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Admitted Students & Orientation

Orientation - Spring 2021

A variety of mandatory and optional sessions will be offered fully online both live and recorded in January. Initial schedules will be posted by early December.

All-Student Virtual Orientation Schedule: January 11-13, 2021

Specific sessions for international students are included in these dates. Some additional social and networking sessions may fall outside of these dates. Many degree programs will offer additional departmental specific orientation sessions.

Check out:

Tentative Fall 2021 dates: All-Student Orientation: August 31; International Orientation: August 25-27; Student of Color Orientation: August 29-30

New Student Email Communications
See the email logs for communications to new students. The first several emails will generally go to your personal account, after January 1, subsequent emails will be sent to your Brown account.

What to do now

1) Activate your Brown account

As soon as you receive instructions to activate, or:

  • By June 1 for degree programs that start in September 
  • By May 1 for degree programs that start in June and July
  • By January 1 for degree programs that start in January

Check your personal email for instructions to activate your Brown account with your Brown ID. For issues, see the IT Knowledgebase or contact the Computing and Information Services IT Service Center. 

After activation, we recommend you:

  1. Add a mobile number to Banner. This allows you to reset your Brown password should you forget it, and also ensures you are notified should an emergency occur at Brown. To do this, log in to selfservice.brown.edu and click Personal Information.
  2. Log in to your email. You can simply visit gmail.com and log in with your Brown email address and the password you chose for Google services.
  3. Setup Two-Step Verification. The first time you log in to a Brown service like Banner, you will be prompted to set up a means of verification, such as a phone number. You can log into MyAccount after setup to add additional devices or phone numbers. Read more about two-step verification at brown.edu/go/twostep
    Note for international students: International numbers are acceptable and they should be entered with a + in front of the country code. If you don't plan to get a US cell phone once in the country, you can use the smartphone app over wifi or without a connection, print a sheet of bypass codes from MyAccount, or pick up a token from the IT Service Center.
2) Read about financing graduate school

Read Financing Graduate School and check out other resources at the Office of Financial Aid.

3) Explore housing options

Optional. 
Explore housing options: Graduate student housing applications through Auxiliary Housing open in March for the following fall. Please also consider joining us for a student run Incoming Housing Webinar on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11:00 am; register to attend.

4) Learn more about the Graduate School

Read more about Brown University Graduate School: Deans and staff, governance, where we are on social media, and the Graduate Student Council.

What to do before you arrive on campus

1) Submit required health related documentation

By July 1 for programs that start in the summer or fall.
By January 2 for programs that start in the spring.
Submit required health related documentation and learn more about your health services while at Brown. 

2) Health insurance coverage

By July 31 for programs that begin in the summer and fall
By January 8 for programs that begin in the spring 2021
Learn about your health insurance coverage while at Brown. Waive coverage if you are currently enrolled in a plan with comparable coverage.

3) Submit a photo for your Brown Identification Card

By August 1 (earlier if possible) for programs that start in the summer and fall
By December 4 for programs that start in the spring

Visit the Applicant and Student section on Banner to submit a photo for your Brown Identification Card. 

4) Submit a final transcript

By August 1 for programs that start in the summer and fall
By December 15 for programs that start in the spring

Official transcripts for your undergraduate degree, including degree conferral, must be submitted to the Graduate School:

  • ​​Via mail to:
    Graduate School Admissions
    Brown University 
    Box 1867
    Providence, RI 02912

  • Via email from your school's Registrar​'s Office through a​n​ ​electronic​ service to [email protected]
5) Pay your tuition bill

By August 1 for the fall semester
By January 1 for the spring semester
Read about your bill, billing credits, and the student account statement.

6) Complete required course on Codes of Academic & Student Conduct

By September 9 for programs that start in the summer and fall
By January 15 for programs that start in the spring

Complete the online course on Academic Code & Code of Student Conduct as soon as you receive the links in your Brown email.

7) Start the I-9 Process

Start the I-9 Form process (if you will be receiving a stipend), which can be initated in Workday. If needed, see instructions for completing the I-9. 

8) See accommodations, parking & directions

Checkout the pages on Accommodations, Parking, Maps & Directions before you arrive.

What to do after you arrive on campus

1) Pick up your Brown ID Card

As soon as possible after arrival on campus.
Visit the Brown Card Office (check website for hours before going), Page-Robinson Hall, room 511. Learn about Brown ID Card services.

2) Meet requirements for international students

Read additional information for international students.

Deadline: within 3 days of arriving in Providence.
Complete the OISSS International Student Registration Form online (brown.edu/go/reg) with a scan of your passport, immigration documents, and I-94 record.

Deadline: approximately 10 days - two weeks after arrival. 
If you are receiving funding from Brown, apply for a Social Security card; provide your Social Security number to the Payroll office.

3) Set up direct deposit; complete federal and state withholding

By September 1
Complete the forms online through the Workday. 

Tips:

  • On the right hand side of the page, select "Workday Access".  Once logged in, check your Workday inbox for required tasks to complete.
  • Staff at the Brown Business Center can also help students review their records and assist with the completion of these forms.
4) Visit your program

Meet the program leadership, administrators, and your advisor. Consult with your advisor prior to registering for courses.

5) Register for courses

November 16-24, 2020 and again January 13, 2021 for new students starting in spring 2021
Register online for courses through CAB ([email protected]).
Check out the Registrar's website for a calendar with important dates and deadlines and registration information.

6) Complete the I-9 Process

By August 29
Complete the I-9 Form process (if you will be receiving a stipend), which can be initiated in Workday before arriving on campus and completed at the Brown Business Center,  Page-Robinson Hall, room 213. If needed, see instructions for completing the I-9. Also, see a list of acceptable documents.

7) Important Dates & Deadlines for Graduate Students

Review the Important Dates & Deadlines for Graduate Students.

Campus Resources

Academic

Library and Research Support
The Brown University Library offers a wealth of information for graduate students, from traditional books and journals to original manuscripts and photographs, full-text databases, digital images, data sets, and streaming multimedia. Learn more about the locations, materials, and resources available to the Brown community. Also be sure to set up a meeting with your Subject Librarian.

Professional Development
Learn about the many offices and centers that can help you develop skills to succeed in both the academic and non-academic worlds after Brown.

Teaching
Whether you pursue a career inside or outside of higher education, developing the necessary skills to communicate your knowledge, ideas and research to others is critical. Learn about the offices and programs available to help develop teaching and communication skills.

Writing Center
Take advantage of this free academic service. The Center is staffed with experienced writers and teachers who offer support to graduate student of varying writing abilities.

Service, Support & Logistics

Bookstore
Visit the Brown Bookstore for all your supplies and technology needs. The Bookstore offers a full line of electronic products, including iPads, software, peripherals, and related supplies. There also house an in-store authorized Apple and Dell Service, Repair, and Consultation Center, and a broad selection of collegiate and casual clothing. 

Computing & Information Services
The Computing and Information Services IT Service Center offers technical support to members of the Brown community. Learn more about all aspects of network access, computer use, software, printing, and technology training on campus.  

Dining Services
Read about flexible eating plans and the dining facilities on campus. Dining Services offers a variety of options related to students’ tastes, preferences, and hectic lifestyles.

Mail Services
Learn more about mail and package delivery on campus and how your mail should be addressed.

Public Safety (DPS)
Learn more about services offered to students (emergency phones, Safewalk, Campus Watch) and tips for staying safe on campus. Police and Public Safety Officers patrol the campus 24 hours a day, seven days a week in patrol vehicles, on bicycles, and on foot and the Communication Control Center can be accessed 24 hours a day.

Student Accessibility (SAS)
SAS coordinates services and accommodations for students who may need accommodations related to medical, physical and psychological concerns as well as assisting students with Attention Deficit Disorder, learning disabilities, sensory conditions and more. 

Transportation
Learn how to get around on and off campus with a variety of services offered by the Transportation Office. Brown offers evening and onCall ride programs, weekday campus transport for students with disabilities, a daytime shuttle service, free bus service through RIPTA and more.

Title IX Office
Find out about assistance and services offered by the Title IX office and campus coordinators. 

Community & Living

Athletics
Find out more about the recreational offerings (club sports, fitness classes, personal training) and the many on-campus facilities available to all students through the recreation fee.

Chaplains & Religious Life
Brown’s Chaplains are a multi-faith team—Muslim, Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant—who are available to consult with all students. Reach out to them for questions or discussion that can be voiced and explored openly, whether these concerns originate within religious, philosophical, ethical, or spiritual practice.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
CAPS is a good resource to visit if you are experiencing difficulty coping, are faced with making difficult decisions, or managing other emotional or psychological problems. Records are confidential and there is no charge for their services.  

Family Resources
In this section, read about family-related policies, campus and external resources for families and children.

Student Activities
Learn about the nearly 500 recognized student groups, including a number of graduate student specific organizations on BearSync, which are supported by the Student Activities Office.

Campus Events Calendar

Check out the Campus Events Calendar.

Beyond the Gates

Beyond the Gates: An introduction to Rhode Island, Providence and beyond. Learn what’s nearby (banks, shopping, food), where else you can visit in the state, and how to get there.