General Membership Meetings: General membership meetings are held quarterly to update members about BSSA programs and activities, to solicit input from members on what they would like from their association, and in some cases present a special program, such as a talk by a faculty member or alumnus. Speakers in the recent past have included Dean Eduardo Macagno, Professor Randy Hampton, and Nobel Laureate Dr. Sydney Brenner.

Beyond the Degree Program (BTD): Beyond the Degree is a program focused on presenting opportunities for students to learn about possible career paths they can follow with a degree in biology as well as how to prepare for and apply for admission to graduate school. There are, on average, two panel programs each quarter. Examples of topics that BTD panels have focused on include: the research career track with a career panel comprised of representatives from the faculty, postdocs and graduate students from biology, medicine, and pharmacy; career options for those with a BA in biology; alternative career paths such as biotechnology, forensics, and law; science teaching at all levels as a career option; and issues relevant to women and minorities pursuing a career in science.

Beyond the Classroom Program (BTC): Beyond the Classroom is a program designed to provide small group and one to one interaction between students and faculty, alumni, graduate students, or members of the biotechnology industry in an informal luncheon setting. Students select and invite guests who represent a particular scientific field or topic of interest. There are currently two luncheon meetings scheduled each quarter. Recent topics discussed include genetic counseling, neurobiology, and nutrition. BSSA also organizes special study session breaks during finals week for biology students.

Beyond the University. Volunteer Program / Outreach: Volunteer activities are aimed at helping our students develop into good citizens and community leaders. The volunteer activities selected by students include tutoring and mentoring middle and high school students at Preuss School, visits to the children’s convalescent home, beach cleanup, and preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House. Additional outreach to potential biology majors includes BSSA officers speaking at events such as Scholars Day and Upward Bound Day and by manning information booths throughout the year, such as on Admit Day, Festival on the Green, UCSD Open House, and at the Sun God Festival. BSSA members have also volunteered as ushers and greeters at meetings such as the Dean’s Biennial Symposium and the annual Saltman Reception.

Freshman Program / Mentor-Mentee Program: For entering freshmen, BSSA sponsors a freshman reception / speed greeting event in early fall quarter to help them meet other students and establish connections outside of class. BSSA also has a mentor-mentee program that pairs entering freshmen with juniors and seniors with similar interests.

Graduating Senior Reception: Held in June, this event gives the Division an opportunity to acknowledge the accomplishments of our graduating seniors with their families and friends and to encourage them to continue their relationship with the Division as alumni by joining the Biological Sciences Alumni Network. Service and academic accomplishment awards are presented to graduating seniors by the Dean during the reception.