dean chasalow takes a selfie with the incoming students
students explain how to form academic connections
orientation leader leads an activity outside Slosberg
students discuss the food pantry
orientation leader leads an activity outside admissions building
new student signs up for campus organization
new students learn about the office of the arts

August 27, 2019

Simon Goodacre | Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences hosted 299 new students for orientation on August 23, 2019 in Slosberg Auditorium. They represent 17 countries including: Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Finland, India, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Vietnam. Domestic students came from 32 different states. There are 77 doctoral students, 194 master's students, and 28 post-baccalaureate and non-degree students among the new arrivals.

“This is an exciting time of year for our admissions team,” says Jaclyn Farina, Assistant Dean of Admissions. “We work closely with prospective students throughout the application process and it is always rewarding to meet them and welcome them to our community. We are welcoming a talented group of graduate students this year and I am excited to see all that they accomplish.”

The morning began with a few comments from Dean Eric Chasalow, who took a selfie with the incoming class before reminding the students, “Brandeis is small enough that we can really get to know one another, and I encourage you to take advantage of that opportunity.” He also advised students that graduate school can be an isolating experience with every student deeply engaged with his or her own research. “So get out of your comfort zone. Go to talks and other events whenever you can – even when they do not seem to relate to your work. You are likely to form some lifelong relationships here, and while these may be in your own discipline, they may not be.”

Following the Dean’s remarks, the newcomers broke into smaller groups for a campus tour with their student orientation leaders. This was followed by a Resource Fair, where the new students could learn about student organizations, various offices on campus and some businesses from the Waltham community. Finally, students were invited to afternoon sessions on academic connections, career and professional development, student leadership opportunities, identity, and the Brandeis culture.

“It was a wonderful day for our incoming students,” said Steve Weglinski, the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Affairs. “I would like to thank our fantastic orientation leaders who made a fantastic first impression for Brandeis and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.”

Activities will continue from August 26-27 with departmental orientations, international student orientation and teaching assistant orientation.