The Office of Instruction and Student Affairs coordinates academic advising for the Rausser College of Natural Resources' four academic departments, nine undergraduate majors, and one graduate group (ERG). It also sets college-wide policy for all college students and handles issues related to student status.
Rausser College has its own set of policies and procedures. In some cases, these requirements differ from other colleges, so come to us with any questions you have about specific requirements as you navigate your way to a degree.
Location and Hours
260 Mulford Hall
Berkeley, CA 94720-3100
Phone: (510) 642-0542
Fax: (510) 643-3132
advising.rcnr@berkeley.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1 p.m.–5 p.m.
The Student Resource Center is also located in 260 Mulford Hall.
Leadership
I am excited to be the Assistant Dean of Instruction and Student Affairs at Rausser College because my own relationship with the University of California began as an undergraduate student in a small college at the University of California, San Diego. Through leadership opportunities offered by the college and my interactions with two amazing Assistant Deans, my own career trajectory was changed and I started a career as a professional higher education advisor and administrator. I deeply value the intimate nature of Rausser College and look forward to meeting every student that I can.
I started working at UC Berkeley at the Haas School of Business Undergraduate Program. Eventually, I transitioned to the Berkeley Study Abroad Office where I served as the study abroad advisor for the UCEAP programs to China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand. In 2009, I left Cal to earn my Masters degree in Counseling at San Francisco State University, where I delved deeper into both the developmental needs of students in higher education, as well as the ecological systems and multicultural identities that influence their academic success. In 2012, I returned to Cal to work at the School of Social Welfare. Starting as the Graduate Student Affairs Officer for their MSW and PhD program, I advanced to serve as the Associate Director of Advising for the Berkeley Social Welfare Student Services Team. The opportunity at Rausser College seemed like a perfect fit given my "small college" beginnings and I was pleased to join the Office of Instruction and Student Affairs in 2020.
As the Assistant Dean of Instruction and Student Affairs for Rausser College, I lead a dedicated and talented team of advisors and student services professionals. Together, we try to ensure that all students thrive in their undergraduate experience. While my time at the Rausser College of Natural Resources began during a tumultuous period of human history, my time away from campus has reminded me of how much I love being at Cal with my students and colleagues. Together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where diversity equates to academic excellence. I look forward to having these types of dynamic discussions with students, parents, and the greater Bay Area and California community.
I am the Associate Dean for Instruction and Student Affairs for the Rausser College of Natural Resources. I have taught in the College for over 20 years in the department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management. Over this timeframe, I have learned so much from our students: the importance of active commitment, curiosity and interdisciplinary learning, public service, and navigating the challenges of this enormous campus. I am proud of how the College has provided a space that has enabled our students to reach their potential, not least because of our amazing advising staff. I work to support our advisors, and with the College, its students and faculty to enhance students’ opportunities for effective learning, research, and to figure out their next steps in life. At a wider level I work with the College leadership to enhance our majors and to partner with UC Berkeley leadership, while retaining RCNR’s unique place as a smaller college within the campus.
I work to help the College offer diverse opportunities for personal and professional growth, and to help students experience the rewards of accomplishment: academic, personal, and through public service. Our students come from diverse backgrounds, ethnicities, and cultures, and I believe this a tremendous opportunity for all of us to learn how to bring people together, and support each other, to work for the common good and cope with the challenges of a complex and changing world.
From 2014-2020 I served as a Resident Faculty member, living in Unit Two and helping students bridge their campus and residential lives, including being “professor in charge” for the Global Environment Theme House. These experiences have helped me understand the daily challenges of being a Berkeley student, and to get to know the opportunities for environmental work beyond the College.
In my academic life, my research concerns global environmental politics and governance, environmental activism, the global political economy of wastes, and the local/global politics of plastics (with a minor in environmental science fiction). You can find out more about me here and here.
Our Mission
The Office of Instruction & Student Affairs provides supportive, individualized advising to prospective and current undergraduates in the UC Berkeley Rausser College of Natural Resources. Our staff is committed to attracting outstanding, diverse students and to helping them achieve their academic and career goals.
We serve as the central student services resource for undergraduates in the Rausser College of Natural Resources. We advise students, oversee Rausser College requirements and graduation, review petitions, and host Rausser-wide student activities such as summer orientations for new students, Welcome Day, and Commencement.
We can also help you with a multitude of other questions you might have as you pursue your education, including:
- Advice about medical, financial, or personal problems
- Learning or physical challenges
- Admissions and pre-admissions counseling
- Advising for undeclared students
- Reading and Composition requirements.
- Assistance selecting a Rausser College major
- Tracking your progress toward your degree
- Processing petitions to change your class schedule
- Withdrawal and readmission
- Transcript questions
- Request for exceptions to deadlines or policies
- Career paths
We look forward to getting to know you throughout your undergraduate journey!