BSC MEMBERS DIGEST

September 8, 2026

Restorative Justice Resources

WRITTEN BY MIKEY (Restorative Justice Team)

Congratulations on starting the Fall semester! As you and your housemates are settling into the rhythms of co-op life again, we wanted to share the services we offer and some of our resources. If you or your house are experiencing conflict and are interested in taking steps to address it, we can offer a mediation.

Mediations are facilitated conversations between two or more people to discuss a situation and its impacts in order to build a plan to move forward. We also design and lead personalized workshops or informal discussions for houses aimed at strengthening community and navigating tension.

Here are some topics that we have discussed previously: House Culture and Addressing Conflict, Decolonizing Non-Violent Communication, and Gossip and Cooperative Behavior.

Feel free to peruse our resources here: https://www.bsc.coop/member-resources/conduct.

If you have any questions or requests, we would love to hear from you via email. Be well!

Your RJ Practitioners, Mikey (rj1@bsc.coop) and Jalissa (rj2@bsc.coop).

The Director of Cooperative Experience’s Corner

WRITTEN BY TIFFANI ALMANZA (Director of Cooperative Experience)

September Resources, Opportunities & A Message to Our Members

Hello, wonderful Coop-ers!

As we welcome September and settle further into the academic year, I wanted to take a moment to share several upcoming events, opportunities, and resources that may be helpful to you. Whether you are a UC Berkeley student or attending another local college or university, I encourage you to explore the information and resources provided on this page and take advantage of the support available to you.

College is about so much more than earning a degree. It is a time for learning, building relationships, discovering who you are, developing your voice, and creating experiences that can stay with you for a lifetime. I encourage each of you to enjoy this chapter of your life while also being intentional about the choices you make along the way.

As members of a cooperative community, we also have a responsibility to one another. Lead with kindness, treat others with dignity and respect, look out for your fellow members, and never be afraid to respectfully stand up for what you believe is right. The strength of our community depends on each of us contributing to an environment where people feel welcomed, respected, supported, and safe.

And yes, college should be fun! Enjoy the friendships, celebrations, kickbacks, events, and memories that come with the experience. At the same time, please take care of yourselves and one another. A single decision can sometimes have consequences far beyond the moment. Be mindful of your surroundings, know your limits, make responsible choices, and have a plan for keeping yourself and your friends safe.

Most importantly, remember what brought you here. Your education, goals, and future deserve your attention. Make time for studying, attend your classes, ask for help when you need it, utilize the resources available to you, and give yourself grace when things become challenging. Success does not mean navigating everything alone, it also means knowing when and where to seek support.

Please know that you have a community of people who want to see you succeed. There are many resources, programs, services, and events available to support your academic success, personal well-being, safety, and overall college experience. I have included a variety of them on this page, and I encourage you to explore them, even if you do not need them today. You may find something helpful for yourself or something worth sharing with a friend or housemate.

Finally, if you are struggling, have a concern, need assistance navigating a situation, or simply do not know where to start, please reach out to the Cooperative Experience Department. You do not have to have everything figured out before contacting us. Our team is here to listen, help connect you with resources, and provide support whenever we can.

Take care of yourselves, take care of one another, work toward the future you want, and make some wonderful memories along the way.

Wishing all of our Coop-ers a safe, successful, and fulfilling September!

Cooperatively, 
Tiffani Almanza 
Director of Cooperative Experience

Health Coverage:

Don't Forget to Review Your SHIP Benefits: SHIP 2026-27 Coverage Started on August 1!

Starting August 1, students with the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will switch to Aetna Student Health for medical coverage, replacing Wellfleet.

Aetna's nationwide Open Choice PPO network covers most providers outside of University Health Services. Our vision plan with VSP and dental coverage with MetLife remain unchanged. Virtual medical and mental health services are now offered by CVS Virtual Care, rather than Teladoc.

Healthy Cooking/Eating:

NEW: Food is Medicine Referral Program!

Food is Medicine is a fun, practical program at UC Berkeley that teaches students to cook nutritious meals and learn how food can support health and well-being. Participants get three free, hands-on cooking classes with a registered dietitian that combine evidence-based nutrition education with practical cooking skills.

Instead of simply hearing advice like "Eat healthier," you'll learn how to do it yourself by making tasty, easy meals that fit your lifestyle, helping you turn healthy eating recommendations into everyday habits.

Classes cover topics such as heart health, blood sugar, gut health, and brain fueling, while teaching simple recipes that are easy to recreate at home. Whether you're new to cooking or want to get better, Food is Medicine helps you feel confident in nourishing yourself, one meal at a time.

Ask your UHS provider for a referral, and feel free to contact sminkow@berkeley.edu with questions. We're excited to cook with you!

Sexual Health:

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month

Sexual health and sexuality are relevant to all of us - whether you’re a sexual novice, a sexpert, or abstinent. During Sexual Health Awareness Week (Sept. 21- 25), stop by the Sexual Health Education Program (SHEP) table on Sproul Plaza and get FREE safer sex supplies.

Curious about the sexual health resources available to you on campus? UHS provides medical appointments, healthy sexuality coaching and education, STI testing, low-cost safer sex supplies & contraceptives, and more! For more information and resources, please visit our website at uhs.berkeley.edu/sexualhealth

Wellness:

Social Health & Wellness: Finding Your Community at Berkeley

Social support is essential to our overall health and well-being. It's not always easy, but finding your community at UC Berkeley can help you develop a sense of belonging and lead to long-lasting friendships.

In addition to student clubs, there are numerous ways to make connections on campus. You may not know it yet, but there really is a place for you at Berkeley. Need some tips and advice? Find resources at uhs.berkeley.edu/socialhealth

Motivational Keys for The Semester

Start of the Semester Affirmations

• I am ready and excited to learn something new.
• I am thankful for the opportunity to learn new things.
• Mistakes and setbacks help me learn and grow.
• I belong in every room that the universe puts me in.
• I will focus on my priorities and let go of things that are beyond my control.
• There is no reason to compare myself to others.
• The goal is not perfection; the goal is growth.
• I will ask for help when I need it.
• Getting my degree will not be easy, but it will be worth it.

Find wellness resources at uhs.berkeley.edu/bewell

Feeling Homesick?

You are not alone. Many college students feel homesick from time to time. It is both normal and temporary. View tips to help you deal with the emotional ebb and flow of adjusting to college life: uhs.berkeley.edu/homesickness

Transition Stress

Attending college is a huge transition for most students. It is normal to feel stress during transitions, and each person will experience different stress cycles. Stress management tips available at: uhs.berkeley.edu/stress

We are still hiring!

WRITTEN BY JAE MANN (Hiring Committee Chair)

BSC Hiring Website [hicom.bsc.coop]

You must be a BSC member in good standing with a signed contract to hold a BSC member job.

Unless stated otherwise, jobs are immediate hire and continue through the school year.

APPLY FOR OPERATIONS CREW (Ops Crew) TODAY!

The BSC's Operation's Team is hiring 3 members for the BSC's Ops Crew starting this Fall! Earn rent credit while working across the co-ops completing work that makes a tangible difference across our co-op community! Read the full job description & apply on the BSC's Hiring Committee Website! Contact opslead@bsc.coop for questions about Ops Crew!

Operations Crew Member

• 8 hrs./wk.
• Assist the operations Team by completing various unit-level and central office improvement projects.
• Includes a diverse array of cleaning and improvement projects.

ADMINISTRATIVE COMMITTEE

Administrative Committee Member

• 2 hrs/ wk paid + 1 hr/wk workshift
• Hear cases submitted to the Administrative Committee involving but not limited to emergency grants, payment plans, rent credits, membership reinstatements, and waivers of late cancellation penalties.
• Must attend one weekly meeting and perform asynchronous duties

CONDUCT COMMITTEE

Conduct Committee Member

• 2 hrs./wk.
• Hear conduct cases and interpret the related policies.
• Maintain confidentiality

MEMBER EDUCATION

Health Worker Coordinator

• Starts in Fall
• 8 hrs./ wk.
• Manage the BSC Health Worker Program by training, supervising and supporting health workers who serve the members of individual co-ops.
• Ensure that the health workers promote health in the BSC through core health promotion strategies; community-level engagement and education; peer support; and appropriate referrals.

Member Education Assistant

• 10 hrs./wk.
• Assist in the organization and development of member training programs.

Consent Working Group Member

• Up to 30 hours a semester in Spring and Fall and 20 in Summer.
• Facilitate Consent Talks at various BSC Houses.

Anti-Oppression Working Group Member

• Up to 30 hours a semester in Spring and Fall and 20 in Summer.
• Facilitate Anti-Oppression Talks at various BSC Houses.

Anti-Oppression Education Coordinator

• Up to 55 hours a semester in Fall and Spring and 30 in Summer.
• Train Anti-Oppression Working Group Members.
• Organize and schedule Anti-Oppression Education Talks at the Various BSC Houses.

ACCOUNTING

• Accounting/Collections Assistant

• 11 hrs./ wk.
• Must be well versed in Excel and databases

APPLY NOW!

You must have a housing contract to be considered for a BSC member job.

Already applied?

If you have already applied and are interested in another position, email me at hicom@bsc.coop and I will submit you. Please first check your application to make sure you filled out appropriate sections. If you applied for another semester, please fill out an updated availability form [google form] and email me letting me know you have.

New Applicants!

Please review these Tips for applicants before applying. Click this BSC Job Application link to fill out the google form.

Your form responses will be automatically sent to you, so you may edit applicable responses for subsequent applications. KEEP THIS EMAIL SO YOU CAN EDIT RESPONSES!!!

If you wish to submit a paper application, please email the Hiring Committee Chair (hicom@bsc.coop) or contact/visit Central Office. See "Apply" for additional details.

Members: Temporary Sub-for-Pay Jobs Available!

The BSC often needs temporary workers to assist in the operations when workloads increase or when assigned workers are absent. We are now accepting applications from individuals interested in on-call job opportunities. There is no guarantee that work will be available, which departments will need workers or the duration of the assignment. We will give priority to current members, but everyone is welcome to apply. Learn more and get the application.

You can also email Anton Ennik (anton@bsc.coop) if you're specifically interested in on-call work in the Central Food & Supplies Department.

*There will likely be more positions posted as professional staff supervisor positions are filled and job descriptions are passed by the Internal Affairs Committee and the Board of Directors.

Please note that the above positions are only removed from the HiCom website once filled. In other words, no matter what stage the hiring is in (application review, interviews, offer, etc.), the position will remain posted until a qualified applicant accepts their offer for the position. If the job is not posted on the HiCom website, it should be assumed that it is filled.

Know someone looking for housing? Tell your friends about our New Member Rent Concession!

WRITTEN BY DAVID APPELBAUM (Development Director)

Please click the CZ rent rebate flyer for the incentives.

Introducing BSC Conduct Member Advisor Office Hours

WRITTEN BY JENNIFER VEGA DURAN (Conduct Member Advisor/BSC Conduct Committee)

Dear BSC Members,

We are excited to announce that the BSC Conduct Member Advisors are now offering office hours to support you with any conduct-related questions, concerns, or experiences. This includes any party to a case (complainants, respondents, witnesses), unit-level managers, and anyone else in their capacity as a member.

What are Conduct Member Advisor Office Hours?

Office hours are dedicated times when you can meet confidentially with a Conduct Member Advisor (CMA) to discuss BSC conduct policies, processes, and resources. Whether you have a question about the Conduct Code, need guidance on resolving a conflict, or want to explore options for addressing a conduct issue, our CMAs are here to help.

When and Where are Office Hours?

CMA office hours will be held via Google Meet at the following times starting next week, June 8th (Monday).

Office Hours Scheduling [google calendar]

Mondays & Wednesdays, 10:00AM-11:00AM PT with Jennifer Vega

If these times don't work for you, please email conductma1@bsc.coop to arrange an alternate meeting time.

What Can I Expect During Office Hours?

During your office hours appointment, you can expect:

• A safe, confidential space to share your concerns and ask questions
• Information about BSC conduct policies, processes, and member rights
• Guidance on resolving conflicts and addressing conduct issues
• Referrals to additional support resources (e.g., counseling, academic accommodations)
• Help understanding and navigating the conduct complaint process

Our CMAs are committed to providing trauma-informed, impartial support to all members. While they cannot guarantee specific outcomes, they will work with you to explore options and connect you with relevant resources.

Learn More about the BSC Conduct Committee

For more information about the BSC Conduct Committee's role, processes, and resources, please see the BSC Conduct Committee Info Guide. There you can visit the BSC Community Support and Resource Guide, a selection of resources for those who may be going through conduct issues.

We look forward to supporting you during office hours. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Did you know?

Want to get Board, Cabinet and Committee Updates, Meeting Agendas, and Announcements?

Come join the Members At Large listserv if you are interested in learning about the discussions that take place at Board, Cabinet and Committee spaces and receive Board updates, agendas and announcements. Please follow this link to join or rejoin as the listserv was recently reset: [google group]

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CENTRAL OFFICE

2424 Ridge Road, Berkeley, CA 94709
(In front of Casa Zimbabwe)
Central Office: (510) 848-1936
Central Food & Supplies: (510) 549-5969
Central Maintenance: (510) 549-5965
Business Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsc.coop/

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