University Section Club, Inc.

The University Section Club, a non-profit UC Berkeley support group, was founded in 1927.  Its goals have been twofold: first, to bring together members from both the faculty and administration in a variety of interest groups or "sections", and secondly, to offer practical and financial help to students on campus. On both levels, the Section Club generates what could be described as social cement, welcoming people from different departments who might otherwise never have the opportunity to become friends, and at the same time demonstrating to students that they are part of a larger caring Cal family. There are now about twenty sections, which range from foreign language groups, a writers' workshop, walking and bird watching, gourmet dinners, tennis to a very active music group and three large student service committees: SOS (Services Offered Students), Student Grants and the Foreign Student Committee.

Over the past 77 years, as the University has grown, the Section Club has adapted as the needs of students have changed. The three student service committees coordinate with campus institutions such as the Disabled Students' Program, Albany Village, The Tang Center, Student Life Advising and The Center for Transfer, Re-entry and Student Parents as well as International House. Members raise funds that can be dispersed through staff at these institutions as emergency grants to students facing sudden needs that "fall between the cracks" of conventional financial aid. Pilot projects have been funded for various student support programs such as a safe apartment for students in an abusive relationship, a mentoring program for disabled students anda hotline at the Tang Center for students over the Winter holidays. Many of these activities, having demonstrated their value, are then continued and expanded with University funding.

For many years, the International Student & Scholar Committee has worked closely with International House to provide services for international students and scholars. Members run The Centre, a weekly program at the University YWCA, to bring the spouses and children of international visitors together on Thursday mornings, and a biweekly Equipment Loan program on Wednesday afternoons. Section Club members have funded a yearly scholarship for a student resident at International House. In 2004-2005, the Club raised funds for a student's room and board which was matched by the UC Graduate Division with a tuition grant to provide a full year's scholarship at the University. The generous, energetic spirit of the Section Club continues in the 21st century and the Club welcomes the widest possible university community participation and support. Anyone interested in helping our services or wishing to be involved can email us at usectionclub@berkeley.edu for more information.

Joan Jenkins, Nancy Oldham, Audrey Richards, and Christa Shannon

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WELCOME NEWCOMERS

New to the Section Club? A special sign-in table will be set up at the Fall Garden Reception to welcome you. For the answers to your questions about the Section Club or life in our community please contact us at usectionclub@berkeley.edu.  Put New Member in the subject line.

Christa Shannon and Janice Lieu

Updated August 2008

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Other Links:  Visiting UCB, UC Parking & Transportation, International House, YWCA, Blake House, Osher Lifelong Learing, and UCB Retirement Center.

http://universitysectionclub.berkeley.edu/Includes/Global/OtherLinks.shtml