Office of Access and Excellence

Community Learning Series

The Office of Access and Excellence is excited to announce our Community Learning Series, for all students, faculty and staff.

These learning opportunities are designed to strengthen a sense of belonging on our campus by increasing our collective cultural fluency, recognizing, respecting and appreciating one another regardless of our backgrounds.

Upcoming Events

Triggering and Microaggressions: Understand, Respond, and Prevent

January 29, 2026

Faculty and Staff: 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 
Students: 2:15 – 3:30 p.m. 
Location: International Lounge, Usdan Student Center

These sessions on Triggers and Microaggressions will utilize active listening to have discussions on how we process and handle microaggressions that may occur in some of our interactions. Some common challenges that people experience are subtle, and they include stereotyping, perceived expectations, and biased decision-making. These experiences are difficult to identify and address and can be harmful. We will facilitate a conversation to share how these experiences affect our well-being, as well as discuss strategies to combat and prevent the unfairness and harm of microaggressions.

Pre-registration not required.

Mediation Training for Students (undergraduate and graduate)

February 23, 2026

Time: 1 - 5 p.m.
Location: International Lounge, Usdan Student Center

These mediated dialogue trainings are designed to strengthen the Brandeis community’s ability to engage in difficult conversations – particularly those involving identity, values, and lived experience. The training integrates mediation principles with trauma-informed dialogue practices and is intended to support ongoing university efforts to foster healthy communication. Participants will be guided through structured tools that allow for productive, respectful, and empathetic engagement across differences. 

Pre-registration not required.

NOTE: Another session will be scheduled in March for faculty and staff.

Programs for March and April are being finalized and will be announced in the coming weeks.