Welcome to the Berkeley Peer Support Network (BPSN) Spotlights, where we shine a light on the incredible programs that make up our community of peers at the University of California, Berkeley.
On this page, we highlight the various kinds of peer support programs that are available on campus. We invite you to explore their programs, learn more about their set-up logistics, gain from their insights and peer program advice, and be inspired by their accomplishments. Join us as we celebrate the power of peer support and the remarkable individuals who make it possible.
Equal Opportunity Program (EOP) Peer Academic Counseling
What is the name of your Peer Support program? EOP Peer Academic Counseling (PACs)
What are the goals of your Peer Support program? EOP Peer Academic Counselors coordinate programs and activities that provide advising, foster community, raise awareness of opportunities available to students and promote academic success.
Tell us a little bit about how your peer program was started and how old it is: EOP pioneered the Peer Advising Program in 1974 to provide outreach activities and assist students in their transition to Cal. Today, EOP Peer Academic Counselors are current undergraduates that serve as student-to-student advisors after participating in an intensive year-round training program. This training, along with the richness of their own personal student experiences, allows them to serve as a vital resource to fellow students.
Tell us how is your peer program structured: EOP Peer Academic Counselors are current undergraduates that serve as student-to-student advisors after participating in a seminar offered exclusively in the Spring semester, known as iPAC. Students who participate in the iPAC seminar are eligible for the paid EOP PAC position for the following academic year. This intensive training, along with the richness of their own personal student experiences, allows them to serve as a vital resource to fellow students. PACs report to their direct supervisor who is an EOP Counselor. The team includes a PAC Coordinator who leads the team. Peer appointments are available on a drop-in basis from Monday-Thursday between 10am-4pm at our EOP/USP Community space in MLK bNorth.
How many peers are part of your program?Seven!
What are the responsibilities of your peers? Are there committees or projects peers oversee? Peers are responsible for completing drop-in hours and also take part in a special project, which ranges from coordinating community-building programming to leading our PAC internship program in the spring semester.
How large is your targeted audience, major, or community you serve? Our targeted audience are all EOP students who could benefit from peer support.
How are they compensated? EOP Peer Academic Counseling is a paid opportunity.
What advice do you have for someone starting a new Peer Support program? Establishing intentionality and overall purpose for the program is important to further the impact of the team. It is also important to revisit these two components consistently.
College of Environmental Design (CED) Admissions Ambassadors
What is the name of your Peer Support program? CED Admissions Ambassadors 
What are the goals of your Peer Support program? CED Admissions Ambassadors is a college program of student volunteers who:
- Participate in outreach with local high schools and community colleges
- Host prospective students at Bauer Wurster for presentations, panels, and tours
- Lead campus-wide events for CED like the Berkeley Showcase and Cal Day
- Develop communication, public speaking, and leadership skills
- Network with CED faculty, students, and campus departments
Tell us how is your peer program structured: One staff liaison; three student coordinators (communications, training, outreach); returning ambassadors; new ambassadors.
How many peers are part of your program? 10 - 20
How large is your targeted audience, major, or community you serve? All prospective and newly admitted students and their families.
How are they compensated? Food at meetings, CED swag and gifts, gift cards at end of term