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. Through group activities, discussions and a short project, you will be introduced to other incoming students in an effort to build a Brown STEM community.

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.

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 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. 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 three-week online program includes both asynchronous computer science lessons and synchronous activities, workshops, info sessions and talks.

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.

Participations in Bonner Pre-Orientation build community through social events and participate in a training series that will prepare them to serve the Providence community and ultimately to be matched with a community organization in Providence. This program is only available to students in the Bonner Community Fellowship program. The Bonner Community Fellowship supports students of diverse economic and social backgrounds to become leaders through capacity building projects and community service opportunities in Providence. Through the fellowship, students receive weekly programming aimed at developing a student’s leadership skills, intensive mentorship and advising, and financial assistance for income-eligible students.

Visit the Swearer Center program page to learn more about how to apply to be a Bonner and be invited to Bonner Pre-Orientation.