Each freshman is assigned amember of the faculty or staff to serve as a formal academic advisorduring the first year. Upon declaring a field of concentration,students receive faculty advisors in their own disciplines. Finally,each department designates an advising chair to serve the needsof all students interested in learning more about academic opportunitieswithin the department.
The deans in the Office ofUndergraduate Academic Affairs assist individual students in planningtheir undergraduate careers at Brandeis, and in addressing theirproblems and concerns through the Committee on Academic Standing.Guidance is available in program planning and the selection ofa major field of study. In addition, the office administers fundsto support undergraduate research efforts; monitors the progressbeing made by all undergraduates toward completion of degree requirements;and coordinates services to disabled students, the Advanced PlacementProgram, Cross Registration, and premedical advising.
The office provides counselingservices for Brandeis undergraduate and graduate students whoseek to enrich their education through a period of study abroad.It also maintains a resource library of materials on availableprograms. The office provides information and assistance in obtaininginternational study grants available through Fulbright, Rhodes,D.A.A.D., Marshall, and other scholarship and fellowship programs,including the Sachar International Scholarships for Brandeis students.
Programs under the umbrellaof Student Enrichment Services provide learning assistance, academicsupport, and supplemental instruction.
Consultants at the WritingCenter assist undergraduate and graduate students to focus ideas,define topics, prepare well-organized outlines, revise rough drafts,improve stylistic elements, and master related writing skills.The Center is located in the Goldfarb Library. Services are availableon a drop-in basis.
The Student Support ServicesProgram, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, offers academicand career counseling, tutorial services, study skills workshops,individualized assessment, GRE preparation, and access to culturalevents to eligible students. For further information contact StudentSupport Services, Kutz Hall.
Individual and small grouptutoring is provided in selected courses to students experiencingacademic difficulty. Workshops on such learning strategies asnote-taking, time-management, and test-taking are also offered.Requests for tutorial assistance or workshops may be made in theStudent Enrichment Services Office in Kutz Hall.
Brandeis University is committedto providing an environment that is equitable and accessible toall qualified students. Since admission to the University is basedon the academic qualifications of the applicant, admissions proceduresremain the same for all applicants, regardless of disability.The University provides reasonable accommodations for studentswith documented disabilities. Once accepted, a student must documenta learning or physical disability at Brandeis to receive appropriateservices. To do this, a student must have his or her medical recordsregarding the disability reviewed by the director of health services.Following documentation as a student with a disability at Brandeis,the student confers with the coordinator of academic support servicesfor students with disabilities in the undergraduate program, orthe person who handles disability in each of the Graduate Schooloffices, for guidance and academic accommodations. Appropriateaccommodations are determined on a case by case basis in consultationwith the coordinator, the faculty, and the student. Services suchas housing assistance, extra time on exams, notetakers, alternativetesting procedures, and special parking arrangements are examplesof possible accommodations that might be utilized.
The ISSO, located in Kutz Hall,serves international graduate and undergraduate students as wellas scholars (e.g., faculty, short-term lecturers, and researchers)who enter the United States on nonimmigrant visas. The staff membersof the ISSO provide all necessary immigration documents and adviseinternational students and scholars on matters concerning theirlegal status in the United States, including extensions of stay,employment, transfers to and from Brandeis, and leaves of absence.Advisors are available daily through drop-in visits or by appointmentto counsel students and scholars on personal, academic, and immigration-relatedmatters throughout the year, including the summer months.
The ISSO sponsors a range ofprograms, including workshops on employment and immigration issues,as well as International Week and other events of internationalinterest. The office also coordinates the host family programand publishes a newsletter for the international community. TheISSO supports activities that allow students to share their cultureswith the entire Brandeis community.
Classes and tutorials are offeredat Brandeis to support nonnative English-speakers in their effortsto meet the English proficiency standards necessary for theirsuccess as students and teaching assistants. Certain studentswhose native language is not English are required to take theDiagnostic English Proficiency examinations and to have an oralinterview approximately one week before the beginning of classes.Those required to have their English proficiency evaluated arenotified in advance. On the basis of the examinations and theinterview, a student may need to enroll in the English as a SecondLanguage Program.
The English as a Second LanguageProgram provides individual and group tutorial instruction throughoutthe academic year. No course credit toward the degree is earnedfor these courses.
As the information environmentbecomes more complex, instruction in the effective use of informationresources becomes an increasingly integral part of education atBrandeis. Reference librarians provide classroom sessions forstudents at various levels.
The First-year Library InstructionProgram is part of the University Seminar/Writing Lab curriculum.Each freshman participates in a formal session in basic libraryresearch skills and strategies conducted by a librarian. Studentslearn methods for analyzing and approaching research questions,and gain some experience in using basic resources, such as theonline catalog and general periodical indexes.
The Library Intensive CourseProgram serves the needs of students in more advanced courses.Selected upper-level and graduate courses incorporate librarysessions geared specifically to the course or program content.These courses offer instruction in the use of more specializedresources, such as scientific databases, full text electronicdatabases, specialized abstract and indexing services, archivalresources, and Internet resources. Students are thus equippedto find and evaluate information from a wide variety of sources.A list of participating courses appears in the courses of instruction.
Since 1968, Brandeis has offereda Transitional Year Program (TYP) in which promising studentswho do not qualify for admission to Brandeis at the time of theirapplication are enabled to supplement their secondary school preparationwith an additional year of concentration on basic academic skills.Students who successfully complete the program are recommendedfor admission to the University.
Evaluation of TYP applicantsemphasizes academic promise rather than past academic performance.Consideration is also given to the secondary school record, recommendationsfrom teachers and guidance counselors, and College Board testscores. Those selected combine the need and desire for the transitionalyear experience with the ability to make the best use of the opportunity.
Further information about theprogram may be obtained by contacting the Transitional Year ProgramOffice, Brandeis University, Mailstop 074, P.O. Box 9110, Waltham,Massachusetts 02454-9110.
The Office of the UniversityRegistrar, located in Kutz Hall, is the official repository ofacademic records. As such, it issues official transcripts of students'records upon written request, performs other certification functionsof service to students, and audits the progress of students towarddegree completion. The office conducts activities in which allstudents participate: registration and course enrollment at thebeginning of each term, and pre-enrollment in advance of eachterm. Staff members in the office are useful sources of informationconcerning registration, course enrollment regulations, summerschool and transfer of credit policies, and final examinationprocedures.
The Division of Student Affairsis responsible for the quality of student life outside the classroom,as well as for providing the opportunities for students to developskills and interests beyond their academic course work. Amongits areas of concern are social, cultural, intellectual, recreational,and religious programs; residential life; intercollegiate andintramural athletics; health and counseling services; the availabilityof professional resources to aid students in their present endeavorsand future educational and career planning; and student conductmatters.
The Dean of Student Affairscoordinates student services through the following departments:
Located in the Usdan StudentCenter, the Office of Campus Life is responsible for cocurricularprogramming; advising, supporting, and coordinating student groupsand activities; residential programs and services; the smoothoperation of the multipurpose Usdan Student Center; and othercampus programs such as orientation and family weekend. The staff,in conjunction with students and faculty, maintains a varied programof social, cultural, and intellectual events during the academicyear.
Over 85 percent of undergraduatestudents live in residence halls. As with all indoor space atthe University, residence halls are smoke-free. Freshmen are assigneddouble rooms, except for the last to make housing deposits--theywill be assigned double rooms temporarily equipped for three students.Only freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed housing. In recentyears, all juniors and seniors wishing to live on campus havebeen accommodated. The Office of Campus Life is responsible forthe effective administrative operation, as well as counselingand programming activities, within all residence halls.
Residence halls are groupedinto nine living areas ranging in size from 106 to 400 students.Each area is under the supervision of a quad director. In addition,undergraduate resident advisors "live-in" and aid inthe administration of several residence halls. Staff members areavailable to provide assistance to students on academic, personal,and social matters.
Off-campus housing informationand graduate housing are also functions of this office.
Brandeis University offersa variety of housing units available for single and married graduatestudents. The apartment units we offer include efficiencies, two-,three-, and five-bedroom apartments. The efficiencies are designedfor one or two people, while the two-, three-, and five-bedroomunits are designed to allow use as separate bedrooms with a sharedkitchen and bath. Some of the larger units also have living rooms.All of the apartments come furnished.
Housing applications are sentto eligible graduate students by the first of May and must bereturned to the Office of Campus Life by the middle of June.
In addition, the Office ofCampus Life maintains a listing of available housing in the area.For additional information, please write or call: Brandeis University,Office of Campus Life, Usdan 114, Mailstop U3, P.O. Box 9110,Waltham, Massachusetts, 02454-9110. Tel: 781-736-3550. FAX: 781-736-3556.
The Intercultural Center, locatedin the Swig Student Center, fosters an atmosphere for learningabout the histories and cultures of people of color; providesa healthy framework and meeting space for discovery and strengtheningof cultural commonalities; enables the University to address issuesof race; and provides a structure for the Brandeis community tointeract from a multicultural perspective. With a student programmingboard and a faculty/staff/alumni/community advisory board, thecenter sponsors cultural, social, and intellectual programs opento all members of the Brandeis community.
Centrally located in UsdanStudent Center, the Hiatt Career Center serves as a link betweencurrent undergraduate and graduate students and Brandeis alumnifrom the business and professional world. The Hiatt Career Centerassists students in assessing their skills and interests and helpsthem to explore how these components will translate into a meaningfulcareer path. The staff provide individual career counseling andcareer planning workshops. A full career resource center includesa wealth of current career information as well as a computer-assistedguidance system.
Brandeis students learn aboutcareers in a variety of ways. An Alumni Speaker Series is offeredthroughout the academic year and features recent Brandeis graduatesfrom many different career fields who return to campus to speakwith current students. The Shadow Program is offered during intersessionand allows undergraduates to spend a day with a Brandeis alumna/usin the workplace. The Internship Program has grown to become thecornerstone of the Hiatt Career Center. Over 8000 nationwide opportunitiesare offered to students throughout the academic year and summermonths. Students meet with alumni through events that are heldin New York and Boston, as well as through the Brandeis AlumniCareer Network. Over 7000 alumni participate in this nationalnetwork.
A range of programs are offeredon resume writing, the job search, and interview skills. Coordinationof interviews with prospective employers and visits from graduate/professionalschools are provided throughout the academic year. All studentsare encouraged to make use of the resources of the Hiatt CareerCenter as early in their Brandeis careers as possible. Counselorsare available daily through drop-in schedules or by appointment.
Religious activities and relatedprograms are centered in the three chapels and are conducted bythe student religious organizations: Berlin Chapel/B'nai B'rithHillel Foundation, the Bethlehem Chapel Community, and the HarlanChapel Christian Community. Interfaith dialogue is an integralpart of the programs of the three chapels.
Hillel, the Jewish studentumbrella organization on campus, is a multifaceted and pluralisticcommunity that embraces and welcomes Jews of all persuasions andinterests. Hillel presents a wide range of programs, includinga variety of seminars and study groups; workshops; social serviceand philanthropic projects; Jewish arts and cultural programs;Holocaust Remembrance Week programming; a diversified Israel program;a Sabbath lecture series; oppressed Jewry projects; a Hebrew chorusand Israeli dance troupe; and a full spectrum of religious servicesand holy day celebrations. Oppressed World Jewry, the BrandeisZionist Alliance, the Orthodox Organization, and the Giving-Doing-CaringNetwork also exist under the aegis of Brandeis Hillel.
The Bethlehem Chapel Communityserves the total Catholic community at Brandeis: students, faculty,and staff. There are Sunday and daily Masses, hours for privateand group consultation, seminars, study groups, holy day and feastday programs, and other events.
The Harlan Chapel ChristianCommunity serves the Protestant community at Brandeis and presentsa variety of services and programs including religious services,poetry readings, films, and speakers. The Christian Fellowshipand the Brandeis University Gospel Choir are under the sponsorshipof Harlan Chapel Christian Community.
The three chaplains serve asadvisors to these groups and are available to all persons withinthe University community for personal and religious counselingand informal exchange.
Recognizing the importanceof physical activity in a sound educational program, BrandeisUniversity offers a wide variety of competitive and recreationalopportunities. The Intercollegiate Athletic Program provides achallenging and enjoyable growth experience for Brandeis student-athletes,as well as providing a focus for campus spirit and pride. Allfull-time students may participate in annual varsity team tryoutsafter completing the required physical examination.
The University fields varsityteams for men in baseball, basketball, cross country, fencing,golf, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, swimming and diving, andtennis. Women compete in varsity basketball, cross country, fencing,indoor and outdoor track, soccer, softball, swimming and diving,tennis, and volleyball. The varsity squads compete against teamsrepresenting colleges and universities that regard athletics inthe same spirit as Brandeis University. In addition, studentshave organized club teams in sports such as ice hockey and lacrosse.Brandeis is a member of the NCAA, MAIAW, New England AthleticConference, Eastern College Athletic Conference, the Greater BostonCollegiate Athletic Association, and the University Athletic Association,which provides national competition among its nine-member privateresearch universities. The University has fielded conference andnational championship teams as well as many national caliber individualcompetitors.
Believing in the value of athleticparticipation for both conditioning and relaxation, the Universitymaintains a full array of intramural and recreation programs.The intramural program has included basketball, flag football,soccer, softball, squash, tennis, and volleyball. Residence halland commuter teams have been organized in these sports with thecompetitive aspects adding to the enjoyment of the game.
Note: For detailed informationon graduate student health plans, consult the graduate studenthealth information packet.
Because health and medicalcare are an integral part of the university experience, UniversityHealth Services provides a program of comprehensive medical andemotional care. A mandatory health participation fee entitlesundergraduate students to medical services available at the GoldingMedical Outpatient Facility and counseling services availableat Mailman House without additional charge during the academicyear. (This fee is optional for graduate students.) The annualhealth fee does not pay for off-campus medical consultations,dental care, medications, laboratory tests, drugs, X-rays, reusablesupplies, or admission to the University's hospital, StonemanInfirmary. Students are responsible for these charges.
In addition, the Commonwealthof Massachusetts requires each student to have personal healthinsurance. The student may elect to participate in the StudentHealth Insurance Plan offered through the University or may substitutemembership in another plan. Students who do not notify HealthServices of alternative insurance coverage are, as required bystate law, automatically enrolled in the Student Health InsurancePlan offered through the University.
Health Services and the useof the Stoneman Infirmary are available to students only duringthe period in which the University is in regular academic session.Limited weekday services are available in the Golding MedicalOutpatient Services Building during intersession, midterm, andspring recesses and the summer months.
Prospective students planningto matriculate in the college and graduate schools must submita health examination report completed by the family or personalphysician prior to registration. In addition to information aboutprevious health and details of the physical examination, evidenceof immunization against tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, and rubellaare required. Since students may not register until the requirementshave been satisfied, it is strongly recommended that the HealthExamination Report be submitted by August 1.
The Student Health InsurancePlan is designed to defray expenses of those care situations thatare beyond the scope of Health Services, for example, laboratoryand X-ray examinations, as well as hospitalization for illnessesor accidents of a more serious nature. The plan extends for afull calendar year commencing with August 15.
A detailed brochure of theservices offered by University Health Services as well as an outlineof the details of the plan is mailed to parents and students eachJune. This brochure includes a statement of patients' rights inHealth Services. Students and parents are urged to read this brochurecarefully and keep it for reference. Additional copies are availablethrough Health Services.
While situations not coveredwithin Health Services or by the insurance plan are infrequent,an awareness of these possibilities will lessen misunderstandingand disappointment. In such instances, students and their parentsare responsible for expenses that are not covered by the University'shealth program or its associated insurance policy. Similarly,students and their parents are responsible for expenses that arenot covered by alternative insurance programs substituted forthe Brandeis University Student Health Insurance Plan.
The Psychological CounselingCenter is located in Mailman House. It provides professional assistanceto students who have personal or emotional problems. Those whowish such help may refer themselves directly to the Center.
The University establishesstandards of student behavior and reserves the right to suspendor permanently dismiss students whose conduct warrants such action.The University will give due notice and, if requested, a hearingbefore the appropriate body. The student judicial system is administeredby the Office of Campus Life. Standards, policies, and proceduresare published in the Student Handbook.
The Usdan Student Center actsas a focal point for cocurricular and extracurricular activitiesat Brandeis. The center provides office space and facilities forstudent government and a broad range of student clubs and organizations.Undergraduate students play a major role in the operation of theCenter through the large number of student staff who work in thebuilding.
Brandeis students considerthemselves a part of a community dedicated to the advancementof liberal values, the enrichment of life experience, and thebroadening of knowledge. Organized as the undergraduate StudentUnion and the Graduate Student Association, they consider it theirprime responsibility to create democratic student organization,increase the flow of new ideas, and provide enjoyable and creativerecreational and cultural activities for all students.
The Student Union is the assemblyof the entire undergraduate student body. The Student Senate,funded through the mandatory student activities fee, consistsof elected officers and elected representatives from each class,meeting regularly to conduct its business and supervise its programs.The student programming board, Student Events, has the responsibilityfor the allocation of a portion of the student activities feeto support social, cultural, and educational programs.
The Graduate Student Association(GSA) is the assembly of all graduate students. The Graduate StudentSenate consists of elected officers and elected representativesfrom each academic department offering a graduate degree. Cultural,social, and educational programs are organized by the GSA throughoutthe year. There is a GSA lounge in the Usdan Student Center.
Students also serve as membersof a variety of University committees, including the UniversityCurriculum Committee, the Personal Safety Committee, the ParkingAppeals Board, the Community Relations Committee, and the ConservationCommittee. Two undergraduates and one graduate student also serveas representatives to the Board of Trustees and the National AlumniAssociation Board of Directors.
A variety of student organizationsexists for all who are interested. Organizations are open to anymatriculated student on the basis of competency or interest. Noexclusive or secret societies are recognized.
Exclusive or secret societiesare inconsistent with the principles of openness to which theUniversity is committed. Therefore, social fraternities and sororities,in particular, are neither recognized nor permitted to hold activitieson campus or use University facilities.
Activist Resource Center
Adagio
¡Ahora!
Aikido Martial Arts Club
All Energy Productions
Amnesty International
ANAD Awareness Club
Animal Rights Klub (BARK)
Anthropology Club
Archon(yearbook)
Artemis(feminist magazine)
Asian-American Student Association(BAASA)
Bacchus, the Classics Club
BAHA'I Club
Ballroom Dancing
BaRuCH Reform Chavurah
Bhakti Yoga Club
Black Student Organization(BBSO)
Bongo Bums
Boris' Kitchen (comedy troupe)
Boston Culture Club
Boston Outreach Club
Brandeisian(magazine)
Cambodian Culture Club
Card Sharks
Caribbean Connexion
Catholic Student Organization(CSO)
Chamber Choir
Chamber Ensemble
Charitable Concerts Club
Cheerleaders
Chess Club
Chinese Literary/Culture Club
Chinese Students and ScholarsAssociation
Christian Fellowship (BCF)
Chung Do Kwan
College Bowl
Comic Book and Science FictionClub
Committee on Rape Education(CORE)
Company B (performing group)
Conservative Organization
Cooking Club
Crew
Da Vinci Magazine
Dead Poets Society
Debate and Speech Society
Democrats
Disco Crack Club
Early Music Ensemble
Economics Club
Emergency Medical Corps (BEMCO)
Ensemble Theater (BET)
Equestrian Club
False Advertising (improvisationalcomedy)
Family and Friends of Addicts(BFFA)
Field Hockey Club
Free Press(current events newspaper)
Freedom Magazine
Friends of Revolutionary Anti-ImperialistLeague (RAIL)
Geezerís/NeuronísUltimate
Generations Club
Graduate Debate and SpeechSociety
Graduate Hillel
Graduate Student Association
Gravity(humor magazine)
Gymnastics Club
Habitat for Humanity
Handicrafts of the Past Club
Health Education LeadershipProgram (HELP)
Hellenic Society
Hillel
Hillel Theater Group
Hip Hop Culture Club
Hockey Club
Holocaust Remembrance WeekClub
In Sync (performing group)
International Club
Investment Club
Irish-American Club
Israeli Dance Troupe
Italian Culture Club
Jam Apple Zig Zag (performinggroup)
Japanese Film Club
Jazz Ensemble
Juggling Club
Justice(newspaper)
Kokondo
Korean Student Association
Lacrosse (men's)
Laurel Moon(poetry magazine)
Lawyers, Guns, and Money
Lend a Helping Hand
Lesbian and Gay Graduate StudentAssociation
LGBT Resource Center Operatingand Planning Committee
Lion Dance Troupe
Magicians Society
Manginah (performing group)
Medieval Society
Merge Left
Mock Trial Club
Model United Nations
Muslim Student Association(MSA)
Nashim
News and Entertainment (BNE)(video magazine)
Orthodox Organization (BOO)
Otaku Anime Club
Outdoor and MountaineeringClub
Pediatric AIDS Foundation Club
Peer Education Outreach Program
People Are Listening (hotline)
Penthouse Party Organization
Persian Club
Photo Club
Players (theater)
Pottery Club
Prelaw Society
Premed Society
Preveterinary Society
Pressure Point Massage Club
Psychology Club
Rape Crisis and Sexual AssaultHotline
Recycling Program (BURP)
Remember the Alamo Club
Republicans
Rocky Horror Picture Show FanClub
Roller Hockey Club
Rugby Club (men's)
Rugby Club (women's)
Russian Club
Ski Club
Ski Team
Snood Club
Snowboarding Club
Sober Club
Society for Creative Fantasy
Softball Club
South Asia Club
Spur of the Moment (performinggroup)
Squash Club
Stand
Starlighters
Starving Artists (performinggroup)
Student Events
Student Pugwash USA
Student Senate
Student Service Bureau (SSB)
Student Sexuality InformationService (SSIS)
Students for a Free Tibet
Students for EnvironmentalAction (SEA)
Students with ADD, ADHD, andLearning Disabilities Club (SAALD)
Tae Kwon Do
Third Eye Club
Tourism Club
Triskelion (Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender/Supporters)
Tympanium Euphorium
Uechi-ryu Karate
Ultimate Frisbee
University Chorus
University Symphony Orchestra
Update(newsletter)
Up the Octave (performing group)
Vietnamese Student Association
Voice for Choice (BVC)
Voice Male (performing group)
Voices of Praise (Gospel Choir)
Volleyball Club
Volunteer Vacations
Waltham Group
Watch(magazine)
WBRS (radio station)
We Care
Weightlifting Club
Where the Children Play(magazine)
Wind Ensemble
Womenís Resource CenterOrganizing Committee
Zany Bagel Testers
Zionist Alliance (BZA)
The Department of Public Safetyis located at Ford/Sydeman, Room 1-A. Responsibilities of this25-member campus police force include campus-wide security/safetypatrol, traffic control, and enforcement of University driving/parkingregulations, protective custody of University offices, classroom/dormitoryareas, and professional inquiry into incidents involving theft,trespassing, and related matters. The department places specialemphasis on preventive and protective care for all members ofthe University community.
All students must registertheir vehicles with the Department of Public Safety. Studentswith motor vehicles must observe University traffic and parkingregulations, copies of which are available from the Departmentof Public Safety. Due to limited space, the Brandeis Parking andTraffic Committee strongly recommends that students leavetheir motor vehicles at home.
Student dining facilities arelocated in the Sherman and Usdan student centers. Kosher mealservice is available in the Sherman Student Center, which sharesa dining area with nonkosher meal service. The Usdan Dining Centeroffers a number of dining options including a snack shop and fastfood operation in addition to the normal meal plan service. Lightrefreshments are also offered in Cholmondeley's, a coffeehouseoperated by students in Usen Castle.
Graduate students should consultDining Services for more details on the dining plan.
Located in the Sherman StudentCenter, The Stein is a restaurant that offers sandwiches, lightmeals, beer, and wine. The Stein is a popular gathering placefor students throughout the academic year.
The Brandeis University FacultyClub is located in the Wien Faculty Center. The club offers membershipto all in the greater Brandeis community and serves as a centrallocation for formal and informal gatherings. Luncheon is servedMonday through Friday from noon to 2:00 pm.
Located in the Usdan StudentCenter, the campus bookstore is operated by a private, non-Brandeisagency. The bookstore, through close association and coordinationwith academic departments and faculty members, offers studentsa comprehensive stock of textbooks and paperbacks related to theacademic program. School supplies, computer supplies, clothing,health and beauty aids, and gift items may also be purchased atthe bookstore.
The campus mailroom is locatedin the Usdan Student Center. All student mail is delivered tothe campus post office, and a separate mailbox is maintained foreach student. All U.S. postal services are provided, includingthe sale of stamps and money orders, registry of mail, handlingof parcel post packages, and express mail delivery.