Academic Services

First Year Academic Opportunities

There are many unique academic opportunities for first-year students to engage in both in and out of the classroom.  The First Year Seminar is designed to support students in their transition to college academics.

The First Year Seminar

Health, Wellness, and Life Skills
As a component of Brandeis' Health, Wellness, and Life Skills Core curriculum requirement, all first year students must complete HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety. This requirement consists of two parts:

HWL 1-PRE What Would Brandeis Do? Supporting Community Health & Safety (online training; completed before new students arrive to campus)
HWL 1 Navigating Health and Safety (module)
New Student Forum
A common read program, first year students are invited to read the same book and participate in fun and low-stakes conversations with peers and faculty.
University Writing Seminar (UWS)

UWS is a required course for graduation. The seminar focuses on strategies and techniques of college-level argument taught through the exploration of a subject.