Parents and Families

Family Friendly Events

Brandeis University typically hosts a vast array of on-campus, local and online events throughout the year that are open to Brandeis parents and families. Below is a list of our most popular family events. For a more detailed list of events, please visit the Brandeis events calendar.

Two parents sitting with school-aged son and college-aged daughter

New Student Orientation

Orientation is as much an initiation for parents and families as it is a welcome for new students. Brandeis holds several programs geared specifically for parents and families, including a Welcome Fair, panel presentations, receptions and a barbecue. Opening Day for August 2021 took place on August 22.

Learn more about Orientation

Athletics/Homecoming

Homecoming offers students, alumni and their families and friends the opportunity to show their Brandeis pride and cheer on the Judges on the court, on the field and in the pool. Homecoming 2021 took place on October 9.

Learn more about Brandeis athletics

Two parents and college aged daughter holding a pumpkin

Family Weekend

For more than 65 years, students have come to Brandeis to learn, become leaders and make their mark. Family Weekend invites friends and family to the Brandeis community to learn more about what our institution has to offer. Visitors spend quality time with family while attending on- and off-campus events to get a taste of the Brandeis experience. Family Weekend 2021 took place on October 15-17.

Learn more about Family Weekend

Deis Impact

Sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Deis Impact is Brandeis University’s festival of social justice. This series of events empowers students, academic departments, clubs, faculty, staff and organizations to sponsor programming opportunities connected to important social justice themes. Programs include talks, art-making workshops, performances, exhibits and discussions. Events are free and open to the public. Deis Impact 2021 took place virtually from April 7-12, 2021.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DEIS IMPACT

Student teaching child at an activity at festival of the arts

Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts

The annual Leonard Bernstein Festival of the Creative Arts showcases nationally acclaimed performers and visual artists together with music, dance, theater, film and artwork by more than 300 Brandeis students and alumni.

Learn more about the Festival of the Arts

Commencement

Commencement is the culmination of your student's years of study and personal growth at Brandeis, and it is an experience that students and their families will remember forever. Commencement 2022 is currently scheduled for May 22.

Learn more about Commencement

What to expect moving in

New Student Orientation at Brandeis is created by students for students. A small group of student leaders work closely with the Department of Orientation staff to create, plan and implement Orientation for the incoming class. One of our Orientation Leaders (OLs) will serve as a guide, resource and mentor to your student throughout their first days on campus and beyond.

Learn more about move-in and orientation