L&S First-Year Pathways Recap - Fall 2025

In Fall 2025, the L&S First-Year Pathways program welcomed its largest cohort yet, serving 230 first-year students across its record number of 17 clusters, up from last year's six clusters, which served 125 students. With this expansion of the program, Pathways instituted new, creative ways to help students feel connected with each other and with the program. From social events like the welcome reception at the start of the semester and study break event during UC Berkeley's Reading, Review, and Recitation (RRR) Week to unique social learning opportunities like the group outing to a viewing and Q&A for The Last Class with Robert Reich and the diverse offerings of course enrichment activities powered by the L&S First-Year Pathways Course-Enrichment Grant Awards. Among other activities, these grants enabled students to connect their coursework and build their relationships beyond the classroom with hands-on demonstrations of Indigenous practices and visits to attractions like the Oakland Museum of California.