Dear Brandeis Students,

I am grateful to the students who have been writing to me and who came to Friday’s open office hours to share their experiences and begin a dialogue. I am writing today with updates since my April 27 email.

New Advisory Committee: Student Affairs welcomes and is committed to opportunities for diverse student representation in discussions related to the housing selection process. As such, we will create a housing selection advisory committee convened by my office in collaboration with the Community Living team. To ensure diverse student and campus partner voices, the committee structure and selection criteria will be developed this summer and implemented in the fall upon students’ return. The Community Living and Student Affairs teams and our partners are committed to improving processes and associated communications.

Financial Aid Reminder: Brandeis meets 100\% of demonstrated financial need for all domestic undergraduates, and for all international undergraduates who apply for aid during the admission process. Please refer to the affordability section of the Student Financial Services website where this policy is further documented and elaborated.

If you would like to discuss your financial aid package, you may schedule an appointment with your assigned financial aid counselor. You may sign up online for either a phone or Zoom appointment (parents are welcome to join you).  If you need to meet with a counselor outside of regular business hours, you may schedule an off-hour financial aid appointment here.

Looking Ahead: One of the key issues raised by a group of concerned and interested students was the availability of additional housing capacity for the fall. Our team is actively exploring all options, both on campus and locally. We will share information as it becomes available. Additionally, we will continue discussions with students regarding emergency housing concerns.

There are several opportunities to share your perspective. Please join us at open office hours on Tuesday, May 2 from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the Student Affairs suite, room 106 in Gryzmish. Vice President of Student Affairs Andrea Dine, Vice Provost Kim Godsoe, and a representative of Student Financial Services; or at the upcoming listening session with President Liebowitz on Wednesday, May 3 from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in Rapaporte Treasure Hall.

Sincerely,

Andrea Dine

Vice President of Student Affairs