Excellence@Brown is a weeklong, virtual program for incoming first-year students who are interested in jump-starting their journeys as academic writers at Brown. Participants in Excellence@Brown hone their critical writing skills by engaging in interactive writing workshops and working one-on-one with peer tutors who guide them as they find their voice and develop their confidence as academic writers. Students who complete the program will also have the opportunity to receive ongoing writing support during the fall semester, including up to 4 one-on-one meetings with a peer writing tutor. 

Virtual workshops and community cohort activities will be held the week prior to general orientation, August 22-26, between 9:00 – 5:00 PM EDT. While this year’s weeklong Excellence@Brown program will be synchronous, an asynchronous option will be made available to students who will be participating from time zones incompatible with EDT. Excellence@Brown is open to all students, but space is limited.

Program dates
Online: 8/1/2022-8/19/2022
In-Person: 8/23/2022-8/27/2022

The Mosaic+ Transition Program is for newly admitted students interested in learning more about computer science, with an emphasis on being a receptive and inclusive space for community members from racial or ethnic backgrounds that are historically underrepresented. No prior computer science experience is necessary. Students will experience an exciting mix of technical and community-oriented activities and tasks to help prepare them for the rigors of computer science. The hybrid pre-orientation program includes 3-weeks of online asynchronous CS lessons, and 4-days of on-campus CS lessons, social activities, workshops, info-sessions, talks and field trips. Complete this Program Application by July 11, 2022.

Program dates
Online: 8/1/2022-8/19/2022
In-Person: 8/23/2022-8/27/2022

The New Scientist-Catalyst program is a uniquely blended academic and orientation program for newly admitted students of all backgrounds who are committed to increasing the representation of historically underrepresented groups in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The program begins with an introductory three-week online academic course that focuses on developing science concepts, problem solving and learning skills. By the end of this program, you will develop effective group working skills and study practices and engage with challenging problems in STEM. 

The experience is meant to empower students in their pursuit of science and set them on the path to be dynamic members of the New Scientist Collective, an academic year program focused on building community. The application closes July 11, 2022

International Orientation engages participants in the opportunities and challenges of coming to Brown as an international student, including academic expectations, campus life, immigration and visa policies, and transition to life in the United States. International Orientation is primarily organized and run by international students at Brown, ensuring that it is both informed by their experience and socially engaging.

Incoming first-year and transfer students who self-identify as international, regardless of citizenship or residency (including in the United States), should attend International Orientation. Students studying at Brown on a visa are expected to attend.

Throughout International Orientation, students engage with peer mentors from the International Mentoring Program, who continue to offer peer advising and programming throughout the year.  While International Orientation is primarily for students, there are a limited number of sessions open to family members, too.

The Third World Transition Program is a community-building program that promotes interracial understanding. The program helps entering students identify and increase their awareness of issues encountered by minority students in a predominantly white institution.

The program gives students the opportunity to understand and discuss social identities while learning about the resources available at the University. These discussions are carried forward throughout the year through discussions with minority peer counselors in the residence halls and at the Brown Center for Students of Color.

The Third World Transition Program is open to all students, but space is limited.

For more information check out https://www.browntwtp.com/