News for Faculty & Staff
News from the Dean
![Dean Shoulson, a man with short, grey hair, wears a blue suit and tie.](../../images/people/staff/shoulson-jeffrey.jpg)
Dear Colleagues,
This month marks the end of my first academic year as Dean of Arts and Sciences and it seems like a good time to take a step back and reflect on the experience.
I think it’s fair to say that I did not anticipate how challenging a year it would be. Between the significant tensions that arose on campus in the wake of Hamas’s attacks and Israel’s military response and the budgetary challenges we are now facing across the university, I don’t know that I can point to a solid week of my tenure thus far that could be described as “business as usual.” Not that there ever is such a thing as a typical week in the deanery, where we are always trying to strike a balance between managing the predictable routines of the academic year and addressing the unanticipated crises or opportunities (big and small) that inevitably arise. And, of course, there is always the need to carve out time to think and plan beyond the most immediate and obvious demands—there never seems to be enough of that.
As I’ve observed to some of you over the year, while I would never have wished for any of these substantial challenges, the silver lining to all of them is that they have accelerated the pace at which I’ve been able to get to know many of you and to learn about what matters most to you; to see just how dedicated you are to the work we do at Brandeis—and how good you are at it; and to understand what makes this place so special.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes in my first year and, while I don’t want to rehearse them here, I do continue to learn from them even as I keep making new ones. I am grateful to those who have given me the grace to acknowledge my errors and the space to make amends, even as I do appreciate your willingness to call me on my missteps—really! I can’t get better at my job if I don’t know where I need to improve. I strongly believe that we must model humility and open- mindedness to our students and feel it is among my chief responsibilities as Dean to set an example.
Most importantly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to the people who make it possible for me to fulfill my duties, starting with the team in the DAS office. Kathleen McMahan works quietly but oh-so-effectively behind the scenes, ensuring the smooth internal operations of our office and keeping me on task, expertly assisted by Brynn Sibley and Kayla Whitehurst. Shannon Kearns is simply superb at all things operational and administrative. First Wendy Cadge and now Charles Golden have been extraordinary deans, partners, and counsellors in the work we do in support of graduate studies. Without Joel Christensen (assisted by Alicia Hyland and Heather Young) and Olga Papaemmanouil (along with Lauren Buckley) I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through the year—their wisdom and perspective, not to mention their hard work, have been essential. I am grateful for my partnership with Dean of Academic Services, Lori Tenser. And I am delighted to welcome our new A&S development officer, Hannah Taytslin Devine, who will be a key partner in our increased fund-raising efforts going forward. I also want to thank Division Heads Bulbul Chakraborty, Caren Irr, and Aïda Yuen Wong for all their work and support, with a special shout-out to Bulbul as she steps down from the role at the end of this academic year. Finally, I want to recognize the dedication of all the departmental and program leaders, too many to mention here.
Thanks to all of you. I am so proud and thankful to be your colleague.
Wishing you all a restful, restorative, and productive summer. I look forward to seeing you back on campus in the Fall.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey
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General Updates
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Brandeis is now offering a Faculty Mortgage Program (FMP) for tenured faculty at Brandeis. The purpose of the program is to make home ownership more affordable to newly tenured faculty and to make Brandeis a more attractive employer to recruit and retain exemplary talent. A secondary goal is to have the beneficiaries of this program live in relative proximity to campus to allow them greater engagement with campus activities. For additional information, please visit the faculty mortgage program page.
Academic Affairs
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February 1, 2024
The university is deeply appreciative of the continued efforts made by our staff to support the university’s mission, our students and each other. We recognize the importance of work/life flexibility and time away from work to focus on yourself, your family and friends and to return to the workplace with renewed energy.
Departments/units may continue to offer a flexible or compressed schedule to eligible staff this summer beginning Monday, June 10 through Friday, Aug. 16 (excluding holiday weeks).
The University’s priority is to provide effective and efficient services to internal and external constituencies during all normal working hours, Monday through Friday. Therefore, it is important that flexible or compressed work schedules are discussed with staff and approved by the department’s appropriate supervisor, in coordination with the Department Chair, Director, Dean, Vice President or Senior Vice President. Some departments may be unable to implement the program due to operational needs. Please visit the Flexible Schedule website for additional information.
February 1, 2024
Welcome new undergraduate students to campus as a Navigating Health and Safety Instructor! Instructors teach sections of Navigating Health and Safety, a six-week module required for all new/incoming undergraduate students addressing mental health, substance use, sexual health, consent, bystander intervention, and campus resources.
This position is designed for current Brandeis employees. It provides the opportunity to connect with new students and have fun doing it!
The 50-minute classes are held once per week, either during business hours or in the evening depending on your availability and your supervisor’s approval. In the classroom, instructors lead discussions and facilitate engaging group activities. There is no lecturing!
For more information, visit the HWL Instructor Resources webpage. The compensation is $480 per section for instructors who have worked at Brandeis fewer than 6 years. Instructors that have worked at Brandeis for six or more years will receive $536 per section. Apply on Workday, and direct any questions to hawp@brandeis.edu.
Teaching Updates
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In allocating instructional support positions through the School of Arts and Sciences, we aim to maintain equity and transparency and make decisions about teaching support based on the learning needs of our undergraduates. Please note that beginning in Fall 2024, departments and programs will have the option to request an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UTA) through this process.
Fall Registration for new undergraduate students begins on July 10th and re-opens for returning students on July 17th. We will begin the process of hiring Teaching Assistants, Course Assistants and Graders on July 1st. Please submit requests via the Request for Course Assistant (CA) and Grader Support form beginning on July 1st.
The request process and enrollment ratios will remain the same as in previous years. Please visit our website for full instructions, job descriptions and criteria for A&S support of additional CA/TA/Grader/UTA requests.
If you plan to hire PhD students as TAs, please submit the request as close to July 1st as possible (though positions will continue to be approved for courses that meet enrollment requirements through September 11th). We are required by the graduate student union to prepare appointment letters for PhD students who will work as fall Teaching Assistants and Teaching Fellows by August 17, 2024.
Key Deadlines:
July 1: First day to submit forms requesting CA, UTA and Grader support (please submit all initial requests in one batch).
July 1 through as early in the fall term as possible: Once you are approved for CA and Grader hires, you can begin to talk with students about CAs and Grader positions. Please submit the hiring forms to GSAS between July 1 and August 24, if at all possible. Instructions about how to do so will be included in your approval notifications.
August 17: Deadline to submit forms for PhD TA hires to GSAS. Please submit the hiring form (one per student).
August 24: Preliminary deadline to submit form for Course Assistant and Grader hires to GSAS. Please submit the hiring form (one per student).
September 11: Undergraduate fall course enrollment ends. Deadline to submit forms requesting CA and Grader support.
September 20: Final deadline to submit forms for Course Assistant and Grader hires to GSAS.
If you have questions, please email Brynn Sibley and Abigail Arnold.
In a Pedagogical Partnership, a faculty member chooses a student partner to work with them on a course they teach throughout the semester. The student partner sits in on their faculty member’s course and meets with them weekly to provide feedback from a student point of view. The CTL provides training and support for both the student partners and the participating faculty members throughout the semester.
By signing up, you agree to participating in the following components:
- Weekly meetings with your student partner for 30-60 minutes (at a time that is convenient for you both);
- Monthly meetings throughout the semester with the other five-to-six faculty members involved in the program (organized and facilitated by the CTL).
The program is open to any full-time faculty members, teaching on a multi-year contract or tenured/tenure-track. Participating faculty will receive a $1,000 stipend for the semester and student partners will receive $1,250.
For more information, please visit the CTL Pedagogical Partnership page or email Marty (msamuels@brandeis.edu).
Apply by August 7th
As you prepare your fall semester courses in Moodle 4, the Library’s Instructional Technologists offer you two types of Moodle workshops:
- Workshops titled ‘Moodle 4’ will teach you how to port over your existing courses from LATTE to Moodle 4;
- Workshops titled ‘Building a new course from scratch in Moodle 4.0’ are for those who do not have any old courses to move over from legacy LATTE (or don’t want to move them).
You should also visit the Brandeis Moodle Getting Started documentation. There will be more workshops throughout the next several months, including in the summer. The Library’s Instructional Technologists are here to help you in the move to Moodle 4!
As shared in a February 29, 2024, email to campus, Brandeis has decided not to renew its subscription to LinkedIn Learning. The Library is highlighting our robust workshop offerings and curating a list of training resources, including training resources covering some of the most frequently used LinkedIn Learning topics. Read more.
Support for Teaching, Research and Student Engagement
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For emergencies, contact Public Safety at 781-736-3333 (on-campus issues) or 911 (off-campus issues).
For urgent mental health concerns, contact the Brandeis Counseling Center (BCC) at 781-736-3730 (24/7 consultation available).
For student behavior concerns that can wait at least one business day, submit an I Care Form to the Care Team to evaluate and coordinate resources of the university and provide necessary support. Also, please submit an I Care Form after calling Public Safety, 911, or the BCC to ensure follow up for student wellbeing.
These resources may also be helpful: Top Ten Care Practices, Care Team Tips, Campus Resources, Resilience Guide, and Campus Connection Points (list of ongoing, drop-in or scheduled times for students to have casual or structured connections through conversations).
For a decrease in academic engagement with no evidence of distress or concerning behavior, reach out to the student and ask for a reply within two business days. If no reply, try again with a note that if you do not hear back, you may need to engage other options for support. If you still receive no reply, submit an Academic Alert Form or contact Academic Services at 781-736-3470 (undergraduates only).
CTL recognizes that teaching can often be a difficult and lonely experience, and welcomes all faculty to share their challenges. Submit your request for CTL help.
Recent Faculty Accolades
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Sonia Almeida (FA) has received a 2024 Guggenheim Fellowship. The John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation offers fellowships to exceptional individuals in pursuit of scholarship in any field of knowledge and creation in any art form, under the freest possible conditions.
Sheida Soleimani (FA) was featured in the Spring 2024 issue of Art in America as the artist invited to make a print included in each magazine. Additionally, the Guggenheim Museum announced they acquired two photographs by Soleimani.
Edith Pick (Near Eastern and Judaic Studies) received funding from Israel Institute for "Israeli Civil Society: Diversity, Democracy, and Justice"
Jonathan Anjaria (ANTH) was awarded an AIIS Long-Term Senior Research Fellowship from the American Institute of Indian Studies. He will use the fellowship during his upcoming AY25-26 sabbatical. The project, exploring new Indian foodways, is titled "Collaboration and Innovation in Indian Artisanal Cheese Production".
Brian Horton (ANTH) has been awarded a National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) summer fellowship. He will use the award in the summer of 25-26 for his next project, "Capturing Race: Screening (Anti)Blackness in India." The NEH summer stipend competition is highly competitive, with only 13% of applications funded this cycle.
Neil Swidey (JOUR) is one of six Biomedical Fellows awarded a 2024 national fellowship from the Logan Science Journalism Program at the University of Chicago’s Marine Biological Laboratory. Now in its 37th year, the fellowship program brings together a dozen science and health journalists from around the world to Woods Hole, Mass., where they get immersive, hands-on training in cutting-edge biomedical and environmental science. Swidey will work with senior scientists to do genome editing using CRISPR/Cas 9 and DNA sequencing and analysis. Swidey also contributed a chapter to "Lifting the Veil on Enrollment Management: How a Powerful Industry is Limiting Social
Mobility in Higher Education", a new book published by Stephen Bird, a senior editor of the New America public policy institute (Harvard Education Press, 2024). Swidey investigates the history and symbiotic growth of enrollment-management practices and US News college rankings. He tracks the modest beginnings of each of these independent forces in the 1980s, explaining how they combined to radically reshape higher education.
Michael Willrich (HIST) was one of two finalists for this year's Pulitzer Prize in History for his book American Anarchy: The Epic Struggle between Immigrant Radicals and the US Government at the Dawn of the Twentieth Century.
Anne Berry (Psychology) received funding from the National Institutes of Health for "Aging, Activity Diversity, and Brain Health"
Leslie Griffith (Biology) received funding from the National Institutes of Health for "Regulation of Intrinsic Plasticity in Neural Circuits"
Gina Turriagiano (Biology) received funding from the National Institutes of Health for "Mechanisms and Function of Firing Rate Homeostasis in Cortical Circuits"
See More Accolades