Academic Services

Lizzy Topper

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2021

Intended field of study: Sociology major with a double minor in Education Studies and Sculpture

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self-advocacy is really important because it not only helps your professors understand more about your needs, but it also can help you feel more confident in yourself when you can express your own needs. With that said, ask for help when you need it and use the support systems that are provided to you. Whether you come to SAS, create study groups or go to your professors’ offices hours use the resources you have!

Fun Fact: Dyslexic people can have better than average peripheral vision.

Sarah Lavin

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2021

Intended field of study: I am double majoring in Studio Art and Psychology!

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self advocacy is one of the greatest skills college can help you develop. Gaining the ability to feel comfortable standing up for your needs and rights is so important, especially for those of us with disabilities that others might not acknowledge or understand. Your needs are important, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Fun Fact: I’m obsessed with my golden retriever Libby!

Jonathan Kelly

Pronouns: He/him/his

Class of 2023

Intended field of study: International and Global Studies

Why do you feel self-advocacy is important?

Self-advocacy is vital because there is ultimately no one that values your own interests as much as you do. I think letting certain things slide for the sake of convenience or courtesy is engrained in a lot of us, and ultimately your needs aren't worth being ignored in the long run. Ultimately, one moment's anxiety about advocating for yourself will make a sustained difference in the future.

Fun Fact: I am double jointed!

Rebekah Kristal

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Class of 2023

Intended field of study: Majors in Applied Mathematics and History, Minor in Chemistry

Do you have any advice for your peers with varying conditions to be successful in college?

Seek out your school's built-in support systems--early on if you can--even if it's just to ask a question. Whether your situation seems too trivial or too overwhelming or anything in between, there are people whose answers will be able to help you. Reaching out can include emailing a professor, meeting with an advisor, contacting health services, contacting accessibility services, and many more options.

Fun fact: My favorite hobby is cooking with my little sister.

Students who identify as having a disability(ies) and are struggling with the transition to higher education, may benefit from meeting with the SAS Fellows. In meeting with someone who has been in a similar position, students will be able to relate and seek meaningful guidance.

Fellows are available to advise students on many different topics including but not limited to; campus resources, accommodation letter discussions with faculty, time management skills, using the Accessible Transport Van, importance of campus involvement, and navigating the dining halls, and more.

You can meet with an SAS Fellow in their office hours. During the 2020-2021 Academic year, the SAS Fellows will be holding their office hours virtually through Zoom.

The SAS Fellows hold office hours when classes are in session, during the Fall and Spring semester. This does not include the Winter or Summer intercession semesters, holidays, weekends, or days classes are canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., snow storm).

To access the Fellows Office hours; please use this link: SAS Fellows Office Hour Meeting Room

The SAS Fellows office hours are held when classes are in session, during the Fall and Spring semester.

Jonathan: Mondays 9:00a.m. - 11:00a.m. and Wednesdays 9:00a.m. - 10:00a.m.

Sarah: Mondays 11:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m., 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. (ADHD Affinity Group), and Wednesdays 10:00a.m. - 12:00p.m.

Lizzy: Tuesdays 3:30p.m. - 4:30p.m. and Thursdays 3:30p.m. - 5:30p.m.

Rebekah: Tuesdays 11:30a.m. - 1:30p.m. and Thursdays 11:00a.m. - 1:00p.m.

You can meet with an SAS Fellow in their office hours. During the 2020-2021 Academic year, the SAS Fellows will be holding their office hours virtually through Zoom.

To access the Fellows Office hours; please use this link: SAS Fellows Office Hour Meeting Room

Yes you can! The SAS Fellows email is SASFellows@brandeis.edu. The Fellows will answer your emails during their office hours in the order they were received. If a SAS Fellow cannot answer your email, they will consult a SAS staff member who will contact you directly.

If your email requires an immediate response, please contact Student Accessibility Support by email or by calling the Academic Services main phone line at (781) 736-3470 to speak with a SAS staff member.

This email account should not be used for emergency purposes. If you have an emergency on the Brandeis University campus, please dial (781) 736-3333. You may also dial 911 to be connected to Emergency Personnel in your respective area.

Please note: The SAS Fellows check this email account when classes are in session, during the Fall and Spring semester. This does not include the Winter or Summer intercession semesters, holidays, weekends, or days classes are canceled due to unforeseen circumstances (i.e., snow storm).

Hiring Timeline

The hiring process for the SAS Fellows begins in June and wraps up mid to end of July. The application is online and opens in June with one month to submit it. Interviews begin the second week of July, with offers given to students by the end of the third week of July, (forth week at the latest).

What do we look for in a SAS Fellow?

The SAS Fellows are individuals who are in place to support their peers in their adjustment to college life, both academically and socially. SAS Fellows are students who are registered with SAS and who have shown success and personal growth during their time at Brandeis University. The SAS Fellows Program helps to create a welcoming, stigma-free campus community that promotes disability awareness so that all students have an opportunity to flourish and embrace their differences. 

Through their meetings with students, the goal is for students to learn from the SAS Fellows about their campus community and then be able to navigate the campus independently in the years to come. Students who identify as having a disability(ies) and are struggling with the transition to higher education, may benefit from meeting with the SAS Fellows. In meeting with someone who has been in a similar position, students will be able to relate and seek meaningful guidance.

Does this program sound like something you would like to be a part of? When the application is available, we will send out a campus email with the online, accessible application for you to apply to be a SAS Fellow for the 2021-2022 Academic Year! 

Requirements:

1. Registered with Student Accessibility Support;

2. Minimum of 2.70 cumulative GPA;

3. Availability to hold office hours for two to four hours a week; 

4. Availability for bi-monthly one hour staff meetings / trainings;

5. Availability for two days of training at the start of the semester (approximately three to four hours in length each); and

6. Interest in student leadership opportunities. 

If you have any questions, please email Kaitlyn Rogers, SAS Fellows Supervisor, kaitlynrogers@brandeis.edu.