The University boasts over 250 clubs and student-run organizations, all of which play a central role in community-building and relieving students’ academic stress. The Department of Student Engagement’s integral work has made these events possible by offering logistical support for clubs’ programming and providing financial guidance. DSE is also responsible for conceptualizing and implementing campus-wide programs. Given the significance of its work, The Justice’s Editorial Board would like to take this opportunity to highlight some of the DSE’s recent initiatives and express our appreciation for the efforts it makes to align with the student body. In a campus environment where students juggle demanding academic and extracurricular schedules, these programs are vital in creating spaces for relaxation, connection and creativity outside of the classroom. 

In addition to its usual programming, DSE is actively collaborating with student leaders and their respective communities by offering up to $500 in funding for organizations that may be interested in hosting an event in the Shapiro Campus Center’s atrium this spring. According to a March 16 email from DSE’s Assistant Director for Operations Matthew DeCarlo, the deadline for this grant application has been extended to March 22 at midnight. Opportunities such as these empower student leaders’ creativity while eliminating any budgetary concerns that may arise. This editorial board encourages student leaders to take advantage of this grant opportunity and explore some new programming ideas — initiatives such as these reinforce the role that students play in shaping campus life. 

DSE also promotes a myriad of events that take student ideas into consideration and bring their own projects to the table, serving as a much-needed reprieve from the winter weather we've been seeing lately. For instance, DSE brought a “Cookie Monstah” ice cream sandwich truck outside the SCC, which doled out free treats on March 10 and recently brought a petting zoo to campus that had plenty of adorable animals to meet. 

Earlier this month, DSE’s “Brandeis at Fenway” program opened, offering students the opportunity to sign up and receive free tickets to MLB games at Fenway Park in April. Additionally, through its “Broadway in Boston” program, DSE is encouraging students to sign up for free tickets for productions of “The Outsiders,” “Suffs” or “Beauty and the Beast.” Events such as these encourage Brandeis students who may have limited opportunities to visit Boston to spend some much-needed time away from campus and experience the city. Additionally, by reducing financial barriers to these experiences, more students can participate in and experience cultural opportunities beyond campus. 

Another wonderful implementation by DSE was the whiteboard and markers that greeted community members as they entered the Shapiro Campus Center. The whiteboard encourages students to jot down any fun ideas that they have for campus programming. This initiative has reaped rewards for the student body in more ways than one. For example, many students highlighted the idea of a Rage Room coming to campus, and sure enough, the DSE listened and brought the much-desired Ragefest to Brandeis on March 5. Not to mention, this white board also inspired DSE’s movie selection, “Zootopia 2,” for its movie night on March 16. 

In terms of what these collaborative initiatives mean for the future, DSE seems ready and prepared to join hands with student leadership and the greater student community. This editorial board would like to thank the leadership within the department for their commitment to actively listening and engaging with students, as well as their excitement to continually foster a joyful and energetic Brandeis community.