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Fall 2025 | Issue 34
Dear Brown Parents and Family Members,
Welcome to the start of the 2025-26 academic year! We are honored to step into our new roles as Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of the College at Brown University, an institution that has shaped each of us in deeply meaningful ways. We have been continually inspired by the intellectual curiosity, resilience, creativity and care we see in our students; qualities that will serve them well as they navigate the opportunities and challenges of the year ahead.
We recognize that this is a time of change, globally, nationally, and here at Brown. Across campus, students are engaging in conversations and actions that reflect their values and aspirations for the world. These moments can be complex, and they are also part of the transformative learning that a Brown education fosters—an education that values inquiry, critical thinking, empathy and the free exchange of ideas.
Our shared goal in integrating the curricular and co-curricular experiences of our students is to ensure that every student has access to the academic resources, mentorship and personal support they need to succeed in the classroom, within their communities and throughout their personal journeys.
In our first days, we had the privilege of meeting many students and families during New Student Orientation, the Parent & Family Welcome, and Convocation. Those conversations affirmed for us the deep commitment and partnership that you, as parents and family members, bring to your student’s journey.
We look forward to working together to support your student’s learning, well-being, and sense of belonging at Brown. Thank you for entrusting us with this important chapter in their lives.
Warmly,
Patricia Poitevien
Vice President for Campus Life
Ethan Pollock
Dean of the College
Brown's 262nd Convocation
On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, members of the Brown community welcomed more than 3,200 of our newest students in a celebration on the College Green. President Christina H. Paxson P'19 P'MD'20 opened the University’s 262nd academic year by encouraging students to build relationships across differences, be curious and courageous, and embrace the magic of the Brown experience. Incoming Dean of the College, Ethan Pollock, delivered the keynote address, “Transitions and
Transformations: Making the Most of Your Brown Education.”
What Students Say About…
their favorite fall event.
Shrey Mehta '26
“New Student Orientation week is one of the most electric times of the Fall at Brown! When I was a first-year student, I absolutely loved meeting new people and exploring Providence together. Now, as a Bruno Leader, I have such a beautiful opportunity to be a part of other students’ beginnings at our university while continuing to enrich my own journey through our Ice Cream Socials, dances, tours, brunches at the Ratty, and so much more! I can’t wait to experience this week one more time as a senior."
Ellie Kim '26
“My favorite fall event at Brown is Family Weekend. As my family is comprised of first-generation immigrants, it is always special to share traditions with them. We love visiting the student performances and spending time together!”
Kris Lee '26
“My favorite fall event at Brown is the Brown v. Harvard Football Game! The school spirit on this day is like no other, and the energy from the sea of Brown gear and chants always makes me feel more grateful and happy to be a part of this student community. Last year, we scored our winning drive with only a few seconds remaining (!), and the thrill of rushing the field with my friends and classmates is one I will never forget.”
Did You Know?
President Paxson outlines priorities for the year and national context.
In her welcome message to the Brown community, President Christina H. Paxson outlined her key priorities, including reaffirming the importance of a liberal arts and sciences education, expanding opportunities for open dialogue through the Discovery Through Dialogue project, and ensuring the University’s values guide how it engages with social and political issues. The Brown community can look forward to new initiatives in diversity and inclusion, wellness, and the responsible use of AI in teaching and research. President Paxson also reflected on the University’s agreement with the federal government.
Brown Corporation approves Statement of University Values and Voice.
Following an inclusive process that involved broad community input, the Brown Faculty and subsequently the Corporation of Brown University approved a new Statement of University Values and Voice. The statement sets forth four core institutional values to guide the University and establishes a lasting framework for when Brown may use its public voice to defend and advance its mission.
Brown Corporation extends President Paxson’s contract to 2028.
The Corporation of Brown University has extended President Christina H. Paxson’s term through June 30, 2028, praising her 13 years of steady, principled leadership. Chancellor Brian Moynihan highlighted her accomplishments in strengthening education and research, expanding financial support for students, and building partnerships in Providence and beyond. Paxson said she remains committed to guiding Brown through challenging times and upholding the University’s mission with distinction.
Discovery Through Dialogue is expanding opportunities to engage across differences.
Launched last spring, Discovery Through Dialogue strengthens Brown’s commitment to cultivating respectful dialogue across a broad range of perspectives and sustaining the free exchange of ideas. This year, the initiative is expanding with new programs, training, and professional development for the entire community.
Students will build skills for constructive conversation through the Community Dialogue Project and can apply for funding to support dialogue-related initiatives. Faculty will find new resources through the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning, and staff will gain new tools for navigating conflict in collaboration with the Staff Advisory Council.
Brown Leadership Updates: New VP for Campus Life and Dean of the College.
Effective June 1, Dr. Patricia Poitevien, a practicing pediatrician and educator with deep expertise in developmental learning and student well-being, began her role as Vice President for Campus Life, responsible for enhancing holistic student success and fostering a campus environment grounded in mutual respect and trust.
Effective July 1, Professor Ethan Pollock, a respected historian and academic leader with nearly two decades of service at Brown, began his role as Dean of the College, where he oversees the Open Curriculum, academic advising, study abroad, undergraduate research, and career support for over 7,200 students.
Provost Doyle, VP Poitevien, and VP Williams share Brown values, policies and standards.
As Brown begins the new academic year, University leaders reaffirm our shared responsibility to uphold community values, policies, and standards. This includes respecting free expression and academic freedom, ensuring protests and demonstrations follow time, place, and manner guidelines, and adhering to updated policies on nondiscrimination, harassment, and conduct. Together, these commitments sustain Brown as a vibrant, inclusive community of teaching, learning, and discovery.
Brown restores funding, reaffirms commitment through federal agreement.
In July, President Paxson announced that Brown reached a voluntary agreement with the U.S. government that restores federal funding for Brown's medical and health sciences research and resolves three compliance reviews with no finding of wrongdoing or admission of fault.
The agreement affirms Brown’s academic independence, restores its ability to compete for grants (including reimbursing over $50 million owed to Brown), and includes a $50 million investment in Rhode Island workforce development. Brown will continue to uphold its values of inclusion and nondiscrimination while ensuring that students have the support they need to thrive. Explore the FAQ webpage for details.
On-Campus Care for Students vs. Regional Health System: What’s the Difference?
Brown University’s student health and wellness services provide on-campus care exclusively for enrolled students, including medical and mental health services, emergency medical response and health promotion. These services are conveniently located at the Student Health & Wellness Center at 450 Brook Street – a one-stop hub designed to support students’ physical, mental and emotional well-being through accessible, holistic care.
In contrast, Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan) is a regional academic health system, comprising a network of hospitals, outpatient centers and physician practices that serve Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. It operates independently of the student-focused services and provides advanced, specialized medical care and teaching opportunities, partnering with Brown’s medical school to serve the broader community.
Family Weekend registration will open on September 22.
From Friday, Oct. 17, through Sunday, Oct. 19, families can experience a taste of Brown University with a weekend full of opportunities to learn and connect with our campus community. Highlights will include academic panels, info sessions, sporting events, student performances, open houses, wellness events, a family movie night on the green and more! Bookmark the Family Weekend website and refer back often – program details will be added throughout the fall.
On the Horizon
October 14 Indigenous Peoples' Day. No University Exercises. |
October 17-19 |
November 26 - 30 Thanksgiving Recess |
Slice of Life
Flash Mob on the College Green
In the midst of finals week, Brown students on the College Green got an unexpected burst of joy when No Empty Seats, a student-led group focused on mental health awareness, staged an early 2000s-inspired flash mob on May 7 at the base of the Faunce Steps. Dressed in red, white, and denim, dozens of students danced in sync to throwback hits by Lil Mama, Beyoncé, and Destiny’s Child before closing with High School Musical’s “We’re All In This Together,” while passersby stopped to cheer and film the spectacle. The performance, choreographed by juniors Michael OuYang and Mia Pridgen, came after weeks of rehearsals and planning, from teaching choreography in workshops to anxiously watching the weather forecast. “Dancing and bringing joy to people is always something that I love to do,” said Pridgen. “Being able to do that and having the ability to talk about mental health is really important to me.” Read more in News from Brown.
Photo by Nick Dentamaro.
Links and Resources
for Families
