Hey there, New Brunonian!
Brown University's Orientation and First Year Experience (FYE) is designed to set students up for broad success: thriving inside and outside of the classroom. Our Orientation and FYE programs are informed by peer-reviewed scholarship on student transitions, belonging, and success-- and accordingly, represent a multifaceted “comprehensive, coordinated, and wide-reaching effort designed to support student success” (Young & Chung, 2019, p. 12). This experience is guided by the centrality of joy and belonging, and framed by four learning pillars:
- The Engaging Brown’s Open Curriculum pillar equips students with the tools, knowledge, and perspectives to embrace Brown's Open Curriculum, and includes sessions exploring open inquiry, academic advising, dialogue, course registration, and more.
- Our Belonging & Community pillar focuses on building relationships, fostering dialogue, and introducing involvement opportunities to help students feel at home. From traditions like our Orientation Dance and Move-in Ice Cream Social, to newer signature events like Dialogues of Discovery, students make new friends, explore Brown and Providence, and find their community of belonging.
- The Seeking Support and Using Resources pillar introduces new students to the wide array of support services, wellness offerings, and engagement options available to enrich their Brown experience. We emphasize resource- and help- seeking as success strategies for all students.
- Finally, our Living Well in College pillar supports students developing the habits, mindsets, and practical skills to navigate college life with intention and care. It lifts up well-being, resilience, self-management, independence, time management, conflict navigation, decision-making, and personal responsibility.
As the Orientation & FYE teams weaves these learning priorities throughout the student experience, our students enjoy a supportive, engaging, and memorable experience that empowers them to thrive as they transition to Brown!
Whether you’re a traditional first-year college student, transferring from another institution, visiting for the semester or resuming your undergraduate education after a pause, you are a welcome addition to the Brown University community. We’re so glad you’re here.
