Congratulations to the Class of 2025! 🎓
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Spring 2025 | Issue 34
Dear Brown Parents and Family Members,
Congratulations to the parents and families of the Class of 2025! Everyone at Brown is excited to join you in celebrating Commencement and Reunion Weekend.
As we conclude the 2024–25 academic year, I want to express my appreciation to all of our parents and families. Throughout your students' lives and academic careers, you have supported them as they form relationships, learn from those with differing perspectives and experiences, and develop their voice and expression. Your partnership and support have helped uphold Brown’s core values and sustain our caring campus community. Thank you.
Just last week, I watched families visiting campus with their newly admitted students for A Day on College Hill (ADOCH). It’s always moving to witness the beginning of a Brown journey — especially now, as we prepare to celebrate students who are reaching the end of theirs.
Although it may feel early to look ahead to fall, I’m already looking forward to welcoming our new and returning students and families to campus for Family Weekend, October 17–19, 2025. Mark your calendars!
Wishing you all an enjoyable summer,
Mikele St-Germain
Director of Parent and Family Engagement
What Students Say About…
How they take care of themselves during finals.
Terren Wise '26
"To practice self-care during finals, I do not cheap out on coffee. I treat myself to Hazel Origins or Aroma Joe's on test days. When I'm pretty stressed, I try to go for a walk in Prospect Park or go on a run along Blackstone Blvd. Last but not least, special days consist of getting a Blue Room muffin, specifically, the lemon poppyseed, which has my heart."
Sophia Knaggs '27
"Now that I'm a sophomore, I feel like I have grasped juggling a busy schedule and studying. I think that reviewing lecture content before exams, practicing problems, and going to TA hours are the most helpful before midterms. I think starting dedicated review and practice time one to two weeks before an exam works best for me. During midterm/finals season, my #1 tip is to find time to move your body. I love hot yoga as it helps to reduce stress mentally and physically!"
Fiona Shen '28
"One of the best ways I de-stress during tough times like finals or midterms is finding joy with my friends. Lately, it's consisted of hanging out at Jo's over milkshakes. I am also motivated to push through when I call friends from home. Another tip I swear by is my morning and nightly skincare routine. The routine keeps me grounded. Lastly, connecting with deans for support has truly helped me because they have provided me with advice related to academics, course selection, career exploration, and everything in between!"
Brown's 257th Commencement
Join us for Commencement and Alumni Reunion Weekend at Brown, from Friday, May 23, through Sunday, May 25, 2025. We’ll celebrate many milestones, including the achievements of our undergraduates, medical students, and graduate students. It’s a joyful time for our entire community, graduates, families, friends, and alumni alike.
Are you planning to be part of the celebration? Families with graduating students should visit Brown’s Commencement website for detailed visitor information.
Will you be joining from abroad? International family members planning to attend can find the latest guidance on the Office of International Student and Scholar Services (OISSS) resources page.
Did You Know?
The Division of Campus Life has a new Vice President.
Dr. Patricia Poitevien, a physician, educator, and senior leader at Brown University, has been appointed vice president for campus life, effective June 1, 2025. A Brown alumna with a deep commitment to student development, Poitevien will lead efforts to enhance student well-being and foster a vibrant, supportive campus community. Read the full announcement.
Parents and families have an upgraded and updated website.
If you haven’t visited the Parent & Family website lately, now is the time to take a look at this comprehensive resource for families of undergraduate students. The site provides information about important academic dates, campus events like Family Weekend and Commencement, and various ways families can support their students Be sure to check out any recorded webinars you may have missed this semester.
Students can view their financial aid offers in the Banner Self-Service Portal.
Financial Aid offers for the 2025-26 academic year will be accessible through the Banner Self-Service portal by the end of June. Your student will be notified via email when their aid offer is available for viewing. Please visit the Financial Aid website for detailed information and guidance for admitted and current students, including application processes, cost estimators, and available aid options.
More than 450 Brown students study abroad for a full semester each academic year.
The Undergraduate Study Abroad Office provides extensive support both on campus and abroad to help students navigate this exciting opportunity. Visit the Study Abroad for Families webpage for practical guides on topics like communication, financial planning, health and safety, and packing, along with suggested talking points to encourage thoughtful planning with your student.
Brown is observing the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States.
Brown 2026 is a campus-wide initiative highlighting how research universities like Brown foster open, democratic societies. It brings together work that engages with diverse perspectives, explores challenges facing democracies, and deepens understanding of the American Revolution’s legacy. Learn about related scholarship, teaching and events at the Brown 2026 webpage.
View recent messages from senior administrators on Brown's websites
Brown leadership and departments across Brown communicate directly with students through email, newsletters, and Today@Brown. Many of these messages are posted on departmental websites, including recent messages from the president, the provost and the Division of Campus Life. Recent messages with important information for students and the Brown community include Principles upholding Brown’s academic freedom, Responding to questions about government actions, and Advocating for Brown – What's at stake.
On the Horizon
May 16-22 Senior Week |
May 17 Move Out Day for Non-Graduating Students |
May 23-25 Commencement & Reunion Weekend
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Slice of Life
Student-Led Public Art Tours
The Brown Arts Institute invites the Brown community—and all visitors—to enjoy free, student-led public art walking tours showcasing the university’s vibrant public art collection. Guided by Brown students specially trained as public art interpreters, each 40-minute tour highlights a range of works, from classical pieces like the equestrian statue of Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius to contemporary installations such as Martin Puryear’s 2014 Slavery Memorial, a powerful acknowledgment of Brown’s historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade and the contributions of Africans and African Americans to the university's founding.
Tours are offered every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m. from April through November. Saturday tours depart from the “Bronze Bruno” sculpture on the College Green (near the Solomon Center for Teaching). Sunday tours begin at the “Circle Dance” sculpture on The Walk (near the Simmons Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice at 94 Waterman Street). Read more in News from Brown.
*No tour will be offered on May 24 and 25, and Aug. 30 and 31.
Photo by Nick Dentamaro.
Links and Resources
for Families
