Admissions and Financial Aid

Summer Institute for Incoming Students

Welcome to the Summer Institute

The Summer Institute is an online platform built by Heller faculty for incoming students to meet, prepare for courses, and share support resources. It’s free to enroll and is available to all incoming students who have accepted their offer of admission and made a deposit.

More information can be found below in our Frequently Asked Questions section.

Why Join the Summer Institute? 

Starting graduate school can be a big transition. Whether you've been out of the classroom for awhile, are new to U.S. academic culture, or just want to be as prepared as you can be, the Summer Institute can help. It's a low-stakes, high-value way to brush up on core skills like statistics and academic writing, explore key student resources and support services, and get practical tips for settling into life in the U.S. or a new city before you even arrive on campus. You’ll show up prepared, confident, and ready to engage in every class. 

Additionally, students who complete the core modules of the Summer Institute will receive a Heller Summer Institute Micro-Credential, which you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile to highlight your commitment to academic preparedness and professional development.

Hear from Past Participants

“The Heller Summer Institute helped me not only prepare what was to be expected of me from my program, but also gave me a chance to work with my future colleagues and professors.” - Gabrielle Hibbert, SID student

“Before I arrived in the United States I had no idea about the teaching format at Heller. With the Summer Institute I was able to get a feel for Heller’s learning system. I also really liked the assignments and feedback we were given during the course.” - Grace Udotong, COEX student

“As an international student who has been out of school for several years, I was anxious about completing a degree in the U.S. The Summer Institute was not only a helpful refresher, but it also gave me a taste of what studying at Heller will entail. When I arrived at orientation, I felt on top of things. If you're an international student, too, I totally recommend taking advantage of this amazing offering!” - Sonia Niznik, COEX student

“The summer institute made it easier for me to handle my workload as a Heller student. Already being familiar with the career center, the library resources, etc. allowed me to focus on my studies as soon as I arrived.” - Katherine Ponce, MBA/MS-GHPM student

Summer Institute FAQs

Is the Summer Institute mandatory?

The Summer Institute is not mandatory. You are welcome to take advantage of every skill-building module or just a few - or none at all! While participation is completely voluntary, we do encourage all incoming students to explore the modules. It's a great way to get to know your incoming cohort and brush up on skills before your semester begins.

How do I access the Summer Institute?

To participate in the Summer Institute you will need to have accepted your offer of admission and made your enrollment deposit. You will also need to log-in with your Brandeis account username and password. 

Instructions for accessing the Summer Institute will be emailed to you once it is open, typically sometime in June. 

What is the Heller Summer Institute Micro-Credential?

The Heller Summer Institute Micro-Credential is a digital badge awarded to incoming students who complete the core modules of the Heller Summer Institute. It recognizes your proactive preparation for graduate school and your engagement with foundational academic and community resources at Heller.

What are the benefits of earning the micro-credential?

Earning the micro-credential:
  • Demonstrates initiative and academic preparedness to future employers, faculty, and peers
  • Can be shared on your LinkedIn profile or resume
  • Signals your early engagement with the Heller School community and resources
  • Helps you feel more confident and ready for your first semester

What do I need to do to earn the micro-credential?

To receive the micro-credential, you’ll need to complete the following components of the Summer Institute:

  • Introduce yourself in the discussion forum
  • Complete the “Avoiding Plagiarism” tutorial
  • Finish your academic program’s required tutorials and assessments
  • Engage with at least one additional resource or support area (e.g., housing tools, mental health content, or peer mentorship)

How will I receive the micro-credential?

Once you complete the required components, you will receive an email with your digital badge and instructions on how to download and share it. You can also view it on your Brandeis account profile.

Can I still participate in the Summer Institute if I don’t want the micro-credential?

Yes! The Summer Institute is completely optional and self-paced. You can engage with as many—or as few—resources as you’d like. However, earning the micro-credential is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to success at Heller.

Is the micro-credential an official academic certificate?

While it is not a formal academic transcript notation, the micro-credential is an official recognition from the Heller School that you have completed foundational pre-semester preparation. It can be a valuable addition to your professional and academic portfolio.

Who can I contact with questions?

If you have questions about the Summer Institute or the micro-credential, feel free to contact:

Marc Kiredjian, Associate Director, Academic and Student Services
Email: mkiredjian@brandeis.edu