New Undergraduate Student Orientation

Be part of a small group of your peers that participate in a fun-filled and thoughtful experience in the woods of Massachusetts. Through different activities, you will explore group and personal process using the outdoors as a medium for learning. Ranging from orienteering and a ropes course to cooking shared meals and making a campfire, this program will encourage you to step out of your comfort zone to enhance the skills that you will need for a successful transition to college. You do not need to have any previous experience in the outdoors to apply.

• Contact Scott Berozi 781-736-5074 with questions.
• Cost: $300

Are you passionate or curious about social justice issues and how to make meaningful change? Explore Brandeis University’s founding principle with the Social Justice Preorientation Program! Over the course of 2 days we will unpack social justice issues through discussion, proactive planning, and civic engagement. You will get the opportunity to explore how to incorporate social justice into not only your personal life, but also in the surrounding community and across the nation. Alongside faculty and staff you will decipher social justice in academia and the world around you. In addition to investigating what social justice means, you will have the opportunity to create your own project to advocate for social justice. Join us to start making a change!.

• Contact Emma Wolters at 781-736-5074 with questions.
• Cost: $175

This Sustainability Pre-Orientation program will push students to think about their impact on the environment. Students will engage with staff and faculty at Brandeis to think critically about how they can be more sustainable, specifically related to their transition to college. Students will also get to know more about sustainability efforts at Brandeis and in the Greater Boston area, including a trip to a nearby farm to learn about food insecurity and food waste.

• Contact Grace Berry 781-736-5074 with questions.
• Cost: $175

The Arts Pre-Orientation program is for the student looking to learn about and expand their definition of art, explore their creativity and discover the rich history and community of the arts at Brandeis. Through a series of speakers, master classes, hands-on art and more, participants will find a space to grow as artists, meet new students with similar interests and find their place in the arts at Brandeis.

• Contact Andrew Baxter 781-736-5074 with questions.
• Cost: $175

All new international undergraduate students are required to attend the International Pre-Orientation. You are automatically enrolled in the program as an international student, which means you do not need to apply. During the International Pre-Orientation, you will be able to explore the academic culture at Brandeis, get to know campus resources, and discuss topics surrounding student life beyond the classroom. 

• Contact International Office at int-orientation@brandeis.edu or  781-736-3480 with questions.
• Cost: Free
• Visit the ISSO website for more information.

Work in small groups with Brandeis Faculty and Counseling Center Clinicians to learn effective time management and goal setting techniques, while developing skills for coping with and bouncing back from stress.

RISE consists of two stand-alone programs-Do one or do the other. Or do both, for maximum benefit.

 PRE-TERM ORIENTATION: AUG 23RD - 25TH

3-day program for first-year students who are looking to work on skills to help them successfully transition to college, while building connections with other first-year students. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students will develop strategies to navigate the academic and social side sides of college and connect with campus resources.

 HEALTH & WELLNESS COURSE: HWL 67, MON 3:30 - 4:50

For all undergraduates, the Health & Wellness Course (HWL 67) meets weekly throughout the fall semester (12wks). Students will have the opportunity to master and implement time management and study skills, while receiving continued support on how to deal with challenges throughout the semester. This course fulfills 2 Mind & Body Balance Modules toward the Health, Wellness and Life Skills general education requirement.

If you participate in Pre-orientation, we highly suggest you also enroll in the Health & Wellness Course so you can continue to work on the skills introduced in Pre-orientation throughout the semester. However, participation in both parts is NOT mandatory or necessary to benefit from RISE. Participate in just the pre-orientation, just the course, or both!

 To apply, fill out the following form: https://bit.ly/2Vj1RS8

• Questions? Contact copelab@brandeis.edu or 781-736-3730

• Cost: $150 (for Pre-Orientation only)