Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Graduate Student Advisory Committee
Engineering·Research·Academic Societies·Community Service/Nonprofit
CBE GSAC is the graduate student advisory body for UC Berkeley's Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Members organize monthly ChemE kegs, department holiday and graduation parties, a student-invited Science and Society speaker series, and industry panels. The committee also advocates for students by conducting housing and climate surveys, lobbying for pay raises, and meeting regularly with department leadership. All CBE grad students are considered part of GSAC, with no barrier to joining.
1
Meeting per month (1 hour)
31
Housing survey respondents, out of approximately 70 students (Spring 2024)
$1,462.05
Average CBE PhD student rent per bedroom per month (2023-2024)
70
Approximate department graduate student population
75%
Percent of graduates pursuing industry careers (approximately)
Events They Host
Science and Society Student-Invited Speaker Series
GSAC invites external researchers and academics to give seminars on broader impact topics in science, engineering, and technology. Each talk is followed by a wine and cheese reception. Past speakers include faculty from Stanford, Northwestern, UCSB, and UMN.
Industry Panels and Info Sessions
GSAC organizes career exploration panels and professional development workshops for graduate students, featuring PhD holders from industry discussing career paths and opportunities.
Alumni Job Search Panel
Panel event featuring recent CBE graduates discussing their job search experiences and the career tools Berkeley offers. First held September 8, 2014.
Peer-Led Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Prevention Workshop
An in-person workshop run jointly with the Chemistry Graduate Life Committee for all incoming College of Chemistry graduate students. The nearly two-hour session covers campus policies, Title IX requirements, and small-group scenario discussions led by trained graduate student facilitators. Required for all incoming students as of August 2019.
Member Experiences
Monthly ChemE Kegs
Monthly social gatherings for department graduate students featuring beer, grillables, and snacks.
Department Holiday Party
Annual holiday party organized for graduate students in the department.
End-of-Year Graduation Party
Annual celebration for graduating students in the department.
Department Picnics and Sports Events
Seasonal outdoor social events including softball and other sports for graduate students.
Monthly GSAC Meetings
One-hour monthly meetings open to all CBE graduate students. Free snacks provided. Schedule posted on the GSAC calendar.