ACADEMICS
Where are academic deadlines posted?
Academic deadlines are listed on the Registrar’s calendar as well as communicated via the weekly Student Services email calendar.
What is SAGE and how does it work?
SAGE is the online student information and registration portal. You use it for tasks such as registration, checking your grades, paying your bills, or changing your address. For a comprehensive set of tutorials for functions such as registration, visit: http://www.brandeis.edu/sagedocs/tutorials/
How do I register?
You register through SAGE, the online student information and registration portal. Directions may be found through the registrar’s web site or in our student handbook. If it is past the deadline when you can register online, you need to use an add/drop form.
What does the Registrar do?
The Office of the University Registrar maintains all student academic records. They process paperwork such as add/drop slips and exemption forms. You may need to visit their offices in Kutz Hall to obtain an official transcript or to drop a class. Their web site is: http://www.brandeis.edu/registrar
Where is the Registrar’s office and when is it open?
The Registrar is located in Kutz Hall, across from the Usdan Student Center. Contact information and office hours are: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone: 781-736-2010. Fax: 781-736-3485.
Where can I find the course schedule each semester?
The schedule of courses can be found at: http://www.brandeis.edu/registrar/schedule/index.html You may also find the course schedule by going to: http://brandeis.edu/global/current_students.php
What should I know about courses, credits and modules?
A full course is worth 4 credits whereas a module is a 2-credit class that only lasts for ½ of the semester (either first or second half.) Module dates can be found on the Student Services or Registrar’s web sites.
How many credits should I take each semester?
The normal course load for a full-time MA, BA/MA, or MBA student is 16 credits (4 full-semester classes) each semester. To graduate on time, you must plan on taking an average of 16 credits each semester. International students are required to take a minimum of 12 credits each semester in order to maintain full-time status.
May I take courses at other Boston-area Universities?
Yes. There is a cross registration agreement among several Boston universities and colleges: Boston University, Boston College, Tufts University, Bentley University, and Babson College. This provides access to a wealth of specialized courses in many fields. For more information, go to: http://www.brandeis.edu/global/current/academic_information/courses/index.html
May I take courses in other Brandeis schools and departments?
Yes, within program-specific limits and only one class per semester is allowed. You need to obtain prior approval from your program director for such a class.
EVENTS
Where can I find out what is going on at IBS?
Event information is posted on the Office of Students Services web site at: http://www.brandeis.edu/global/current_students.php Weekly calendars are also emailed to all current students.
Where can I learn about Brandeis campus events?
University events are generally posted on the my.brandeis.edu page
HOUSING
Is on-campus housing available to IBS graduate students?
On-campus housing is reserved for incoming Exchange Program students.
Does Brandeis provide resources to help find off-campus housing?
Yes, the Graduate Student Services Office offers many resources that can be used to find off-campus housing. Click on the following links for more information: http://www.brandeis.edu/gradstudent/housing/index.html
Also, other resources frequently used include http://my.brandeis.edu/classifieds and www.craigslist.com
Where do students typically choose to live?
For students without a car, Waltham and Porter Square in Cambridge/Somerville are popular choices. In Waltham, students often choose to live within walking distance of campus or close to one of the Bran Van stops. Students with a car can choose to live in any of the surrounding communities, but often prefer Cambridge or Somerville because of the large student population.
Is temporary housing provided?
Not at this time.
LOGISTICS
What is my address at Brandeis?
Your address is:
Your Name
Brandeis University
MS 032
415 South Street
Waltham, MA 02454
All students have the same address (the MS number does not change.)
Where and when do I get my mail?
Mail is delivered to IBS around noon and is put into student mailboxes by early afternoon.
What about packages?
You will receive a notice in your mailbox that a package has arrived. You may pick it up from the Student Services Office. Although it may appear that a package has been delivered, a delivery confirmation only means that it has reached Brandeis University. It typically takes one extra day to reach IBS from the central receiving area.
What if I want to get an On-Campus job?
There are on-campus jobs available. A good place to start is to go to http://www.brandeis.edu/offices/sfs/jobs/oncampus.html At IBS, you can also speak to staff in the Student Services, Careers and Admissions offices to see if there are any openings for student workers.
What if I’m interested in getting a Teaching Assistant or Research Assistant position at IBS?
See Karen Muise in the Economics Office, or contact her at kmuise@brandeis.edu
What if my address or other contact information changes? What should I do?
Go to https://sage.brandeis.edu . Log in with your UNET username and password
• Select SA Self Service
• Personal Portfolio
• Home
• Personal Portfolio
From here you can update your Mailing Address, Email Address, Phone Number, Emergency Contact Information, and your Directory/Privacy Settings.
How will I learn about things that are happening at IBS?
Once you have your UNET User name and Password, you should go to the following link and be sure to register on the appropriate Listserve. Typically, this will be your program and year (such as IBSMA09 or IBSMBA 10) .You may subscribe to additional listserves , such as those associated with clubs if you choose. http://www.brandeis.edu/global/current/new_students/getconnect.html
Do I need a car?
While many students do have cars, it is not necessary to have one to take part in IBS activities and be an active member of the community.
What means of transportation can I use to get to Brandeis?
Brandeis can be conveniently reached by the MBTA Commuter Rail, public bus, Bran Van, car, foot or bike. Below are some helpful links:
BranVan: http://www.brandeis.edu/departments/public_safety/escoshut.html
Commuter Rail: http://www.mbta.com/schedules_and_maps/rail/lines/?route=FITCHBRG
MBTA Bus: http://www.mbta.com/uploadedFiles/Documents/Schedules_and_Maps/Bus/ route553554(1).PDF
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
What is the International Experience requirement?
MA, BA/MA, and MBA graduates are required to have a formative international experience. A student may meet the requirement by having lived outside the US prior to IBS for a significant amount of time, or can gain international experience at IBS through an internship or through study abroad at one of our partner universities. For more information regarding Study Abroad and IBS International partners, go to:
http://www.brandeis.edu/global/current/academic_information/study_abroad.html
Does everyone who attends IBS have to study abroad?
MA, BA/MA, and MBA students who have not met the international experience requirement will need to study abroad or participate in a summer internship abroad before they can graduate from IBS.
How long do I need to study abroad?
Students spend one semester abroad, or can alternatively obtain an overseas internship for a minimum of 10 weeks.
Do I have a wide range of schools to choose from if I do a study abroad?
We have 17 partner schools in Europe, Asia and South America. For more information about each of these schools, go to: http://www.brandeis.edu/global/current/academic_information/study_abroad.html
Can I get reimbursed for my travel expenses?
Yes. You may receive 50% reimbursement up to the following amounts: Europe and Mexico- $450; Brazil and Tel Aviv - $550; Asia - $700.
What is the language requirement?
MA, BA/MA, and MBA graduates are required to have basic facility with a language other than English. If a student doesn’t already speak another language, he or she can meet the requirement at IBS through courses at Brandeis or through study abroad.
Can I be exempted from required courses in the MA and MBA programs?
Students who have taken related, graduate-level courses may be exempted from required courses, except for ECON 201a, Global Economic Environment. If you are enrolled in a full-time program, you must replace these with electives. The MA and MBA programs don’t permit the transfer of credit to accelerate time to degree completion.
Can I be exempted from courses in the part-time MSF program?
Yes, the part-time MSF program allows exemptions and transfer credit. Students may reduce their course work at Brandeis by up to two courses if they were taken at a graduate institution, are equivalent to required courses at IBS, and were completed within five years with a grade of “B” or better.
Is a concentration required in the Master’s Program?
No. The MA and MBA programs provide students with the opportunity to choose concentrations in international economic policy, international finance, or international business. Students in the MSF program may choose either international investments or business finance.
