We are excited to announce that the Sociology Graduate Student Association (GSA), with grant writing led by Alex K. Torrez, has been awarded over $12,000 in Big C (Big Community) funding to support graduate student programming 2026-2027. Of this, $7,200 is earmarked for Sociologists of Colors and Allies (SOCA), currently led by Dominic Eric Cedillo, Mercy Loyo, Hasan Henry, and Tiffany Hamidjaja, and $4,900 will support GSA programming and curriculum efforts, in recognition of efforts this year by Meriam Salem.
These funds will strengthen academic initiatives supporting students from historically underrepresented backgrounds --- including graduate student mentorship, faculty-graduate student events and workshops, Sociology GradTalks, and other programming --- advancing the scholarly and intellectual development of our graduate community.
The Big C (Big Community) Fee Referendum, passed in 2017 and renewed in 2025, supports student-led programs, services, and initiatives that foster equity, community engagement, and inclusive campus climate through the Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement. This funding enables student-driven efforts that expand access, build community, and enhance academic success across UC Berkeley.
We look forward to seeing how these funds will strengthen ongoing student initiatives within the department as next year’s GSA builds on and advances this work. Congratulations GSA!