OrientationOrientation for Graduate Students
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
International Student Orientation
Thursday, August 22 - Friday, August 23, 2019
Graduate Student of Color Orientation (participation is optional)
Sunday, August 25 - Monday, August 26, 2019
New Student Email Communications
See the email logs for communications to new students. The first several emails will go to your personal account, after June 1, subsequent emails will be sent to your Brown account.
By June 1 (by May 1 for MAT and MPA students)
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:
Read Financing Graduate School and check out other resources at the Office of Financial Aid.
Optional.
Explore housing options: Graduate student housing applications open in March. Please also consider joining us for a student-run housing webinar on May 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm EST.
Read more about Brown University Graduate School: Deans and staff, governance, where we are on social media, and the Graduate Student Council.
By July 1
Submit required health related documentation and learn more about your health services while at Brown.
By July 31
Learn about your health insurance coverage while at Brown. Waive coverage if you are currently enrolled in a plan with comparable coverage.
By August 1 (earlier if possible)
Visit the Applicant and Student section on Banner to submit a photo for your Brown Identification Card.
By August 1
Official transcripts for your undergraduate degree, including degree conferral, must be submitted to the Graduate School:
By August 1
Read about your bill, billing credits, and the student account statement.
By August 20
Complete the online course on Academic Code & Code of Student Conduct as soon as you receive the links in your Brown email in early May (MPA & MAT) or early June (all other degrees).
Checkout the pages on Accommodations, Parking, Maps & Directions before you arrive.
As soon as possible after arrival on campus (international students must visit OISSS first).
Visit the Brown Card Office, Page-Robinson Hall, room 511. Learn about Brown ID Card services.
Read additional information for international students.
Deadline: within 3 days of arriving on campus.
Visit the Office of International Student & Scholar Services (OISSS): bring your passport, immigration documents, and I-94 printout.
Deadline: approximately 10 days after arrival.
If you are receiving funding from Brown, apply for a Social Security card; provide your Social Security number to the Payroll office.
By September 1
Complete the forms online through the Workday.
Tips:
Meet the program leadership, administrators, and your advisor. Consult with your advisor prior to registering for courses.
On September 3, 2019
Register online for courses through self-service Banner.
Check out the Registrar's calendar for important dates and deadlines.
By September 1
Complete an I-9 Form (if you will be receiving a stipend), which can be initated in Workday and completed at the Brown Business Center, Page-Robinson Hall, room 213. If needed, instructions for completing section 1 of the I-9 can be found on the I-9 Central site. Also, see a list of acceptable documents.
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.
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 & Employee Accessibility (SEAS)
Contact SEAS to coordinate any accommodations and services that you may need for a physical, sensory, psychological, and learning disability, including short-term accommodations for an unexpected injury.
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.
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.
Check out the Campus Events Calendar.
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.
