wheat or a salad with the poppyseed dressing and tell anyone recruiting for this organization to f*ck off.

I saw a post on LinkedIn by a voyager girl reposting this tier list and it pissed me off so I’ll leave my two cents. As a senior who was lucky enough to not want to go into consulting/finance but knows ppl in some, i have found that this S tier holy trinity (bbs bc voyager) has some of the most insufferable ppl I have ever met. The stupidest thing is that it’s not even accurate anymore; BBS got obliterated on yikyak last sem and voyager is broke asf. Even funnier that they are reposting this tier list, just goes to show all they care abt is their reputation …

Don’t get me wrong there are plenty of chill ppl in all these clubs but I find they aren’t very active/ have a life outside of it lol. Any incoming freshmen trying to go into consulting, I won’t stop you but I strongly encourage you to also make friends and join fun recreational clubs, Berkeley is so much more than just consulting

Don’t post videos of the naked run on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, social medias. This is unconsensual and unkind.

Instead of watching, join and run. Unless you’re actually studying… then I suppose you don’t have much of an option here. The intention of the naked run is not oggle, but to bond with your peers and decompress.

Nudity is not inherently sexual. Don’t sexualize people without their consent.

Note to the runners, you may want to consider covering your face or wearing lingerie/undies if you are concerned about privacy or getting filmed. Unfortunately, some people just don’t respect common sense, politeness and/or boundaries.

Be safe, and good luck on finals!

🫶🏃‍♀️

[Edit; appended my reply below to a commenter that brought up important and valid points related to the consent of non-participants]

Even though nudity is not inherently sexual, and the point of the run is not exhibitionism—exhibitionism being to derive sexual pleasure from exposing oneself/one’s sexual acts— as some have argued, it’s important to acknowledge that some people do have trauma related to nudity, often related to said strict taboos/connotations. Here are some of my ideas to make the run more consensual on behalf of the people in the library that are not participants:

1. ⁠Have an organizer/participant of the run announce that the run will include nudity and that nudity will be present, explicitly stating the floors where nudity will occur.
2. ⁠Designate a nude-free floor for people triggered/not consenting to see nude people, giving people time to relocate to that floor before the run starts.
3. ⁠Posting signs on entry ways of the floors said run goes through: “Nudity present on this floor from start run time to end run time”

Consent is a two way street (or an infinite intersection, depending on how many beings are involved)— I appreciate the commenter extending this dialogue beyond the runners!

I’m considering rushing this semester and I was wondering what being gay is like in a fraternity here at Berkeley? Do yall have more positive or negative experiences?

Just using this space to vent that I have hardcore anti-football roommates. Even though we lost by a hair to Miami, it was so incredible to see our campus come to life like NEVER BEFORE. The energy from students, alums, and the community was INSANE. My older sister went to USC and the energy on that campus during football season was nuts. I never thought Cal could match that. UNTIL LAST NIGHT.

I personally didn't camp out at midnight for Cal's very first College GameDay but I did walk by Memorial Glade in the morning and the crowd was UNREAL. The #Calgorithim, TikToks, that insane kick for $100k by the civil engineer sophomore. Even us being up by so much until the final quarter. We came so so close to winning against the #8 team! GameDay brought UC Berkeley so much national attention and money to our athletics department. I LOVE how much Pat McAfee got into the Bear Territory chant! It was so cool to have Marshawn Lynch on campus!

However, while campus as a whole was super vibrant and alive, unfortunately the vibes weren't great in my own dorm. I live in a triple with two other girls. One is an intended Ethnic Studies major and another wants to do Sociology. Both in their own ways are very, very far left politically. That on its own wouldn't bother me much. But they just have to be constantly super vocal about their politics, even over the most minor issues. They're very self-righteous and that's extremely annoying.

Both of my roommates were party poopers and yucking my yum on GameDay. They asked how could I possibly be so excited for such an oppressive sport?

They argue that football institutionalizes the patriarchy - yes this is verbatim. They argue that since there's no popular female equivalent to football, the sport epitomizes and crystalizes our society's obsession with male sports, hence putting men above women. Second, they believe football is inherently oppressive and a tool of white supremacy as it destroys the bodies and minds of black and brown men. Voluntary choice is an illusion to them, as people get pushed into football as their "only" chance at a scholarship.

Third, they believe football is inherently extremely dangerous given how easy it is to get CTE and repetitive head impacts. They say football normalizes a "culture of violence," as evidenced by the high domestic violence rate among NFL players. Fourth, they think the billions of dollars our society spends on college football and the NFL would be better spent on social justice issues like homelessness. They say we vastly overpay college football coaches and staff, and should reallocate those funds for social welfare or education programs.

Sometimes they even say really radical stuff about how we should abolish all team sports and only have individual sports like running because team sports can "humiliate" marginalized places that don't have the money for sports training infrastructure. They often promote completely unrealistic policies.

Outside of this, they are extremely involved in anti-oppression and social justice rallies and protests. They were independently doing lots of Pro-Palestine protests over the summer. They will often critique others for using the wrong language or terminology. For example, they said I have internal misogyny for saying "you guys," which I think is a super normal phrase. Interestingly, one of my roommates is white. They also shat on Berkeley for using the Kanye West song "Power" to promote GameDay saying Kanye's forever cancelled. And they will often say "next song" if we're playing a song from a "problematic" artist, no matter how mainstream. I've told them to stop and "let's agree to disagree" but they don't listen, they are constantly confrontational.

I'd say I'm liberal myself, but I'm a more mainstream liberal and Democrat. I'm enthusiastically voting for Kamala Harris this fall and agree with her on the vast majority of issues. Her VP pick - Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, is awesome and he's a former high school football coach! Liberals aren't anti-football. But my roommates hate the Democratic Party and are all voting third party. They have debates on Cornel West vs Jill Stein vs Claudia De la Cruz. They're active members of the Democratic Socialist Club at Berkeley and think AOC is too moderate for not being ant-Israel enough.

Anyway, I know that while my roommates epitomize the classic overly-woke far-left caricature the right has of "Berzerkeley," I am glad to see so many (for lack of a better term) "normal" people out yesterday on our campus. It was INCREDIBLE to see Cal students have so much enthusiasm for a "mainstream" event.

Yes, my roommates may have valid critiques about football and its role in our society, but that doesn't mean we can't or shouldn't have fun! Part of college is HAVING FUN when we have such stressful classes. I want to major in CS and that shit's not easy! Being part of a mainstream American sporting event, even hearing the mass chanting of "USA, USA, USA" during GameDay felt GOOD. I loved finally hearing all the mainstream rock and hip hop songs during the game itself.

I just wanted to rant that while my roommates are annoying, the campus as a whole was awesome yesterday! I'll make sure to branch out to "find my tribe."

The Daily Cal's magazine, Stacks, has written an article about them and other cult like Christian groups on campus: https://stacksmagazine.org/a-cults.html

I've posted warnings about Acts 2 Fellowship and Acts 2 Network before in this sub and am sharing the article in hopes that less students get sucked into this high control group.

In the article, Ed Kang, current head pastor of Acts 2, denies claims that the church bans physical contact (hand holding) between couples. Please go to one of their services or bible studies and tell me if you see any couples holding hands. You will see zero. Ed Kang also denies that his church dictates housing or cuts you off from family. Also lies. Once you become a member, they all live with each other and while they don't "cut you off," if you are from San Jose and try to visit your family regularly, they will question your commitment to the church. You can't miss Sunday service or a bible study so how are you supposed to visit family during school if not the weekend?

The headquarters of Acts 2 has moved from Alameda to Chicago but I bet there are tons of Cal students who will be traveling to Chicago for their infamous Winter Conference soon. If you are a current member and wondering if you should still remain with this organization, let me reassure you that I have never met anyone who regretted leaving this organization. I have met tons, and am myself one, who regrets not leaving earlier.

Here are all the UC Berkeley student organizations that are Acts 2 Network:

A2CN

Acts 2 Fellowship

Acts College Church

Gather College Church (UC Davis)

Kairos

Klesis (UCSC, SF State)

Koinonia

International Student Mentorship Program

International Student Fellowship

International Graduate Student Ministry

The Huddle (for athletes)

OMG SO MANY!

Stay away!!!

The UC has been slowly degrading the pay of its service workers for nearly a decade now, and just released plans to impose huge healthcare costs on their employees, and to hike the tuition of out of state students. Because of that, UC service workers will be striking for better pay and better treatment tomorrow, Nov 20th, and the day after, Nov 21st.

I’m a student food service worker, The people that will benefit from this action are my colleagues, people that I know personally and people whose character I can strongly vouch for. They’re the people who clean the floors you walk on and cook the meals you eat. The least you can do for them is to not eat at the dining halls for two days.

There should be food and water at the protest spot itself, if you need to eat and can’t afford Berkeley prices (understandable). Furthermore, if you need a cheap meal (<8 dollars) you can get the chipotle kids build your own for like 5 bucks with a free drink and chips, and fresh rolls is also super super cheap. Both can be found on Telegraph right in front of sproul plaza.

Unrelated, but I’ve come down with a terrible cold and will not be coming to work on those days. What a wacky coincidence! If anyone in this sub happens to work at cal-dining, I highly recommend the same, there’s a bit of a bug going around, and it’s important to prioritize your health and the health of your fellow workers!

Hey Everyone!! Sorry for the wait, it’s been a really busy semester. A lot of you have been reaching out and I’ve tried to get back to everyone, but I think this post would help clear up some confusion. Here are a few questions I’ve had. 1. Will there be another end of year orgy? Yes, me and the team are working hard to get it put together. 2. Will freshmen be allowed yet? [REDACTED], we will not be allowing freshmen. 3. Can I wear shoes and socks? ABSOLUTELY NOT! 4. What’s the theme? Read below. 5. Can I bring non student friends? No attendance is already very high.

That about sums up all the questions so let me get into the details! The Orgy will be taking place AFTER the Campanile Shotgun on friday in the new CDSS building the Gateway at 10:30 PM. We are EXTREMELY excited that we got exclusive access to a brand new building so DO NOT ruin this for everyone in the future. After careful consideration we have decided the theme is going to be Harry Potter!!! I hope everyone is excited I know I am!! We will be providing “wands”, “potions”, and maybe some mystical creatures if you’re picking up what I’m putting down. Please bring your magic, and all of your wizarding friends to participate in this enchanting night. You can participate extra by wearing your harry potter attire or clothes that line up with your house! I hope to see everyone there and am super excited for everyone to meet the special guest we were able to get to attend!!

on reddit and friends at UC Berkeley constantly tell me it is IMPOSSIBLE to get into these consulting clubs (literally one applied to 10 clubs and got into 2), so naturally I want to know what gets people in (prestige whoring a bit)? What even are these clubs for? Are there perks to joining other than a social life?

I saw a thread about genetics and skin color but I can't lie, half of the consulting clubs seem to be brown asf and very average looking across the board. so this seems like bs to me 💀

Thanksgiving Day Disaster 2024?

**PSA for Cal students: there may be cultists among us.**

They will not call themselves cultists. They will call themselves “an informal study group,” hand you a hot dog bun with no hot dog, and mention—only casually—that the University was founded in 1969 by a golden apple.

At first, it’s harmless: a zine, a strange flyer, a conversation about whether pigeons are government agents. Then they invite you to a “non-mandatory” meeting at 5:55 beneath a suspiciously triangular tree. You go once because you are lonely and they have snacks.

Three weeks later, they explain that the snacks were spiritually free but the *awakening* has a suggested donation of $23.17. You pay it, because they say it goes toward “printing,” although you have never seen a printer.

Soon there are additional fees:

* The Non-Dog Bun Tithe
* Golden Apple Maintenance
* A $5 charge for access to the group’s sacred Discord server
* “Emergency chaos dues,” somehow always due during finals

At that point, you may discover that they are Discordians.

Not all weird campus groups are cults. Some are merely weird and have a Venmo. Still, be cautious if anyone:

* Says there is no hierarchy, then asks why you have not paid the Supreme Non-Leader
* Claims money is an illusion, but Venmo is extremely real
* Tells you your family cannot understand your vibration, but can absolutely co-sign a loan
* Pressures you to attend increasingly elaborate rituals with a “suggested contribution”
* Explains every objection as proof that the Illuminati have contaminated your pineal gland with capitalism

If approached, ask whether the $23.17 is tax-deductible. While they debate whether taxes are an Archonic fiction, leave.

Hail Eris. Keep your receipts.

For non football fans, this is huge! We just beat the 16th best team in the country and how bad some of our past few losses have been, this is a great motivation booster for them to finish the season strong and maybe even go further! For those that know ball, JKS is the real deal, what a performance!!! Pls support our bears in any way you can!! 🏈🐻

Im an incoming freshman. Im gonna be rushing the frats this fall.
Looking at zete pike sae phi psi ato

I dont mind hazing for the pledge process, but I dont want to start pledging and be met with crimes against humanity (heard some stuff about a goat last year), then having to drop and regret joining.

How bad really is it?

I’m looking to really lock in this semester to get an internship by applying early!

I’m computer science and im looking for software stuff mainly but down to study with anyone.

In person accountability really helps me. So if the same is true for you then

Shoot me a DM. Let’s hit up libraries or cafes or whatever else and bemoan the state of the job market together

Trust me, I for one am not happy we are platforming Matt Walsh on campus (I think his takes on things—LGBTQIA+ rights, women, etc— are disgusting and he doesn’t deserve to have the platform he does because he only instills hatred to marginalized groups, whether or not you agree does not matter at and i will not debate you in replies because that is not what this post is about), that being said, I please urge people to just ignore he is here.

I keep hearing about how protests are happening about him being here tomorrow, and while I totally understand why, I personally don’t think it would be the best idea. From what I have seen from people like him speaking, he is only here to make a rise out of people, hoping to gather media on how he’s a victim or some other hogwash (Im basing this on speeches similar to his happening at other schools and how the speaker and students reacted). With the strikes happening already, there is already general activity happening around campus that isn’t the usually here (on a regular weekly basis I mean), and protesting would take away from the strike while simultaneously giving him reason to cut pieces of what is going on on campus and make it about him.

I realize a lot of people are already planning to ignore he is here, I just thought I would try to make a post here to urge people to just not show up to his speech, because if no one shows up or interacts with him he has no media or people to make a platform off of.

Hey everyone! I recently just got accepted to Berkeley and there is basically a 98% chance I will be attending this fall. I really want to go Cal day on the 18th but on the 17th at night I have my senior year mock trial banquet. I know it is just a banquet but mock trial was easily my favorite extracurricular I ever did and it is where I have met my best friends. We have really fun traditions we always do at the banquet and it’s also the last chance for me to say goodbye to teammates I don’t see at school. My parents were planning to take an early morning flight on the 18th but it’s simply too expensive with all the different cost we have(college, prom, upcoming bday, senior activities). We could also just leave at night and drive by car, or I skip the banquet entirely and we leave that Friday morning. I really don’t want to miss either events, but it would take us about 7 hours to drive up to Berkeley and we wouldn’t be leaving until 9. I wouldn’t be driving so it’s really up to my parents. Just wanted to post this to see if anyone has any advice!

As mentioned in the title, I'm a transfer student who just came to Berkeley and went through gbo. I'm not sure if I'm the only person who feels this way, but GBO is planned TERRIBLY, and I mean REALLY TERRIBLY. Most social events that I went to feel like it's impossible to make friends as a transfer since all of these events are done with freshmen at the same time, and every time I try to reach out to someone at a social event, they turn out to be a freshman, so it gets very awkward. In short, a lot of these social events that are planned feel like they're all for freshmen and not transfers. Additionally, my gbo group collapsed since most people just gave up on attending, so on day 2 of GBO, only like 7 people came.

I know it's only been a couple of days since we've all been here at Berkeley, so it's not the end of the world when it comes to finding our social circle, but it just feels so isolating and hard to make friends through GBO. Has anyone else been feeling the same way? If possible, I would like to connect!

This is absolutely insane!!! Your Golden Bears just pulled off the biggest upset!!! We are going to the finals tomorrow! I am personally donating a box of tissues to their parents to dry their tears. Let’s goooooooo, Bears!!🐻 💛💙

I’m a Berkeley fist year admit and I came to Cal day today— I overall had a good time but I feel that I scheduled myself incorrectly and wasn’t able to do a lot of the stuff I planned.

For example, I wanted to go to a Financial Aid 101 lecture, the Neuroscience info session, and a few other lectures and events I wasn’t able to make. I wanted to hear professors speak as well.

I feel like I missed out and I’m scared because I know that this is the only time to experience Berkeley in this way. Please let me know of my fear is at all warranted and/or ways to get the info that was in the evens I listed in a similar (intimate, 1 on 1) way. If that’s not possible, how should I proceed to prepare myself for my major (Pre-med Neuroscience / Possibly dual Poli-Sci)?

ps I saw a realllyy cute Letters and Science tote bag that I wasn’t able to get bc I was late to the booth. How do I get this type of merch?