On October 10, Brandeis faculty met in the Rapaporte Treasure Hall for an important discussion about the university’s future. The agenda included a new policy for the Moodle Learning Management System, updates on marketing strategies, the introduction of a new career center, and proposed changes to the diversity committee’s language.
Professor Jeffrey Lenowitz opened the meeting, reminding everyone about the Student Support Team, created last year to assist during student protests. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on campus security and offers training for volunteers.
University Librarian Matthew Sheehy presented on the updated Moodle policy. While using Moodle for instruction won’t be mandatory, faculty must upload their syllabi. This creates a better experience for students, ensuring easy access to class materials and maintaining a record of course offerings. Third-party applications can still be used but will require approval to ensure they meet standards for accessibility and security.
Lenowitz emphasized that knowing more about course content helps align offerings with Brandeis’s core competencies, enhancing the academic experience.
Sheila Georger, Vice President of Marketing Communications, discussed the university’s marketing efforts. She emphasized the importance of defining Brandeis’s unique position in the educational landscape. Recent research suggests that potential students see the university as somewhere between “elite” and “value,” indicating a need for a clearer brand identity. The university is collaborating with a marketing agency to create strategies focused on increasing both student recruitment and community engagement.
In today’s digital age, where the attention of high school students is limited, the marketing team is ramping up efforts on platforms like TikTok to showcase academic programs and student experiences. A video campaign is also running to highlight Brandeis’s strengths on college research sites.
Lewis Brooks ’80, director of the new Center for Careers and Applied Liberal Arts, shared the center’s mission to prepare students for the workforce. Each student will have access to personalized career counseling and a variety of experiential learning opportunities. Brooks highlighted the introduction of micro-credentials, certifying mastery in critical skills, which will accompany students’ academic transcripts.
The meeting concluded with a discussion on amending the description of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice committee. The proposed changes aim to better reflect current laws and reduce the fear among members about being associated with the term “DEI.” Professor Aida Wong explained that the amendment will address immediate concerns and allow for future discussions regarding the committee’s direction.
With no objections, the faculty decided to vote on the amendment the following week before adjourning the meeting.
In the context of broader trends, many universities face similar challenges in defining their identities in a competitive market. As institutions strive for inclusivity and effective communication, Brandeis’s efforts reflect a growing awareness of the need for adaptability and clarity in their approaches.
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