Academic Services

New Student Book Forum

The Class of 2029 book selection is The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.  Students that requested a copy of the book received an email on 07/21/2025 with instructions on how to claim a copy of the book.  If you did not receive an email please reach out to us at nsbfadmin-group@brandeis.edu.

Helen and Philip Brecher New Student Forum

Now in its 35th year, the Helen and Philip Brecher New Student Forum is the first of many experiences that will begin to build your community and a sense of belonging at Brandeis. The forum is an opportunity to have a shared academic experience, bringing you together for a meaningful connection with your peers and members of our outstanding faculty. This special experience is the beginning of creating a unifying connection that will last for years to come.

Each year, the book is thoughtfully and carefully selected by a committee of faculty and students and staff from a diverse range of disciplines and backgrounds and a unified dedication to humanistic studies. The composition of the committee supports strong cross disciplinary connections, and critical inquiry from multiple perspectives.

The highlight of this experience is that the community of scholars comprising your entering class and faculty members, participate in events and discussions together in various ways during the academic year.  This spirited engagement is an exemplar of Brandeis’ value of open engagement with important ideas, and a commitment to civility when the book is discussed. The kick-off to your academic experience at Brandeis, this book, and the discussion experience provide as an introduction to the types of questions you will seek connection around throughout your tenure at Brandeis and beyond.

If you have questions about the New Student Forum, please email nsbfadmin-group@brandeis.edu.