Your Comprehensive Guide to Brown University Freshman Orientation
Embarking on your college journey at Brown University is an exciting step. Orientation programs are designed to facilitate a smooth transition, foster a sense of belonging, and set you up for success both academically and socially. This guide provides a detailed overview of what you can expect during Brown University's freshman orientation.
Introduction
Brown University, an interdisciplinary-focused Ivy League institution in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its dedication to undergraduate freedom through its Open Curriculum. This means students have the responsibility of designing their own courses of study. Orientation serves as a crucial introduction to this unique academic environment and the broader Brown community.
Who Should Attend Orientation?
Orientation at Brown is for ALL new students. Whether you are a:
- Traditional first-year college student
- Transfer student from another institution
- Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) student returning after a pause
- Visiting student for the semester
Brown University wants all new students to participate in Orientation. As a transfer student, you will have specific events during which you can meet other transfer students and ask your questions.
Key Objectives of Orientation
Brown University's Orientation is designed to set up incoming first-year students for success: thriving inside and outside of the classroom. Our Orientation programs are informed by peer-reviewed scholarship on student transitions, belonging, and success-- and accordingly, represent a multifaceted “comprehensive, coordinated, and wide-reaching effort designed to support student success” (Young & Chung, 2019, p. 12).
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The New Brunonian Experience is guided by the centrality of joy and belonging, and framed by three learning pillars:
- Academic Preparedness: Equips students with the tools, knowledge, and perspectives to embrace Brown's Open Curriculum. This includes sessions exploring open inquiry, academic advising, and course registration.
- Community Connections: Focuses on building relationships, fostering dialogue, and introducing involvement opportunities to help students feel at home. From traditions like our Orientation Dance and Move-in Ice Cream Social, to newer signature events like our Class Photo and the Neighborhood Rally, Brown students make new friends, explore Brown and Providence, and find their community of belonging.
- Campus Resources: Introduces new students to the wide array of support services, wellness offerings, and engagement options available to enrich their Brown experience.
What to Expect During Orientation
While specific schedules may vary, here's a general overview of what you can anticipate:
- Welcome and Introductions: Kick off orientation with a warm welcome from university officials and introductions to fellow classmates.
- Academic Advising: Learn about Brown's Open Curriculum and receive guidance on course selection and registration. The academic preparedness pillar equips students with the tools, knowledge, and perspectives to embrace Brown's Open Curriculum, and includes sessions exploring open inquiry.
- Community Building Activities: Participate in social events, games, and icebreakers to connect with other new students. Orientation is filled with games, laughter and lots of information to make your years at JBU successful. Plus, you will meet other incoming students!
- Campus Tours: Familiarize yourself with the campus layout, including academic buildings, libraries, and student resources.
- Resource Fairs: Discover the various support services and organizations available to students, such as the CareerLAB and student clubs.
- Information Sessions: Attend presentations on topics like student life, health and wellness, and campus safety.
- Traditions and Events: Participate in signature events like the Orientation Dance and Move-in Ice Cream Social, as well as newer events like the Class Photo and the Neighborhood Rally.
- Exploring Providence: Discover the city of Providence, including nearby restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions. Students can easily walk one minute to Thayer Street and "enjoy restaurants and excellent dining" or walk 20 minutes to Providence Place Mall. Kennedy Plaza is close to campus and is the bus service hub for the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA), which serves the City of Providence and the state of Rhode Island.
Specific Programs for Certain Students
- International Students: Our International Office has an international and MK orientation that begins a few days before the full orientation (which you will then take part in).
- Transfer and RUE Students: The Transfer and Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) Advising Programs in the College provide personalized guidance, support, and programming for Transfer, RUE, Veterans, and Visiting students as you navigate Brown’s many resources.
Preparing for Orientation
- Check the Orientation Website: Stay updated on the latest schedule and information. We want you to have the best, up-to-date information, so we will edit the schedule online as changes are made. Onboarding for incoming students will start in late May. For now, we encourage you to explore the “Resources for Incoming Students” section below. We’re here to assist and look forward to helping you!
- What to Wear: Orientation is a casual event, so wear comfortable, casual clothing.
- Plan Your Transportation: Public transportation and shared ride services are available to the campus and downtown Providence. Visitors may find parking in Lot 68 Upper, also called the Power Street Parking Garage, located at 111 Power Street. Accessible street parking is available throughout the campus.
Life Beyond Orientation
- Academics: Students describe a nice balance between work and play at Brown-academia rules during a week that is "filled with countless hours of study," but it's also an "exciting" and "very happy place with many activities and events going on all the time."
- Career Opportunities: The freethinkers at Brown are more likely to carve their own paths than “just go to the normative career options,” and the school welcomes this approach with open arms. All post-graduate coordination is done through CareerLAB-the center for Careers and Life after Brown-which arranges for on-campus recruiting, job fairs, skills workshops, boot camps, and more; students are encouraged to set up an appointment with a Peer Career Advisors as early as October of their first year. The center’s newest addition, BrownConnect, expands these opportunities beyond the campus, joining students to a network of alumni, parents, and friends, and acting as "one-stop shopping" for finding internships, research opportunities, and funding for those wishing to take low-paid or unpaid internships or research projects. Indeed, “career and internship placement has become a top priority of the…university administration,” and students enjoy the fruits of Brown’s reputation when applying for jobs.
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