Update on Restructuring
Dear Faculty and Staff,
We are writing to you with a number of updates to share about the ongoing efforts to restructure the university and reinvent the liberal arts.
Board Vote - On April 29th, the Brandeis Board of Trustees voted unanimously to approve the handbook changes, and to move forward with the proposed restructuring. The Board also approved next year’s budget. We are grateful for the many individuals who participated in faculty meetings, convenings and other gatherings to get us to this point.
Staff Convenings - From May 1-6th, we hosted a series of convenings with the goal of discussing and sharing feedback about how staff can be supported during the next year of institutional reorganization. A summary of notes from the zoom calls can be found on the President’s website.
Staff Town Hall - On Thursday May 8th, President Levine hosted a third town hall meeting for staff to answer questions and discuss the ongoing efforts to reorganize the university, in support of the goal of reinventing the liberal arts. We will share information about future town hall meetings after commencement.
Volunteer Committees - The faculty and staff volunteer committees have begun meeting and will issue their first reports on June 1st. Please see the President’s website for more details.
Choosing New Interim Academic Deans - President Levine and Provost Fierke have been meeting with the faculty senate, and other faculty and staff groups, to provide feedback on the new interim academic deans for each of the four new schools. The names of individuals selected for these positions will be announced at the May 15th faculty meeting, and in a simultaneous email to the community.
Looking Forward to the Summer and Beyond - On July 1, 2025, the four new academic deans and the two new vice provosts will begin their new roles. All academic departments and programs will transition into this new superstructure, according to the school they have decided to join. Following July 1st, we will be working with faculty and staff within each school to determine the most effective internal structures, and will begin implementing that structure in the summer/fall, with the goal of having all departmental/staffing changes complete by January 1, 2026. At the same time, Jeffrey Shoulson will be leading a revision of our core curriculum. Micro-credentials, experiential learning, and enhanced career support will launch in Spring 2026.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in all of these efforts. University leadership will continue to communicate and engage with all members of the Brandeis community as we navigate the path forward for Brandeis.
Best wishes,
Joel Christensen, Senior Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs
Carol Fierke, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs