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News and Events
Date September 2, 2025
Media Contact
Maggie Spear
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401-863-7287
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Photos and video: New academic year, new energy at Brown

A lively week of welcome events ushered in the Fall 2025 semester at Brown with spirit and celebration, setting the tone for a dynamic year ahead.

Close-up Students at Neighborhood Rally
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First-year students take part in the Neighborhood Rally on Pembroke Field. The rally brings students from each residence hall group together to bond through a series of games and competitions.

Water balloon hand-off
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First-year students take part in the Neighborhood Rally on Pembroke Field. The rally brings students from each residence hall group together to bond through a series of games and competitions.

Student leads orientation activity
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First-year students meet with their Bruno Leaders — current Brown students who serve as resources, facilitators and official representatives of the University who introduce and model community values, norms, and expectations to incoming students.

Orientation tour guide
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First-year students meet with their Bruno Leaders — current Brown students who serve as resources, facilitators and official representatives of the University who introduce and model community values, norms, and expectations to incoming students.

Orientation lecture with Sydney Skybetter
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Students chat with Sydney Skybetter, director of the Brown Arts Institute, after a talk about Brown’s Open Curriculum delivered by Skybetter and Dean of the College Ethan Pollock.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — At Brown University, the start of each academic year brings new faces, fresh energy and plenty of possibilities. 

The feeling was palpable during the week before the Fall 2025 semester’s official kick-off, with Brown having welcomed more than 3,200 new undergraduate, graduate and medical students to campus. 

From early pre-orientation experiences to New Student Orientation, a dynamic series of events helped incoming students settle in, build connections and begin their journey as members of the Brown community.

Class of 2029 New Student Orientation

From move-in day and fond farewells, to making new friends and settling into life at Brown — the past few days have been filled with excitement, curiosity and connection for our newest Brunonians.

@brownuniversity

All orientation activities culminated in the University’s 262nd Opening Convocation on Tuesday, Sept. 2, on the College Green, where President Christina H. Paxson offered a warm welcome, and keynote speaker Ethan Pollock, dean of the College, encouraged students to make the most of their Brown education. 

The accompanying photo galleries illustrate moments from the week, captured by Senior Marketing and Communications Photographer Nick Dentamaro.

Orientation dance crowd shot
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First-year students get down on the College Green during Brown’s annual Orientation Dance.

Students meet Bruno
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Students get an official introduction to Bruno at an Orientation event.

Water balloon toss
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First-year students take part in the Neighborhood Rally on Pembroke Field. The rally brings students from each residence hall group together to bond through a series of games and competitions.

dance performance at orientation event
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Brown’s student-led modern African dance troupe OJA! performs during an Orientation welcome event.

Orientation dance megaphone
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First-year students get down on the College Green during Brown’s annual Orientation Dance.

Students move in to residence halls
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Assisted by student, staff and faculty volunteers, Brown University’s newest undergraduate, transfer and visiting students moved into their residence halls on campus.

Tags
Campus Life Clubs and Organizations Open Curriculum

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