ISCO, established in 1988, promotes Iranian cultural awareness at UC Berkeley through parties, pre-games, cultural celebrations like Shabe Yalda and Norouz Show, Persian Thanksgiving, career panels, and philanthropic events. Members join a 300+ person community organized across six committees. Paying dues ($50/year or $35/semester) gets you free party access, a free t-shirt, merch discounts, and raffle entries at cultural shows. The chair role is the main path toward joining the board.
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300+
General members
13
Board members
50
Approximate number of chairs
$50
Annual membership dues (or $35 per semester)
500
More than 500 events hosted (total, all-time claim)
1988
Year founded
Events They Host
ISCO Disco (Fall and Spring)
Major cultural dance events held each semester, organized by the External committee.
Shabe Yalda Show
Cultural celebration of the Iranian winter solstice tradition. Paying members receive 5 free raffle ticket entries.
Norouz Show
Iranian New Year cultural celebration. Paying members receive 5 free raffle ticket entries.
Persian Thanksgiving
Cultural event organized by the Outreach committee connecting members to the broader Persian community.
Professional Career Panels
Career-focused panels organized by the Outreach committee for members.
Member Experiences
Welcome Week Events
Held at the start of each semester by the Internal committee to welcome new and returning members.
Semesterly Mehmoonis
Persian-style social gatherings organized by the Internal committee each semester for the ISCO community.
Board and Chair Socials and Retreats
Gatherings and retreats for ISCO board members and chairs, organized by the Internal committee.
Parties and Pre-Games
Regular social parties and pre-game events. Free for dues-paying members; $10-$15+ at the door for non-paying members.