Student Engagement
Programs & Events
There's more to master's student life than what happens in the classroom. Student Affairs in the School of Professional Studies organizes events throughout the year designed to help you build a community, develop your skills, and have some fun.
Community and Involvement
Getting involved in the campus community is a great way to find support, learn something new, and build your network at Brown. In addition to the Graduate Student Council and its graduate student organizations, campus centers offer an array of programs and services open to master’s students.
The Brown Center for Students of Color (BCSC) serves as a gathering place for communities of color on campus, hosting events and programs that build and affirm community. The center provides a place and space for students of color to explore their identity, develop their leadership skills and build a sense of community in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The Global Brown Center for International Students provides support for students who self-identify as international students, regardless of visa status, through ongoing programmatic efforts such as the International Mentoring Program and International Orientation, cultural events, community-building initiatives, and advocacy. Support for international students is also available through Global Brown, a network of several offices that works to coordinate the broad range of community and support services. Students studying on a visa will work with the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, which handles all matters related to immigration and student visa concerns.
Brown’s LGBTQ Center provides a comprehensive range of education, information and advocacy services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and questioning students. The LGBTQ Center works closely with other identity-based centers on campus to counsel individual students about their aspirations and concerns, advise student leaders and help organize programming. The LGBTQ Center staff also advises various LGBTQ+ student groups, including the Queer Alliance, an undergraduate group of LGBTQ+ students and allies that serves as a hub of LGBTQ+ organizing on campus.
The Sarah Doyle Center for Women and Gender provides a dynamic environment for exploring issues of gender, including the intersections of gender and gender identity with race, ethnicity, economic class, sexuality, dis/ability, age, and geography. The center’s staff works closely with the LGBTQ Center. All members of the Brown community are welcome to visit the center and make use of its resources. The center provides meeting spaces, an art gallery, and a library, and also maintains contact information for the gender and sexuality organizations at Brown and in the Providence area.
The Undocumented, First-Generation College and Low-Income Student (U-FLi) Center, located on the fifth floor of the Sciences Library, is a communal, learning and advocacy support space for undocumented, low-income and/or first-generation college students at Brown. The First-Generation College and Low-Income Scholars Program — a cohortbased transition experience program — provides first-year students with an opportunity to connect more closely with U-FLi Center staff, develop meaningful relationships with other students, and learn about the various resources available at Brown.
The Office of the Chaplains and Religious Life leads Brown’s work in religious diversity and strives to enhance religious literacy within the University community. The office supports more than 18 traditions, including the Brown-RISD Catholic community, BrownRISD Hillel, Brown Muslim Students’ Association, Protestant groups (i.e., ecumenical, multiple evangelical, Pentecostal, African American and Episcopal), Quaker, Christian Scientist, Orthodox Christian, Unitarian, Baha’i, Hindu, Buddhist, yoga and mindfulness, queer faith and contemplative practices.
First Generation Students
Were you a first-generation college student now obtaining a master’s degree? First-generation and low-income students are invited to participate in monthly First Gen Meet Ups in the School of Professional Studies. Meet other first-gen students, build community, and get to know the resources available to help you thrive.
Fall 2022 Semester Meeting Times:
Thursday, September 20 from 12-1
Thursday, October 20 from 12-1
Thursday, November 17 from 12-1
Thursday, December 8 from 12-1
The Graduate Student Council (GSC)
The School of Professional Studies Office of Student Affairs collaborates with the GSC, specifically the master's representative, to create new initiatives, address student concerns, and develop engaging programs for the master's community.
Explore Providence
We're located in Rhode Island’s vibrant capital—known for its innovative arts scene, exceptional culinary offerings, and unpretentious vibe. Known as "The Ocean State," Rhode Island boasts New England charm, history and affordability, yet is still close to the amenities and offerings of nearby Boston and New York City.
Brown benefits from being a big player in a small state, with access to government officials and to unique integrated datasets for many fields of research.
Highly accessible, statewide bus fare is free with your Brown ID, and the School is a 15-minute walk to Providence Station and 15-minute drive to the airport (PVD).
The School of Professional Studies is integrated into Brown’s multi-nodal campus with strong connections, deep history, and modern facilities. This includes a robust network of academic institutes and centers throughout the University. The campus and surrounding city is easy to navigate and accessible:
- Brown University's Walk Score is 94, along with high ratings for bike and transit
- Free statewide bus fare is free with your Brown ID
- 15-minute walk to Providence Station
- 15-minute drive to the airport (PVD)
More at Brown
Elite athletes. Unforgettable events. Iconic speakers and performers. Brown's vibrant campus community brings something for everyone to experience.
Things to Do
Whether you're looking for a new experience, a local event, or just a chance to get outside, Providence has an option for you. With a rich and vibrant arts scene, diverse events, there are many opportunities discovery.