Important Dates

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

• May 14: Full payment for Leadership Institute
• May 30: All required forms for all students

Students who enroll after these deadlines are expected to complete form requirements and make payment within 48 hours of enrollment.

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 available through your student portal and 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 physical and immunization records. Most forms include sections for both students and parents/guardians to complete. Please note that additional requirements may be added throughout the cycle. Check your portal periodically for new requirements.

Required Leadership Institute Pre-Program Assignment

Two weeks before your course starts, a required Pre-Program Assignment will be posted on Canvas, a learning management tool you will use during your course. You will receive an email with instructions on accessing the Canvas shell. This activity will only require 30 minutes to one hour to complete and is the only pre-work required before arriving on campus. Please complete this activity at least one week before your course start date so your instructor/TA can begin to get to know you, and so you can familiarize yourself with essential concepts.

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. Be sure to submit your requests using the Medical Authorization and Health History Form. We require all documentation to be submitted by May 30. Please email accessibility@brown.edu if you have any questions or concerns.

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 greatly, 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 access to wireless internet. In the summer, residence hall rooms are equipped with a portable air conditioning unit or will have central air conditioning.

What to Bring

• Clothing: shorts, t-shirts, pants, etc. and clothes hangers. It is important to bring clothes that you can layer, so that regardless of the temperature, you are comfortable.
• Comfortable walking shoes
• 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 and charger (if your class requires a laptop)
• Chromebook or Tablet and charger (is acceptable instead of a laptop if your class did not specify a laptop requirement)
• Notebook and writing utensils
• Prescribed medications, contact lenses, glasses
• Toothbrush, toiletries, soap
• Bathrobe, flip-flops for shower and shower caddy
• Towels and facecloths*
• 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. While the residence halls are air-conditioned, some students also like to have a fan to keep air moving in their room
• Thermometer
• Over-the-counter medications
• Bandaids

*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. For a full list of prohibited or restricted items, please refer to the Pre-College Housing Agreement or Office of Residential Life restricted items list.

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 included in the cost of the program 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 will be necessary.

Students and their parent(s)/guardian(s) are required to coordinate transportation to and from Brown’s campus. Brown Pre-College is unable to provide transportation or coordinate travel assistance. Please consider purchasing travel insurance if you are flying to campus, and please check in with your airline well in advance to confirm that you have the proper documentation and identification necessary to travel.

In addition, citizens from Visa Waiver Program countries must apply for an authorization to travel to the United States using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is available at http://www.esta.us/visa_waiver_countries.html. Other foreign citizens will need a non-immigrant visa issued by a United States Embassy or Consulate. To schedule a visa interview appointment, please visit http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english.html.

The Department of State specifically lists short-term summer high school programs as qualifying activities for a B-2 visa 9 FAM 402.5-5(I)(3)(e) Thus, the B-2 visa is the appropriate classification for visitors who will engage in our United States-based pre-college enrichment series. If you need a letter specific to applying for a visa beyond your admissions letter that you can find in your student portal, please contact our office and request a “letter of invitation”.

It is good practice to carry with you (not packed in your luggage) appropriate travel documents, including passport, visa and your Brown Pre-College letter(s) you used as confirmation of the program when you applied for your visa. While traveling to the United States, make sure you know what kind of visa you are traveling on. If the information is requested, you can share that you are attending an on-campus academic enrichment program at Brown University that is not for credit.

As with all other matters, please contact our offices (401) 863-7900 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or precollege@brown.edu, if you expect to be delayed to check-in to your program or are no longer able to attend your program for any reason.

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.

Travel Guidance and Responding to Government Requests Regarding Citizenship or Immigration Status

Please review this document for current information.

Check-In and Orientation

Check-In Location: Sayles Hall, on the Main Green
Check-In Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. ET, 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’ section 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 wearing Pre-College shirts 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 available for you to attend presented by Program Leadership. Please note these orientations contain similar information as the Orientation videos linked in the email you receive two weeks prior to your course start date. There will also be a livestream available if you’d like to watch the orientation on your mobile device.

Student/Parent/Guardian Orientation (Optional, but recommended)
Location: Salomon Hall, on the Main Green
Orientation Times: 10 a.m., 11 a.m., Noon (12 p.m.) (Please note: there will be no 12 p.m. orientation on Sunday, June 29)

Mandatory Leadership Institute Director’s Welcome and Orientation (students only): 3 p.m. 

Interactive activities and dinner with other students in the Leadership Institute will follow. 

You are able to use your ID card to have lunch in the dining hall on the day you check in for your program. 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.

Parking

The Power Street parking garage, located at 111 Power Street, Providence, RI 02903, is our preferred parking location for students, families, parents/guardians 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, parents/guardians 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:

• Brown University Map
• Google Map walking directions from Power Street parking garage to Sayles Hall

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. ET, 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. Students who are approved to arrive early will have access to the Dining Halls on campus.

Late Arrival

You should make every effort to arrive between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. ET on Sunday before your course(s) begins so that you can participate in student 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 Attending Multiple Consecutive On-Campus Courses

Students are generally housed with other students who are spending the same amount of time on campus, however, if you are a Leadership Institute student who enrolls in additional courses on campus before or after participating in the Leadership Institute, you will be required to move in between programs. Your resident assistant will notify you if a move is necessary on the last Thursday of your course or program. You will be required to check in for that 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 your time on campus 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. Time management is a skill that will serve you well 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 5 hours of class each weekday; complete 2 to 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 Leadership Institute student, you will navigate these expectations with the help of a team of carefully selected and trained staff. Brown University’s Pre-College Student Life team 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 and 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. They serve as a connector to  everything from guiding you to resources around campus, familiarizing you with extra-curricular activities and supporting you with both emergency and non-emergent needs. Our primary goal is to create a safe atmosphere that supports your 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 parent(s)/guardian(s) 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 parent(s)/guardian(s) agree on the frequency and methods for keeping in touch while you are attending. For example, you could decide together that you will text your parent(s)/guardian(s) every evening at a certain hour or that you will call them every other day at a certain time. 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. ET.

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. ET. 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 parents/guardians to determine the best approach to do so during the program.

Illness

You should inform program staff as soon as you are not feeling well and may be asked to self-administer a test for specific infectious illnesses and/or take your temperature, among other actions. If you are ill, you will need to be separated from others in the program to lower the possibility of any illness spreading and it is possible you may be asked to make plans to depart campus. Please note: there may be additional or different protocols implemented by a field trip location or local airport and are dependent on public health guidelines at the time of the program.

Curfew

You are required to check in with residential staff every evening at 10 p.m. ET and remain on your floor until 6 a.m. ET 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 your 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 provided 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 an Out-of-State Travel Form found in the Optional Section of the Parent/Guardian Checklist (linked in the Student Portal) at least 24 hours prior to departing campus.

Overnight Leave

We highly encourage students to plan on remaining on campus for the duration of their program so they can make the most of their experience with Brown Pre-College Programs. However, if you would like to depart campus for the evening your parent(s)/guardian(s) 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).

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

Schedule Overview

The Leadership Institute is an immersive experience where you are living and learning with other students participating in the Institute. While its schedule differs from other Pre-College Programs taking place on Brown’s campus at the same time, students have the opportunity to take part in extracurricular activities offered to all on-campus pre-college students.

Class Attendance

You are required to attend class. 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. Brown Pre-College courses are intensive learning experiences. Leadership Institute students will spend 5 hours in class each weekday. Missing classes jeopardizes your ability to engage successfully and complete coursework, and since many classes also involve group work, missing classes can negatively impact the learning experience of other students in your class.  Missing classes can also result in being dismissed from the program.

Outside of Class Expectations

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

Academic Resources

You should consider taking advantage of many of the resources listed below. In college, getting support and learning outside of class is a great benefit and does not necessarily indicate you are having challenges. It’s a good idea to start getting comfortable using these resources now so you are prepared to do so in college.

• 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: Canvas is the Learning Management Tool that Brown University uses for course materials, syllabus, communication with instructors and other resources for each course. Your instructor may use Canvas to provide you virtual access to course-specific resources.
• Libraries: All active students are able to access University Library resources virtually and can use library space. To visit the Brown University Library follow the link here.
• 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.
• Language Support: Brown offers support to students whose primary language is not English. To find out more and to make an appointment, please follow the link here.
• 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 discuss course content and assignments, ask questions to expand your learning and have the opportunity to build a relationship with your instructor. Instructors will share their available office hours with you during the first course meeting and likely in the syllabus. We recommend you take advantage of these opportunities.

Description of the Action Plan

We believe that students have the ability and responsibility to be engaged global citizens. The Action Plan is a capstone project that enables you to apply what you've learned at Brown in your home communities.

We will help you define the issues that you are passionate about and construct a plan to address them. We work with you to set realistic goals, identify mentors and resource people and anticipate challenges.

Instructors and Leadership Institute Teaching Associates will help you design an Action Plan that fits your interests and skills. As one of your capstone assignments, you will share an oral presentation of your Action Plan with your peers.

Some examples of Action Plans

●   Developing a program, initiative or educational campaign (e.g., climate change, media literacy, body image) in your school, house of worship or neighborhood.

●   Collaborating with existing organizations or community groups that address a societal problem such as affordable housing, relationship violence or college access.

●   Planning and implementing a fundraiser for an organization or cause.

●   Improving your own leadership skills or developing your content knowledge around an issue of importance to you.

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 your program. 

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. 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 site while on-campus. This site is designed to help you make educated food choices while navigating Brown’s dining halls.

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 May 30. 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. Students will swipe their ID card to operate machines. There is no additional fee for this service.

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 found 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.

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.

On the last day of the program, you and your classmates will be presenting your Action Plan to guests and classmates. We invite parents/guardians, family and friends to attend the Closing Day Program and your required Action Plan presentation from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the last Friday of your program (July 11 or July 25). This event will allow guests to learn about your Action Plan and meet with all Leadership Institute faculty and staff.  The presentations will be held at various campus locations, and students and guests must walk to these locations.

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 required to attend your last class and present your Action Plan project. If 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.). Extensions beyond this time cannot be accommodated. 

At the end of your course, you will be asked to complete a course evaluation reflecting on your experience in the course. If your course is two weeks or longer, you will receive a Course Performance Report from your instructor. If you successfully complete your program, you will receive a digital CeCertificate of Completion. The Course Performance Report and CeCertificate will be sent out in September. The CeCertificate will be sent via a secure link to the email address you have on file and the Course Performance Report will be made available in your Student Portal.