About PAL
The work of peer advisors is integral to the success of their fellow CNR undergraduates. Peer advisors are trained in understanding CNR and university requirements, policies, and procedures, and they help with CNR recruitment and enrichment programs.
Contact a Peer Advisor
pal@berkeley.edu
260 Mulford (Student Resource Center)
The PAL Blog
PAL Office Hours
Upcoming Events
Frequently Asked Questions
Many students have questions about the same issues. Below we've answered some of those most frequently asked.
Please click on a link to display the information.
PAL FAQS
Telebears FAQS
Obtaining an Advisor Code
PAL Alumni
Irene LiaoGenetics and Plant Biology major |
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Kay Jiaqi YangNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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| Within Cal is the CNR, a smaller community that is very friendly and personable. I have had the pleasure of getting to know the students in the college, being able talk to someone who shares the same interests in plants as I do or even just to listen to people talk about whatever interests them and hear the passion in their voice." Read More |
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"I personally love the fact that faculty members and professors in CNR are friendly and accessible. I think this has made my transition as a transfer student easier." Read More |
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Wellington OnyenweMolecular Toxicology major |
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Ruixan (Jenny) ZhangGenetics and Plant Biology major |
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| Hey CNRers! I have for you the secrets of success in CNR that very few
know. Believe me, I have dealt with the long journey and am overjoyed to
lift as I continue to climb. I'm very honored to be a part of PAL program
and the CNR family."
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By majoring in Genetics and Plant Biology, I want to study the plants used in traditional medicinal practices and discover the genes that are the source to these medical treatments." Read More |
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Carol ManMolecular Toxicology major |
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Ken JuacuallaMolecular Toxicology major |
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| Hey CNRers! I have for you the secrets of success in CNR that very few
know. Believe me, I have dealt with the long journey and am overjoyed to
lift as I continue to climb. I'm very honored to be a part of PAL program
and the CNR family."
Read More |
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As a Molecular Toxicology major, I am able to learn the beneficial and the toxic effects of foods, chemicals, drugs, and any exogenous forms that can be critical in our environment and to us." Read More |
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Kelley DoyleEnvironmental Sciences major |
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Jessica LebeauMolecular Toxicology major |
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| As an out-of-state student, CNR has helped me find a smaller community
within the sometimes overwhelmingly large Cal campus. I love how friendly
and accommodating the CNR staff is -- especially our major advisors!"
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After high school I went to school for Massage Therapy in Emeryville then opened my own practice locally which I have been operating for almost ten years...I hope to use my experience to help other students stay positive and navigate administration." Read More |
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Tiet NguyenMicrobial Biology major |
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Rezwana AbedEnvironmental Economics and Policy major |
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| Berkeley opens so many doors of opportunities for its students, especially if you are an undeclared student who desires to explore the various majors and find one that suits you best."
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If there’s one thing I have come to appreciate about EEP, it is undoubtedly the major’s ability to provide a dialogue between environmentalists and economists which are two disciplines that in theory shouldn’t exist in isolation but are often disconnected in practice. " Read More |
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Katrina HongMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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Ashley FortenberryNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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| "As a Molecular Environmental Biology (MEB) major with a minor in
Forestry and Natural Resources from CNR, I feel that my choice of
studies is 'my own.'" Read More |
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"...hence if there is any type of class that stands as a barrier between you and your goals, tackle it and face it head on. If I could get through it -- and enjoy it, you can too." Read More |
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Liz DowEnvironmental Sciences major |
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Julie ChingMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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"I transferred from L&S into CNR last spring, so I am a relatively new addition to the college. I chose to do this because CNR's small college atmosphere is a place where where I can get attention from advisers and be around like-minded people." Read More |
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"I love CNR because it is like a family. Whenever I need help or just someone to talk to, I know that there are many people in CNR that can help me. " Read More |
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Linda TruongNutritional Science - Physiology & Metabolism major |
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Rebekah KimMolecular Toxicology major |
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| "I am also pre-med and have taken all the pre-reqs for
med school already. I really love to eat and love to learn everything
about food; that's why I'm majoring in NutriSci!" Read More |
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"My first semester at
Berkeley was really difficult because I was new and taking upper division
courses. With the help of a PAL, I was able to pull through the fall
semester. She encouraged me to talk to professors about the problems I
had and to my surprise they were really nice!" Read More |
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Alex LauNutritional Science - Physiology & Metabolism major |
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Crystal KwanNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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| "I was especially impressed by professors who knew me by name after just several office hours, the abundance of biological research, and the one-on-one faculty advising that far exceeded what was offered by other departments." Read More |
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"My journey at Berkeley has had its share of obstacles, but having a reliable community to help me out has been crucial to my success here at Berkeley. The College of Natural Resources has been my source of solid advice, opportunity and community." Read More |
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Jimmy RothschildEnvironmental Sciences and Molecular Environmental Biology double major |
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Adrienne DoiMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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| “I believe strongly in providing a service back to my institution and others, so helping students through the PAL program fits me perfectly. ” Read More |
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I recognized PAL as
the perfect opportunity to give back to the student community. At the same
time, I get to learn more about our wonderful college and I also get to
meet new faces every week. "
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Jennifer PowersNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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Whitney LauNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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| I have always had an interest in nutrition, so when I found out that UC Berkeley's Dietetics program was offered by CNR, a small and intimate college; I was even more excited to come to Cal. Since then, CNR has surpassed my expectations and has had such a positive impact on my journey at Cal." Read More |
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“Helping out on class advising was a wonderful experience during CalSO last summer. Being a CNR peer advisor, I hope I can help my fellow schoolmates.” Read More |
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Gina LopezForestry and Natural Resources major |
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Nancy PicenoMicrobial Biology major |
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| If it were not for the College of Natural Resources, I don't think I would have bothered applying to this #1 public institution for higher education." Read More |
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"Not only do I think microbes are perhaps the coolest things on earth, but the electives offer a variety of coursework that range from microscopy, to bioethics, to California mushrooms." Read More |
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Tay FederEnvironmental Economics and Policy major |
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Simo YaoNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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| At Berkeley, I've been granted the privilege to be a student under world-class researchers and professors of energy economics, climate change, and information goods that have blown my mind." Read More |
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I became a CNR Peer Advisor because I wanted to learn more about the opportunities that our college offers and help students find the right major for themselves." Read More |
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Jelyn EvangelistaMolecular Toxicology major |
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Youh Ying "Amy" LinMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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| "I wanted to become a Peer Advisor because I thought it would be a great experience, but more importantly I'll get to help others who are also Mol Tox majors or transfers, like I was, who don't know all the ins and outs of the system." Read More |
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"I love how MEB provides many choices and flexibility in terms of class selection and my major also helps me with satisfying pre-med requirements." Read More |
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Tim SeoMEB/CRS double major |
Jenn QuanMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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| "I have received unlimited support from the Sponsored Projects for Undergraduate Research Program as well as top-notch graduate students in the lab. These experiences have helped me develop an analytically creative mind geared towards solving complex problems. " Read More |
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"I have gone through a lot of problems with my family and myself and totally understand that academic success first comes with good mental and physical health." Read More |
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Stephen KwanMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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Wendy ChenEnvironmental Sciences major |
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| I want to be able to impart the knowledge
that I have gained from experience onto incoming freshmen and/or
transfers. By doing so, I hope that I will be able to help people have a
more fufilling and enjoyable time at Berkeley!"
Read More |
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Berkeley is a large and fast-paced school and being apart of CNR gives me the feeling of a small, tightly knit community that I can't find anywhere else. We get a lot of one on one attention with our advisors, and it's clear that they care very much about their students." Read More |
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Samantha BellMicrobial Biology major |
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Jena RiggertForestry major |
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| "I have always been interested in pursuing a career in medicine or public health and someday I hope to become either a pediatric doctor, or a health educator for children." Read More |
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This coming summer I will be going to the Forestry Summer
Camp, and am really exciting about all the skills that I will learn there. I
think that my major is so perfect for me because what it really boils down
to is that I just love trees and everything that they contribute to our
world."
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Selina ChouNutritional Science - Dietetics major |
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Dale DualanConservation and Resource Studies major |
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| "As a Peer Advising Leader, I hope my positive experience can help out more fellow students and bring them a better college life."
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CNR challenged me to break out of my comfort zone, think outside the box, and explore with an open mind. Here I was empowered with tools for the toolbox of life, to continue to find my voice and help others do the same." Read More |
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Olga MukhaMolecular Environmental Biology major |
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Chau PhamNutritional Sciences - Physiology and Metabolism major |
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| Being in CNR made my transition from community college to UC
Berkeley easier. Whether it was studying at the Student Resource Center
and using the computer lab (and free printing!) or attending the CNR Movie
Nights, I was able to meet new people and get all my advising questions
answered."
Read More |
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I received a great help from PAL in advising me how to change my major; therefore, I want to continue this tradition to help other students by becoming a Peer Advisor." Read More |
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Jenn JehnsenEnvironmental Sciences major |
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Kerry BoyleMicrobial Biology major |
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| I was so confused my freshmen year because my friends in L&S didn’t have the same requirements that I did for CNR. I think it’s important for CNR students to have other students that they can go to for advice on CNR-specific requirements."
Read More |
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I hope that sharing my experiences, both positive and negative, with
other students will help them to make smart decisions about their
academics and extracurricular activities while at UC Berkeley." Read More |
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Liz Pelayo | ![]() |
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| Deciding on my major was not a straight path, but after hearing from my friends and experiencing the friendly environment that CNR offers their students, I knew that I wanted to be part of the college."
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Mission Statement
As College of Natural Resources students representing various majors, backgrounds, and interests, we strive to:
- Promote the positive aspects of the college by advising our peers through office hours, CNR seminars and events, and online communication;
- Address student needs by advising on major requirements, college policies, and procedures; and
- Develop students leaders within CNR.
Peer Advisors help fellow students discover the fantastic opportunities the College of Natural Resources offers, while earning credits and acquiring valuable leadership skills.
Position Overview
The peer advisors in the program:
- Must commit to two consecutive semesters in the program.
- Engage in CNR recruitment and retention programs.
- Are trained in understanding CNR and university requirements, policies, and procedures.
- Make referrals to a wide variety of campus services and resources and provide information about transferring into CNR from other institutions and from elsewhere on the Berkeley campus.
- Work at information tables at the residence halls.
- Participate in the CNR Welcome Day Program, Cal Day, and Majors Fair.
- Assist CNR student affairs staff with various outreach programs.
- Manage other college-wide advising projects as assigned.
NOTE: Peer leaders do not have access to student records, transcripts, or student files. Peer leaders cannot sign petitions or process student petitions.
Benefits for Peer Advisors
- Gain strong presentation skills
- Become well-versed in CNR and University policies
- Become a recognized student leader at CNR
- Develop public speaking skills
- Earn 2 units of credit in ESPM 98/198 (Directed Group Study)
Becoming a PAL
If you are declared or undeclared in CNR, have at least Sophomore status (30+ units), and have a 3.0 GPA or better, then you are a perfect candidate!
- You must commit to two consecutive semesters in the program.
- You must be available for summer training the week prior to Welcome Week.
- Fill out the P.A.L. Application
- Submit the application to Donna L. Symon, 260 Mulford Hall no later than 5pm on the Friday after spring break. If accepted, you will be notified by email by the first week in May.
Current Peer Advisors
Cynthia GawEnvironmental Sciences major |
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Brita RustadConservation Resource Studies |
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| "As a Pre-med I have always been told to be MCB or IB but instead I chose Environmental Science because it’s a subject I have been interested since childhood."
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"Conservation Resource Studies is unlike any major at Berkeley. It’s an opportunity to take control of your education and forge your own unique pathway to a degree. " Read More |
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Christopher LauMolecular Environmental Biology |
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Stephen ChenMicrobial Biology major |
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| "MEB is an excellent major because it grants me so much versatility in what I want to study."
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"One of the best decisions I’ve made is majoring in Microbial Biology. I am able to be on the pre-med tract (hoping to get into sports medicine/physical therapy) while taking course that I find interesting." Read More |
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Fabian CollazoMolecular Toxicology and Molecular Environmental Biology double major |
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Morgan GoddingMolecular Toxicology |
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| "When
I later found out about MCB and IB it really didn't matter since I was
absolutely in love with CNR by then and I am so excited to pass on my
enthusiasm!"
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"When I first started at Cal, the course rigor and high caliber students intimidated me. As an undeclared student, unsure of a major or a path, I felt lost in a sea of students. "
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Elodie Tong-LinMolecular Toxicology major |
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Kristine CabugaoMolecular Environmental Biology |
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| "It was at Berkeley that I began to explore my independence and started to challenge myself."
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"Figuring out what to do, what to make of yourself is probably the most challenging questions you could ever ask of yourself, but I bet it's one of the ones most worthy of answering." Read More |
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Yanna ChenNutritional Science – Physiology and Metabolism |
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Bai ChenMicrobial Biology |
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| "I love UC Berkeley and CNR! "
Read More |
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"Hello! My name is Bai Yi Chen (call me Bai), and it is currently my third year at Cal." Read More |
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Amelia AppellConservation and Resource Studies |
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Crystal SunEnvironmental Science |
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| "Hello! My name is Amelia Appell and I am a second year, intended Conservation and Resource Studies (CRS) major. "
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"Hi! My name is Crystal Sun and I'm a second year Environmental Sciencemajor, and am actively pursuing minors in Energy and Resources and Latin Studies. " Read More |
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Christine StontzGenetics and Plant Biology & Forestry and Natural Resources |
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| "If you ever want to just vent to somebody about a midterm, talk about trees, or hear a bad pun, please come by and chit-chat with me!"
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