Transfer Students
The Department of Orientation is thrilled to have you join the Brandeis community. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact the Orientation office at orientation@brandeis.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Orientation apply to me?
How do I get classes from my previous school to count toward graduation here at Brandeis?
I'm getting emails and papers saying Class of 2012, but I should be a junior this fall. Why am I considered a freshman?
Who is my advisor at Brandeis? Do I get one as a transfer student?
How do I obtain on-campus housing?
What is the deal with phones?
How do I get to know people? How do I get socially involved?
I just want to talk to someone! Who should I get in touch with?
Yes! Orientation is geared towards students who haven't been to Brandeis before, which is every incoming student. We have programs that pair you up with your advisors, teach-ins which showcases all-star professors and give a taste of academics at Brandeis, workshops with pre-law and pre-health career professionals and much more! We have many exciting programs and social events for you to meet and greet all the incoming first-years.
How do I get classes from my previous school to count toward graduation here at Brandeis?
Irene Widugiris (widugiri@brandeis.edu) is in charge of transfer credits. She requires a transcript from your previous institution and sometimes a syllabus from a class or two that you have taken to apply your credits toward graduation. She can apply previous classes to Brandeis general requirements, but if you wish to apply a class to a certain major, you must contact someone in that department to get credit for a particular major.
Please note: If you believe that a class you have taken in the past should be counted for a particular requirement and it was not, speak to Irene Widugiris and come prepared with a syllabus.
I'm getting emails and papers saying Class of 2013, but I should be a junior this fall. Why am I considered a freshman?
Before you have your transfer credits entered into the computer system, the computer calculates your graduation date according to your academic record. At that point, the computer sees that there are no credits to your name, and calculates eight semesters to complete the academic requirements to graduate: hence, a graduation date of 2013. When your credits have been entered into the system by Irene Widugiris, then your graduation date will be changed accordingly.
Who is my advisor at Brandeis? Do I get one as a transfer student?
Yes, you receive not only one advisor, but two. Megan Penyac (meganp@brandeis.edu) is the advisor to all transfer students. You will also be assigned an academic advisor/academic mentor, who is often a faculty member in a department in which you expressed interst. You will be meeting both of these people on Wednesday of Orientation. We are confident these people will help contribute to your academic success here at Brandeis.
How do I obtain on-campus housing?
All transfer students who wish to live on-campus should complete the Transfer Student Housing Application. The information provided in your application will be used to match you with appropriate roommates. All applications should be completed by June 30 to receive priority. Students must complete the housing application in order to receive on-campus housing. For questions regarding housing options and availability, please contact Residence Life at reslife@brandeis.edu or 781-736-5060.
Transfer students who wish to live off-campus can consult listings in the classifieds section on my.brandeis.edu.
What is the deal with phones?
Students who live on campus are provided with phones. However, even if you don't live on campus, you still get a phone number and your name is entered into the directory. Anyone can search your name and call your phone number, and it will get recorded on voice mail. You can access theses voice messages from any phone by following directions found at: http://lts.brandeis.edu/techresources/students/. You can even receive an email notification when someone leaves you a voicemail. If you are interested in this service, please fill out the form located at: http://lts.brandeis.edu/techresources/telecom/phones/index.html.
How do I get to know people? How do I get socially involved?
There are numerous ways to get involved at Brandeis: you might have more trouble getting too involved! There are over 200 clubs and organizations that want you as a member. You can meet these clubs at the Activities Fair on Sept. 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m.. The staff of the Office of Student Life are professionals who keep the social life at Brandeis running in tip-top shape, and stopping into their offices on the second floor of the Shapiro Campus Center is a great way to get involved. Also, there is a new group of students available to advise and socially integrate incoming transfer students. These Transfer Mentors (TMs) are current students who had transferred to Brandeis and volunteer to bring incoming transfer students into the social fold.
I just want to talk to someone! Who should I get in touch with?
The Orientation office would love to talk to incoming students!
(781) 736-5074
orientation@brandeis.edu