The College of Environmental Design Undergraduate Advising Blog

PIRG stands for the Public Interest Research Group. We stand up for the public against powerful interests when they push the other way, winning concrete results on real problems that affect millions of lives. Whether it’s stopping the overuse of antibiotics on factory farms, banning Monsanto’s Roundup unless and until it’s proven safe, protecting consumers from unsafe or unscrupulous practices, or other problems, the conventional wisdom says that issues are either 'liberal' or 'conservative.’ But these problems affect each and every one of us, regardless of whether you live in a red or blue state. And our solutions aren't ‘Republican’ or ‘Democratic’ — they're just common sense. The challenge is that powerful special interests have used their enormous resources to gain influence within our political system, while casting doubt on our solutions. And if the special interests and their allies in the White House, statehouses, or boardrooms push in the wro...

Fall 2017 SEMESTER IN WASHINGTON, D.C.:  Now Accepting Applications! Application deadline for Fall 2017:     Feb 23, 2017 Want to learn more?   Come to one of our information sessions in 236 Evans Hall .  An alumnus of the program will speak about his or her experience and and we'll be there to present internship information and answer any of your questions.   Info Sessions are in 236 Evans Thu, Jan. 26, 2017   10-11 a.m. Wed, Feb. 1, 2017   4-5 p.m. Mon, Feb. 6, 2017   12-1 p.m. Thu, Feb. 9, 2017   5-6 p.m. UCDC sends juniors and seniors to Washington, D.C. each semester to participate in prestigious internships and research projects for a full semester of UCB academic credit.    Students call the experience life-changing and one which jump starts careers, distinguishing them from other graduates after college.   All majors are welcome. UCB financial aid is transferrable. ...

This year the Center for the Study of Representation will award  four research grants   of $500 each to U.C. Berkeley undergraduate students who are conducting research on an aspect of American politics, including public opinion, electoral behavior, civic participation, government institutions, social movements, and public policy. Students from a broad range of disciplines are encouraged to apply. The grant may be used to cover research expenses such as traveling to Washington, DC, to interview lawmakers; buying a dataset; or covering photocopying costs at an archive. Applications due on January 31, 2017  -  3 PM Apply Today! Questions? Contact Professor Terri Bimes at  csr@berkeley.edu