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Academic Advising · Pre-Health Advising · Peer Academic Support · Myra Kraft Achievers Program
TRIO Student Support Services Program · BUGS Peer Tutors · Gen One Network ·
MLK Jr. Fellowship · POSSE Scholars ·Roosevelt Fellows · Upward Bound
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Greetings!
Here is the latest from our department.
*To ensure you view this message in its entirety, you may have to select "view entire message," typically found at the bottom of the email*
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Campus Resources: Help Us Help You
According to Dictionary.com a resource is "a source of supply, support, or aid, especially one that can be readily drawn upon when needed."
How well do you know your campus resources? Sometimes, the students that flourish are the ones that possess the knowledge about campus resources. They know who they can to talk to and where to go for help when they need it. It can take time to figure out who and what your resources are, but once you do, this can often make a world of difference in getting you where you want to go. Brandeis has an endless list of staff, faculty, student leaders, offices, and services that exist specifically to help you succeed.
Sometimes you can anticipate what help you may need, while other times a challenge arises that calls for some problem solving. We challenge you to think ahead about the semester. Are there people or offices on campus that you can reach out to proactively? For example, are you taking a class that you think will challenge you? May we suggest reading through your course syllabus and making a note in your planner about faculty office hours? Additionally, you could check out the BUGS peer tutor website and see if your course has a dedicated tutor. Or, what about stopping by the Writing Center to check on their hours and services in anticipation of any papers you may need to write this semester.
Start the semester off on the right foot. Be proactive.
Help us help you!
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To contact Academic Services, email:
acserv@brandeis.edu
or call
781.736.3470
| | Academic Calendar Highlights & Resources | | |
Wednesday, September 16 - Wednesday, October 14
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Period to elect the pass/fail option for a class taken fall 2026
Thursday, September 17 - Monday, October 5
- Period for students to apply for midyear graduation
Monday, September 21
- Yom Kippur; no classes, offices closed
Wednesday, September 23
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Brandeis Monday; Monday class schedule in effect
Friday, September 25
- Last day to drop Module 1 courses
Monday, October 5
- Last day to submit a Reduced Rate Senior application for Spring 2027
Monday, October 12
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Indigenous Peoples Day; no classes, offices closed
Tuesday, October 13
- Brandeis Monday; Monday class schedule in effect
Learn how to subscribe to the "Brandeis Academic Calendar" on your Google Calendar.
Access the full Fall 2026 academic calendar on the Registrar's website.
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Professorial Pastimes
are Back!
Last Spring, Undergraduate Affairs collaborated with Student Union leadership to offer events for undergraduate students to get to know members of our faculty through shared interests.
This fall we’ve returned with events such as knitting, a premier football league watch party, hikes, and more!
Questions?
See our website for more details.
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Knitting Circle with Hagit Weihs
Wednesday, September 23
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Feldberg Lounge, Hassenfeld
Do you have a knitting project you've been working on? Bring your latest project to Feldberg for a casual gathering with Hagit Weihs, Professor of Accounting and UAH for the Business program. All skill levels are welcome.
If you're a complete beginner, and would like to try it out, you're welcome to email Prof. Weihs. She will let you know what materials you should bring and can help you get started during the meeting. Snacks will be provided!
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An Update on Microcredentials
Undergraduate students have the opportunity to earn course-based, hard-skill microcredentials. Microcredentials certify that students achieved competency in specialized, career-focused skills.
To earn microcredentials, students are required to take a sequence of courses followed by an assessment separate from the normal course grading process. Course requirements and assessments are subject to change as these opportunities evolve. Assessments vary by microcredential, but consist in some combination of the following: an independent exam, a portfolio review, a reflective cover letter, an oral examination, and a review of course grades.
Microcredential opportunities are available to Brandeis undergraduates at no additional cost, and detailed instructions on how to apply for microcredentials are described in the FAQs on the Registrar's website (click button below).
For the Fall 2026 semester, the following microcredentials are available:
| | | Academic Services Unit Updates | | |
When you elect a class pass/fail, you are allowed to change your letter grade to a "P" if you receive a C- or higher at the end of the semester. This "P" grade will be displayed on your transcript, and will not be used in computing your GPA
How do I pass/fail a class?
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You first must elect a class pass/fail before the deadline of Wednesday, October 14 at 5pm.
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At the end of the semester, you will see your letter grade. If you want to change a grade of C- or higher to a "P" you must email passfail@brandeis.edu to make this request by the deadline (refer to the Academic Calendar).
Want to discuss pass/fail with an advisor?
Stop by Ask Advising Tabling October 6-8 and October 13-14 from 12-3pm in the Usdan East Lobby below Academic Services/outside DCL.
For more important information on the pass/fail option, please visit the Registrar's pass/fail option website.
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Connect with Academic Advising
Have questions about the pass/fail policy or progress on your degree? We’re here to help! Schedule an advising appointment through the links below or join us for Ask Advising drop-in hours. Academic Advising is located in Academic Services, 2nd floor Usdan East. Students are welcome to meet with any Roosevelt Fellow or academic advisor that fits their schedule.
20-minute academic advising appointments (Zoom)
With academic advisors and Roosevelt Fellows - available now!
30-minute academic advising appointments (In-person or Zoom)
With academic advisors - available now!
Ask Advising tabling in Usdan Lobby
With academic advisors and Roosevelt Fellows - no appointment necessary from 12-3 pm on:
- October 6-8 (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
- October 13-14 (Tuesday-Wednesday)
You can also get quick questions answered if you reach out to our main phone line (781-736-3470) or main email address (acserv@brandeis.edu).
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Assignment Accountability Hours for
Fall 2026
The SAS Fellows and BUGS Study Skills Tutors hold assignment accountability hours during the semester on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 7pm - 9pm in the Goldfarb Library, Mezzanine Level* (individual rooms noted below).
Mondays: Gardner Jackson Room
Tuesdays: Group Study Room 2
Thursdays: Group Study Room 2
This is open to all students who need a quiet place to study outside of their residence hall room and benefit from doing homework alongside peers (body doubling)! A peer student leader will always be present at the Assignment Accountability Hours in case a student needs help with time management/organization support. Free snacks will be provided! Please note that there will not be Assignment Accountability Hours on days that there are no classes in session.
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Pre-Health Introduction to the Application Cycle
Are you looking to apply to medical, dental, podiatry, or optometry programs in the upcoming 2028 cycle? If so, your attendance at one of these repeated one-hour sessions (Intro to the Application Cycle Webinars) is required if you wish to participate in PHA AppPrep. Visit the Pre-Health Advising webpage to sign up for a session.
NOTE: If you are applying to a health professions program not listed above, please schedule an advising appointment with our director, Andy Simmons (ansimmons@brandeis.edu).
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BUGS Tutors- Support for You!
Seeking support in your classes? BUGS tutors are a free campus resource led by trained undergraduate peer tutors. BUGS tutoring will begin the week of September 14. Check to see if your course will have a BUGS tutor!
Have you met with a BUGS Tutor yet?
The BUGS tutors are ready and waiting for you! Tutoring for the Fall 2026 semester has started. Click the button below to access tutor bios and schedules. Direct questions about the tutoring program to Julia Mani at jmani@brandeis.edu.
BUGS (Brandeis Undergraduate Guided Study) is a program of the Academic Services Office open to all Brandeis undergraduates which offers tutoring at no cost to students. These peer tutors lead sessions to review course material, discuss study strategies, and help prepare for assessments.
*Please note that the booking system for BUGS has been experiencing some technical issues. It's recommended that you email to confirm your appointment with your BUGS tutor before your session.
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Undergraduate Departmental Representatives (UDRs)
What is a UDR?
UDRs are undergraduate peer advisors who are selected for leadership positions within their academic departments or programs.
WHAT DOES A UDR DO?
- Provide academic and career information to majors/minors.
- Organize meetings with students and/or group information sessions on topics related to their program.
- Disseminate information on current department/program events, activities and other relevant happenings.
For more information about the UDR program or to find the UDR for a department you are interested in exploring, click the button below.
| | Resources & Events from Campus Partners | | |
Fresh Check Day- This Friday 9/18!
Friday, September 18
11am - 2pm
Great Lawn, Shapiro Campus Center (SCC)
Rain Location: SCC Atrium
Come on over to the Great Lawn and "Check In, Chill Out" with us! This event is a great opportunity to connect with your peers and focus on mental wellness in a relaxed, fun environment with peer-led, interactive booths, activities, music, and giveaways.
Fresh Check Day aims to create an approachable and hopeful atmosphere where students are encouraged to engage in dialogue about mental health. It helps to build a bridge between students and the mental health resources available on campus, in the community and nationally.
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Generative AI (“GenAI”) Research
Brandeis researchers are holding interview sessions to learn more about how undergraduate and graduate students are using and experiencing generative AI tools in Brandeis learning environments. Held in private settings, these interview sessions offer a great opportunity for you to share your personal experiences and opinions about how generative AI has impacted your life at Brandeis.
The researchers recognize that generative AI and its use can be a sensitive topic for many. These interview sessions have been granted amnesty from the Office of the Provost; i.e., they are free from any repercussions for students who choose to disclose their use of genAI tools for academic work. Please note that this immunity applies only to the interview session itself and does not extend to academic integrity concerns arising in other contexts (for example, if an instructor has concerns about a student's work based on the content of the assignment).
Details
Who can participate? Anyone 18 years or older who is a current student (undergraduate or graduate) at Brandeis
Time commitment: ~30 minutes, plus time to complete Qualtrics form
Location: Rabb Graduate Center 340 or Zoom
Dates: Fall 2026 (Sep–Nov) and Spring 2027 (Feb–Apr)
Compensation: All participants will have the option to enter a raffle for Brandeis swag (umbrellas, mugs, etc.). Free refreshments will be provided at in-person interviews.
Interested?
Review the informed consent form and sign up here
Email Scott Moore (semoore@brandeis.edu) or Robert Cochran (rcochran@brandeis.edu) for more information.
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Noteworthy Resources
We are excited to share several resources to support accessibility across campus.
Students Interested in Accommodations: If you do not currently have accommodations and are interested in seeking support or learning whether you might be eligible, please visit SAS’s webpage and email us at access@brandeis.edu. We can walk you through the process, answer your questions, and help you get started on the path to receiving support.
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Student Accessibility Support (SAS)
Returning Students with Accommodations: Please remember to read through your accommodation letter along with the details in the hyperlinked document, and email your letters to your professors as soon as possible so your support can be seamlessly arranged. We welcome feedback from students and faculty on the hyperlinked documents, which can be shared by completing the Accommodation Toolkit Feedback Form.
SAS Fellows- Fall 2026 semester Hours Begin:
Our SAS Fellows, peer support program, hold office hours throughout the semester, Monday - Friday in the Academic Services/Student Financial Services lobby (Usdan Student Center, east entrance, top floor) on the couches by the far windows in person or virtually. The SAS Fellows can support you with organizing your upcoming assignments, communicating with instructors, finding campus resources, getting homework done, and navigating accessibility issues.
Please take a look at SAS Fellows' bios for their specific office hours.
You can schedule an appointment ahead of time easily using the calendar OR drop-in during their in-person scheduled office hours. Please note that there will not be SAS Fellows office hours on days that there are no classes in session. Are you unable to make the office hours, but still want to connect with the SAS Fellows? You can email them at SASFellows@brandeis.edu and they will respond to your email during their working hours!
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Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC)
Fall 2026 Therapy Groups
The Fall 2026 schedule for BCC Group Therapy is up and running. Check out the Groups page on the BCC website to learn more about their offerings and to register.
Why Group Therapy?
With group therapy, you get the best of both worlds: the ear of a trained therapist, and the expertise and compassion of your peers. Group therapy is as effective as individual therapy and offers unique benefits. BCC Groups apply evidence-based interventions, including DBT and ACT, and create space for shared learning and skill-building.
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Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office (URCC)
Are you an undergraduate who wants to get involved in a research or creative project? At Brandeis, the Undergraduate Research and Creative Collaborations Office (URCC) can help you find topics, mentors, and funding opportunities for an original research or creative project in close collaboration with leading Brandeis faculty and researchers. Students can get involved in research in many ways, including as paid research assistants, through research grants and fellowships, and research for course credit.
To explore your options, sign up for a one-hour Research 101 workshop now!
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Upcoming Workshops
High School Holdovers: How College Writing is Different
Wednesday, September 23 and Tuesday, September 29
This workshop focuses on common misconceptions about writing that students often “hold over” from high school. We will discuss the "rules of writing" frequently taught in high school and why they are less helpful at the college level. Students will learn to identify the specific elements that make college writing different, such as length/complexity, structure, citation practices, and more.
Best for: first years undergraduates, FYS/CSEM students
Register for Wednesday, September 23, 1pm Workshop
Register for Tuesday, September 29, 1pm Workshop
Senior Theses: Starting the Process
Wednesday, October 7, 1pm
This workshop offers helpful guidance for getting started on large research writing projects such as senior honors theses. Topics covered will include articulating your research project; finding subject-specific databases; narrowing and mapping your argument; and keeping your notes and resources organized with citation managers. Even if you've already started on your project, this workshop features helpful exercises useful at any stage in the writing and research process.
Co-taught by the Brandeis Library and University Writing Center
Best for: undergraduate seniors working on a thesis.
Register for Wednesday, October 7, 1pm Workshop
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