Diversity - Individuality - Leadership - Community
Mo-sa-ic (mo-za'ik) 1. n. a decorative design on a surface made by inlaying small pieces, as of glass or tile, in cement. 2. n. a composite picture made of overlapping photographs. 3. n. the opportunity to gain new understanding of diversity, community, and coexistence.
Dear Member of the Class of 2012:
Welcome to the Brandeis Community.
Because I don't know you that well yet I would like to ask you a few questions: What does diversity mean to you? What experiences have you had that you feel have shaped your life? What does it mean for you to be part of your community and now this Brandeis community?
If these are questions you have asked yourself before or even if they are not but they intrigue you now then the Mosaic program would be perfect for you. Focusing on a safe-space discussion of diversity, personal experience, and using these discussions as a starting point for implementing change, Mosaic not only asks you to discuss the issues surrounding diversity and the experiences of individuals within larger settings but also how to deal with the issues, as an individual and as a community.
Diversity is not the answers we give, but the questions we ask.
Monique Gnanaratnam
Director of the Intercultural Center
Mosaic Coordinators
New Student Orientation 2009
What is Mosaic?
Mosaic is a positive, fun, and dynamic program. It is our goal that you experience something special as you embark upon your Brandeis experience; and leave both changed and enlightened. We hope to:
To engage openly in dialogue around difference and similarities you will bring to campus, including race, gender, age, class, sexual orientation, and ability
To interact with other students around issues that matter and learn to articulate one's personal position in an atmosphere of positive engagement
To reflect on one's future role as a member of a multicultural and global society.
Activities Include:
Games, Icebreakers, Social Events
Exercises designed to engage students in the Mosaic purpose and learning objectives.Who Can Participate?
Everyone is welcome to apply to be part of the Mosaic program, regardless of your background or experience with diversity. We believe that every person has different experiences that bring richness to the discussion of diversity as well, as the ability to reflect and learn from one's peers. We hope that everyone who applies has an interest in discussing all forms of diversity in a safe with an open mind. We would like to attract a wide variety of students to represent the rich "mosaic" of the new student body. If you are willing to enter into a thoughtful and respectful dialogue about diversity, then we encourage you to apply.
Please note: Due to the dynamic of the program we will limit participation to 40 students. Also, all first-year students participating in other pre-orientation programs (International Orientation, Athletics and Transitional Year Program) are not eligible to apply.
What does participation entail?
Mosaic participants work with student volunteers, alumni, faculty, and staff to gain skills and knowledge that will prepare them to be leaders who are comfortable working with people from all different backgrounds.
Participants are expected to partake in all of the Mosaic activities and exercises scheduled on Friday, August 24th and Saturday, August 25th. This would require an early move-in on Friday, August 24th by 12noon. There will also be a yearlong series of events and trainings ("Mosaic Moments") in which participants are strongly encouraged to become involved.
Those of you from the class of 2012 who step forward from your various experiences and pasts will choose the direction in which our campus will develop over the next four years. Though you will undoubtedly contribute to the campus in some way before you graduate, participation in Mosaic will jump-start your involvement as an active student and leader at
Application Process
The application consists of a creative work that explores diversity. A creative work is anything from an essay or a poem to a painting or a picture. Please feel free to include an explanatory essay if your application needs an explanation which should be limited to 500 words. If you have any questions about the application and what is acceptable please e-mail orientation@brandeis.edu.
We look forward to receiving your application postmarked or e-mailed by July 15th!