Programs We Offer
Academic Services strives to provide quality instruction and academic support that enhances the learning experience of Brandeis students. All of these programs provide instruction and/or academic support services such as individualized advising, mentoring, tutoring and other services that increase the likelihood of participants maintaining good academic standing, retention in school and graduation from college. The ultimate intent of AS is to help students have a more productive and rewarding college experience and to maximize every student's potential success.
Academic Services Programs and Services that are open to the general Brandeis student population include:
Academic Enrichment Workshops:
Each semester a series of academic enrichment workshops are offered on topics such as time management, effective note taking and test taking strategies, and reading college texts. The workshops, which are facilitated by Brandeis staff, are free and open to all students. For a schedule of workshops, please refer to the Brandeis Student Handbook & Academic Planner, or click here. This service is coordinated by Laura Doane, Program Advisor for SES.
Brandeis University Group Study (B.U.G.S.):
Peer tutoring is offered to students who may want to improve their knowledge in a course. Knowledgeable Group Study leaders are recommended by faculty members to help students better understand course material, prepare for an exam, or answer any questions relating to the class. Evening drop-in study groups are offered in most subject areas. All sessions meet weekly and are free of charge. There is no need to make an appointment or sign up, just show up at any point during the designated times! For a schedule, click on the B.U.G.S. link on the sidebar.
Textbook Voucher Program:
Each semester, the Office of Student Enrichment Services awards book vouchers of up to $100 to students in need of assistance to purchase textbooks from the Brandeis Bookstore. Vouchers are awarded to Brandeis undergraduates on the basis of financial need. Applications for vouchers are available at the beginning of each semester, but students may receive a book voucher only once per academic year. Kim Godsoe and Dana MacPhee are responsible for the voucher program.
Academic Services also administers a variety of educational access, diversity and retention programs.
Transitional Year Program (TYP):
The Transitional Year Program at Brandeis enrolls 20 outstanding students in a year-long academic program. Brandeis is committed to providing access to higher education for these students who show incredible strengths and talents in their homes, communities, schools, and individual pursuits of post-secondary education, despite having often attended high schools in under-resourced communities. The TYP experience includes a mixture of undergraduate courses and exclusive classes, including English, mathematics, science, computer science, and social science. Students in the TYP become part of the Brandeis community upon joining the program and many stay at the University beyond the transitional year.
TYP staff: Erika Smith - Acting Director and Dana MacPhee - Senior Department Coordinator.Brandeis Posse:
The Posse Foundation in New York City identifies, recruits, and trains incredible youth leaders from urban public high schools and sends these scholars as "Posses" to top colleges and universities in this country. Each Posse is comprised of 10 students who have been meeting together since January of their senior year of high school. Scholars are chosen for their leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. Brandeis has been participating in the Program since 1998, and many articles have been written about the program on campus. Currently 40 Posse Scholars are on the Brandeis campus. During the first two years, students meet weekly as a group and receive individualized mentoring. The Posse Plus organization is very active on the Brandeis campus and holds an annual Posse Plus Retreat.
Posse staff: Kim Godsoe - Brandeis Posse Liaison, PJ Dickson - Posse 8 Mentor, Kenroy Granville - Posse 9 Mentor, and Dana MacPhee - Senior Department Coordinator.Student Support Services Program (SSSP):
Student Support Services (SSSP) is a small, community-oriented program federally funded by TRIO grants. Our staff recognizes academic success and helps students to achieve their goals. We are especially dedicated to working with students who are the first in their families to go to college and those who have overcome significant challenges to attend college. Nationwide, there are 930 Student Support Services Programs and Brandeis University is one of the few highly selective colleges chosen to have this program. At Brandeis, the 135 undergraduates who participate in the program represent a diverse cross-section of the student body. SSSP provides services that are a valuable resource throughout the participants' college careers. We provide academic support, career planning, graduate school preparation, mentoring, cultural and academic trips, and a computer lab.
SSSP staff: Kim Godsoe - Director, Gerardo García-Ríos - Program Coordinator, Laura Doane - Program Advisor, and Elena Wilson - Senior Department Coordinator.