The Director of Undergraduate Studies (DUS) is a faculty member responsible for delivering information about their undergraduate program to current and prospective undergraduates. In the context of Brown's otherwise open curriculum, the role takes on added significance, as the process of "declaring" or choosing a concentration represents a major event of undergraduate academic life. As students have advocated for stronger academic communities within their respective concentrations, the DUS has the potential to serve as an important intellectual leader/mentor who might, at their very best, foster an engaging and inclusive academic culture.

While particular responsibilities may vary depending on the size and complexity of the undergraduate program, the DUS is  generally considered the key bridge between the department and its undergraduates. In addition to oversight over the structure and content of the undergraduate concentration(s), the DUS may also be responsible for:

• advising undergraduate concentrators, and/or overseeing other concentration advisors in this work; 
• reviewing syllabi for new or modified courses submitted via the course proposal system (see syllabus guidelines); 
• collaborating with other unit administrators around course schedules/teaching assignments;
• chairing or convening a curriculum committee and/or an honors committee (see the CCC's guidelines for honors and capstones);
• ensuring accuracy of published information in the University Bulletin, Focal Point, etc., coordinating with the College Curriculum Council, as needed;
• representing the concentration(s) at various events hosted by the College; 
• serving as a liaison to the Departmental Undergraduate Group (DUG); overseeing Concentration Declaration Day. 

The College maintains regular contact with DUSes and other concentration advisors through a number of means, including:

• Orientation for new concentration advisors and department managers on Friday, August 27 (via zoom)
• Concentration Advisor Handbook (Updated for 2023-24)
• College Curriculum Council Reports on Best Practices for Honors and Best Practices for Capstones in the Concentration
• "Concentration Advising" Google Calendar
• Monthly emails on a range of topics
• Monthly virtual gatherings around key advising and curricular topics (dates to be announced)
• Policies related to undergraduate advising

Any questions may be directed to college@brown.edu.