CalSO: graduation starts here.

Sign up for orientation


Please read all the information on the webpage that applies to you (see links above), and then register for orientation. We're looking forward to seeing you at CalSO!


CalSO Leaders welcome you to Berkeley


From their favorite campus locations, you get it all in 49 seconds!


Bring your adult guests to CalSO


Parents and adult guests are often the backbone of your support system. CalSO teaches them about Berkeley and can give them tools to support you as a student. Programs are held concurrently, but separately from student programs, and you’ll need to help them sign up.

Check the Adult Guests links in the navigation bar above.


Sign up for orientation


Please read all the information on the webpage that applies to you (see links above), and then register for orientation. We're looking forward to seeing you at CalSO!



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  • Welcome to CalSO!

    Congratulations on being accepted into UC Berkeley, the best public university in the world! Cal Student Orientation (CalSO) serves as an introduction to Cal for incoming students and their parents or adult guests. It’s a high-energy, informative, and essential program that significantly contributes to student success and satisfaction. All participants will have a CalSO Leader, a current student who is trained to assist throughout the orientation process. In addition to learning from current students, participants will hear from a variety of campus representatives, engage in meaningful discussions, and begin to navigate the campus.

    During CalSO, students will accomplish the following:
    » Register for Phase 1 of class registration
    » Befriend students in their incoming class
    » Learn about their academic program and various student resources
    » Discover opportunities for involvement around campus
    » Explore the campus and its rich history and traditions
    » And much more!

    Parents and adult guests will also greatly benefit from CalSO. They will:
    » Learn about important University resources
    » Hear from representatives from Cal Parents and learn how to get involved in the organization
    » Discuss the transition families may experience as the student comes to UC Berkeley
    » Meet fellow parents of new students and begin to build their Cal Bear network
    » And much more!

  • Our mission statement

    New Student Services empowers undergraduates to succeed and facilitates their transition to life at UC Berkeley. We do this through teaching new students and their support networks about academic success, campus resources, traditions and Cal culture, and by helping them build community.