Brandeis University - Facilities

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Due to the economic downturn, Brandeis has lost a good chunk of its endowment and has subsequently cut back on funding for facilities maintenance. The lawns are being cared for less, there are fewer flowers around, and trash bins are allowed to fill completely before they are changed. Rather than pay to upkeep existing structures, Brandeis builds new, extravagant buildings to entice donors and new students. In 2008 alone, the University completely rebuilt the Ridgewood dorms, constructed the Shapiro Science Center, and demolished the admissions center to build a new one. In an effort to solve its financial crisis, the Board of Trustees foolishly decided they wanted to close the Rose Art Museum and sell the collection, all without consulting students, alumni, or the Rose itself. The whole fiasco caused public outcry and backpedaling that has hurt Brandeis’ reputation more than it has helped the finances.

Many of the dorms at Brandeis are old and decrepit, and the bug problem in East quad is so bad that house centipedes are commonly referred to as “East Bugs.” Ridgewood and the Village are nice, but they are only for juniors and seniors. Traditionally, a building in one of the freshman quads is renovated during the fall semester to house the mid-year students in the spring, but that practice will be stopped. The Mods were meant to be torn down in the 1970s but are still here, and most students would rather live off campus than in Grad. Some recent improvements to the gym have been made, but the University does not have enough money to complete necessary work on the Lindsey Pool, so it has been shut down indefinitely. Upkeep, rather than construction should be the focus of the school, but that does not appear to be happening anytime soon.

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Students Speak Out

BraJCc says: Brandeis University 2016 Social Sciences

The facilities might not be the... The facilities might not be the greatest in the country, but they certainly serve all of my needs and then some. Whether it be the libraries, the student center, the cafeterias, or the sports facilities, they are all well-equipped and well-kept, and the management seriously listens to suggestions and makes changes accordingly. 12345 Facilities: March 16, 2009 Report

BraDE says: Brandeis University 2013 History

The facilities at Brandeis are,... The facilities at Brandeis are, for the most part, outdated. While the campus center is nice, it does not utilize its space very well. It is very difficult to find anything in the library-many books are missing, and the librarians are not very helpful. The gym is okay, minus the unusable pool, and they recently renovated the weight room. Usdan, the cafeteria, is a popular hangout for underclassmen and the few Greeks-upperclassmen don't go there unless they still have a meal plan or are mooching off someone else. 12345 Facilities: March 16, 2009 Report

BraSB says: Brandeis University 2014 English Language and Literature

Athletic facilities are pretty... Athletic facilities are pretty small due to a general lack of interest. The student center is a very pleasant and accommodating place. The library probably has whatever book you want. In general, all the facilities are serviceable—nothing great, nothing terrible. 12345 Facilities: March 16, 2009 Report

BraIL says: Brandeis University 2013 Social Sciences

The library is pretty decent, and... The library is pretty decent, and the student center is huge and very nice. There are lots of nicer smaller gyms around campus, but the cardio room in the main gym is horrible and needs serious updating. However, the weight room is new and great. 12345 Facilities: March 16, 2009 Report

BraCM says: Brandeis University 2016 Social Sciences

The gymnasium is especially nice.... The gymnasium is especially nice. However, since we no longer have a functioning pool, my trips to the gym are less frequent. The student center is new and quite green-literally. I enjoy stopping by for a quick bite at Einstein's Bagels, and there is always something going on. The library is straight out of the 1960's but has plenty of places to get away and study. 12345 Facilities: March 03, 2009 Report

Facts

Did You Know?

The Boston Celtics built the arena in the Gosman Sports Center for their practices, but after Reggie Lewis, a highly-admired Celtics player, died on the court from heart failure, they decided to move elsewhere.

Eleanor Roosevelt hosted the innovative television series, Prospects of Mankind (1959-1962). Produced by National Educational Television, the forerunner of PBS, the series was recorded primarily at the Slosberg Music Center at Brandeis University. Leonard Bernstein, a music professor at Brandeis, was a great influence on this place; it’s shaped like a baby-grand.

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