Summer@Brown Hybrid Course-Based Research Experience (CRE)

Enrolled student information for Summer@Brown Hybrid Course-Based Research Experience (CRE).

Welcome to Brown University Pre-College Programs

We are thrilled you will be attending a Brown Pre-College program and joining the University community! You will engage in a robust academic program balanced with activities, meeting new friends and discovering your capacity to learn every day. Please review these pages carefully with your family and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions. Students and families can speak with a Program Advisor by calling 401-863-7900 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST) or by email at precollege@brown.edu.

 

Important Dates

Be sure all of your forms and payment are completed by their assigned deadlines:

  • May 24: Full payment for Summer@Brown program courses
  • June 2: All required forms for all students

Students registered after these deadlines are expected to complete form requirements and make payment within 48 hours of registration.

Checklists

You should log in to your student portal to complete your pre-program requirements. Parents/guardians also receive a checklist of items to complete sent via email, so please remind them to check their email accounts for this important information that requires action.

The usernames and passwords associated with your Brown email address will be needed prior to and during your course time. Please be sure to document all usernames and passwords.

Forms

Forms are submitted electronically through DocuSign, an electronic signature provider where you can digitally complete and sign your required forms and waivers, as well as upload your required Physician’s Immunization and Medical Record, signed by a medical provider. Most forms include sections for both students and parents/guardians to complete.

Accessibility Services

If applicable, you may request accommodations based on a learning, psychological and/or physical disability, including medical conditions, temporary injuries and significant food allergies. Please be aware that all accommodation requests will be considered, however, there may be limits as to what can be provided without sufficient notice. Be sure to submit your requests using the Medical Authorization and Health History Form by June 2. Please email accessibility@brown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

COVID-19 Information 

Please visit our FAQ page for updates and information about Brown Pre-College Programs preparedness, action and response to COVID-19.

Orientation for the Online Portion of the Course: June 20 to 23, 2023

You will log into your course in Canvas before your online course begins to complete your course orientation, during which you will get to know Canvas (Brown's learning management system), review course expectations and strategies for your success, learn about your instructor(s) and classmates and help them to learn a bit about you. These activities should take you just a few hours that week to complete at your own pace. We suggest you complete your orientation by noon on the Friday before your class begins.

We will send you an email the morning your orientation begins with instructions explaining how to access your course and begin orientation activities. From this point on you should be using your Brown email for course related activities and information, checking daily for course announcements and information from your instructor/Teaching Associate.

Online Portion of the Course: June 26 to July 8, 2023

You will begin working with your instructor and classmates on the course itself on the course start date in the Catalog. In the next two weeks, until you travel to campus, you will be introduced to the complex tools and equipment in the lab, share your area of interest and focus with the course instructors, conduct preliminary research on your topic and work directly with the instructors to create a novel research project. 

Please note that students may not live on campus during the online portion of their course. Plan your travel for the on-campus portion of your course based on the check-in and departure dates listed below.

Course Expectations

You should plan to log into your course at least once each day to complete daily assignments and plan time to complete upcoming projects and meet deadlines. Expect to spend 15 to 20 hours per week engaged with course materials and plan your schedule accordingly. 

In addition to the daily log in, since the CRE Hybrid courses’ online component is Blended, you are required to review all asynchronous content and to attend 1 to 3 pre-scheduled live sessions each week.

Academic Resources

  • Course Materials: You are notified via your student portal at least two weeks prior to the start of your course regarding books or materials that you need to purchase. Other course specific supplies will be provided, if applicable. You should be prepared with pencils/pens, a notebook and any other essential items that you need for note-taking.
  • Canvas: You will have access to course-specific resources virtually in Canvas.
  • Libraries: All active students are able to access University Library resources virtually and in-person. To visit the Brown University Library follow the link here. If you request to borrow books from the library, they can be picked up in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library Lobby at 10 Prospect Street.
  • Writing Center: You can make an appointment to request support with writing assignments. Please follow the link here for details and an appointment request form.
  • Instructor Office Hours: Office hours are a regular part of learning in universities. They are not the same as needing to meet with a teacher in high school because there is a problem. During office hours you can obtain support regarding key questions that you would like to expand your learning on and have the opportunity to build a relationship with your instructor. Instructors will share their available Office Hours with you during the first course and likely in the syllabus. We recommend you take advantage of these opportunities.

Inactive Online Students

You are expected to remain active in your online course, engage with course material and complete all course assignments on time. Inactivity in a course without communication with the instructor will result in being dropped from the course. Students dropped for lack of participation are not eligible for a refund.     

Activities

As an online student, you are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, including social events, workshops, mentor groups and webinars. These activities can connect you with students who are taking other online courses, as well as some students attending programs on the Brown campus, offer valuable preparation as you begin to consider your college options and provide opportunities to build a wider community. Registration for these events will be available in your student portal in late spring.

  • Sunday, July 9, 2023: on-campus check-in
  • Monday, July 10, 2023: on-campus portion of course begins
  • Friday, July 28, 2023: course ends/depart campus

You will travel to Brown University and participate in a three week on-campus experience which will culminate in a presentation on the final day of the course to showcase the incredible research you were able to conduct during the course. 

Important Packing Tips

  • Bring only what you need. If your bag is too heavy to carry by yourself, you have packed too much.
  • New England summer weather can vary, so check the weather in Providence, RI (zip code: 02912) prior to packing. 

What is Provided

You will reside in a Brown University residence hall room. These rooms will include typical college furniture: a bed, desk and chair, dresser, trash can, and air conditioning unit and access to wireless internet. 

What to Bring

  • Clothing: shorts, t-shirts, pants, etc. and clothes hangers. As summer weather in Providence can range from 50 to over 100 degrees and bright sun to heavy rain, it’s important to bring clothes that you can layer, so that regardless of the temperature, you are comfortable.
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Proper attire for laboratory-based classes (see below)
  • Bathing suit (optional - you will have access to a pool in the Nelson Fitness Center)
  • Umbrella/raincoat
  • Sunscreen, lotion and bug spray
  • Cell phone, phone charger and earbuds
  • Laptop computer or tablet and charger
  • Notebook and writing utensils
  • Prescribed medications, contact lenses, glasses
  • Toothbrush, toiletries, soap
  • Bathrobe, flip-flops for shower and shower caddy
  • Towels and face cloths*
  • Sheets for your extra-long twin size bed (36 by 80 inches, approximately 6 inches thick)*. You may also wish to bring a mattress cover or pad.
  • Pillows*
  • A light blanket*, bedspread or comforter 
  • A desk lamp (if desired). All rooms have overhead lighting.
  • Laundry bag and detergent (if desired)
  • Small personal items to make your room feel like home (e.g. photos, trinkets or figurines)
  • Fan
  • Hard copy of your insurance card

*There will be a very limited number of linen sets, blankets, towels and pillows available for purchase upon arrival, so students are encouraged to bring their own linens because we cannot guarantee the availability of these items.

What Not to Bring

You may NOT bring pets, air conditioners, candles, weapons of any sort, including pocket or Swiss army knives or motor vehicles to campus. Commuter students may bring motor vehicles to transport only themselves to and from campus. Additional information will be provided to commuter students later in the spring.

Proper Attire for Laboratory-Based Courses 

Students completing coursework in laboratories or who will be enrolled in a course that will take them into the Brown Design Workshop should keep in mind there are established practices for lab and workshop attire. Closed-toed shoes or sneakers and long pants are required. Sandals, shorts, skirts or tank tops may NOT be worn in either setting. Students with long hair should be prepared to tie their hair back for safety reasons as necessary and as required by your instructor.

Spending Money 

Students will have access to the Brown University dining halls and we encourage you to eat all meals there. All program activities and excursions are free of charge so the need for spending money will be minimal. However, if you want to make purchases at the Brown Bookstore or local shops, or dine at local restaurants during your free time, spending money may be necessary.

Students who wish to use washers and dryers will need to purchase a Bear Bucks Guest Card. Please see the Laundry section below for more details.

Students and their families are required to coordinate transportation to and from Brown’s campus. Brown Pre-College is unable to provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance.

Unaccompanied Travel

In recent years, bus, train and airline carriers have instituted a range of policies related to unaccompanied minors traveling. We encourage parents/guardians to review their likely carrier’s policies early and make decisions about travel based on the assumption that students must arrive on campus for orientation and depart campus at the end of their program without assistance.

Check-In Day and Orientation

Check-In Location: Sayles Hall, on the Main Green
Check-In Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST, Sunday prior to the start of your course or program

Check-In

Go to Sayles Hall to check-in before proceeding to your residence hall. Check-in tables will be located in Sayles Hall, which is on the Main Green. 

The Main Green is bordered by Thayer Street, Waterman Street, Prospect Street and George Street. Please do not utilize Waterman Street as a drop-off location as it is a main artery in the city of Providence and can quickly get backed up. Please park your car in the Power Street lot or the surrounding area (see ‘Parking’ below). You should anticipate being able to manage the move-in of your belongings independently. You may want to leave your luggage in the car until after you have checked in at Sayles Hall. If you are not arriving by car, you can leave your luggage with our staff on the Main Green between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Program staff will be available to direct you as you navigate the campus and answer any questions you may have.

Upon check-in, you will receive: 

  • your residence hall assignment and room key(s);
  • Brown ID card;
  • lanyard on which to attach your room key(s) and Brown ID card;
  • campus map; and
  • other pertinent materials. 
Orientations

Once you are checked-in, there will be a Parent/Guardian and Student Orientation we ask you to attend. Details about orientation times will be provided at check-in. In the event that you are unable to attend the Parent/Guardian Welcome Orientation Session in person, please be aware that the presentations are Live Streamed here (the morning of check-in) and the recorded versions are also available here.

You are able to use your ID card to have lunch in the dining hall. Parents/guardians are welcome to join their students in the dining hall and will need cash to purchase a ticket. There are also many restaurants and shops available on Thayer St.

An additional student orientation will be held later in the day on Sunday including an informal tour of campus and dinner with your Resident Assistant (RA) and other students living in your residence hall.

Parking

The Power Street parking garage, located at 111 Power Street, Providence, RI 02903, is our preferred parking location for students, families and guests. The garage entrance is located at the intersection of Power and Thayer Streets. The Main Green, where Pre-College check-in is located, is a short walk from there. Families and guests may park at this location for no fee on check-in days. We ask that all cars be moved from the parking garage no later than 8 p.m.

If the parking garage is full when you arrive, please find street parking in the surrounding area. Street parking is free on Sundays, but please be mindful of local signage.

Useful Links:

Campus Tours

Campus tours for students and their families will be available at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on check-in day. Details regarding tour times will be provided two weeks prior to check-in. Should you be unable to join a tour on Sunday during check-in, you are always welcome to sign up for a tour through the Admissions Office during your time on campus.

Early Arrival 

Although you should make every effort to plan your travel to Brown based on a Sunday arrival between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST, procedures are in place to accommodate Saturday arrival for those students who are arriving from long distances and need to work around flight schedules. There is a $150 early arrival fee for students arriving on Saturday. Early arrival arrangements must be made by the Wednesday before your program start date. If you meet the early arrival criteria due to long-distance travel, please click through the ‘Early Arrival’ purchase link in the ‘Optional’ section of your student portal. Please note, as buildings are in use throughout the summer, the rooms for specific programs may not be available until Sunday at 9 a.m. If you are approved for early arrival, you may be housed in a different building than the one you will be assigned to on Sunday.

Late Arrival

You should make every effort to arrive between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. EST on Sunday before your course(s) begins so that you can participate in orientations that provide important information, community-building activities and time to settle into your room. If you are arriving after 1 p.m., you will check in with the Pre-College Student Life Housing team to access your check-in materials. Please email precollege@brown.edu with the time of your late arrival and arrival instructions will be provided.

If you experience travel delays en route, please email precollege@brown.edu to let us know what time you expect to arrive on campus so we may update our records and prepare for your arrival.

Check-In for Students Participating in Consecutive On-Campus Courses/Programs

Students are generally housed with other students who are spending the same amount of time on campus. While we make every effort to limit the amount of change in housing for students who are participating in consecutive programs or courses, if you are in this situation, you may be required to move between courses. Your Resident Assistant (RA) will notify you if a move is necessary the last Thursday of your course or program. If a move is necessary, you are required to check-in for your new session on the Saturday before your next course begins and must move all belongings on that day to your new room. This is another reason to make certain you pack for the program in a way that allows you to move without assistance.

Supervision

You will learn quickly how—and how necessary it is—to balance your academic responsibilities with responsible living in a new community. Summer@Brown students will be able to make their own decisions throughout each day about how they spend their time. Time management is a skill that will serve you well once in college, so learning this skill by practicing it while in high school is highly beneficial. At a minimum, you will be expected to attend 3 hours of class each weekday; complete 2-3 hours of out of class work each day, sometimes with classmates; understand the dining hall locations and hours so you can eat three meals each day; keep yourself hydrated throughout the day; attend all mandatory evening hall meetings with your Resident Assistant; abide by the daily curfew, ensuring you are checking in with your resident staff each night by 10 p.m. and remaining on your floor until 6 a.m.; and make sure you get a good night of sleep. We also hope that you will take advantage of the many extra-curricular activities that will be available to you.

While a lot will be expected of you as a Summer@Brown student, you do so with the help of a team of carefully selected and trained staff. Brown University’s Pre-College Student Life staff includes year-round staff, Student Life Managers who often work with K-12 students throughout the year, Coordinators who are primarily enrolled in graduate degree programs in student affairs or higher education, Resident Assistants, who are generally college-aged, support the residential experience and live with students, as well as staff supporting campus-wide events and housing operations.

These skilled and caring staff help you learn how to balance the competing demands of an exceptionally rich and rewarding academic and social life, and serve as a resource for support in guiding you to resources around campus and in choosing student organizations to join, and helping with both emergency and non-emergent needs. Our primary goal is to create a safe atmosphere which supports student success. Additionally, the residential staff's emphasis on community-building and individual responsibility encourages students to develop these necessary skills and capacities in a way that is as enjoyable as it is rewarding.

Contacting Pre-College Students

You and your parents/guardians may find that cell phones are the most convenient option for keeping in touch. Except in emergency situations, Brown University staff cannot honor requests to locate a student; hence, our request is that prior to the start of the program you and your parents/guardians arrange the frequency and methods for keeping regular times to be in touch while you are attending. If there is an emergency situation in which a student needs to be contacted, parents/guardians can contact the Brown Department of Public Safety: 401-863-3322 and ask to speak to the Student Life Manager on Call. If you have any non-emergency questions or concerns, please contact the Pre-College office at 401-863-7900 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.

Personal Health and Medical Emergencies

If you have a minor health concern, you can be seen at Brown University’s Health Services Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST. Should you need to visit Health Services, you are encouraged to schedule an appointment by calling 401-863-3953. Nursing advice is available 24/7 at 401-863-1330, and certified first aid staff are also available to assist on evenings or weekends. If you require non-emergency care from a healthcare professional outside of Brown University Health Services hours, you may also be taken to a local Urgent Care facility. In the event of a medical emergency, you will generally be transported to Hasbro Children’s Hospital in Providence.

You are responsible for safely storing and taking your own prescription medication. If you are not accustomed to managing your own medication you should work with your family to determine the best approach to do so during the program.

Curfew

You are required to check-in with residential staff every evening at 10 p.m. EST and remain on your floor until 6 a.m. EST the following morning. The residential staff will place a call to the parents/guardians of any student who is late for curfew. The Department of Public Safety will be informed after an appropriate interval of time if a student has not checked in, and a protocol will be initiated to ensure the safety of the student 

Adhering to the curfew policy is your responsibility. While residential staff will take reasonable measures to ensure that you adhere to the curfew, once you have been verified as being within the residence halls at the designated time, you will be in violation of policies should you choose to leave the residence hall area. If we become aware of a curfew violation, you will be referred to our student conduct process. Repeated and/or serious violations of the curfew could result in dismissal from the program.

For more details, please read the Residential Policies on our website.

Travel in Rhode Island

You are permitted to travel and explore the state of Rhode Island without parental/guardian permission when that travel will not interfere with the expectations of the program, including curfew. If you want to leave the state, your parent/guardian must submit a Travel Form found in the Optional Section of the Parent/Guardian Checklist at least 24 hours prior to departing campus. This form will be live in your portal just before the start of our programs.

Overnight Leave

If an overnight leave is required, an Overnight Leave Form (available mid-June) found in the Optional Section of the Parent/Guardian Checklist should be submitted at least 24 hours prior to departing campus.

If you would like to depart campus for the evening your parent/guardian may request to do so on your behalf for the following reasons: 

  • extraordinary, verifiable personal or family circumstances (e.g. illness, injury or other); 

  • religious beliefs and commitments; or 

  • significant, rare and/or time-sensitive opportunities (occupational, educational or other).

Class Attendance

Instructors will take attendance during each class.  

While we understand that many students have very busy summer schedules, you should not enroll in classes that conflict with commitments that would require you to miss any days of class. Summer@Brown courses are intensive learning experiences where students spend 3 hours in class each weekday. Missing classes jeopardizes your ability to engage successfully and complete course work. Many classes also involve group work, and missing classes can also negatively impact the learning experience of other students in your class. Students are required to attend class. Absence or inactivity within your course may result in a dismissal from the program. Students dismissed for reasons of absence or inactivity will not be refunded.

Outside of Class Expectations

You will be expected to complete at least 2 to 3 hours of homework each day. This work may include readings, group projects, writing assignments and presentations. 

Academic Resources

  • Course Materials: You are notified via your student portal at least two weeks prior to the start of your course regarding books or materials that you need to purchase. Other course specific supplies will be provided, if applicable. You should come prepared with pencils/pens, a notebook and any other essential items that you need for note-taking.

  • Canvas: You will have access to course-specific resources virtually in Canvas.

  • Libraries: All active students are able to access University Library resources virtually and in-person. To visit the Brown University Library follow the link here. If you request to borrow books from the library, they can be picked up in the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library Lobby at 10 Prospect Street.

  • Writing Center: You can make an appointment to request support with writing assignments. Please follow the link here for details and an appointment request form.

  • Instructor Office Hours: Office hours are a regular part of learning in universities. They are not the same as needing to meet with a teacher in high school because there is a problem. During office hours you can obtain support regarding key questions that you would like to expand your learning on and have the opportunity to build a relationship with your instructor. Instructors will share their available Office Hours with you during the first course and likely in the syllabus. We recommend you take advantage of these opportunities.

Activities

Upon arrival you will be provided access to an in-person activities and excursions calendar. Registration for virtual workshops, mentor groups and webinars will be available in the student portal.

You will also have access to the Nelson Fitness Center, including their pool and fitness classes throughout the duration of their program. For more information about their offerings, please visit the Brown Recreation website

Housing 

You will be assigned to a single, double or triple occupancy room. In most cases, roommates are within one year of age. Roommate requests will not be honored. Students who need to request housing accommodations based on a learning, psychological and/or physical disability should indicate they may require an accommodation when completing the Medical Authorization and Health History Form by June 2. Please email accessibility@brown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in two of Brown’s dining halls daily. Three meals a day are included in the cost of residential program fees. 

Dining Services Information

There are resources to help you with food-related allergies, dietary restrictions and other needs for accommodations to navigate the options in the dining halls. Prior to arrival, you should familiarize yourself with Brown’s dining website which provides information about the various dietary options available. This site also includes icons for specific food types (e.g. gluten free) that are consistent with those found in the on-campus dining locations. Brown offers a variety of options and signage that allow many students to manage without additional accommodations. Students with any food restrictions are encouraged to utilize the Brown Dining My Meal site while on-campus. This tool is designed to help you make educated food choices in Brown’s dining halls and includes specific ingredients used in all available dishes.

If you have a food allergy, dietary restriction or a need for another accommodation please indicate this on your Medical Authorization and Health History Form by June 2. The University’s  Dietician will reach out to you directly to offer to discuss your dining options. Options could include using an online special meal request system, access to the Allergen Friendly Pantry and guidance navigating the online information and dining halls. In addition, temporary dining accommodations can be provided using a Chef's card that is available on request when you swipe into the main dining hall, the Sharpe Refectory (Ratty). These cards can be used to request a special meal if you arrive on a weekend and have not yet formally arranged accommodations. These cards will enable you to request a meal that is gluten-free or free of the following allergens: shellfish, soy, dairy, nuts, peanuts, eggs, wheat, alcohol and fish. The menu options using this card are more limited and a meal is provided once the card is received, so these meals will take some additional time to prepare. 

Laundry

There are laundry facilities in all residence halls. You will need to supply your own detergent. All washers and dryers operate by swiping a Bear Bucks Guest Card (see information below). It costs $1.75 to wash and $1.75 to dry a load of laundry. 

Bear Bucks

Bear Bucks Guest Cards allow you to use laundry machines and vending machines. You must purchase a Bear Bucks Guest Card for $1.00 at a Bear Bucks Kiosk. Money should be added to your Bear Bucks Guest Card as needed and in small increments as the unused balance is non-refundable. Please DO NOT add funds/Bear Bucks directly to your Brown ID card. 

Bear Bucks Kiosks to purchase Bear Bucks Guest Cards are available to you at the following locations on campus. 

  • Sharpe Refectory

  • Stephen Robert ‘62 Campus Center

  • Brown Bookstore

  • Emery Woolley Hall

Mail Services

Mail may be sent to you during the program. Please do not send packages of bedding or clothing needed on move-in day in advance of your arrival, since the University’s mailroom is not open for package pick-up on Sundays. 

Please note that mail sent to college campuses requires additional processing time for sorting and distribution, and any standard mailing or shipping delays may result in the mail or packages not reaching you prior to your campus departure. For those reasons, any mail/packages should be coordinated to arrive no later than one week prior to your departure. Mail should be sent to:

Student Name
Brown Pre-College Student
69 Brown Street
Providence, RI 02912

Lost and Found

The lost and found is located at the Department of Public Safety 401-863-1663. Items of value left behind in residence halls, such as jewelry, money and laptop computers will be turned in and students should call the DPS office to retrieve lost items.

Campus Improvements

Students attending Brown Pre-College on campus programs may encounter campus improvement efforts, including, but not limited to, construction, painting and grounds maintenance. Wherever possible, Brown University and Brown Pre-College have taken steps to mitigate the impact of such projects on Pre-College participants.

You are responsible for abiding by all pre-college policies and guidelines while participating in the program. These include policies listed on the policy page as well as any policies shared with you by Student Life staff and instructors. Please also review the financial policies, including payment and refund information.

You will receive a Course Performance Report from your instructor and you in turn will be asked to complete a course evaluation upon completion of the course. If you successfully complete your program you will receive a Certificate of Completion. All completion materials including the Course Performance Report will be sent out in September. The certificate will be sent via US Mail to your listed address and the Course Performance Report will be sent electronically to the email address we have on file for you. 

Since Brown University's campus is populated with many programs during the summer months, you should plan to leave campus after attending your last class, returning your key and checking out of your residence hall no later than Friday at 9 p.m. You are expected to attend your last class. Please note that some classes are scheduled to end at 6:20 p.m. If your class schedule or long-distance travel plans necessitate staying over Friday night, you may request approval to remain until Saturday at 9 a.m during your floor meeting on Thursday evening before your last class. Students should not plan to depart campus during curfew hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.). If you need to remain on campus until Saturday morning, please notify your Resident Assistant at your floor meeting the last Thursday of your course or program. Extensions beyond this time cannot be accommodated.