Academic Advising · Pre-Health Advising · Myra Kraft Transitional Year Program
Student Accessibility Support · Student Support Services Program · BUGS Tutors
Roosevelt Fellows · Student Accessibility Support Fellows
Hello here's the latest from
our department!!
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Entering the Final Stretch Confident & Prepared |
We have arrived at the final stretch of the semester. While some of you have calculated its arrival others might be wondering "how did we get here?" Either way, we want you to enter into this time as confident and prepared as possible. This edition of our e-news highlights the many activities and places on campus that will be promoting wellness, preparedness, and self-care at a most critical time in the semester.
We asked our student workers for some tips on preparing for final exams. Here is what they said:
1. Pace yourself and take breaks.
2. Find a quiet space on campus such as the library, BUGS Tutoring Lounge, or SCC.
3. Practice self-care: get sleep, drink water, eat, and shower.
4. Utilize institutional resources; BUGS and Writing Help desk.
5. Form Study Groups.
Academic Services also recently put together a fillable finals planner and is an option when planning "backwards" on assignment/study planning from deadlines and exam dates. This can be really helpful for students who are struggling to map out their study and work time for these remaining weeks.
Good luck finishing up the semester- we are rooting for you!
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Academic Dates & Resources |
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Wednesday, December 7:
- Last day of instruction.
- Last day to declare pass/fail on a semester course (see full details below).
Thursday, December 8:
Friday, December 9 to Monday, December 19:
Learn how to subscribe to the "Brandeis Academic Calendar" on your google calendar.
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Incomplete Grades and Excused Absence from a Final Exam
If an illness or other personal circumstance prevents a student from completing coursework by the end of the semester, or from taking a final exam at the scheduled time, the student may request an incomplete from the instructor. The University is prepared to work with the student and the faculty member to determine whether an Excused Absence (EA) and/or an Excused Incomplete (EI) may be appropriate. For an EA or an EI to be granted, the instructor must agree on the extension, and the student must submit an Incomplete Request Form accessible via the button below. More information about the incomplete policy can be found in the University Bulletin. Students should be in touch with their academic advisor or acserv@brandeis.edu with any questions about the incomplete request process.
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Reopening of the Pass/Fail Option
You should have received an email dated 11/30/2022 from Provost Carol Fierke regarding the re-opening of the pass/fail option for the semester. Here are the details of the email pertaining to undergraduate students:
All Brandeis students will have the opportunity to change one of their courses to a pass/fail grade (undergraduates). The new deadline for declaring a Fall course pass/fail or credit/no credit will be Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 5:00 pm EST.
For undergraduates, if you do elect to take a course pass/fail, the normal regulations for how pass/fail is administered will remain. For example, a student may only take one course pass/fail in a single semester, not multiple courses. At the undergraduate level, if a student changes from a letter grade to a pass/fail, the class will not meet major or minor requirements. Similarly, if a student is preparing for a specific post-graduate opportunity such as medical school, law school, or graduate school, a pass/fail grade may not satisfy the admissions requirements.
Instructions for Undergraduate Students
To declare a course Pass/Fail under this revised timeline, an undergraduate student must send an email to passfail@brandeis.edu, with the following information:
Student Name (First and Last)
Student ID #
Course Department and Title
Course Number
The student should indicate that they would like to elect pass/fail for the course listed for the Fall 2022 semester.
A student who has previously chosen one Fall 2022 course as pass/fail and would like to make a change to a different course must indicate this in the body of the email message.
If you have any questions regarding this opportunity please contact the Registrar's Office at passfail@brandeis.edu or 781-736-2010 or schedule a zoom appointment before the 12/07/2022 deadline.
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Academic Services Unit Updates |
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Petal Power:
Destressing with Dirt
Wednesday, December 7th
11AM-2PM
Usdan East 130 Lobby
Come destress with Academic Services on the last day of classes! Stop by our office and plant with us!
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Fall 2022 Stressbuster Activities
Deep breath. You got this. Keep your stress in check by planning your study time (including breaks!) and taking advantage of our curated list of Virtual Stressbusters, as well as the Stressbuster events listed on the "Stressbusters Calendar" button below.
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BUGS Support for Final Exams
A number of BUGS Tutors are hosting final exam sessions for students who would benefit from a session before their exams. To access a tutors calendar please visit the BUGS website. Here are the sessions that will be available over the next few weeks:
Japanese w/Lynca Saito
JPN 10A: Dec. 8 @3PM
JPN 30A: Dec 9 @3PM
German w/Lola Hamilton
GER 30A: Dec 8 @ 5PM
Chemistry w/Katie Lyons
CHEM 11: Dec 8 @11AM
CHEM 15: Dec 11 @6PM
Physics w/Divji Gupta
PHYS 10a: Dec 5 @6PM
PHYS 11A: Dec 7 @ 2PM
PHYS 10a/11a/15a: Dec 9 @6PM
Korean w/Clara Moon
KOR10a: Dec 12 @1PM
KOR30A: Dec 13 @2PM
KOR 105A: Dec 8 @4PM
Psych 51A w/Dana Jaffe
Dec. 8 @12PM and Dec 12 @12PM
LGLS 10A w/Maggie DiPierdomenico
Dec 11 @2 PM, Dec 12 @ 2PM , and Dec 13 @ 2PM
French w/Simon Botbol
FREN 32A: Dec 13 @2PM
FREN 104B: Dec 14 @2PM
BUGS at the Blue Booths!
Stop by the Blue Booths in Fellows Garden on Monday, December 5th from 4 to 6pm and Tuesday December 6th from 4 to 6pm. BUGS will be handing out cookies and cider, and info on finals study sessions.
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Student Accessibility Support (SAS) Updates
Final Exam Reschedule Request Form is Available.
The final exam schedule for Fall 2022 is posted! If you are approved for an extended time accommodation and have two exams scheduled on the same day, you can request to reschedule one of your exams and take it on Monday, December 19th, at 10am during the conflict resolution exam period. The Final Exam Reschedule Request Form is available on the Registrar's website and needs to be submitted by Sunday, December 4th.
Evening Assignment Accountability Hours on Mondays and Wednesdays, 6pm - 8:30pm, in Schwartz 110.
The SAS Fellows are holding Evening Assignment Accountability Hours (i.e. study hall) this semester on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6pm - 8:30pm in Schwartz 110. The final session for the semester will take place on Wednesday, December 7th. Join the SAS Fellows and other students for increased accountability, community, and help with study tips and organization. Free snacks provided!!
Deisvergent; Fridays from 3:30pm - 4:30pm (offered both in-person and on Zoom!)
Our student-run Neurodiversity/Neurodivergence affinity group, Deisvergent, will meet for the last time this semester this Friday 12/2 from 3:30pm- 4:30pm in the Shapiro Campus Center (SCC), room 315, with the option of joining via this Zoom link.
Meet with the SAS Fellows!
Meet with an SAS fellow to support you with organizing your upcoming assignments, communicate with instructors, find campus resources, and navigate accessibility issues. You can schedule an appointment with any of them easily using this calendar for meeting either in person (in Academic Services lobby area) or over Zoom, OR you can drop in during office hours (please find schedule below) and be helped on a first come, first served basis. Please note that SAS Fellows office hours will wrap up their office hours for the semester on the last day of classes, Wednesday, December 7th.
Monday: 1pm - 2pm; 2:40pm - 4:40pm
Tuesday: 10am - noon; 2pm - 5pm
Wednesday: 1pm - 5pm
Thursday: 1-4pm
Friday: 1pm - 4pm
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Connecting with Academic Advising
We will remain available to students via appointment to student who need our support. See the list below if you would like to know how to make an appointment with an advisor. Do you have a quick question? Call the front desk: 781-736-3470 or email us at acserv@brandeis.edu
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Book a 30 Minute Appointment (schedule is 1-3 weeks out).
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Book a 20 Minute Daily Appointment (schedule is 1-3 days out).
- Call 781-736-3470
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Email acserv@brandeis.edu
You can often get quick questions answered in a more timely fashion if you reach out to our main phone line or main email address.
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Pre-Health Sophomore Check-In
The Sophomore Check-In is a halfway checkpoint open for all pre-health sophomores at Brandeis. This process allows students to create achievable goals toward preparing for health profession schools. Sophomores of all majors and health professions are highly encouraged to participate. Sophomores who feel uncertain about their future healthcare careers are welcomed! You can develop the essential skill sets needed to find clinical & research opportunities, connect to healthcare providers for shadowing, and build mentors needed for letters of recommendation.
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Resources & Events from Campus Partners |
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Library News & Resources
Extended Library Hours: The Library building will be open 24/7 from Tuesday, December 7 to Monday, December 19 (ends at 5:30pm). Remember to take care of yourself and get plenty of sleep and rest.
Citation frustration? The Library is here to help!
Library's Community Care and Comfort events
Stop by the library between December 6 and December 19 to destress and unwind at the library's Community Care and Comfort events. Events and activities include:
- Lego
- Origami
- Puzzles
- Words of Wisdom Wall
- Crafternoon: Positivity Bracelets, 12/9 & 12/14 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm, Brandeis Library Tribute Area
- Stretch and Snacks, 12/13, 3 pm to 3:30 pm, Rapaporte Treasure Hall
- Therapy Dogs, 12/8 & 12/13, 12 pm to 1:30 pm Brandeis Library Tribute Area
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Academic Fellowships
The primary goal of Academic Fellowships at Brandeis is to support students’ academic growth and development. The process of applying for a competitive fellowship or research opportunity can help you clarify your goals and set in motion a plan to achieve them. As fellowship advisors, we can help you learn more about which opportunities are a good match for your interests and then guide you through the application process, from developing your initial ideas all the way through writing your proposal or essays and ultimately submitting your application. We work with students in every class year, from any background, with any GPA, and in any area of interest. Whether you are just beginning your academic journey or already have a specific research project or fellowship application in mind, we look forward to helping you make the most of the available opportunities at Brandeis and beyond! To keep up-to-date about current opportunities and upcoming deadlines, make sure to follow us on Instagram @brandeisfellowships or "like" our Facebook Page.
Udall Scholarship (sophomores and juniors)
The Udall Foundation seeks future leaders from the entire spectrum of environmental fields, including policy, engineering, science, education, urban planning and renewal, business, health, justice, and economics. Benefits include lifelong membership in an active and growing network of alumni; meeting other student leaders at the Udall Scholar Orientation; and up to $7,000 for educational expenses. The Brandeis deadline Intent-to-Apply is January 11, 2023, by which date any interested students should submit the Intent-to-Apply form that can be obtained from Meredith Monaghan, Executive Director of Academic Fellowships. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to email Meredith as soon as possible for advice about the application process.
Fellowships Email List (all undergraduates)
If you are thinking about applying for a fellowship in the future, or just want to learn more about what opportunities are available, you may wish sign up for our weekly newsletter, where we share information about particular fellowship opportunities, application tips, deadline reminders, and more. To opt into this list, please email fellowships@brandeis.edu.
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Student Commencement Speaker Selection Process
We are excited to launch the nomination process as the first step in the selection process for this year’s student speakers at our annual Commencement ceremony and the recipients of The Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence.
The Speaker Nomination forms are now open, and we welcome nominations of potential speakers from faculty, staff, and students. These nomination forms will remain open through 5pm (ET) on Thursday, December 15th. There are two nomination forms: one for undergraduate students, and one for graduate students. Students wishing to be considered for this award must have received an August 2022 degree or be a candidate for a February 2023 degree or May 2023 degree. Students must also be in good academic and community standing.
Students will be notified of their nomination on a rolling basis (but no later than December 16, 2022) and will be invited to submit a draft speech that is due no later than Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 5pm (ET). Draft speeches will be reviewed by selection committees consisting of faculty, staff, and students. The undergraduate and graduate students ultimately selected to speak at Commencement will receive a cash prize of $1,000 for their accomplishments, funded by the endowed Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence.
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Jane Kahn '77 Undergraduate Research Fellowship
Undergraduate students are invited to submit proposals for Jane Kahn Undergraduate Research Fellowship. This fellowship will award up to 2 undergraduates $2,500 each for spring semester projects examining current and emerging issues in criminal justice reform and the rights of individuals with mental illness, disability, and socio-psychological factors frequently associated with incarceration. Projects may be purely research-based, or may be hands-on initiatives that the students develop and implement in the community.
The deadline to apply for spring semester funding is Thursday, December 15, 2022. For more details on the fellowship and how to apply please visit the Legal Studies website.
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