April 10, 2025
Dear Cal alums, parents, and friends,
As of April 8, the federal government has revoked the visas and terminated the non-immigrant status of 13 current students and six recent alums engaged in postgraduate work experience related to their fields of study. These actions are understandably generating concern, uncertainty, and questions. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no federal immigration enforcement activity on the campus, and we’re unaware at this time of plans for such activity. We are providing those affected with resources to navigate the process for visa revocations and are encouraging them to seek legal counsel.
I want to be clear that UC Berkeley supports, without reservation, the right and ability of immigrant and international students, staff, and faculty to participate fully in the university experience. We will continue doing all that we can to assist everyone in our community as they exercise their rights, while also following all applicable state and federal laws. I encourage you to visit our federal updates website for news and resources as they become available.
Welcome to a new class and football leader
For many California students, as well as those from around the country and world, last week marked a milestone on the triumphant march toward a Berkeley degree. We were thrilled to extend admissions offers to incoming first-year students on March 27, and will contact transfer students in mid-April. This was the largest pool of applicants in Berkeley’s history, underscoring our broad appeal and validating our efforts to reach more California residents. For a big dose of joy, watch this compilation of screams, hugs, high fives, and wide eyes in reaction to opening the offer letters. Congratulations to the Class of 2029!
We are also thrilled that Ron Rivera, a former All-American Cal linebacker, NFL player, and legendary NFL coach, is coming home to Cal to serve as the general manager of the California Golden Bears football program. In this new position, Ron will help the program adapt to the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and work to generate new revenue and fundraising opportunities. His incredible football acumen and powerful dedication to his alma mater make him a perfect fit for the role, which will be fully funded by private philanthropy. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the excellence I know our program is capable of.
Thank you for staying connected to, informed of, and engaged with Berkeley, through all of our trials and joys.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
As of April 8, the federal government has revoked the visas and terminated the non-immigrant status of 13 current students and six recent alums engaged in postgraduate work experience related to their fields of study. These actions are understandably generating concern, uncertainty, and questions. To the best of our knowledge, there has been no federal immigration enforcement activity on the campus, and we’re unaware at this time of plans for such activity. We are providing those affected with resources to navigate the process for visa revocations and are encouraging them to seek legal counsel.
I want to be clear that UC Berkeley supports, without reservation, the right and ability of immigrant and international students, staff, and faculty to participate fully in the university experience. We will continue doing all that we can to assist everyone in our community as they exercise their rights, while also following all applicable state and federal laws. I encourage you to visit our federal updates website for news and resources as they become available.
Welcome to a new class and football leader
For many California students, as well as those from around the country and world, last week marked a milestone on the triumphant march toward a Berkeley degree. We were thrilled to extend admissions offers to incoming first-year students on March 27, and will contact transfer students in mid-April. This was the largest pool of applicants in Berkeley’s history, underscoring our broad appeal and validating our efforts to reach more California residents. For a big dose of joy, watch this compilation of screams, hugs, high fives, and wide eyes in reaction to opening the offer letters. Congratulations to the Class of 2029!
We are also thrilled that Ron Rivera, a former All-American Cal linebacker, NFL player, and legendary NFL coach, is coming home to Cal to serve as the general manager of the California Golden Bears football program. In this new position, Ron will help the program adapt to the changing landscape of intercollegiate athletics and work to generate new revenue and fundraising opportunities. His incredible football acumen and powerful dedication to his alma mater make him a perfect fit for the role, which will be fully funded by private philanthropy. It offers an unprecedented opportunity to achieve the excellence I know our program is capable of.
Thank you for staying connected to, informed of, and engaged with Berkeley, through all of our trials and joys.
Go Bears!
Chancellor Rich Lyons
Chancellor’s Choice
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Online events: Basic science conversations — UC Berkeley is renowned for curiosity-driven research that fundamentally changes our understanding of nature, the universe, and ourselves. Join a series of enlightening discussions featuring faculty and students, all on Zoom at 5 p.m. P.T. Upcoming topics include uncovering Jupiter’s secrets and big open questions in science.