Public Safety will be hosting a one-hour active threat training in-person to provide an overview of current preparedness efforts, response concepts, and coordination across campus.

The session is intended to be informational and discussion-based, with an emphasis on awareness, roles, and communication. Please register if you plan on attending.

Brandeis is excited to announce our membership in The Tuition Exchange, a consortium of over 700 colleges and universities. This program offers a competitive scholarship opportunity for the dependent children of eligible employees at participating institutions.

Key Information for 2026/2027 Academic Year:

• Application Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026.
• Scope: Scholarships are competitive, not guaranteed, and typically cover tuition only (room and board are generally excluded).
• Decisions: All admission and scholarship awards are determined solely by the host institution.

How to Apply:

1. Check Eligibility: Review the Brandeis program guidelines and timelines.
2. Brandeis Export Application: Complete this by the February 27 deadline.
3. Host Requirements: Submit the TE EZ-Application and apply for admission to your chosen host institutions by their specific deadlines.

For full details on eligibility and instructions, please visit the Tuition Exchange page or contact Human Resources at humanresources@brandeis.edu.

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. Participating graduates will be invited to register starting March 11 with a deadline of April 17. Eligible graduates will be sent a unique link to register, provide guidance on name pronunciation, and receive electronic tickets to send to their guests.

Brandeis Public Safety would like to remind the community about the importance of staying connected to the Brandeis Emergency Notification System, or BENS.

BENS is the university’s primary method for sharing urgent information during emergencies or situations that may impact campus operations, safety, or access. When time matters, BENS allows the university to communicate quickly with clear, official updates.

Community members are encouraged to take a moment to ensure their cell phone number is added and up to date in the BENS system. You can add or update your information on the Emergency Preparedness website.

It only takes a minute, and it helps ensure you receive text and voice alerts in real time when they are most needed. 

On the Following dates, Public Safety will be hosting an Active Threat Integrated Response Training for area first responders, coordinated by the Waltham Police Department, the Brandeis Police Department, and the Municipal Police Training Committee.

• Monday, February 23, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, February 26, 3 p.m. to Midnight
• Monday, March 2, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 5, 3 p.m. to midnight
• Monday, March 9, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, March 12, 3 p.m. to midnight

You will notice an increased presence of police and fire personnel, particularly in the areas near Kutz Hall, Skyline Road, and Pearlman Hall. As part of the training, Pearlman Hall will be used for scenario-based exercises that will include yelling, and simulated gunshot sounds. Signs will be posted in and around the training area to inform anyone who may not have seen this announcement.

Please be assured that these activities are controlled training exercises. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact Public Safety.

As we enter February and continue through the winter season, Brandeis will use the Brandeis Emergency Notification System, or BENS, to announce snow emergencies and weather-related operational changes.

During snow emergencies, BENS messages will be brief and focused, providing timely alerts about changes to university operations, including closures, delayed openings, and other significant operational impacts. These messages are designed to quickly notify the community when conditions may affect campus access or safety.

To ensure you receive these alerts, please confirm that your cell phone number is added and up to date in BENS.

Real-time notifications help the community plan ahead and stay informed during rapidly changing winter weather.

Brandeis Public Safety and Emergency Management offers ongoing training opportunities to help community members prepare for emergencies and unexpected situations.

This semester includes upcoming Active Threat Response training sessions, designed to provide practical guidance on recognizing threats, making informed decisions, and responding safely during high-stress incidents. These sessions are appropriate for faculty, staff, and others interested in strengthening personal and workplace preparedness.

In addition to in-person offerings, a pre-recorded emergency preparedness presentation is also available for those who are unable to attend a scheduled session. The recording covers key concepts and resources related to emergency readiness at Brandeis.

Community members are encouraged to review available trainings and resources on the Emergency Management website.

Community Learning Series - Office of Access and Excellence - Mediation Training for Students (Undergraduate and Graduate)

All students are invited to join us for a mediated dialogue training on Monday, February 23. These sessions will be facilitated by Iryna Kordunian, Certified Mediator in Ukraine, MBA Candidate - Brandeis School of Business and Economics, and Don Greenstein, University Ombuds. Both presenters are skilled in conflict mediation and resolution.

These mediated dialogue trainings will help students build skills to navigate conversations around identity, values, and lived experiences. Using mediation principles and trauma-informed dialogue practices, participants will gain practical tools for respectful, empathetic, and productive communication across differences.

Pre-registration is not required. For additional information, please contact brandeisombuds@brandeis.edu.

NOTE: Other sessions for faculty and staff will be held in March.

1098-T – This form provides information about educational expenses that may qualify for education-related tax credits. The Form 1098T is created for domestic students, and international students, with a Social Security number on file who also had qualified transactions. Active students with a form can view and print their 1098T from Workday within the Student Account application. The Form 1098T will be printed and mailed prior to January 31st to students with qualifying transactions who opted out of the electronic 1098-T option during onboarding. Students who have a 1098T but have graduated or withdrew and lost Workday access will be mailed a paper copy by January 31. Please note the 1098-T will be issued to international students with a U.S. Social Security number. International students should select the electronic delivery. International students who update their Social Security Number after January 13 should complete a 1098-T request form.

W-2 - The Form W-2 includes earned wages & compensation paid through Payroll. Reports federal taxable income and withholding and state taxable income and withholding. This document has been produced and is available electronically in Workday. To access it, click on the Pay icon and then My Tax Documents.

1042-S - The 1042-S reports federal taxable income and withholding including fellowships, scholarships above the cost of tuition and required fees and/or specifically NOT for tuition and required fees, and compensation for non- resident aliens that is considered under a tax treaty (any amount of compensation outside a tax treaty limit would be included on a W-2). This document is issued by March 15 for the previous tax year and is available on paper only (mailed to the address on the Foreign National Form).

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 financial aid renewal application deadline for the 2026-2027 academic year will be March 2, 2026. Students who would like to apply for need-based scholarship funds must submit the 2026-2027 CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE,  Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and copies of 2024 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 are being sent to students and parents this week. 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.

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. For 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.

The Combo shuttle (serving both Campus and Waltham) will operate during February break from the 16 to the 20, between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and again from the 21 to the 22, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There will be no Boston/Cambridge shuttle service on the weekend of the 21 and 22.

Normal shuttle service resumes on February 23.

On May 17 Brandeis will recognize and celebrate the achievements of graduates at the 75th Commencement Exercises. Staff not already scheduled to work Commencement should respond on this form by March 25 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. An opportunity for students to serve as paid Commencement Ushers will be posted in Workday in April.

Faculty members are encouraged to participate in Commencement and requested to register their attendance here. Academic regalia is required for participation and will be provided for faculty members who do not own their own regalia. Orders are due by March 31. PhD candidates will identify a faculty member whom they wish to join them on stage for their hooding during the afternoon ceremony. University Events will contact faculty members directly for those arrangements.

Scaled blackout for event support begins on May 2, 2026. All departmental and student events will be reviewed for availability of support before confirmation. Only Commencement related on campus activities (Celebratory Receptions, Student Engagement "Senior Week" events, Shabbat dinner and services, and the Commencement Ceremonies) will be permitted between May 9 and May 18. Please contact University Events at ueo@brandeis.edu with any questions or visit brandeis.edu/university-events.

Data Services & Software

• Data Visualization with R, 12:10 - 1:10 p.m., Monday, February 23
• Getting Started with Atlas.ti (Windows Users), 12:10 - 1 p.m., Wednesday, February 25
• Data Analysis with R, 12:10 - 1:10 p.m., Monday, March 2
• Getting Started with Qualtrics, 12:10 - 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 4
• Python series, including Intro to Python, Data Wrangling, and Statistics and Data Visualization 12:10 - 1:10 p.m., Thursdays, March 5-March 19

GIS

• Location, Location, Location!, 3 - 3:50 p.m., Thursday, March 5

MakerLab

• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Monday, February 23
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Thursday, February 26
• Intro to Vinyl Cutting and 2D Graphics, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Thursday, February 26
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Monday, March 2
• Intro to 3D Printing with Prusa Mini, 12:30 - 2 p.m., Thursday, March 5
• Fibre Friday at the MakerLab, 3 - 5 p.m. on Fridays

Reminder: Brandeis currently has access to Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot through our existing licensing. These platforms are perfect for everyday generative AI use including research, summarization, personalized learning/tutoring, getting help with writing and language translations, lesson planning, brainstorming, meeting management, drafting communications, data analysis & visualization and much more.

Most Importantly, using the Brandeis versions of these platforms and others such as Zoom AI come with the guarantee that your data is not being shared with 3rd parties, nor is it being used to build upon the models that drive these platforms. Before attempting to purchase or use AI platforms not provided by Brandeis, it is important to understand potential uses and related policies that exist on campus surrounding the use of AI. Please note: if you elect to purchase an individual or office subscription to other AI platforms such as Chat GPT, these charges will need to be approved by ITS or Finance or they will be rejected.

Visit the AI Steering Council website or view important policies directly at the links below:

• AI Acceptable Use Policy
• AI Purchasing Policy
• Additional Policies relating to the use of AI: Data Governance, Teaching & Learning.

Facilities Services is excited to announce that Asset Essentials will launch on April 22, replacing Maximo as the University’s facilities management system. Asset Essentials will streamline maintenance requests and include a mobile app for on-the-go access. More information about this collaborative project between Facilities Services and ITS will be available as we get closer to our April implementation date.

Join the ITS Change Management Office on February 25 at 10 a.m. to learn about managing digital clutter. Learn about the impacts of freeing up storage space, improving security, and how decluttering can reduce stress!

Join us in person in Feldberg Atrium in the Feldberg Communications Center or via Zoom.

If you have an idea for a Tech Talk, we’d love to hear from you! Fill out our brief, 4-question 2026 Tech Talk Survey to let us know what’s you like to see this semester!

Don’t forget to sign up for the Brandeis Technology Newsletter and follow @DeisTechNews on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X/Twitter and LinkedIn to stay up to date with ITS Tech Talks, technology news and helpful tips and tricks to making your use of technology more helpful and productive!

Maximize your well-being with KGA, Brandeis’ Employee Assistance Program—a free, 100% confidential resource available 24/7 to you and your adult household members, regardless of your benefit status. This February, take advantage of expert-led sessions like the Forming Healthy Habits webinar, heart health prevention guides, and private 30-minute consultations with a registered dietitian. Whether you need mental health support, financial advice, or childcare solutions, KGA connects you with the right experts instantly. Log in to my.kgalifeservices.com (Org Code: brandeis) or download the KGA Mobile app to start exploring your full suite of services today.

Join colleagues across your campus and many edHEALTH schools in this four-week challenge. All edHEALTH schools and their employees have access to the Living Well online health and wellness program, powered by WebMD. Whether in the app or online, you have resources available year-round to support being your best self, plus an opportunity to earn points toward a monthly raffle.

Knowledge is power! This challenge aims to help you learn more about your personal health and wellness. All you have to do is log into the Living Well portal and take WebMD’s Wellbeing Assessment. Once completed, you’ll receive a personalized health report that includes tips to help you find your healthy place and path forward. Click here to learn how to get started.

Please join Occupational Health Services at the well-being booster event during the academic year. This well-being booster event will be offering:

• On-site vaccinations for all faculty, staff, and their families (ages 4+); register. Walk-ins are welcome. Please be sure to bring your pharmacy card.
• Sign up for a free 15-minute chair massage.
• February is Heart Health Awareness Month. Learn more and discover helpful resources.

This is a friendly reminder a 1095-C form is available as part of the Affordable Care Act requirements, it is not necessary to file your federal or state taxes. The form is available for your records and serves as documentation of the health coverage offered to you by Brandeis University. An email was sent January 16, 2026 to your Brandeis and/or personal email informing you that the forms are ready with the link to access the paperless employee portal.

You may choose to keep the form for your personal records, but it does not need to be submitted to the IRS when filing your tax return.

For additional information and how to access your 1095-C visit Benefits Health Care Reform page.

Form 1099-HC for 2025 was postmarked and sent in the mail to members by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care prior to January 31, 2026. Members can get a copy through Harvardpilgrim.org using the 1099-HC online print tool starting February 1. The 1099-HC Form serves as proof of health insurance coverage for Massachusetts residents age 18 and older. This proof of coverage is required for Massachusetts state income tax filing and provided by Point32health.

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 offerings including podcasts, videos, self-directed challenges and much more!

Self-directed, on-demand learning programs:

Back and Stretch series – On-Demand Video

Did you know that KGA offers a 10—minute on-demand video as part of their “Fitness on the Fly” Programming? Is a 10-minute class that demonstrates how you can strength train key muscles anywhere, without needing any equipment, using only your body resistance and your surroundings. Iris will also show how you can do strength work during the day, at your desk to help easily incorporate fitness into your daily life.

Join a Challenge! KGA's My Mindfulness Challenge introduces mindfulness as a way to lower stress, improve focus and enhance creativity. How Does It Work? Begin the challenge by clicking the "Start now" button. Answer a few questions to determine your mindfulness starting point. Explore the many meditation and mindfulness podcasts and articles. What’s included:

• 4 educational articles/audio messages sent via email
• Pre- and post- test assessments
• 4 meditation podcasts
• Personalized reporting

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? We are spotlighting these timely and relevant courses available to faculty and staff.

• Establish Effective Team Communication (41 minutes): Join instructor Daisy Lovelace as she shares actionable strategies to help you transform your team’s communication from ordinary to high performing. Explore how to create alignment through team charters and RACI matrices, establish trust with transparency, and use clear, intentional messaging. Learn how to master asynchronous collaboration, leverage AI tools to streamline communication, and deliver impactful feedback.
• Boosting Your Time Management with AI Tools (41 minutes): In this course, instructor Brad Aeon shows you how to harness the power of artificial intelligence to improve your time management, enhance productivity, and achieve your goals more efficiently. Get started by exploring how AI can aid in defining and setting clear and actionable goals through mental contrasting.

Meet with a Retirement Planner – To help plan for your future, Retirement Planners from Fidelity Investments are on campus regularly to provide one-on-one guidance appointments. Consultations may be conducted in person, virtually or over the phone.

• Manage your retirement savings goals
• Review investment choices
• Build a plan that is easy to put into action

To schedule your confidential consultation please visit Fidelity’s scheduler or call 800.642.7131.

Access your Brandeis Retirement Savings Plan on NetBenefits.

The IRS limits your pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax contributions each year. Please review the updated limits for 2026:

• Under Age 50: $24,500
• Age 50 or Older: $32,500
• Special Catch-up (Ages 60–63): $35,750

Beginning in 2026, the IRS requires that employees who earned over $150,000 in FICA wages during the prior year must make their age-50+ catch-up contributions as Roth (after-tax) contributions.

If you are eligible for this requirement, the Brandeis Workday system will automatically process these catch-up contributions as Roth to ensure your account remains compliant with IRS regulations.

You can update your contribution elections at any time through Fidelity Investments, which provides one-stop service for our retirement plan participants:

• Online: NetBenefits Retirement Planning website

• Phone: Contact the Retirement Service Center at 800-343-0860

Brandeis University has partnered with Bright Horizons to deliver the Back-Up Care Advantage Program. Providing you with access to high-quality back-up care programs in child care centers located close to your home or work, when your child’s regular care arrangements have fallen through. The age groups served in our centers generally range from infant -- Pre-K, however additional age groups including school-age may be supported at various locations across the country.

Off-school days, holidays, sitter sick days, pet care and more – Bright Horizons provides back-up care benefits for them all. Now’s the time to register, book care, and take advantage of support.

Register now for:

• In-center and in-home back-up care for infants through kindergarten prep
• Day Camps to cover school breaks, holiday, and summer vacation
• Expert tutoring and educational programs
• An exceptional early education and child care experience