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Opening Message

Dear Student Community,


It’s March and Women’s History and Empowerment month. As I sit to write this letter, I find my thoughts spinning in a million different directions and with a million different feelings. How do I grapple with the irony of celebrating the history of women’s achievements and empowerment while I watch the federal government dismantle women’s access to health care and supportive DEI initiatives? As a woman scientist and a mother, how do I carve out space to “move the needle in the right direction” while also still juggling the very real and constant day-to-day needs of my children? How do I prove the importance of our work to nay-sayers? In my conversations with colleagues and students I know I am not alone in having these thoughts and moments of mixed overwhelm, determination, joy, and grief, and I hope that in sharing my own struggles grappling with this moment in history, you also will not feel alone.

 

Last week I participated in the Stand Up for Science rally at UC Berkeley where I witnessed leaders in their fields, like Nobel Prize winner Dr. Jennifer Doudna and Berkeley Public Health’s own Emily Ozer, speak about the importance of scientific research and the global impact of our collective work and I felt powerful and joyful and hopeful in that moment. It also reminded me to reflect on the UC Berkeley Public Health mission and vision and to commit to continue to hold myself and our school to this promise we have made to our students and community.

 

And while I don’t have a perfect answer to how we move through this moment in time, I will leave you with this: strength can come in many different forms and public health practitioners are not new to facing adversity. We are tough, resourceful, and skilled at fighting an uphill battle. By choosing to dedicate yourselves to the work of public health you are demonstrating your strength. By investing in yourself and your education you are demonstrating your strength. By taking time to appreciate life and find joy (like participating in our upcoming Community Building Zoom social!) you are demonstrating your strength. Because, as the poet Toi Derricotte wrote, “joy is an act of resistance”.  So, let’s take a collective breath as we start Spring 2 and find space for the joy and excitement of learning. And please know that we are here for you if you are struggling. Don’t hesitate to schedule an advising session with your program manager or faculty advisor.

 

In community,

Sarah Zyba

Faculty Lead of the Food, Nutrition, and Population Health Concentration

Monthly Observances

March is Women's History Month! Learn more about how UC Berkeley is Celebrating Women’s History and Empowerment. This year's national theme is Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations.

Announcements

Important Dates and Deadlines

  • Sunday, March 9: Spring 1 Term Ends
  • Monday, March 24 - Friday, March 28: Academic & Administrative Holiday
  • Sunday, May 4: Spring 2 Term Ends
  • Sunday, May 11: Spring Full-Term Ends
  • Summer 2025 Enrollment: Should open at the end of this month, check your CalCentral for appointment dates/ times, and enroll during "Phase 1".



Regularly check the OOMPH Program Calendar (or Add it to your own bCal Google Calendar) for deadlines and events!

Course Enrollment

Summer 2025

  • Course offering change: Water Sanitation and Hygiene (PH268W) will not be offered in Summer, 2, 2025 and will next be offered in Spring 1, 2026. 
  • Enrollment should open at the end of this month, check your CalCentral for appointment dates/ times, and enroll during "Phase 1".
  • Explore Summer 2025 Course Options 



Connect with your Program Manager for advising.

Events

OOMPH Events:

OOMPH Student Community Building Social

  • Thursday, March 13, 5:00 – 6:00pm(PT)
  • Raffles, games, & some well-deserved fun!
  • Join Zoom Meeting | Passcode: 861390


Group Advising Session for 1st Years

  • Thursday, March 27th from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PT)
  • Will provide you with the tools to enroll in Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 courses. You will also hear from your Program Managers and get advice on key questions around course enrollment, the academic planning tools, and connect with your cohort! This is an optional session.
  • Zoom invite will be sent soon!


Group Advising Session for 2+ Years

  • Wednesday, April 2nd from 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM (PT)
  • This once-a-semester advising session will offer an opportunity to hear from faculty about upcoming Summer 2025 and Fall 2025 courses, ask program managers questions in a group setting, and connect with peers in your concentration. This is an optional session.
  • Zoom invite will be sent soon!


SPH Events:

Silver Lining and Stormy Clouds

March 20, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. PDT, Zoom | REGISTER HERE

Please join the UC Berkeley Public Health Alumni Association board of directors for a compelling webinar panel, moderated by alumna Tia Gangopadhyay MPH '20, as they explore the transforming landscape of public health. This is your chance to hear perspectives from leading experts on:

  • Policy and Political Impacts: Explore how shifting policies and political climates shape public health.
  • Pandemic Preparedness: Discover innovative strategies to face dynamic future health crises in evolving political climates.
  • Vaccine Hesitancy: Explore the complexities behind vaccine acceptance and the role of communication in generating public receptivity.
  • Pricing Transparency: Unpack the challenges and solutions around making healthcare costs clear and fair.
  • Our stellar lineup of speakers includes: Dr. Tomas Aragón, Dr. Art Reingold, Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, and Mr. Joe Wisniewski.

BPH Commencement

Graduating this semester (Spring 2025) or next semester (Summer 2025)? Have questions about commencement? Check out our 2025 Commencement Page!

 

Stay alert for incoming messages regarding registering to attend commencement. Please reach out to bph-commencement@berkeley.edu with questions.


UC Berkeley campus-wide commencement registration information and instructions will be sent via email on March 18. Sign up for email updates to be notified when registration opens.

Summer Visit Information

Career and Practicum

The RISE Office is streamlining our communication. Do you have questions about your practicum? General inquiries about our services or how to navigate PHLEX? Please email us at RISE.bph@berkeley.edu


Practicum Funding Opportunities

Are you pursuing an unpaid or underpaid opportunity for your practicum? Review our practicum funding resources on the RISE Student Resource site.


APPLY NOW: 130+ Hour Practicum Opportunities on PHLEX

  • Access PHLEX for a complete list of additional opportunities including GSI/GSR, practicum, and part/full-time. Please note that several practicum opportunities on PHLEX are curated exclusively for OOMPH students by community partners. 
  • Don’t forget to book an appointment with RISE on PHLEX (navigate to left panel labeled Appointments) to strategize your search, have your application materials reviewed, and/or receive interview support! RISE is here to assist you in presenting your strongest application.


Some NEW 130+ hour practicum opportunities (visit PHLEX for complete list):


Some NEW employment opportunities (visit PHLEX for complete list): 

OOMPH Social Media

Working on an interesting practicum project? Engaged in impactful public health initiatives? Loving what you're learning? We invite you to share your journey and achievements on OOMPH's social media!


Please fill out this brief form for an opportunity to be featured on OOMPH's Instagram or LinkedIn pages.