The Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation is a free, weeklong program held each fall semester prior to the institution-wide orientation period. The program is rooted in uplifting students and cultivating community among BSI students, faculty, and staff. The core program sessions feature social and cultural components to strengthen students’ understanding of themselves within the context of Black and African American traditions. Additionally, students will learn strategies for effectively navigating academic and co-curricular experiences and gain skills that will prepare them for success at Berklee and beyond.
How to Register
Students who chose to self-identify as Black or African American on their College or Conservatory application will receive an email invitation on May 15th, 2023 to participate in the program from bsi@berklee.edu. Students can register via the link included in the email. Registration for BSI Pre-Orientation opens on Monday, May 15, 2023, and closes on Friday, July 21, 2023.
All students who identify as Black or African American are welcome to participate.
This is a not-for-credit program, and there are currently no prerequisites prior to the start of the program
BSI Pre-Orientation Activities
The BSI23 Pre-Orientation program schedule is currently under development and will be provided to registered program participants prior to the start of the program
Past BSI Pre-Orientation sessions have included the following:
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Meet-and-greet events with campus partners such as the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and the Africana Studies Center
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Breakout sessions to discuss and learn about jazz history, hip-hop in society, the African American/Afro-Caribbean connection, Africanist aesthetic in performance, and how to succeed at Berklee
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Panel discussions with College and Conservatory students, alumni, and faculty
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Interactive core harmony and ear training sessions led by College and Conservatory faculty
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Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for BSI participants in the Berklee dining hall
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Ensemble showcase and concert
Housing and Accommodations
Housing
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and housing during BSI Pre-Orientation will be provided by BSI. Registered BSI Pre-Orientation participants will move into the residence halls on Monday, August 21, 2023. There are no alternative move-in dates for BSI participants.
Participants with on-campus housing for the academic year (confirmed by the Housing Office): you will move into the room assigned to you by the Housing Office for the academic year.
Participants who do not have on-campus housing for the academic year: you will be permitted to live in the residence halls for the duration of BSI Pre-Orientation; however, you must move out of the residence halls at the end of the program on Saturday, August 26. There will be no exceptions.
Accommodations
Students who require accommodations based on a disability to participate in the BSI Pre-Orientation program can request accommodations after registering for the program. Please email Accessibility Resources for Students at accessibilityresources@berklee.edu with your request.
Information for Families
Families are invited to attend the in-person BSI Family Welcome Reception on Monday, August 21. This reception will not cover information shared during the college-wide Fall Family Orientation so we highly encourage families to be aware of this when making plans to travel to Boston.
At the end of BSI Pre-Orientation week, families will have the opportunity to virtually attend the ensemble showcase on Friday, August 25.
Plan Ahead for Fall Semester Check-In
BSI Pre-Orientation participants should be prepared to check in for the fall semester by Tuesday, August 1, 2023. We encourage you to review any check-in restrictions you may have and contact the appropriate offices for assistance before arriving on campus so you can fully engage in BSI’s Pre-Orientation Program.
Where to get assistance:
Meet the BSI Faculty, Staff, and Leadership
Students can visit the BSI leadership page to learn more about the team planning the summer program.
