Welcome to Orientation and First-Year Programs
The department of Orientation and First-Year Programs develops, advises, manages and evaluates all elements of a comprehensive New Student Orientation Program for both the Fall arrivals and the Midyear students. The orientation program is designed, coordinated and implemented by an Orientation Core Committee of student leaders who are chosen through a selective process in the fall. They participate in Leadership Training and work during the year, as well as throughout the summer to create a week-long series of educational and social programs that help new students with their transition into Brandeis University. The Orientation Core Committee also selects over 100 Orientation Leaders, who come back two weeks early for an Orientation Leader Training Program and to help implement the Orientation Program itself.
The First-Year Programs that extend from Orientation are a yearlong series of programs as well as a First-Year Experience course that complement and extend the educational mission of the University and focus on the first-year experience including: student development, transfer connections, and commuter involvement in the Brandeis community. First-Year programs provide opportunities for and encourage increased contact between first year students, their advisors, faculty, staff and the community as a whole. The programs specifically address the core values developed within the Division of Student Affairs and focus on developing the whole student. These programs prepare new students for the challenges of an intellectual and academically rigorous environment, as well as prepare them for living and learning in a pluralistic and diverse community.
Contact us with any questions or feedback:
Michelle O'Malley
Director
Kerri Hennessey
Department Coordinator
Jenny Abdou
New Student Orientation Programs Specialist