Brandeis has updated the Campus Use of Space Policy. The policy is effective immediately.

Demonstrations, Protests, and Rallies: Participants and Identification: Demonstrations, protests, and rallies on campus are limited to Brandeis Community Members. Demonstrations, protests, and rallies organized by recognized groups or sponsoring students must be registered with the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) and meet jointly with DOSO and Public Safety prior to the event taking place. Brandeis Community Members are not permitted to invite third parties to attend demonstrations, protests, or rallies on campus. Any attendees to any demonstration, protest, or rally on campus who are not Brandeis Community Members are not permitted on campus and will be required to leave. Those who invite or encourage the attendance of third parties, to attend demonstrations, protests, and rallies on campus may be subject to discipline. Masks may not be worn to conceal one’s identity. Brandeis reserves the right to request identification from attendees to ensure that they are Community Members or because of concerns about conduct or risk to safety. In situations in which a properly identified University official requests identification, a Brandeis Community Member attending a demonstration, protest, or rally must present a valid Brandeis University identification card. Failure to do so may result in a requirement for the individual to leave the event and/or subject the individual to disciplinary action.

The Admissions parking lot is reserved for prospective families. Staff, students and faculty are not allowed to park in the admissions lot even those employees who have a gold sticker. Public Safety will monitor the lot and violators will be ticketed.

This will enhance the on-campus experiences by prospective students and their families, some of whom struggle to find parking when they come to campus for tours. If you have any questions, please contact the parking office.

ITS will be replacing our desktop Cisco phone system by adding Zoom Phone to our Zoom Workspace app for a unified platform for meetings and phone service. Zoom Phone is an addition to our existing Zoom Workplace license and can be added to any device - desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, or cell phone - with internet access by using your Brandeis credentials. Zoom Phone will be available to all Brandeis faculty and staff who currently have an active Brandeis extension. As Zoom Phone is already incorporated into our existing Zoom Workplace app, you only need the latest update to your Zoom client to access Zoom from any of your Brandeis devices. This allows you to continue to access your Brandeis extension, no matter what location you’re working from.

Beginning the week of April 28, the first user groups of ITS and The Technology Help Desk will begin using Zoom Phone. We will continue to move departments to Zoom Phone over the summer, beginning with administrative units. A schedule for the transition will be published in the May 15 InBrief. Information regarding department transitions to Zoom Phone, training materials, and drop-in help sessions will be sent to departments as the dates for their move to Zoom Phone are identified; we invite you to review our Zoom Phone informational page for a list of commonly asked questions and information about how Zoom Phone will be incorporated at Brandeis.

This is a reminder that the REAL ID Act enforcement deadline is approaching. Beginning May 7, 2025, travelers flying within the United States will be required to present a REAL ID–compliant driver’s license or another acceptable form of identification (e.g., Government issued passport) to pass through TSA security at airports.

What This Means for Travelers:

• Non-compliant IDs will no longer be accepted for domestic flights after this date.
• Travelers with existing travel bookings after May 7 should verify now that their identification meets REAL ID standards.
• A compliant ID typically has a star symbol in the top right corner—please check with your state’s DMV for specifics.

For more information, please visit the official DHS REAL ID website:

• What is a REAL ID?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I get one?

Please reach out to Procurement & Business Services for any questions related to Brandeis University Business Travel.

Federal and/or institutional financial aid may be available to undergraduate students attending Summer School. For more information on eligibility and applications requirements, please visit the Summer Session Financial Aid webpage.

The financial aid renewal application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year was March 1, 2025. Students who would like to apply for need-based scholarship funds must submit the 2025-2026 CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE, the 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and copies of 2023 student and parent Federal Income Tax Returns. Students who wish to apply only for federal sources of financial aid need only complete the FAFSA (taxes will be requested upon receipt of this application only if necessary).

An e-mail detailing the renewal process was sent to students and parents back in January. If you would like to meet with your financial aid counselor to discuss the renewal financial aid process, you may book a 30-minute appointment online.

Sign up for one of our 30-minute, one-on-one financial literacy sessions! We hope that you will take advantage of this great opportunity to ask questions about budgeting, managing debt, understanding your paycheck, W-2’s etc. Please click here to book an appointment today!

The Brandeis Emergency Fund was created to assist currently active, high-need, undergraduate and graduate students experiencing some kind of unexpected financial emergency when other resources are not available. The Fund focuses its limited resources on students with high demonstrated financial need (students with an EFC of approximately $20,000 or below, as determined by a financial aid application) who are experiencing unexpected financial emergencies for which no other funds are available (students are expected to apply for, and utilize, all other sources of funding before receiving emergency funds, including, if applicable, federal loan funds). For updated information about eligibility criteria, examples of what can and cannot be considered, and the process by which to apply for emergency funds, please visit the Brandeis Emergency Fund website.

Each year a student is selected to perform the National Anthem at Commencement. This year's ceremonies will take place on May 18.

Auditions for the National Anthem will take place on Thursday, May 2 from 10 a.m. -noon in the Slosberg Music Center. Auditions will be accompanied, and the accompanist will have prepared the National Anthem in various keys. If you have a specific arrangement that you would like to sing, please bring a copy of the music.

Please sign up for an audition. If you have questions, please contact Professor Robert Duff at rduff@brandeis.edu.

Scaled blackout begins May 2, 2025 and all departmental or student events will be reviewed for availability of support before confirmation. Only Commencement related activities (Celebratory Receptions, Student Engagement Events, Shabbat Dinner, and the Commencement Ceremonies) will be permitted between May 8 and May 19. Please contact University Events at ueo@brandeis.edu with any questions or visit brandeis.edu/university-events.

Information regarding ceremonies, schedules, and answers to frequently asked questions will be continually updated on the Commencement page. University Events is grateful for your support in this enormous celebratory production! Please direct any questions you have to commencement@brandeis.edu. Graduate registration began on March 14 with a deadline of April 23. Graduates were sent a unique link to register, provide guidance on name pronunciation, and receive electronic tickets to send to their guests. Graduates who did not receive their link to register may contact commencement@brandeies.edu to request the link to be re-sent.

On May 18 Brandeis will recognize and celebrate the achievements of graduates at the 74th Commencement Exercises. Staff not already scheduled to work Commencement should respond on this form by April 30 and indicate your availability for either or both the Undergraduate Commencement ceremony in the morning and the Graduate Commencement ceremony in the afternoon. Non-exempt staff will be paid for their assignments and exempt staff who volunteer will be eligible for one day off per ceremony worked, up to two, to be coordinated with their manager and used by the end of the calendar year.

Upcoming library workshops

• Intro to Vinyl Cutting & 2D Graphics, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m., Mon., Apr. 21
• Film Editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, 1:30 - 3 p.m., Tue., Apr. 22, and 9 - 10:30 p.m., Sun., Apr. 27, and 1:30 - 3 p.m., Tue., Apr. 29
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, noon - 1 p.m., Wed., Apr. 23
• Outdoor Photography & Videography, 2:30 - 4 p.m., Wed., Apr. 23 and 2:30 - 4 p.m., Wed., Apr. 30
• Intro to Soldering, 4 - 5:30 p.m., Wed., Apr. 23
• Graphics and Type: Combining InDesign and Illustrator to create the perfect poster. 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Thu., Apr. 24
• Craft your Sound with Audio Plugins, 12:15 - 1:45 p.m., Fri., Apr. 25
• Electronic Sound Design for Music Production, noon - 1:30 p.m., Sun., Apr. 27
• Open Recording Hours- SIMS Flex Studio, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Thu., Apr. 24 and 2 - 4 p.m., Sunday, Apr. 27
• Podcasting [Part 2]: Editing Audio Profiles in Adobe Audition. 6 - 7:30 p.m., Sun., Apr. 27
• CAD Office Hours, 10:30 a.m. - noon, Mondays
• Digital Scholarship Lab Open Hours, Weekly
• Open MakerLab Hours, Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays 2:30 - 4:30 p.m., Thursdays 1-3 p.m.

Moodle workshops for members of the teaching community

• Moodle Open Office Hours, 10 - 10:50 a.m., Fri., Apr. 18
• Moodle Gradebook Workshop, 11 - 11:50 a.m., Tue., Apr. 22
• Moodle Open Office Hours, 10 - 10:50 a.m., Fri., Apr. 25

Take advantage of professional development opportunities at Brandeis. Eligible employees can take up to 2 courses with Brandeis Online before committing to a degree or certificate program. Classes are fully online, designed for working professionals, and 8 weeks long. The most popular programs of study for employees are Project and Program Management, Digital Marketing and Design, and User-Centered Design.

Submit your application by July 29 to start classes this fall! To learn more, schedule a time with Tom Screnci, Associate Director of Admissions & Enrollment, or email tscrenci@brandeis.edu.

This summer, children aged 6–12 will embark on a transformative journey into the world of STEM at the Tech Trek Summer Camp, where curiosity meets the core principles of science. Led by Gerry Gagnon, Chair of STEM at Newton South, and teachers like Ian Roy, Executive Director of Design and Innovation at Brandeis. Designed to build a strong foundation in scientific fundamentals, campers explore hands-on projects like coding, robotics, and 3D printing—all while learning the building blocks of how physics, engineering, and technology drive real-world innovation. By mastering skills such as hypothesis testing, problem-solving, and data analysis, young scientists grow into confident thinkers ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges. Activities like constructing water rockets or programming drones reinforce scientific literacy, ensuring campers not only create but understand the "why" behind their inventions.

 Secure Your Child’s Spot Today!

Running July 14–25, Tech Trek offers one-week or two−week sessions. Siblings receive a 10% discount and Brandeis Employees receive a 5% discount, and tuition includes all materials, snacks, and a camp T-shirt. Aftercare options extend the day with longitudinal builds. Spaces are limited—enroll now to unlock a summer of discovery, growth, and scientific mastery.

Unleash your child’s potential: Explore Tech Trek Summer Camp. For questions or concerns, reach out to office@lembergcc.org

We have set new training dates for the mandatory Supervisor training - if you have already taken this training in Summer or Fall of 2024, you do not need to take it again unless you want to! While you are welcome to join our sessions as often as you'd like, you are only required to complete it once!

Sessions will be offered every Tuesday from 3-4 p.m. You can sign up for a session here.

As a reminder, this training requirement includes those that manage hiring as well as those who manage the students themselves, as we understand many departments distinguish between those roles. Please note this includes faculty members who may not be as involved in the hiring process – we believe it is important for everyone involved in the student employment world to be on the same page about how these processes work. Topics that will be covered include:

• Student Employment Policies
• Timesheets
• Hiring in Workday
• Onboarding
• Supervisor Roles/Responsibilities

Join us as the Crown Center for Middle East Studies marks 20 years of bridging scholarship and real-world insight on the Middle East.

Our anniversary symposium on April 23–24 (in person and via livestream) brings together leading Crown scholars—past and present—to explore two pressing questions: What are the biggest challenges facing the Middle East? And where are the opportunities for optimism?

We’ll kick off on April 23 with a keynote by Suzanne Maloney of the Brookings Institution, followed by a panel on Iran’s evolving regional and global challenges. On April 24, join us for three panel discussions on the future of Egypt and North Africa, Israel, Iraq, and the Levant, and Turkey and the Gulf.

In-person attendance does not require registration. Online attendance requires registration for each event separately. This event is free and open to the public. Middle Eastern food will be served. For questions and more information, please contact Kristina Cherniahivsky.

Join us in the athletics complex for our pride themed games at baseball and softball vs Case Western Reserve University on Friday, April 25 at 3 p.m. Celebrate pride with free burritos, free ice cream from The Creamery, ceremonial first pitches, and other pride themed activities. Admission to the games and all associated activities is free! Go Judges!

Financial Wellness Session-A Virtual Webinar
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Time: 12:00 Noon
Location: Registration
Topic: Navigating Market Volatility- You're welcome to bring your lunch.

To schedule your one-on-one confidential consultation, please visit Fidelity's Scheduler or call 800-642-7131. 

Want to get started on saving emergency funds? Use this Fidelity Goal Booster and save for the unexpected to help you get started. It’s quick and easy to use.

• 3 Reasons to Stay Invested Now
• 5 Factors Causing Volatility Now
• Learn how to Diversified

A friendly reminder for staff and managers, the TAP annual performance review process for staff launched for employees hired on or before January 1, 2025. The capability to enter annual performance reviews into Workday and all annual reviews must be completed on or before Friday, May 2, 2025. Training sessions for managers and staff and resources are posted including recordings of the training workshops on the TAP website. Contact HR for any questions.

Brandeis University Human Resources has partnered with Bright Horizons to support benefits-eligible faculty, staff, postdocs as well as full time PhD students by providing back-up child, adult and elder care. It is ideal when your normal dependent-care services fall through due to cancellation, school closing, etc., or when you simply need an extra hand. Please visit Back-Up Child Dependent Care for specific discounted rates and reimbursements available to you.

Whether you’re scrambling to find last-minute child care for spring break or planning ahead for summer, take advantage Bright Horizons’ back-up care benefit and book your child’s spot at local camps as well as other options. Plus, virtual camp has you covered on days when you and your child are both at home.

Check available locations in your network.

Join us for Benefits Virtual Office Hours every Monday from 2 to 3 p.m. via Zoom!

Log in at any time during the hour to connect with a member of the Benefits team and ask general questions about your coverage, retirement plans, or other offerings.

Zoom Link - We’re here to help you make the most of your benefits!

Change is constant—especially in today’s workplace. Change does not have to be overwhelming—with the right approach, it can be an opportunity for growth and innovation. Join us for an interactive workshop, designed exclusively for managers. This session will equip you with practical strategies to lead through transitions, address resistance, and foster a culture of adaptability. REGISTER

KGA - Brandeis’s Employee Assistance Provider offers online learning opportunities on a variety of topics. The online workshops offered via Zoom and on-demand webinars are free with our membership. This month we are spotlighting interesting and timely topics for both the live-Zoom workshops and the on-demand webinars:

Live Workshops

• Embracing Neurodiversity in the Workplace April 29, noon - 1 p.m., via Zoom-Learn about neurodiverse conditions and discover strategies to create a supportive environment. Build a more inclusive and dynamic work culture where every employee can thrive. REGISTER –
• Overcoming Burnout: Pathways to Recovery and Self-Care with Dr. Katherine King May 8, noon via Zoom - This session will help you understand, manage, and recover from burnout while incorporating essential self-care and mindfulness practices into your daily life. REGISTER
• Multigenerational Workforce | Gail Parsons Wellness Webinar June 11, 11 a.m. This session is designed to help managers and staff understand, appreciate, and leverage the unique skills and perspectives that different generations bring to the workplace. REGISTER

On-Demand (previously recorded) Webinars

You can receive a certificate of completion at the end of each course for the on-demand online webinars. These are timely as we are in the midst of the Annual TAP staff performance management program:

• Conducting Annual Employee Reviews for managers

At the end of this workshop, participants should be able to understand the process of conducting an annual review, determine the categories for an annual review, and know the value of employee communication.

Sign up and access LinkedIn Learning for a free e-card using the instructions provided to access LinkedIn Learning (offers over 16,000 online courses) through the Boston Public Library. If you have any questions contact HumanResources@Brandeis.edu. Did you know that you will have access to certificates of completion for your records?

Featured Courses this Month:

• Preparing for Your Review (26 minutes) - Discover how to establish an ongoing dialog with your manager and take specific, actionable measures to get the most value and insights from the review process. Todd Dewett is the facilitator.
• Build a Better To-Do List (50 minutes) - Join productivity expert Mike Vardy as he shares the anatomy of a to do, revealing what goes on a list and what doesn't go on a list. Mike also explains how to gauge your progress and how to create a process that keeps your attention. Plus, explore popular to-do list apps—and learn how to eliminate apps altogether and embrace paper.

The university is deeply appreciative of the continued efforts made by our staff to support the university’s mission, our students and each other. We recognize the importance of work/life flexibility and time away from work to focus on yourself, your family and friends and to return to the workplace with renewed energy.

Departments/units may continue to offer a flexible or compressed schedule to eligible staff this summer beginning Monday, June 9 through Friday, Aug. 15 (excluding holiday weeks). The University’s priority is to provide effective and efficient services to internal and external constituencies during all normal working hours, Monday through Friday. Therefore, it is important that flexible or compressed work schedules are discussed with staff and approved by the department’s appropriate supervisor, in coordination with the senior leader for each area. Some departments may be unable to implement the program due to operational needs. Please visit the Flexible Schedule website for additional information.

Given the sense of precarity that those in our community with non-immigrant visas, U.S. lawful permanent residency, and other immigration circumstances may be experiencing, we would like to remind you of the resources we have available.

The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) advises on maintenance of status for all individuals with visas sponsored by Brandeis. We provide guidance to these individuals on study, employment, and travel issues. To follow our travel and immigration news, you may visit their Recent Immigration News page.

Immigration and other legal matters present complex issues that can be difficult to navigate. The university cannot provide legal advice to individuals and always recommends that those with questions consult their own attorneys promptly. The Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging has a list of resources related to immigration that may be of use to community members.