Schedule for Family Weekend 2024
Welcome to Brandeis! Please see our schedule below and check back regularly as activities are subject to change. Use this Family Weekend map which highlights key locations on campus.
Please note that events with an asterisk (*) require pre-registration!
REGISTER FOR FAMILY WEEKEND 2024
Friday, Sep. 27, 2024
- Registration Check In
9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Family Hospitality Center Open
9 a.m.-4 p.m. - Gosman Sports and Convocation Center Gym Hours
7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Check in at the front desk and mention you are part of Family Weekend to get your guest fees waived throughout the weekend! Minors must be accompanied by a parent and will need to have a waiver signed. - Brandeis Bookstore Open (Shapiro Campus Center first floor)
9 a.m.-6 p.m. - Current Exhibitions at the Rose Art Museum
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit the Rose! - Alumni College Opening Plenary
9:00 a.m. -10:15 a.m.
On the Front Lines: Media, Law, & Democracy A conversation with David McCraw, whose legal mastery helped shape the Times’s coverage of Donald Trump and January 6; Harvey Weinstein and #MeToo; national security, Wikileaks, and Edward Snowden.David McCraw, lead newsroom lawyer, The New York Times; Neil Swidey, Professor of the Practice, Director, Brandeis Journalism Program; Ann Silvio, Assoc. Professor of the Practice, former Senior Producer, 60 Minutes. Sponsor: Brandeis Journalism Program.
- Brandeis Engineering: Innovation in Motion
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Alumni College Concurrent Session 1B: Learn how Brandeis engineers are poised to solve the greatest challenges of our time. View exciting live demonstrations and hear about our cutting-edge engineering research and upcoming undergraduate major.Avital Rodal, P’25, Professor of Biology at Brandeis; Seth Fraden, Professor of Physics at Brandeis; Brandeis Engineering students. Co-Sponsored by the School of Arts and Sciences Engineering Program.
- Implications of Gaza
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Alumni College Concurrent Session 1C: Dialogue about the latest developments and implications of the war in Gaza in the Middle East. Moderated by Gary Samore, Director of the Crown Center for Middle East Studies and Professor of the Practice in Politics.Panelists: Brandeis professors Eva Bellin and Shai Feldman, and Crown Center Founding Senior Fellows, Abdel Monem Said Aly and Khalil Shikaki. Sponsored by the Crown Center for Middle East Studies at Brandeis.
- Women and Power in the Early Roman Empire
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Discover the life and legacy of Livia and Agrippina the Younger in Rome, compared to Boudica in Britain and Cleopatra in Egypt, as we seek to understand the enduring influence and allure of boundary-breaking women of the past.
Faculty Leader: Caitlin Gillespie, Helaine and Alvin Allen Chair in Literature and Assistant Professor in the Department of Classical Studies.
- Jewish Feminist Alumnae Gifts to Brandeis Archives: a Celebration
10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m.
Brandeis Archives invites you to celebrate two fabulous new archival acquisitions, created & donated by alumnae Betsy Teutsch (‘74) & Lori Lefkovitz (‘77), which document the pioneering work each did in foregrounding women in Jewish ritual & scholarship. - LGBTQIA+ Open House
12 p.m.-1 p.m.
Join us at the Gender and Sexuality Center's Open House to meet our new director and connect with current students. Refreshments will be served. - Parents Leadership Council Luncheon
12:15 p.m.-2:15 p.m.
By invitation only. If you are interested in learning more about joining the Parents Leadership Council, visit brandeis.edu/plc. - Jum’ah Prayers
1:15 p.m.
Join Muslim Chaplain Harun Spevack and the Muslim campus community for prayer in the Muslim Prayer Space in Usdan. - Rifts and Earthquakes: How Collisions of Great Powers Are Remaking the World Map
1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Alumni College Concurrent Session 2C: Examine how the latest developments in Russia, Ukraine, and China impact the rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.Matthew Kupfer ’12, investigative journalist at Voice of America, Chandler Rosenberger, Assoc. Professor of Sociology and International and Global Studies (IGS), Elanah Uretsky, Assoc. Professor and Chair, IGS, Steven Wilson, Asst. Professor of Politics.
- Israeli Media During Times of Crisis
1:15 p.m.-2:30 p.m.
Alumni College Concurrent Session 2B: Explore the role and impact of Israeli media coverage during times of crisis with Romy Neumark, veteran Israeli journalist, and Suleiman Maswadeh, correspondent for KAN, the Israeli national broadcaster. Moderated by Brandeis professor, Alexander Kaye - Alumni College Closing Plenary
2:45 p.m.-4 p.m.
Presidential Election 2024: Democracy at Stake? A conversation with Bill Schneider ’66, H’08, former CNN journalist, and Eileen McNamara, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, about the upcoming race for the Presidency and state of American Democracy today.Eileen McNamara, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Professor of the Practice of Journalism at Brandeis; Bill Schneider ’66, H’08, former CNN journalist, Professor Emeritus at Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.
- Student Led Campus Tour
3 p.m.-4 p.m.
Curious about what’s new since your last time on campus? Walk and talk with a student tour guide to hear about life at Brandeis today. Tours depart from the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium and will last approximately one hour.
- Welcome Reception
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Join us under the Tent on the Great Lawn to officially welcome families, alumni, and the Brandeis community to a weekend of celebrations. We will kick off the weekend with student performers, family photos, and refreshments. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with faculty, staff and administrators through meet and greet conversation, tabling by university departments, and welcome remarks. - Alumni Art Gallery Opening and Arts Network Mixer
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Join us for a celebration of the mesmerizing works of alumni artists Kim Beck ’92 and Pedro Barbeito ’92 while enjoying light bites and refreshments. All are invited to attend including students, parents, faculty, alumni, and friends. Sponsored by the Alumni Association. - Shabbat Services (Various Times and Locations)
- Shabbat Dinner *
7 p.m.
Please join us for a Shabbat dinner with delicious food and a wonderful Brandeis community experience.Please note that this is the actual catering cost to Hillel per person for food. No charge for current undergraduate students thanks to the generosity of Hillel's board of directors. Space is limited, register early.
Adults (13+): $65.00
Children: Free
Students: Free - Welcome Back Reception hosted by Alumni of Color *
7 p.m.-9 p.m.
Alumni of Color are hosting a warm Welcome Reception for alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff of color. Join us for an evening of meaningful connections and reunions, as we come together to celebrate and enjoy each other’s company back on campus. Sponsored by the Alumni of Color NetworkFee: $10 per person
- Hotel Walk Back
9:45 p.m.
Volunteers will provide an escorted walk for families staying at the Newton Marriott. The walk will leave from Levin Ballroom at 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, Sep. 28, 2024
- Registration Check In
9 a.m.-4 p.m. - Family Hospitality Center
9 a.m.-4 p.m. -
Gosman Sports and Convocation Center Gym Hours
10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Check in at the front desk and mention you are part of Family Weekend to get your guest fees waived throughout the weekend! Minors must be accompanied by a parent and will need to have a waiver signed. - Brandeis Bookstore Open (Shapiro Campus Center first floor)
8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Current Exhibitions at the Rose Art Museum
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit the Rose! -
Class Coffee hosted by Student Affairs Leadership
9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. -
Shabbat Services (Various Times and Locations)
- Shabbat Lunch *
9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.Brandeis Hospitality now offers Shabbat meals! Pre-register for Shabbat lunch at the Kosher Table at Sherman. We are hoping for good weather so that we can eat outside on the patio as a community.
Adults (13+): $18.00
Children (5-12): $9.99
Children (under 5): Free
Students: Included with meal plan. - Polarizing Topics Inside and Outside the Classroom: Panel with Brandeis Faculty
10 a.m.-11:15 a.m.
Moderator: Dean Jeffrey Shoulson. Sponsored by the Class of 1964.Jonathan Krasner, Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Assoc. Professor of Jewish Education Research, Sarah Mayorga, Prof. and Chair of the Department of Sociology, John Plotz, Professor of English, Derron Wallace, Assoc. Professor of Sociology and Education.
- Homecoming 5K Run/Walk
10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Open to all students, staff, faculty, alumni, family, and friends! Meet Sponsored by Brandeis Intramural Sports. - Alumni of Color Panel and Networking Reception
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Come to an enriching discussion with alumni of color working in diverse industries who will speak to the power of networking and share their career paths since Brandeis. Stay for tailored networking sessions afterward. Open to all, including students! Sponsored by the Alumni of Color Network. - Study Abroad Panel
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
Join us to hear from the Office of Study Abroad staff and Study Abroad Ambassadors on ways Brandeis students can expand their academic opportunities globally through studying abroad. Brandeis offers over 200 programs in 50 different countries with options for all majors and minors to study abroad. Students can study abroad for a semester, year, or during the summer. We'll talk through program options, finances including scholarship opportunities, ways to support your student through the process, and the application process. - Campus Tree Walk
12 p.m.-1:15 p.m.
Join Professor Dan Perlman and get to know a few of the extraordinary trees on campus on a gentle nature walk, weather permitting. This interactive tree walk is back by popular demand! Registration is not required, space is limited.
Departs from outside Shapiro Admissions Center. - Homecoming Tailgate & Soccer Games
12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Head down to Gosman to join in on the Homecoming fun! Men’s and Women’s Soccer games, food trucks, FREE beer garden, lawn games, bounce house, face painter, and plenty of family-friendly activities!
Women's Soccer vs Trinity starts at 12 p.m.
Men's Soccer vs Babson begins at 2:30 p.m. - Engineering Open House
12p.m.-1 p.m.
Visit the Engineering Classroom and explore the newly launched Brandeis Engineering Program! View 30 state-of-the-art fabrication machines fostering the innovative undergraduate engineering class "Design to Repair the World." - Craft Market
12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Shop for handmade jewelry, ceramics, knitwear and more, all made by Brandeisians. Hosted by Art Club. - Ralph Norman Barbecue *
12 p.m.-2 p.m.
Enjoy lunch and mingle with alumni and families at the barbecue named for the university’s beloved first photographer.Fee: $30 per adult/student, $15 per child (5-12)
- Hiatt Career Center Presentation
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Hiatt helps students discover who they are, what they want, and how to get there. Our Director, Jon Schlesinger, will cover how we do just that with your student! This session will share information about the transition to college and how your student can begin exploring and preparing for career paths of interest. - MakerLab Open House
1 p.m.-2 p.m.
Meet Brandeis’ Research Technology and Innovation team during an interactive tour of the MakerLab. Experience the latest emerging technology in Digital Fabrication (3D Printing, Laser Cutting, CNC), 3D Scanning, XR/VR, and robotics prototyping. - Student Led Campus Tour
2 p.m.-3 p.m.
Curious about what’s new since your last time on campus? Walk and talk with a student tour guide to hear about life at Brandeis today. Tours depart from the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium and will last approximately one hour. - Shabbat Third Meal *
3 p.m.-5 p.m.Brandeis Hospitality now offers Shabbat meals! Pre-register for Seudah Shlishit at the Kosher Table at Sherman.
Adults (13+): $18.00
Children (5-12): $9.99
Children (under 5): Free
Students: Included with meal plan. - Family Bingo
4 p.m.-5 p.m.
Bring the whole family for a chance to win a variety of prizes. Shabbat friendly option available! Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board. - Open House at the Intercultural Center
4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Stop by the ICC to see what’s new and celebrate the ongoing commitment to identity development, cultural diversity programming, and cross-cultural interaction. - Art, Architecture and the Jews: A Story of Modernism and the Diaspora
4 p.m.-5:30 p.m.
Join us for a discussion showcasing Brandeis' participation in the world of mid-century modernist art and architecture, movements intimately connected with Jewish diaspora and the promise of the future that coincided with Brandeis' founding.Featuring art and architecture conservator Rosa Lowinger '78 and architect David Fixler. In memory of beloved Prof. Gerald Bernstein, tribute by Carol Davis '80.
- Brandeis Got Talent: Student Performance Showcase
8 p.m.-10 p.m.
Come enjoy a variety of performances from student groups and individuals at Brandeis! Join us in celebrating the arts and all the amazing talent our students have to offer!
Sunday, Sep. 29, 2024
- Family Hospitality Center
9 a.m.-2 p.m. - Brandeis Bookstore Open (Shapiro Campus Center first floor)
9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Gosman Sports and Convocation Center Gym Hours
10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Check in at the front desk and mention you are part of Family Weekend to get your guest fees waived throughout the weekend! Minors must be accompanied by a parent and will need to have a waiver signed. - Current Exhibitions at the Rose Art Museum
11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visit the Rose! - Catholic Mass
10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Come share worship and a thoughtful sermon with the Brandeis Catholic community. Mass is celebrated by a variety of priests from the local community. - Craft Market
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Shop for handmade jewelry, ceramics, knitwear and more, all made by Brandeisians. - Legacy Family Brunch
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
By invitation only for Brandeis alumni families - Alumni of Color Praise and Remembrance Service
10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Come together to remember those cherished alumni who are no longer with us and keep those who remain in our prayers. Sponsored by the Alumni of Color Network - Pickleball Open Play & Tournament
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Brandeis Intramural Sports and the Brandeis Pickleball Club are hosting a parent / student doubles pickleball tournament in Shapiro Gym in Gosman. Each team must be made up of a Brandeis student and a parent, friend, or family member. Free to participate and all equipment is provided. Register by Thursday, September 26!From 10 a.m.-11 a.m., the courts will be open to anyone open play. The tournament will officially begin at 11am for those registered.
- Student Union Pumpkin Fest
10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Pumpkin Fest pumpkin carving, painting, and an opportunity for families and alumni to connect with Student Union leadership. - Chapels Open
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Chapels will be open for individual reflection time. - Alumni of Color Farewell Brunch *
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Close out the weekend on a high note at a special farewell brunch for alumni, students, families, and staff and faculty of color. Sponsored by the Alumni of Color Network.Fee: $10 per person.
- Schedule for Family Weekend 2024
- Places to Stay
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Questions or Concerns?
Contact Department of Student Engagement by email or call: 781-736-5065.
Monday–Friday
9 a.m.–5 p.m.