Skip over navigation
Brown shield Brown shield Brown University

Want to get a job, but don't know Excel? Need to use a complicated software program for your class this semester? Always wanted to know how to 'Photoshop' something, but never could figure it out? PASS can help.

The Professional and Academic Skills for Students (PASS) program offers free classes on a variety of topics. A partnership between Computing and Information Services (CIS), the Writing Center, and the Library, PASS offers free, practical workshops on computer software, research skills, and writing techniques that Brown students use every day. Each class is just a one-time deal--no lengthy commitment, just what you need to succeed. Don't wait - sign up now! If you have questions specifically about classes for students, feel free to e-mail pass@brown.edu.

Welcome back! Here's what's rolling with PASS:

  • Our full listing of free research, writing, and computer skills workshops for September is posted! Browse below or use the links at left to narrow down your search.
  • Bookmark the PASS page to stay updated with the latest classes!
  • Help steer PASS in new directions — take our quick on-line survey and let us know how we can serve you best. We're interested in your input even if you've never taken a PASS class before! Let your voice be heard!

Faculty: If you're interested in learning more about assigning multimedia assignments (and how PASS can help your class with them) please contact your instructional technologist.

Upcoming classes (All):

Intermediate Photoshop - Advanced Image Editing Tools and Techniques

  • On Mon, Nov 23rd from 6:30pm to 8:00pm in CIT269
    Seats left: 4 Windows, 3 Macintosh
    For undergrads [ register ]

This session extends the material covered in our "Intro to Photoshop" session and deals specifically with techniques for retouching and "fixing up" photographs, as well as Photoshop's more advanced functions for stylizing and editing your image.

This is an intermediate class and some knowledge of Photoshop (equivalent to our Intro class) is assumed and required. The Intro to Photoshop class is strongly recommended, but not required.

Intro to FileMaker - Database Basics

  • On Mon, Nov 23rd from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in CIT269
    Seats left: 9 Windows, 10 Macintosh
    For undergrads [ register ]

Databases are extremely useful for managing and retrieving information, and are used in many professional settings. Learn the basics of creating and accessing a database in FileMaker, an extremely user-friendly cross-platform database program.

Note: Both this class and the class on Microsoft Access cover database design, but Access and FileMaker are very different programs. Both are widely used. FileMaker has the advantage of working on both Macs and PCs and is arguably the market leader. For the most complete database skill set, why not take both classes?

This is an introductory class and neither assumes nor requires any previous experience with FileMaker.

Intro to Illustrator - Digital Art and Vector Graphics

  • On Tue, Nov 24th from 4:00pm to 5:30pm in CIT269
    Seats left: 6 Windows, 9 Macintosh
    For undergrads and staff [ register ]

Adobe Illustrator is the premiere software that graphic designers use to create original digital images and art. (For instance, the PASS mascot, Oscillo, was created in Illustrator!) This class will introduce you to the Illustrator environment and get you started creating your own digital art.

This is an introductory class and neither assumes nor requires any previous experience with Illustrator.

IRB Basics

  • On Wed, Dec 9th from 12:00pm to 1:30pm in RPO Conference Room
    Instructor(s): Susan Toppin
    Seats left: 14 seat(s) available
    For undergrads, grad students, staff and faculty [ register ]

The Research Protections Office offers this course to guide Brown University faculty, students and staff through the process of working with the Institutional Review Board (IRB) to conduct research with human participants. Topics covered will include how to determine when a project needs IRB review and how to prepare a complete protocol for review and approval by the IRB.

Protecting Brown's Information

  • On Wed, Dec 16th from 11:00am to 12:00pm in 169 Angell, 2nd flr (via stairs), Thayer/Angell (above Cafe Paragon)
    Instructor(s): David Sherry
    Seats left: 18 seat(s) available
    For undergrads, grad students, staff and faculty [ register ]
  • On Wed, Jan 20th from 1:00pm to 2:00pm in CIT Rm 201, ETC Teaching Lab
    Instructor(s): David Sherry
    Seats left: 25 seat(s) available
    For undergrads, grad students, staff and faculty [ register ]

Protecting Brown’s personally identifiable and regulated information is the responsibility of all individuals who have the ability to view or update such information. Learn what constitutes “Brown Confidential Information”; where, when and how it is at risk; and what you should be doing to mitigate that risk.

Please Note: This course is also available online for those unable to attend a classroom session. Contact ITSecurity@brown.edu with your request for access to the materials.