Who are the Berkeley Institute programs for?

Our programs are for undergraduate and graduate students, and faculty. Every semester, a select number of programs are open to the general public. Because we prioritize presence and meeting in person, we primarily serve a local community. 

We also host virtual alumni events for past participants of our programs who are now located nationally and internationally.

Who leads your programs?

Our programs are facilitated by faculty, Berkeley Institute staff, and occasionally graduate students or undergraduate students. You can read more about our mini-grant program for current and recent students here.

How is your programming structured? How frequently do I need to attend?

Every semester, most of our programs are loosely structured around a set of questions, articulated in our semester theme. We pair this theme with our “Community Read,” a text that we pass out for free to students, which is in productive conversation with our theme in some way.

Our programming ranges from one-off events, to multi-week reading groups, seminars or workshops. Each individual program asks different levels of commitment from participants.

I can see that the Berkeley Institute thinks about ‘philosophical and religious traditions.’ What do you mean by that?

By “philosophical and religious traditions,” we refer to the traditions that long precede the thinking of our current moment. We emphasize “tradition” – both intellectual and religious –  to remember that ideas, beliefs, and practices are embedded in and the consequence of particular histories and frameworks for thinking and living in the world. 

The Berkeley Institute responds to an expressed desire from students: to access frameworks that offer ways of integrating thinking with living and acting in the world.

Are there fees for the Berkeley Institute’s programs?

All our programs are designed to be free for students and faculty. As a non-profit organization, we appreciate the support of our donor community, which allows us to provide programming and hospitality free of charge.

Is the Berkeley Institute affiliated with UC Berkeley?

We are an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit that hosts a community of students and faculty in the Berkeley area. Our community complements, but is independent of, any university.

How can I stay informed about Berkeley Institute happenings?

Sign up to join our email list here to stay up-to-date on programming at the Berkeley Institute. Additionally, we invite you to subscribe to our substack newsletter and follow us on instagram.

What opportunities are available to get involved?

Check out our current programs to see what events, seminars and reading groups we’re hosting next. Undergraduate students can also check out our internship opportunities.

If you are interested in supporting the work of the Berkeley Institute, you can make a donation here. You can also reach out to the Executive Director, Dena Fehrenbacher, to learn more about ways to get involved: dena@binst.org