Deemed as the “official guardians of Cal Spirit and Traditions,” the University of California Rally Committee’s members serve as the official “ambassadors of the University.” Comprised of UC Berkeley students from various majors and backgrounds, our members are dedicated to upholding and furthering the Spirit of California is both their daily lives and through various events throughout the year. As members of the Committee, we receive no monetary reward nor academic credit for the work that we produce. Instead, we gain the satisfaction of knowing that we are a part of something great – something that makes a difference in our campus communities and students’ lives. Whether it’s yelling your heart out for our Golden Bears at sporting events, learning and taking part in our University’s history and traditions, or coordinating some of the largest and most successful events on campus, notably Homecoming and Bonfire Rallies, the UC Rally Committee enables our members to preserve and promote the Spirit of California.
Given our unique role to the University, the Committee has much to offer to is members, and we encourage you to join our ever-growing family! For more information on how to join, please see our “Join the Committee!” page.
Below is a slideshow detailing some of the symbols we maintain, as well as events we organize.
Night Rally
These traveling rallies begin at Bowles Hall, make their way through Greek row, and run down through each Unit, usually coming to an end on Upper Sproul plaza. Cal Band, Dance and Cheer, and the Rally Committee spread Cal Spirit by singing songs as the rally winds along through the night.
Noon Rally
At noon on Fridays before each home game, a rally is held on the Sproul Hall Steps. Cal Band, Dance Team, Mic Men, Oski, and the Rally Committee all join together for a short rally, to catch people on their way to and from class and pump them up before the game the following day.
Card Stunts
Card Stunts were invented at the University of California in 1910 and have been a tradition ever since. The Committee designs the shows, sorts the cards, sets up the cards before football games, and collects the cards during halftime and after the game. The Director of Card Stunts plays a huge role in instructing Committee members on how to sort, set up, coordinate, and collect cards.
Cal Flags
The Rally Committee has custody of the official Cal Flags. The flags are run out in front of the football team when they take the field, waved when Cal Band plays a Cal Song, and waved at other rallies and sporting events. As a member of the committee, you have the opportunity to wave as the football team enters the stadium, or wave during a quarter of the game.
Bonfire Rally
Held in the Hearst Greek Theatre on the eve of Big Game, the Bonfire Rally is one of the most stunning displays of the Spirit of California that one can find at this University. Enjoyed by thousands of students and alumni alike, this bonfire is a key component in firing up our fellow Californians before the Big Game.
Cable Car Rally
This rally occurs on the Monday of Big Game Week. We join Cal Band, Cheer Team, and Oski in riding a cable car through the streets of San Francisco, singing Cal songs while being cheered on by alumni and Cal fans as we ride by. It finishes with a small rally in Union Square.
California Banner
The California Banner is one of the most visible symbols of Cal spirit as it is used at various rallies and events, as well as being hung about the student section at all football games!
The Big C
The Big “C” on Charter Hill is one of the most renowned symbols of California Spirit. The Rally Committee is the official guardian of this symbol. We protect it from pranks and repaint it often. There are many opportunities to join the Director of Security in venturing to the Big C to help repaint it. The hike is fun, and the view is always beautiful.
The California Victory Cannon
The California Victory Cannon, donated by the Class of 1964, is fired from its platform on Tightwad Hill by our two Cannoneers. The Cannon is fired at the beginning of each home football game, after each score, and after each victory. As a member, you have the opportunity to serve on Cannon Crew and help fire the California Victory Cannon!
Homecoming Week
Homecoming Week celebrates and honors the people of the University of California Berkeley. The Rally Committee works closely with the Cal Alumni Association to present an all-inclusive week for students, alumni, and parents. Homecoming Week events include the Homecoming Showcase Rally, Bear Schticks - a showcase of comedy student groups on campus - and the Homecoming Night Rally, which showcases Cal spirit through various campus groups and performances.
Big Game Week
Big Game Week unfolds during the week preceding Big Game, and is the Rally Committee’s premier week of rallies and activities to celebrate our rivalry with Stanfurd University. Big Game Week features campus decorating, Cable Car Rally through San Francisco, Tree-Chopping Rally, a night rally, “Get the Red out” canned food and t-shirt exchange drive, and culminates with the Big Game Bonfire Rally.
Charter Week
Charter Week commemorates the University of California's founding on March 23, 1868. The week features Charter Games held on Memorial Glade and a speaker series.
