This is a list of ongoing, drop-in or scheduled times for students to have casual or structured connections through conversations. Below, find links to campus resources and how to get connected with Brandeis community members who want to support students. The first step to getting connected is to reach out!
Below are some ideas for conversation starters with faculty, staff and peers.
Community therapy is available to students throughout the year.
Workshops and discussion groups are available to students located anywhere. To register for a workshop or discussion group, fill out the BCC workshop and group registration form.
The Center for Spiritual Life offers a safe space for students to explore their spirituality and find their place in the world, on their terms. We offer religious services, as well as other opportunities for learning and connection. Staff chaplains are available to speak with students in person and by Zoom. Numerous opportunities to connect with chaplains and fellow students are posted on our events calendar.
Community Living supports all residential students on campus and can be reached at dcl@brandeis.edu. Community Advisors (CAs) are student leaders who live in the residence halls to serve as resources, provide support and hold hybrid online/in-person programs for students in the residence halls.
The Department of Student Engagement helps to build community and empower students to connect, learn and lead on and off campus. We support both on campus involvement opportunities and off-campus opportunities for community service. You can connect with any of our clubs via CampusGroups and service opportunities via EngageDeis. Our team is available to meet with students, learn about their goals and help connect them with opportunities to be a part of the Brandeis community. Reach out to our team to set up a time to meet.
The Gender and Sexuality Center works to build a diverse and inclusive institution for women and LGBTQ+ students, faculty and staff. The GSC Pride Reps are undergraduate peer mentors trained in gender- and sexuality-related topics. The Pride Reps hold drop-in hours from 3-5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the GSC in Usdan G-069. Stop by during drop-in hours to discuss questions of identity exploration, coming out, relationships and dating, gender equity and more with a supportive listener.
At the GSC, you will also find our queer library, our calming Wellness Room, our Rainbow Lounge for hanging out and a free closet of affirming clothes to take or try on, plus a private dressing room.
Additionally, all are welcome to reach out to the GSC staff for individual meetings, whether remote or in person. Contact GSC community therapist Juanica Buchanan (she/they).
Express Appointments with Hiatt Advisors
Express appointments (20 minutes) are for students seeking quick help with application materials, Handshake, LinkedIn and other career-related questions. Express appointments are available during the academic year (when classes are in session) from 12-4 p.m. Monday- Friday.
Let's collaborate! Whether you are looking for an internship or job, help in developing your application materials (like a resume or cover letter), practicing for an interview or preparing for graduate or law school, we can provide support in getting you where you want to be. Our career team works with all students, and we have our own backgrounds and specialties. Review our profiles and get to know who you will be working with.
Brandeis Hillel is committed to forging new friendships, meeting dedicated mentors, celebrating the Jewish calendar and engaging in service to others, all inspired by Jewish texts and traditions. Hillel Staff is here for you throughout your time at Brandeis. We can grab coffee, meet pastorally and learn informally together. This means you can find your niche — whether you want to find a spiritual home, volunteer and serve others, grapple with Israel and Jewish values, celebrate Shabbat or explore Jewish art and culture — we are here to help you and support you. Connect with the many Hillel professionals.
The Brandeis Intercultural Center is a space dedicated to the advancement and preservation of communities of color on campus. The center aims to foster a welcoming environment where diverse experiences and perspectives are valued, celebrated and affirmed. At the ICC, you can enjoy our study spaces, lounges and also attend our widely anticipated cultural shows, programs, and events. Come by to study, relax, take a break, get out of your room, watch a movie or simply hang out with your friends. The Intercultural Center is here for you!
Our hours of operation are 9-8 p.m. Monday and 9-10 p.m Tuesday-Friday.
To stay up to date with what's happening at the ICC, check out our website, subscribe to our newsletter and/or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Campus Groups! You can also email us if you have any questions. We look forward to connecting with you!
The International Student Experience Project (inSTEP) is a collaborative initiative between the ISSO and Brandeis University campus partners for the holistic development of international undergraduate and international graduate students. inSTEP is an information hub which streamlines and highlights important support services offered across campus for international students. The inSTEP campus partners are here to support you during your time at Brandeis and beyond your graduation.
Held each year in August, the inSTEP Campus Partners coordinates the inSTEP Resource Fair for all new international students and all graduate students during the International Student Welcome Days and Graduate Student Orientation.
Business Hours: 9-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
Walk-In Advising Hours: 1-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
ISSO Virtual Drop-In Hours:
2-3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday
10-11 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
Drop-in advising sessions are generally reserved for quick questions that require a 5- to 10-minute discussion with an ISSO advisor. If you have a more complex question, please schedule an appointment. To schedule a Zoom appointment with an ISSO advisor, please visit the You Can Book Me page.
Whether you are new to Brandeis or a returning graduate student, the staff at Graduate Affairs are committed to helping you navigate your time in graduate school. Life as a graduate student is busy and stressful — we are here to support you in doing your best academically while also taking care of yourself. OGA Staff are available to meet by phone, Zoom or email — please feel free to reach out to any of us!
The Office of Health and Wellness Promotion (HAWP) is here to support your well-being so you can make the most of your time at Brandeis. We coordinate campus-wide health and wellness efforts through evidence-based promotion and prevention strategies, such as educational programs and events, health information and resources, and peer education. Follow @brandeiswellness on Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date on health and wellness information and opportunities. You can connect with a Bridge to Wellness (BTW) peer educator by following @brandeisbtw on Instagram or via email. You may also reach out to HAWP's professional staff by email or call 781-736-3678.
Ambassadors are Study Abroad returnees who are available to chat with you about study abroad options, their experience and give you a student perspective on study abroad opportunities. Study Abroad Ambassadors each host weekly office hours.
The Ombuds Office is a year-round office open to the entire university community (students, staff, faculty and anyone with a relationship or concern relating to Brandeis). We meet with visitors virtually by Zoom, in person or by phone. We are a confidential resource for anyone who has no idea where to turn for support or to get an answer to a big or small concern relating to anything that is limiting their ability to function fully. The Ombuds Team is not an institutional reporter.
Schedule a visit
To make an appointment, leave a confidential voice message at 781-736-2265 or send a non-confidential email.
The Prevention, Advocacy & Resource Center provides education, empowerment and confidential support related to violence, including sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating/domestic violence and stalking. PARC's highly trained Peer Advocates are undergrad and graduate students prepared to support you in a variety of ways, such as discussing your options, helping you create a safety plan to stay physically and emotionally safer on campus, or simply listening without judgment.
You can connect with our PARC Peer Advocates from 12-5 p.m. Monday-Friday any day classes are in session by attending our drop-in hours in Usdan G-108 or via our chatline. You may also request to meet with PARC's professional staff by emailing us or calling 781-736-3371.
Are you concerned about a student in our community? Please submit an I Care Form and we will work quickly to assess the options based on the information provided.