Navigating the Academic Year: A Guide to the Bryant University Calendar

Bryant University distinguishes itself by fostering a dynamic learning environment where students cultivate resilience through practical challenges, global exposure, and hands-on learning experiences. Experiential education forms the cornerstone of the Bryant experience. The university's distinctive interdisciplinary curriculum seamlessly integrates business, liberal arts, and sciences, empowering students to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and lead with purpose.

The Bryant Experience: A Foundation for Success

For 163 years, Bryant has instilled in its students the grit necessary to thrive in a complex world. The university believes in the transformative power of embracing challenges, learning from failures, and celebrating successes. At Bryant, ambition translates into tangible action. Learning is dynamic, practical, and encourages students to test ideas, develop solutions, collaborate across disciplines, and learn from setbacks on their path to achieving significant breakthroughs.

AI is integrated across disciplines, providing students with real, practical applications of the technology. The campus is alive with energy, purpose, and a strong sense of community. Bryant athletes demonstrate dedication and pride, striving for excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Bryant alumni are not just graduates; they are leaders who embody the strength of the university's community. Their enduring loyalty and pride keep them connected, supporting Bryant's mission as mentors, career advisors, and guest speakers.

Building Community: A Shared Responsibility

Bryant University emphasizes the importance of building a strong community, guided by principles that shape the shared experience of all its members. These principles aim to prepare students for success in both their personal and professional lives. Becoming a member of the Bryant University community is both a privilege and an opportunity, with participation in and support of this community being a shared responsibility. The pursuit of community is a continuous journey dedicated to equipping students for success in life and their careers. The campus fosters high standards of civility, with violations being addressed appropriately. Bryant University clearly articulates its academic and social expectations, and the campus embraces opportunities to affirm both tradition and change. Orientation, Convocation, Homecoming, Commencement, and other activities serve as celebratory events that bring the community together. These principles are based on Ernest Boyer’s book "Campus Life: In Search of Community" and form the foundation of the Bryant University Pledge, which is signed by all first-year students and the University president.

Key Programs and Resources for Students

New Student Orientation and Welcome Week

To welcome incoming students into the Bryant community, the Student Affairs division organizes four, two-day overnight programs for new students and their families in June. Led by upperclassmen trained as Orientation Leaders, participants register for classes, learn about Bryant’s services, programs, and resources, meet faculty and staff, and explore the campus. Welcome Week is a mandatory program for first-year and transfer students held the weekend before fall classes begin. It helps students transition to university life by connecting them with one another and with faculty and staff. Residential students move into their residence halls, and commuter students participate in a welcome program designed specifically for them. Transfer students also have their own dedicated Orientation Day. Welcome Week builds upon the foundation laid during Orientation to ensure students feel prepared for their first semester at Bryant. The program includes a variety of social activities and discussions of expectations and concerns, engaging students in the campus community and emphasizing active participation in the educational process.

Course Registration and Waitlists

Students have the option to join waitlists for courses that are already full. However, if they fail to act on an available waitlist seat, they will be removed from the waitlist, and the next student in line will be notified automatically. Faculty members have access to view the students on their course waitlists. Waitlist notifications cease before the start of the term, and all remaining students on the waitlist will be removed.

Declaring a Major and Leave of Absence

All undergraduate students are required to officially declare a major/concentration by the end of the second regular term of their sophomore year. Students planning to withdraw or take a leave of absence from Bryant University must complete the official leave process through the Office of the Registrar.

Military Benefits and the Yellow Ribbon Program

Bryant University proudly supports students who are eligible to receive military benefits. The university participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for students eligible for Chapter 33 benefits at 100% coverage, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible students can obtain their certificate of eligibility and information on available benefits by visiting the Veteran's Affairs website.

Online Learning: Flexible Scheduling

Online segments divide a standard 15-week semester into two 7.5-week sessions: Session I and Session II. This provides students with the flexibility to begin their educational journey at a time that suits them best.

Adding or Dropping Courses

Students can add or drop courses during the drop/add period at the beginning of each semester. No charge is incurred when a student drops a course before the first class meeting. Dropping one class and adding another during this period results in no change in tuition. However, if a student only adds or only drops a course during the drop/add period, their tuition rate will be adjusted accordingly.

Read also: Bryant & Stratton Costs

Vision 2030: Redefining Higher Education

Bryant’s strategic plan, Vision 2030, aims to redefine higher education by offering students a transformational learning experience. This vision is brought to life in facilities like the new 250,000-square-foot College of Business, a state-of-the-art building featuring classrooms, labs, and active learning hubs. The Ellen Wilson Leadership Center serves as the hub for leadership initiatives at Bryant.

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