SHARE:  
Online MPH.png

Opening Message

Hello OOMPH students,


I hope you have (or had) a happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day, and that you can take some time to learn more about the tribes in your communities, such as their land, history and cultures. 


You are now in the middle of the semester, and I’m sure that many of you are facing some daunting challenges and juggling important obligations. On top of that, the news! Wars and climate change-related disasters are at the top of my mind right now. I personally am trying to be more proactive in acknowledging my stress, trying to understand what’s going on, owning it (i.e. connecting to my personal values linked to the stress) and using it as much as possible through linking it to my goals and with the things that matter most. There’s some science behind this too. If you are experiencing stress, I also recommend getting outside as well as spending time with your friends and families; social support is pretty essential in our ability to cope with stress.


Last week in an OOMPH meeting, we started off the meeting with an icebreaker, “name a public health intervention that you are most thankful for”. Listening to my colleagues rattling off several pretty incredible movements and interventions left me feeling grateful for the career that I’m in, and thankful for my awesome colleagues. This month, I hope you can tap into knowledge and ideas, relationships and activities that inspire you and keep you moving forward towards the goals you’re aiming for.


Gratefully, Jay

Faculty Director, BPH Online


Message from the Director of Student Services & Advising

I hope your semester is going well. Earlier this week, you received a communication notifying you that I will be Interim Assistant Dean for Students for the next 9 months at 40% time. I will also be serving as the Director of Student Services & Advising for OOMPH as well at 60%.


This means my time will be split, MWF - OOMPH and T/TH will be devoted to Assistant Dean of Students duties. This was a great opportunity to assist the Berkeley Public Health and Graduate Division, while Quin Hussey took on the role as Interim Assistant Vice Provost for Graduate Studies & Chief of Staff. We ask for your patience during this transition and we move things around to support our faculty, staff and students.


If you have any questions, you can reach me at jsmithson@berkeley.edu. Thank you for your patience and understanding! Go Bears! 

Important Announcements

Important Dates and Deadlines: 



  • Monday, October 16 - Phase 1 Enrollment for Spring begins
  • Important: Please enroll in all of your Spring courses during Phase 1! Questions? Reach out to your Program Manager.
  • Monday, October 16 - Sunday, October 22 -  Comprehensive Exam Dates
  • Thursday, October 19 - Fall Tuition and registration fees: Third installment of Fee Payment Plan due
  • Friday, October 20 - Deadline to add Fall 2 courses with program approval
  • Monday, October 23 - Fall 2 course instruction begins

Events

Workshop Announcement


This November 7, 2023 from 5:00p-6:00p (PST): For upcoming graduates completing your degree this Fall 2023 and Spring 2024, please join us for the Graduation Transition Workshop! We want to take this moment to recognize the importance of celebrating accomplishments, go over your final steps for graduation, and hear from the RISE teams about resources post-graduation. More details and Zoom invitations will be sent out soon.

OOMPH Instructor Spotlight

We are delighted to showcase the accomplishments of OOMPH instructor, Andrew Mertens (PHW250, PHW250B), for his exceptional contributions to addressing poor childhood growth in low- and middle-income countries. Andrew's pivotal role as the first author of two recently published Nature papers demonstrates his unwavering dedication and profound expertise in his field. Join us in acknowledging his remarkable achievements and spreading the excitement throughout the OOMPH community.

Read the full papers here:




Academic Support & Wellness

Let's Talk Drop-In Consultations

The Let's Talk program provides easy access to informal, brief, drop-in consultations with Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) counselors. Let's Talk is a free, and confidential program. No appointment is necessary, there is no paperwork to complete. Visits are first come, first serve and the wait time to see the Let's Talk Counselor is usually very brief. They have virtual hours listed on their website. All students are welcome to visit Let's Talk.

Career & Practicum

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 of the new practicum opportunities (visit PHLEX for complete list)