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On March 24, messages claiming U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement was on campus circulated rapidly around Brandeis University. Students shared posts describing a black SUV with tinted windows and the license plate 2MVP48 reportedly seen driving on Loop Road near the Heller School. What began as a single report quickly escalated into a campus-wide moment of fear.
On Friday, May 1, members of the new Fight Authoritarianism Brandeis group convened outside the Bernstein-Marcus Administrative Center and the Irving Presidential Enclave to protest a myriad of pressing social issues. The protest included a focus on the recent actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, various wars abroad, Brandeis’ lack of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the University’s decision to honor Sheryl Sandberg as a speaker and honorary degree recipient at the 2026 commencement ceremony. May 1 is also known as May Day, or International Workers’ Day. Nationwide protests were held to celebrate the labor movement, including one in Boston Common which garnered hundreds of attendees.
On Monday, May 4, residents of North Quadrangle received an email from Area Coordinator Celia Henderson with the subject ”Polaris TV Damage.”
On May 14, Brandeis held the last faculty meeting of the spring semester at 2 p.m. in the Shapiro Campus Center Multipurpose Room. President Arthur Levine ’70 announced the results from the Faculty Senate elections, gave remarks and updates about student enrollment, and Founding Director of Brandeis’ new Center for Careers and Applied Liberal Arts, Lewis Brooks ’80, discussed more updates to Brandeis’ new microcredentials program. Finally, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol Fierke announced the names of this year’s retiring faculty and a motion was passed to require faculty to submit their list of degree candidates to the provost and allow the provost to make any additional corrections or amendments to the aforementioned list of degree recipients.
On Sunday, May 17 Brandeis held its graduate commencement ceremony, honoring students receiving their Masters degree, PhD and degree in leadership programs. The ceremony began at 3 p.m. and was moderated by Prof. Charles Golden (ANTH), Vice Provost for Graduate Affairs. Golden introduced Prof. Steven Cecchetti (FIN) as the ceremony’s Grand Marshal, after which Marshals of the Faculty processed. Golden then introduced the procession of the graduate class of 2026. Finally, Golden introduced the ceremony’s honored guests, the president’s party, speakers and the Board of Trustees.
On Sunday, May 17, Brandeis kicked off their 75th undergraduate commencement ceremony in Gosman Sports and Convocation Center, broadcasted live via Zoom for those who were unable to join in-person. The warm weather and cloudless sky were the perfect backdrop for the many families and friends that came to celebrate the class of 2026. Students wore decorated caps and chords or stoles that honored their extracurricular and academic achievements. This year’s ceremony featured keynote speaker and honorary degree recipient Sheryl Sandberg and a student address from Khimaya Bagla ’26.
On April 27, the Prevention, Advocacy and Resource Center did a tabling event on sexual violence awareness in the Shapiro Campus Center Atrium. The event lasted from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and focused on the F.R.I.E.S model of consent: Freely given, Reversible, Informed, Enthusiastic and Specific.
MEDICAL EMERGENCY
On April 24, the Student Sexuality and Information Services Center hosted their annual Sex Olympics event on the SCC Great Lawn. There was trivia, games, a dunk tank and pizza offered for participants. The event was staffed by student volunteers passionate about sex education and ensuring that the Brandeis student body stays safe.
On Friday, April 24, the Brandeis Student Union held its annual State of the Union address, where members of the Student Union and the student body were able to reflect on the past year and celebrate their accomplishments.
Brandeis’ decennial reaccreditation process with the New England Commission of Higher Education has begun and allows students to engage in an 18-month self study program. This process also allows faculty, staff, students and administrators to critically examine the University’s mission along with its impact.
The University’s annual Springfest performance is one of the most well-known events in the community. Every spring, students gather on Chapels Field to enjoy musical performances and unwind before final exams begin. In an April 14 Instagram post, the Campus Activities Board announced that the 2026 headliner will be Swedish singer and songwriter, Zara Larsson.
On April 17, a group of first-years and sophomores presented to mentors and peers on issues ranging from misogyny to code-switching as part of the Intercultural Center’s new leadership program. Push 92 helps students develop leadership skills and confidence. The program’s inaugural cohort launched this academic year with 25 fellows completing it. Throughout the program, fellows develop interpersonal skills to contribute to their own leadership paths at Brandeis. Peter Rojas, director of the Intercultural Center, came up with the idea for Push 92 to inspire students to become future leaders on campus.