BSI Pre-Orientation

The Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation is a free, weeklong program held each fall semester prior to the campus-wide fall 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 and/or African American on their College or Conservatory application will receive an email invitation on May 8, 2024, 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 Wednesday, May 8, 2024, and closes on Wednesday, June 19, 2024.

The Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation is a not-for-credit program, and currently there are no prerequisites prior to the start of the program.

BSI Pre-Orientation Activities

The BSI24 Pre-Orientation program schedule is currently under development and will be provided to registered program participants prior to the start of the program. Through the Cadence Orientation App, program participants will be able to view the full pre-orientation schedule, a live feed for students to introduce themselves to other new Berklee students, campus resources, competitions, and more! During the week we focus on the following areas:

Academic preparation: develop an understanding of core concepts in music, dance, and theater
History and musical tradition: develop an understanding of self in African diasporic historical tradition
Community integration: develop strategies to navigate academic and extracurricular experiences

Past BSI Pre-Orientation sessions have included the following:

Meet-and-greet events with campus partners such as the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice and the Africana Studies Center
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
Panel discussions with College and Conservatory students, alumni, and faculty
Interactive workshops that focus on core harmony, ear training, and personalized performance techniques through dance and theater led by College and Conservatory faculty
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner for BSI participants in the dining hall
Ensemble showcase and concert deeply rooted in the week long experience. To view past concerts, visit the following links:

Housing and Accommodations

Housing

All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and housing during the Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation will be provided by the Black Scholars Initiative. Confirmed program participants will move into the residence halls on Saturday, August 17, 2024. There are no alternative move-in dates for Black Scholars Initiative 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 the Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation; however, you must move out of the residence halls on Saturday, August 24, 2024, by 9:00 a.m. There will be no exceptions.

Accommodations

Students who require accommodations based on a disability to participate in the Black Scholars Initiative Pre-Orientation can request accommodations after being accepted into the program. Please email Accessibility Resources for Students at accessibilityresources@berklee.edu with your request.

Information for Families

Families are invited to attend the BSI Family Welcome Reception on Saturday, August 17. (Please note that this event is separate from the college-wide Fall 2023 Family Orientation). 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 planning their 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 23.

Plan Ahead for Fall Semester Check-In

BSI Pre-Orientation participants should be prepared to check in for the fall semester by Friday, August 9, 2024. 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:

Scholarships: contact the Office of Student Financial Services at financialaid@berklee.edu.
Billing and payment: contact the Office of Student Accounts at studentaccounts@berklee.edu.
Immunizations: go to the Semester Check-In Information page, scroll down to “Missing Immunizations,” and follow the instructions.
International students: you must meet all International Student Check-In Requirements. Contact International Student Services at iss@berklee.edu with any questions.

Meet the BSI Faculty, Staff, and Leadership

Students can visit the BSI Leadership Team page to learn more about the team planning your onboarding experience prior to Fall Orientation.