Dear Brown Pre-College and Collegiate Scholars Community,

Brown University suffered an unthinkable tragedy on December 13, 2025, and our community continues to reel from a terrible act of violence. We continue to mourn and care for each other at a time of tremendous loss, even as we move forward on a path toward healing and recovery. Through strength and determination, our students, faculty, and staff continue to demonstrate the unique character that makes us Brown. And we are excited by the enthusiasm that so many amazing young students and their families continue to express for our programs.

As our academic and residential programs resume and continue, our utmost priority is the safety and security of all members of our community and all participants in Brown activities. We recognize that a secure campus is a necessary condition for fulfilling our mission of education and research, and for all participants in Brown programs to feel a sense of security and belonging as they explore their academic interests.

What happened on December 13 should never happen again — at Brown or anywhere — and the University is confronting that imperative for our community with steadfast purpose and resolve. Several priority projects are being accelerated for completion prior to the Spring 2026 semester and well ahead of Brown summer programs. The University has increased police and security staffing and expanded patrols, supported through ongoing coordination with local and federal law enforcement agencies. We also are accelerating physical security enhancements, including expanded card-access systems, integrated cameras at blue light phones, and expanded panic alarms in key locations.

This work is supported by an expedited physical security review of all Brown-controlled buildings, which will continue to inform ongoing enhancements. Our goal is to ensure that our full campus remains secure as classrooms, lab spaces, residence halls and all our facilities support student growth, wellness, and development. Additional information regarding safety and security at Brown can be found in an FAQ.

We also are committed to the well-being of our community and have devoted extensive resources to a healing and recovery effort called Brown Ever True. The Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs look forward to welcoming applications for 2026 programs and beyond as we continue on a dedicated path to recovery. We are excited to learn more about the dedicated and passionate students who are exploring spending part of their summer with Brown.

We look forward to getting to know you in the coming weeks and months, and we can’t wait for you to experience firsthand the special character – and the caring, resilient and strong community – that makes Brown, “Brown.”

Sincerely,

Adrienne Marcus, Dean
Brown University
Division of Pre-College and Undergraduate Programs