Academic Services
T = Academic Advising
Each freshman is assigned a member of the
faculty or staff to serve as a formal academic advisor during
the first year. Upon declaring a field of concentration, students
receive faculty advisors in their own disciplines. Finally, each
department designates an advising chair to serve the needs of
all students interested in learning more about academic opportunities
within the department.
T = Office of Undergraduate Academic Affairs
The deans in the Office of Undergraduate Academic
Affairs assist individual students in planning their undergraduate
careers at Brandeis, and in addressing their problems and concerns
through the Committee on Academic Standing. Guidance is available
in program planning and the selection of a major field of study.
In addition, the Office administers funds to support undergraduate
research efforts; monitors the progress being made by all undergraduates
toward completion of degree requirements; and coordinates services
to disabled students, the Advanced Placement Program, Cross Registration,
and premedical advising.
The office provides counseling services for
Brandeis undergraduate and graduate students who seek to enrich
their education through a period of study abroad. It also maintains
a resource library of materials on available programs. The office
provides information and assistance in obtaining international
study grants available through Fulbright, Rhodes, D.A.A.D., Marshall,
and other scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Sachar
International Scholarships for Brandeis students.
T = Office of Student Enrichment Services
Programs under the umbrella of Student Enrichment
Services provide learning assistance, academic support, and supplemental
instruction.
Consultants at the Writing Center assist undergraduate
and graduate students to focus ideas, define topics, prepare well-organized
outlines, revise rough drafts, improve stylistic elements, and
master related writing skills. The Center is located in the Goldfarb
Library. Services are available on a drop-in basis.
The Student Support Services Program, funded
by the U.S. Department of Education, offers academic and career
counseling, tutorial services, study skills workshops, individualized
assessment, GRE preparation, and access to cultural events to
eligible students. For further information contact Student Support
Services, Kutz Hall.
Individual and small group tutoring is provided
in selected courses to students experiencing academic difficulty.
Workshops on such learning strategies as note-taking, time-management,
and test-taking are also offered. Requests for tutorial assistance
or workshops may be made in the Student Enrichment Services Office
in Kutz Hall.
T = Disability Services
Brandeis University is committed to providing
an environment that is equitable and accessible to all qualified
students. Since admission to the University is based on the academic
qualifications of the applicant, admissions procedures remain
the same for all applicants, regardless of disability. The University
provides reasonable accommodations for students with documented
disabilities. Once accepted, a student must document a learning
or physical disability at Brandeis to receive appropriate services.
To do this, a student must have his or her medical records regarding
the disability reviewed by the director of health services. Following
documentation as a student with a disability at Brandeis, the
student confers with the coordinator of academic support services
for students with disabilities in the undergraduate program, or
the person who handles disability in each of the Graduate School
offices, for guidance and academic accommodations. Appropriate
accommodations are determined on a case by case basis in consultation
with the coordinator, the faculty, and the student. Services such
as housing assistance, extra time on exams, notetakers, alternative
testing procedures, and special parking arrangements are examples
of possible accommodations that might be utilized.
T = International Students and Scholars Office
(ISSO)
The ISSO, located in Kutz Hall, serves international
graduate and undergraduate students as well as scholars (e.g.,
faculty, short-term lecturers, and researchers) who enter the
United States on nonimmigrant visas. The staff members of the
ISSO provide all necessary immigration documents and advise international
students and scholars on matters concerning their legal status
in the United States, including extensions of stay, employment,
transfers to and from Brandeis, and leaves of absence. Advisors
are available daily through drop-in visits or by appointment to
counsel students and scholars on personal, academic, and immigration-related
matters throughout the year, including the summer months.
The ISSO sponsors a range of programs, including
workshops on employment and immigration issues, as well as International
Week and other events of international interest. The office also
coordinates the host family program and publishes a newsletter
for the international community. The ISSO supports activities
that allow students to share their cultures with the entire Brandeis
community.
T = The English as a Second Language Program
Classes and tutorials are offered at Brandeis
to support nonnative English-speakers in their efforts to meet
the English proficiency standards necessary for their success
as students and teaching assistants. Certain students whose native
language is not English are required to take the Diagnostic English
Proficiency examinations and to have an oral interview approximately
one week before the beginning of classes. Those required to have
their English proficiency evaluated are notified in advance. On
the basis of the examinations and the interview, a student may
need to enroll in the English as a Second Language Program.
The English as a Second Language Program provides
individual and group tutorial instruction throughout the academic
year. No course credit toward the degree is earned for these courses.
T = Program in Library Research Strategies
As the information environment becomes more
complex, instruction in the effective use of information resources
becomes an increasingly integral part of education at Brandeis.
Reference librarians provide classroom sessions for students at
various levels.
The First-year Library Instruction Program
is part of the University Seminar/Writing Lab curriculum. Each
freshman participates in a formal session in basic library research
skills and strategies conducted by a librarian. Students learn
methods for analyzing and approaching research questions, and
gain some experience in using basic resources, such as the online
catalog and general periodical indexes.
The Library Intensive Course Program serves
the needs of students in more advanced courses. Selected upper-level
and graduate courses incorporate library sessions geared specifically
to the course or program content. These courses offer instruction
in the use of more specialized resources, such as scientific databases,
full text electronic databases, specialized abstract and indexing
services, archival resources, and Internet resources. Students
are thus equipped to find and evaluate information from a wide
variety of sources. A list of participating courses appears in
the courses of instruction.
T = Transitional Year Program
Since 1968, Brandeis has offered a Transitional
Year Program (TYP) in which promising students, who do not qualify
for admission to Brandeis at the time of their application, are
enabled to supplement their secondary school preparation with
an additional year of concentration on basic academic skills.
Students who successfully complete the program are recommended
for admission to the University.
Evaluation of TYP applicants emphasizes academic
promise rather than past academic performance. Consideration is
also given to the secondary school record, recommendations from
teachers and guidance counselors, and College Board test scores.
Those selected combine the need and desire for the transitional
year experience with the ability to make the best use of the opportunity.
Further information about the program may
be obtained by contacting the Transitional Year Program Office,
Brandeis University, MS 074, P.O. Box 9110, Waltham, Massachusetts
02254-9110.
T = Office of the University Registrar
The Office of the University Registrar, located in Kutz Hall, is the official repository of academic records. As such, it issues official transcripts of students' records upon written request, performs other certification functions of service to students, and audits the progress of students toward degree completion. The office conducts activities in which all students participate: registration and course enrollment at the beginning of each term, and pre-enrollment in advance of each term. Staff members in the office are useful sources of information concerning registration, course enrollment regulations, summer school and transfer of credit policies, and final examination procedures.
S = Student Life
The Division of Student Affairs is responsible
for the quality of student life outside the classroom, as well
as for providing the opportunities for students to develop skills
and interests beyond their academic course work. Among its areas
of concern are social, cultural, intellectual, recreational, and
religious programs; residential life; intercollegiate and intramural
athletics; health and counseling services; the availability of
professional resources to aid students in their present endeavors
and future educational and career planning; and student conduct
matters.
The Dean of Student Affairs coordinates student
services through the following departments:
T = Office of Campus Life
Located in the Usdan Student Center, the Office
of Campus Life is responsible for cocurricular programming; advising,
supporting, and coordinating student groups and activities; residential
programs and services; the smooth operation of the multipurpose
Usdan Student Center; and other campus programs such as orientation
and family weekend. The staff, in conjunction with students and
faculty, maintains a varied program of social, cultural, and intellectual
events during the academic year.
Over 85 percent of undergraduate students
live in residence halls. As with all indoor space at the University,
residence halls are smoke-free. Freshmen are assigned double rooms,
except for the last to make housing deposits--they will be assigned
double rooms temporarily equipped for three students. Only freshmen
and sophomores are guaranteed housing. In recent years, all juniors
and seniors wishing to live on campus have been accommodated.
The Office of Campus Life is responsible for the effective administrative
operation, as well as counseling and programming activities, within
all residence halls.
Residence halls are grouped into nine living
areas ranging in size from 106 to 400 students. Each area is under
the supervision of a quad director. In addition, undergraduate
resident advisors "live-in" and aid in the administration
of several residence halls. Staff members are available to provide
assistance to students on academic, personal, and social matters.
Off-campus housing information and graduate
housing are also functions of this office.
Brandeis University offers a variety of housing
units available for single and married graduate students. The
apartment units we offer include efficiencies, two-, three-, and
five-bedroom apartments. The efficiencies are designed for one
or two people, while the two-, three-, and five-bedroom units
are designed to allow use as separate bedrooms with a shared kitchen
and bath. Some of the larger units also have living rooms. All
of the apartments come furnished.
Housing applications are sent to eligible
graduate students by the first of May and must be returned to
the Office of Campus Life by the middle of June.
In addition, the Office of Campus Life maintains
a listing of available housing in the area. For additional information,
please write or call: Brandeis University, Office of Campus Life,
Usdan 114, MS U3, P.O. Box 9110, Waltham, Massachusetts, 02254-9110.
Tel: 781-736-3550. FAX: 781-736-3556.
T = Intercultural Center
The Intercultural Center, located in the Swig
Student Center, fosters an atmosphere for learning about the histories
and cultures of people of color; provides a healthy framework
and meeting space for discovery and strengthening of cultural
commonalities; enables the University to address issues of race;
and provides a structure for the Brandeis community to interact
from a multicultural perspective. With a student programming board
and a faculty/staff/alumni/community advisory board, the center
sponsors cultural, social, and intellectual programs open to all
members of the Brandeis community.
T = Hiatt Career Development Center
The Hiatt Career Development Center assists
students in assessing their skills and interests and helps them
explore how these skills and interests will translate into a meaningful
career path. The office staff provides individual career counseling,
life planning workshops, career exploration programs, internships,
and a full career resource center including computer-assisted
guidance and videotape equipment. Located in Usdan Student Center,
the Center serves as a link between current undergraduates and
Brandeis alumni from the business and professional world. The
Hiatt Career Development Center sponsors a range of programs including
workshops on the job search, interviewing skills, and resume writing.
The Visiting Professionals Program features experienced practitioners
who lead seminars on work-related topics and Career Panels highlight
several professionals within a field.
Coordination of placement interviewing with
prospective employers and visits from graduate/professional schools
is provided throughout the academic year. All students are encouraged
to make use of the resources of the Hiatt Career Development Center
as early in their Brandeis careers as possible. Counselors are
available daily through drop-in schedules or by appointment.
T = Chaplaincy
Religious activities and related programs
are centered in the three chapels and are conducted by the student
religious organizations: Berlin Chapel/B'nai B'rith Hillel Foundation,
the Bethlehem Chapel Community, and the Harlan Chapel Christian
Community. Interfaith dialogue is an integral part of the programs
of the three chapels.
Hillel, the Jewish student umbrella organization
on campus, is a multifaceted and pluralistic community that embraces
and welcomes Jews of all persuasions and interests. Hillel presents
a wide range of programs, including a variety of seminars and
study groups; workshops; social service and philanthropic projects;
Jewish arts and cultural programs; Holocaust Remembrance Week
programming; a diversified Israel program; a Sabbath lecture series;
oppressed Jewry projects; a Hebrew chorus and Israeli dance troupe;
and a full spectrum of religious services and holy day celebrations.
Oppressed World Jewry, the Brandeis Zionist Alliance, the Orthodox
Organization, and the Giving-Doing-Caring Network also exist under
the aegis of Brandeis Hillel.
The Bethlehem Chapel Community serves the
total Catholic community at Brandeis: students, faculty, and staff.
There are Sunday and daily Masses, hours for private and group
consultation, seminars, study groups, holy day and feast day programs,
and other events.
The Harlan Chapel Christian Community serves
the Protestant community at Brandeis and presents a variety of
services and programs including religious services, poetry readings,
films, and speakers. The Christian Fellowship and the Brandeis
University Gospel Choir are under the sponsorship of Harlan Chapel
Christian Community.
The three chaplains serve as advisors to these
groups and are available to all persons within the University
community for personal and religious counseling and informal exchange.
T = Athletics, Recreation, and Intramural
Sports
Recognizing the importance of physical activity
in a sound educational program, Brandeis University offers a wide
variety of competitive and recreational opportunities. The Intercollegiate
Athletic Program provides a challenging and enjoyable growth experience
for Brandeis student-athletes, as well as providing a focus for
campus spirit and pride. All full-time students may participate
in annual varsity team tryouts after completing the required physical
examination.
The University fields varsity teams for men
in baseball, basketball, cross country, fencing, golf, indoor
and outdoor track, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis. Women
compete in varsity basketball, cross country, fencing, indoor
and outdoor track, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis,
and volleyball. The varsity squads compete against teams representing
colleges and universities that regard athletics in the same spirit
as Brandeis University. In addition, students have organized club
teams in sports such as ice hockey and lacrosse. Brandeis is a
member of the NCAA, MAIAW, New England Athletic Conference, Eastern
College Athletic Conference, the Greater Boston Collegiate Athletic
Association, and the University Athletic Association, which provides
national competition among its nine-member private research universities.
The University has fielded conference and national championship
teams as well as many national caliber individual competitors.
Believing in the value of athletic participation
for both conditioning and relaxation, the University maintains
a full array of intramural and recreation programs. The intramural
program has included basketball, flag football, soccer, softball,
squash, tennis, and volleyball. Residence hall and commuter teams
have been organized in these sports with the competitive aspects
adding to the enjoyment of the game.
T = Health Services
Note: For detailed information on graduate
student health plans, consult the graduate student health information
packet.
Because health and medical care are an integral
part of the university experience, University Health Services
provides a program of comprehensive medical and emotional care.
A mandatory health participation fee entitles undergraduate students
to medical services available at the Golding Medical Outpatient
Facility and counseling services available at Mailman House without
additional charge during the academic year. (This fee is optional
for graduate students.) The annual health fee does not pay for
off-campus medical consultations, dental care, medications, laboratory
tests, drugs, X-rays, reusable supplies, or admission to the University's
hospital, Stoneman Infirmary. Students are responsible for these
charges.
In addition, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
requires each student to have personal health insurance. The student
may elect to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan
offered through the University or may substitute membership in
another plan. Students who do not notify Health Services of alternative
insurance coverage are, as required by state law, automatically
enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan offered through
the University.
Health Services and the use of the Stoneman
Infirmary are available to students only during the period in
which the University is in regular academic session. Limited weekday
services are available in the Golding Medical Outpatient Services
Building during intersession, midterm, and spring recesses and
the summer months.
Prospective students planning to matriculate
in the college and graduate schools must submit a health examination
report completed by the family or personal physician prior to
registration. In addition to information about previous health
and details of the physical examination, evidence of immunization
against tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubella are required.
Since students may not register until the requirements have been
satisfied, it is strongly recommended that the Health Examination
Report be submitted by August 1.
The Student Health Insurance Plan is designed
to defray expenses of those care situations that are beyond the
scope of Health Services, for example, laboratory and X-ray examinations,
as well as hospitalization for illnesses or accidents of a more
serious nature. The plan extends for a full calendar year commencing
with August 15.
A detailed brochure of the services offered
by University Health Services as well as an outline of the details
of the plan is mailed to parents and students each June. This
brochure includes a statement of patients' rights in Health Services.
Students and parents are urged to read this brochure carefully
and keep it for reference. Additional copies are available through
Health Services.
While situations not covered within Health
Services or by the insurance plan are infrequent, an awareness
of these possibilities will lessen misunderstanding and disappointment.
In such instances, students and their parents are responsible
for expenses that are not covered by the University's health program
or its associated insurance policy. Similarly, students and their
parents are responsible for expenses that are not covered by alternative
insurance programs substituted for the Brandeis University Student
Health Insurance Plan.
T = Psychological Counseling Center
The Psychological Counseling Center is located in Mailman House. It provides professional assistance to students who have personal or emotional problems. Those who wish such help may refer themselves directly to the Center.
S = Student Judicial System
The University establishes standards of student behavior and reserves the right to suspend or permanently dismiss students whose conduct warrants such action. The University will give due notice and, if requested, a hearing before the appropriate body. The student judicial system is administered by the Office of Campus Life. Standards, policies, and procedures are published in the Student Handbook.
S = Student Activities
T = Usdan Student Center
The Usdan Student Center acts as a focal point
for cocurricular and extracurricular activities at Brandeis. The
center provides office space and facilities for student government
and a broad range of student clubs and organizations. Undergraduate
students play a major role in the operation of the Center through
the large number of student staff who work in the building.
T = Student Government
Brandeis students consider themselves a part
of a community dedicated to the advancement of liberal values,
the enrichment of life experience, and the broadening of knowledge.
Organized as the undergraduate Student Union and the Graduate
Student Association, they consider it their prime responsibility
to create democratic student organization, increase the flow of
new ideas, and provide enjoyable and creative recreational and
cultural activities for all students.
The Student Union is the assembly of the entire
undergraduate student body. The Student Senate, funded through
the mandatory student activities fee, consists of elected officers
and elected representatives from each class meeting regularly
to conduct its business and supervise its programs. The student
programming board, Student Events, has the responsibility for
the allocation of a portion of the student activities fee to support
social, cultural, and educational programs.
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is
the assembly of all graduate students. The Graduate Student Senate
consists of elected officers and elected representatives from
each academic department offering a graduate degree. Cultural,
social, and educational programs are organized by the GSA throughout
the year. There is a GSA lounge in the Usdan Student Center.
Students also serve as members of a variety
of University committees, including the University Curriculum
Committee, the Personal Safety Committee, the Parking Appeals
Board, the Community Relations Committee, and the Conservation
Committee. Two undergraduates and one graduate student also serve
as representatives to the Board of Trustees and the National Alumni
Association Board of Directors.
T = Student Organizations
A variety of student organizations exists
for all who are interested. Organizations are open to any matriculated
student on the basis of competency or interest. No exclusive or
secret societies are recognized.
Exclusive or secret societies are inconsistent
with the principles of openness to which the University is committed.
Therefore, social fraternities and sororities, in particular,
are neither recognized nor permitted to hold activities on campus
or use University facilities.
T = 1996-97 Student Organizations and Media
Activist Resource Center
Adagio
Adult Scholar Organization
_Ahora!
Aikido Martial Arts Club
All Energy Productions
American Civil Liberties Union
Amnesty International
Animal Rights Klub (BARK)
Anthropology Club
Arab/North African Club
Archon (yearbook)
Artemis (feminist magazine)
Asian-American Student Association (BAASA)
BAHA'I Club
Ballroom Dancing
Bands Need Rehearsal Space Club
BaRuCH Reform Chavurah
Bhakti Yoga Club
Black Student Organization (BBSO)
Bongo Bums
Boris' Kitchen (comedy troupe)
Boxing Club
Brandeisian (magazine)
Business Club
Card Sharks
Caribbean Connexion
Catholic Student Organization (CSO)
Chamber Choir
Chamber Ensemble
Charitable Concerts Club
Cheerleaders
Chinese Literary/Culture Club
Christian Fellowship (BCF)
Chung Do Kwan
Coalition for Peace
Comic Book and Science Fiction Club
Committee on Rape Education (CORE)
Company B (performing group)
Conservative Organization
Cooking Club
Crew
Dead Poets Society
Debate and Speech Society
Democrats
Early Music Ensemble
Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCO)
Ensemble Theater (BET)
False Advertising (improvisational comedy)
Friends of Revolutionary Anti-Imperialist League (RAIL)
Graduate Student Association
Graduate Students Interested in Gender
Gravity (humor magazine)
Gymnastics Club
Habitat for Humanity
Handicrafts of the Past Club
Health Education Leadership Program (HELP)
Hellenic Society
Hillel
Hillel Theater Group
Hip Hop Culture Club
Hockey Club
Holocaust Remembrance Week Club
In Sync (performing group)
International Club
International Football Club
Investment Club
Irving Zola Organization on Disabilities (IZOD)
Israeli Dance Troupe
Italian Culture Club
Jam Apple Zig Zag (performing group)
Jazz Ensemble
Jewish Graduate Student Association
Justice (newspaper)
Kokondo
Korean Student Association
Lacrosse (men's)
Laurel Moon (poetry magazine)
Lawyers, Guns, and Money
Lend a Helping Hand
Lesbian and Gay Graduate Student Association
Lion Dance Troupe
Magic Club
Manginah (performing group)
Medieval Society
Model United Nations
Mountain Biking Club
Muslim Student Association (MSA)
Orthodox Organization (BOO)
Otaku Anime Club
Outdoor and Mountaineering Club
People Are Listening (hotline)
PeopleÃs Agenda
Persian Club
Photo Club
Players (theater)
Post-Modern Society
Pottery Club
Prelaw Society
Premed Society
Preveterinary Society
Pressure Point Massage Club
Psychology Club
Rape Crisis and Sexual Assault Hotline
Recycling Program (BURP)
Remember the Alamo Club
Republicans
Road Rash
Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club
Roller Hockey Club
Rugby Club (men's)
Rugby Club (women's)
Shakespeare in the Square
Sign Language Club
Ski Team
Snowboarding Club
Society for Creative Fantasy
Softball Club
South Asia Club
Spur of the Moment (performing group)
Stand
Starlighters
Starving Artists (performing group)
Steal This Paper (political magazine)
Student Events
Student Senate
Student Service Bureau (SSB)
Student Sexuality Information Service (SSIS)
Students Against Driving Drunk
Students Dedicated to Free Speech
Students for Environmental Action (SEA)
Studentsà Theatre
Table Tennis Club
Tae Kwon Do
Technological and Mathematical Modeling Club
Third Eye Club
Triskelion (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender/Supporters)
Tympanium Euphorium
Uechi-ryu Karate
Ultimate Frisbee
University Chorus
University Symphony Orchestra
Update (newsletter)
Up the Octave (performing group)
Vietnamese Student Association
Voice for Choice (BVC)
Voice Male (performing group)
Voices of Praise (Gospel Choir)
Volleyball Club
Waltham Group
Watch (magazine)
WBRS (radio station)
We Care
Where the Children Play (magazine)
Wind Ensemble
WomenÃs Resource Center Organizing Committee
Zany Bagel Testers
Zionist Alliance (BZA)
S = Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety is located
at Ford/Sydeman, Room 1-A. Responsibilities of this 25-member
campus police force include campus-wide security/safety patrol,
traffic control, and enforcement of University driving/parking
regulations, protective custody of University offices, classroom/dormitory
areas, and professional inquiry into incidents involving theft,
trespassing, and related matters. The department places special
emphasis on preventive and protective care for all members of
the University community.
T = Automobile Regulations
All students must register their vehicles with the Department of Public Safety. Students with motor vehicles must observe University traffic and parking regulations, copies of which are available from the Department of Public Safety. Due to limited space, the Brandeis Parking and Traffic Committee strongly recommends that students leave their motor vehicles at home.
S = Dining Facilities
Student dining facilities are located in the
Sherman and Usdan student centers. Kosher meal service is available
in the Sherman Student Center, which shares a dining area with
nonkosher meal service. The Usdan Dining Center offers a number
of dining options including a snack shop and fast food operation
in addition to the normal meal plan service. Light refreshments
are also offered in Cholmondeley's, a coffeehouse operated by
students in Usen Castle.
Graduate students should consult Dining Services
for more details on the dining plan.
T = The Stein
Located in the Sherman Student Center, The
Stein is a restaurant which offers sandwiches, light meals, beer,
and wine. The Stein is a popular gathering place for students
throughout the academic year.
T = Faculty Club
The Brandeis University Faculty Club is located in the Wien Faculty Center. The club offers membership to all in the greater Brandeis community and serves as a central location for formal and informal gatherings. Luncheon is served Monday through Friday from noon to 2:00 pm.
S = Bookstore
Located in the Usdan Student Center, the campus bookstore is operated by a private, non-Brandeis agency. The bookstore, through close association and coordination with academic departments and faculty members, offers students a comprehensive stock of textbooks and paperbacks related to the academic program. School supplies, computer supplies, clothing, health and beauty aids, and gift items may also be purchased at the bookstore.
S = Post Office and Student Mailroom
The campus mailroom is located in the Usdan
Student Center. All student mail is delivered to the campus post
office, and a separate mailbox is maintained for each student.
All U.S. postal services are provided, including the sale of stamps
and money orders, registry of mail, handling of parcel post packages,
and express mail delivery.