Undergraduate Orientation

Design Your Education

Start planning your academic path at Brown.

Design Your Education

Start planning your academic path at Brown.

Academic life at Brown is rigorous. Students report that it’s less about competition and more about needing to meet their own high standards for participating fully in the life of the University. Brown provides an abundance of academic support services to help you achieve your academic objectives.

The College is home to Brown’s academic advising hub. Academic deans are here to:

  • serve as advisors to first-year students
  • hold weekly open hours for students to discuss academic issues
  • oversee Brown’s academic advising programs
  • assist students needing enhanced academic support

Academic programs housed in the College include the Curricular Resource Center, the Writing Center, the Science Center, and undergraduate research awards and fellowships. These services are complemented by the professional staff in Brown’s libraries and academic support programs in individual departments.

Learn more about the College

Your First Course Schedule

You will meet with your advisors for an initial academic advising conversation before you register for your first semester of courses. You’ll also learn about how to approach “shopping period” — the period of time when you visit classes you may consider taking.

Online Advising Tools

Academic Calendar

The Academic Calendar is where you’ll find important dates throughout the academic year, such as the start and end of each semester, shopping period, the last day to add or drop a class and breaks from classes.

Student Accessibility Services

Student Accessibility Services coordinates and facilitates services for students with medical, physical, psychological and learning disabilities. If you need accommodations or services due to a disability or medical condition, you should contact Student Accessibility Services to discuss those needs and begin the registration process.

Academic and Student Conduct Codes

Students sit around a conference table listening as one student speaks
Reading and understanding the Academic Code and Student Code of Conduct is an essential first step in becoming a member of the Brown community.

At Brown we strive to maintain an open learning environment based on individual expression and the free exchange of ideas. Our community and our academic mission are governed by four basic principles:

  • Individual integrity
  • Respect for others
  • Respect for University resources
  • Respect for the values of teaching, learning and scholarship

Brown’s Academic and Student Conduct codes explain these principles and, along with them, your rights and responsibilities as a Brown student.

Complete the Tutorial

In July and August, you will receive links via your Brown email address to mandatory online tutorials, hosted on Canvas. All first-year, transfer, visiting and resumed undergraduate students must complete these tutorials before arrival.

Deadline for Completing Student Code Tutorials

Starting semester Complete by
Fall 2023 Check your email