To be considered for our program, you must be a first-generation college student, a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, and demonstrate high financial need.
Students who apply for the program complete an application, interview with an SSSP Advisor, and commit to use program services throughout your academic career until you graduate from Brandeis.
If you have further questions, please contact the SSSP Director.
The SSSP academic advisors are equipped with tremendous knowledge and skills to help guide you during your time at Brandeis University. Our staff can assist you with creating a four-year academic plan, identifying potential job/internship opportunities, and providing course selection suggestions that align with your academic and career goals. We also co-plan programs with campus partners such as Hiatt Career Center and Academic Fellowships department to provide students optimal resources to fulfill their goals during their college career.
If you are accepted in SSSP, you are part of the program until you graduate from Brandeis University. Even after you graduate from Brandeis University, SSSP will continue to be a support system to you in your endeavors. Our staff often invites SSSP alumni to come an engage in panel discussions and workshops.
You will find that SSSP students are very engaged all over campus and play pivotal roles working in different offices, taking on leadership positions, playing on sports teams, and steering different campus initiatives. Students also join clubs and organizations across campus that are of interest to them. Within SSSP, students also serve on the SSSP Student Leadership Board, sit on planning committees, work as SSSP Peer Mentors and Peer Tutors, and come to our awesome events.
SSSP staff are equipped to help you with core study skills that can help you succeed. They can also help you navigate situations like: how to talk to your professor, what office hours are, who you can go to for support, and so much more.
For content help, students in SSSP can also request a free SSSP Peer Tutor in certain coursework. SSSP also has Graduate Assistants who can help with writing skills and other content areas.
We offer students in SSSP 24-hour access to our computer lab which is equipped with Mac computers, phone charging port, and a printer. Students are allowed to print academic documents (writing assignments and articles) for free. Laptops are also available to borrow upon request.
As an SSSP student, know that our program and staff members have your best interest at heart, so we urge you to reach out to us or Student Financial Services if you are experiencing financial hardship. Financial difficulties include, but are not limited to, not being able to purchase course textbooks, lack of food security, and if you have insufficient funds for tuition payments.
Your SSSP academic advisor can help you find cost-friendly options or connect you with campus resources to help address your financial concerns.
As a member of SSSP, you are expected to meet with your academic advisor for advising at least three times per semester (or a higher frequency determined by your academic standing or personal needs), attend program activities and reach out for support when needed. We are here to support you regardless of the situation.
Yes, the Learning Community course is mandatory for all fall-start SSSP first-year students. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to participate in a collaborative learning experience focused on college success. This is a full-semester, two-credit course offered each Fall semester.
The SSSP Peer Mentor position provides upper-class students (sophomores, juniors, and seniors) in our program an opportunity to make an impact on the first-year students as well as serve as a leader. This is a paid and full academic year position. A recruiting email is sent out to upper-class students in late February and those who are interested in the position are encouraged to complete an application.
As SSSP students, our staff expect you to explore all your options, engage in courses that you find interesting, and take advantage of the liberal arts curriculum at Brandeis University. While it is common for students to add minor(s) and additional major(s), to graduate, students must complete the requirements for only one major (in addition to other core requirements). Your SSSP Advisor can help you navigate all of your options and explore the different offerings at Brandeis.
To graduate in eight semesters and keep up with expected rate-of-work, students should enroll in four classes (16 credits) each semester. We encourage first-year students to take no more than four courses in their first semester to allow time for transition and acclimation to the academic rigor of Brandeis University.
You can visit the Registrar's website for New Undergraduate Student Registration information.
Refer to the University Bulletin for more information about graduation requirements and the course requirements for majors.