<p>I have been looking into the four optional pre-orientation programs on the Brown website. Have any current Brown students participated in the “Excellence at Brown” or “TWTP” program? What were your thoughts on the program? Would you recommend signing up for one? Also, how early should you apply to do one of these programs? I read that they usually fill up fairly fast. </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>You don’t need to apply /this/ early. I know people who did them and signed up a few weeks before. If you want to do one, I’d suggest TWTP. Excellence at Brown, from what I’ve heard, is a good way to meet people but the actual things you do are relatively useless. TWTP’s a great way to meet really interesting people. I wish I’d done it.</p>
<p>I don’t know anything about any of the other pre-orientations, but TWTP was one of those experiences that will really stay with you. I highly recommend it if you have the chance.</p>
<p>I met some students of color who had done TWTP and they really enjoyed it; it was a great way for them to discuss their experiences with issues of race, class, gender, etc. I think it is emphasized especially for students of color as a safe space for them.</p>
<p>Just to add to what others have said, don’t worry about doing TWTP if you’re not a person of color. I know plenty who did and maybe even got more out of it. It’s really just a place to discuss diversity.</p>
<p>I think it’s kind of an infringement on the safe space if someone invites themself to attend… That’s kind of white-privilege-y. Just my opinion, though. </p>
<p>I heard about BUAD (Building Understanding Across Differences) as an alternate program for students of any background to discuss the same issues throughout the year.</p>
<p>Is BUAD still available? I didn’t see it as one of the options for pre-orientation programs on the website.</p>
<p>I thought BUAD was something that happens during the school year?</p>
<p>I don’t think BUAD happens anymore. At least, I’ve never heard about it.</p>
<p>Cardinalred: I know quite a few Caucasian students who attended TWTP. How is talking about the benefits of diversity an “infringement on the safe space”?? All the people I know, white and non-white, said they got a lot out of it.</p>
<p>bruno14, I didn’t mean that to sound accusatory, but this discussion really engenders an analysis of how white privilege works in majority-minority spaces (like TWTP), and this doesn’t seem like the appropriate venue. The discussion of diversity is necessary for all people (so yes, both white and non-white students certainly DO need to talk about diversity), but there are certain places where the perceived oppressor-oppressed relationship becomes uncomfortable. You can message me if you have further thoughts…</p>