Dean’s Notes 1-27-2025

January 27, 2025

TRUMBULL COLLEGE: January 27, 2025

Hi Trumbullians!  I hope you are settling in for the term and doing well. The days are getting a little longer each day and are finally a little warmer! Phew! Sahej and I played in the snow yesterday at my parents’ house – it was really fun – simple pleasures!

Class schedules are set, and this is typically when academic work suddenly picks up!  It’s a great time attend an Academic Strategies Workshop (“Organize Your Time!” is fitting :) Wednesday, January 29, 4-5pm).  Please scroll down to check out the upcoming workshops.  Under “Other” (at the end of Dean’s Notes), there are job/volunteer opportunities along with blurbs from YC3 and the Yale Library, which are updated regularly.  Alice also puts excerpts from the Dean’s Notes (and other academic notices) in the glass case near the main Trumbull gate, if you haven’t already noticed! She’s the best. :)

Please note that the Peer Liaison Application deadline is coming up next week on February 5th @11:59pm: https://yalecollege.yale.edu/communities/student-leadership/peer-liaisons

I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but thankfully, there are many of you who realize the benefits of doing %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu">this one thing: Please %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu">cc Alice on e-mails, particularly those with academic questions.  Have a great week! :)

Meeting with me:
To make an appointment, please use the Calendly scheduling tool, https://calendly.com/dean_c, or reach out to Alice with any scheduling issues.  For in-person meetings, please come to the office. We’re right here in Trumbull G104, which you can access across from Entryway A or through Entryway G. Zoom meetings (including open Zoom office hours) will be through my Zoom page: https://yale.zoom.us/my/skchandhoke.

My OPEN ZOOM office hours for each week are listed on the top of my Calendly page. When you click on the Zoom link, you will be placed into a waiting room. I will speak to students (one-on-one) in the order they “arrive.” My upcoming open hours are on WEDNESDAY, Jan 29th (3:30-4:30pm). Please check the little blurb on Calendly for my latest open Zoom hours.

PLEASE NOTE: I will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday this week. Alice will be in the office, so please be in touch with her if something comes up and please follow my auto-reply accordingly. Thank you!

ACADEMICS
Double creditIf you are interested in petitioning to earn double credit in a single-credit course, please read the relevant section in the YCPS, and then consult with me. The deadline to submit this petition is Midterm, but I recommend that you do so well before that date.

Yale Degree Audit:  Access Degree Audit through Yale Hub.  Degree Audit displays the Yale College, major, and Certificate requirements that you have already completed and those that are still pending. You may find the “Look Ahead” feature helpful as you finetune your Spring courses; it shows you how future course enrollment might apply toward your degree. If you believe that information in your degree audit is incorrect, contact our office.

UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)
January 27 (Mon)   Today! Final deadline to apply for a spring-term Leave of Absence

January 27 (Mon)   Today! Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles the student to a full rebate of spring-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations)

February 4 (Tues)  Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the spring term without the course appearing on the transcript

February 4 (Tues)  Applications for Yale 2025 Summer Session Abroad close, 11:59pm

February 6 (Th)      Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-half of spring-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations)

HOUSING-RELATED DEADLINES
Housing Intent:  Wednesday, February 5th, 5pm is the deadline to declare your intent to live on campus or off-campus for the 2025-26 Academic year.  If you do not receive this month’s “Intent Invitation” from the Yale College Housing Office, please let Alice know.

TUTORING
Advising Resourceshttp://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu
Sc/QR Tutoringhttps://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/stem-tutoring-programs
Language Tutoringhttps://cls.yale.edu/programs/language-tutoring
Yale College Writing Center:
https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/undergraduate-writing-and-tutoring.  The Yale College Writing Center offers a variety of resources available to all students looking for support as they complete writing tasks during their time at Yale:

  • Adam Reid Sexton is the Trumbull College Writing Tutor.  His office is in room Basement 29.  Adam teaches three courses in the English department (The Craft of Fiction, Reading and Writing the Modern Essay, and Writing About Music) and is a Critic in the graduate School of Art.  During summer 2022 he taught Writing About Music for Yale in London.  Adam is also a writer; his next book, Difficult Listening, is due to be published soon.
    To meet with Adam, please reserve a half-hour by logging on to https://www.yalewco.com/index.php, and be sure to share a Google doc of the material you want help with by 7am on the day of your appointment.  Include the instructor’s prompt, your focus for the meeting, and when the paper is due.  Adam looks forward to working with you!
  • Writing Partners are Yale College or graduate school students selected for both their writing skills and their ability to talk about writing. 
  • The Writing Advice webpage offers a range of information and resources related to writing in Yale College. It includes sample student essays from a wide range of disciplines, allowing you to read good models as you learn to write in a new field, and also features extensive advice about writing with Turnitin.

Yale Academic Strategies Program/Office of Educational Opportunity:
https://yaleconnect.yale.edu/PoorvuAcademicStrategies/club_signup
https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/academic-strategies-program

Our mission is to help all Yale undergraduates be active, empowered learners at Yale. Through peer academic mentoring, interactive workshops, and connections to resources, we hope to provide you with the tools that can propel you towards your goals.

STEM Navigators.  Want to learn the best practices for succeeding in introductory STEM Courses? Join STEM Navigators, a mentoring network that provides you with information, events, and support to guide you through these crucial first courses.

Disability Peer Mentorship Program.  DPMP pairs students with peers of similar backgrounds to create networks of support for people with disabilities at Yale. The diverse experiences of disability in our community include physical & mobility disabilities, chronic illnesses, mental illnesses & psychiatric disabilities, neurodiversity & learning disabilities (including ADHD, dyslexia, autism), sensory disabilities & processing disorders (including vision impairments, blindness, and d/Deafness), and other conditions. You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to participate. Disability Peer Mentors help individual students develop critical self-advocacy skills, connect them to institutional resources, and find community around disability identity. Request a DPMP Mentor. First-year students can also request mentorship and guidance about Student Accessibility Resources through the SAS Peer Liaison Program.

Meet with our Learning Specialist.  Have a learning difference or other condition that affects how you accomplish your academic work? We can talk with you about new approaches for meeting Yale’s academic challenges. Contact Geoffrey Canales (geoffrey.canales@yale.edu) for an appointment.

Individual Mentoring.  Get organized for the semester by meeting with an Academic Strategies Mentor. Mentors will help you develop a weekly study routine, offer strategies for approaching complicated readings and p-sets, and help you develop a plan for prepping for those first exams. Our online mentoring schedule is live. If you’d like to schedule a meeting before then, please email us at academicstrategies@yale.edu

Workshops.  Our famous workshop sessions are available in person and online! Register via the YaleConnect links below. FYI: Poorvu CTL M104A is upstairs from the York Street Entrance to Sterling Memorial Library. Poorvu CTL 120 A, B, C, and 121 are the classrooms on the first floor. Questions? Contact us at academicstrategies@yale.edu.

Summer Fellowships & Funding (with Fellowships and Funding).  Planning your Summer 2025? Learn about fellowships and other funding options for independent projects, research, language study, and more! Registration is full, but interested students are still welcome to attend without RSVP.  Monday, January 24, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

Senior Thesis Power Hours.  Time for seniors to set goals and work together on their theses!  Monday, January 27, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

STEM Navigators: Let’s Join a Lab: Write Your CVs & Emails.  Are you struggling to write your research proposal? Come to this workshop where we’ll go over the process together - just bring your research interests and your laptops! This workshop is part of the 3-session “Let’s Join a Lab” series.  Tuesday, January 28, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

Cultivating Faculty Mentors/Recommendations.  Initiate conversations, ask for assistance, request recommendations, and build mentoring relationships with Yale faculty, teaching fellows and staff.  Tuesday, January 28, 7-8pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A

Optimize Your Reading.  Learn general strategies for effectively reading texts for any Yale class. Learn how to preview a text, effectively interact with the text while reading, and review your reading for class, essay, or exam preparation.  Tuesday, January 28, 8-9pm, Poorvu CTL M104A

Organize Your Time.  When’s the last time you asked yourself, “how am I going to get all of this done?” You are not alone! This interactive workshop offers evidence-based strategies and the opportunity to start figuring out what will work best for YOU. You will not only learn about ways to make the most out of your time, but also do some actual work toward your own scheduling and planning needs.  Wednesday, January 29, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Imagining Your Summer for Student Athletes (w/ Fellowships and Funding).  Interested in summer study abroad, fellowships, or internships, but don’t know how to get started? Hear from students who have done these things to help you identify some possible summer opportunities. You will leave with a clearer idea of what is possible and the resources you can access to make your vision happen. Now is the perfect time to start planning!  Wednesday, January 29, 8-9pm, Online Event (click for link)

Autism Discussion Group.  Join our autism discussion group, a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs with fellow students who understand. connect, learn from one another, and build a community that celebrates neurodiversity.  Thursday, January 30, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

Wait–Someone Will Pay Me to Do That?!  Oh, the places you’ll go! Dr. Seuss might well have been talking about YOU if you come to this session. This workshop aims to demystify undergraduate fellowships/funding for Arts and Humanities students. You will learn from other Yale students about some of the big resources for Arts/Humanities funding, and together discuss how to find opportunities, how to talk with faculty and staff about your dreams; and why to make this a part of your Yale education.  Friday, January 31, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

FGLI Friday @ The AACC.  Take a break, unwind, and recharge at FGLI Fridays! Hosted by FGLI Thrive, this weekly hangout rotates between different campus partner locations. Stop by for a chill afternoon of board games, crafts, snacks, and great company with fellow FGLI students. Whether you’re here to relax, get creative, or connect with FGLI Ambassadors, this space is all about you—building community and taking the break you deserve. See you there!  Friday, January 31, 4-6pm, AACC Game and Karaoke Rooms

STEM Navigators Monthly Study Break.  Snacks? While studying and meeting peers? Come complete your p-sets, study, and meet your peers in your STEM courses. Snacks and peer mentors are here to help you with any questions about majors, summer opportunities, or classes to take in the future! NOTE: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors.  Sunday, February 2, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

CAREER STRATEGY
The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) offers career advising, professional school advising, employment and internship opportunities, and career development resources. The office works with students and alumni to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of career development. Check out OCS events, opportunities, and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student. You can even tailor a weekly OCS newsletter to match your interestsMark your Calendar for these Spring Semester Career Fairs and Networking Events!

OCS Resource Spotlight:  CareerShift.  You may be familiar with OCS’s vast database of jobs and internships, Yale Career Link. But did you know you also have access to CareerShift, a job aggregator licensed by OCS?  CareerShift is a powerful tool for searching internship and full-time positions posted across thousands of employer websites and other public sites. It also allows the job seeker to find millions of contacts for networking (including Yale alumni) and find recruiters for various companies or by industry.

Meet with an Outreach Coordinator! Interested in learning more about fellowships and career resources, but unsure where to start? Meet with one of our Outreach Coordinators! OCs are Yale students with first-hand experience and knowledge of fellowships and career opportunities available at Yale. OCs hold office hours in all residential colleges on biweekly basis. Check out the Office of Fellowships Instagram for locations!

OCS LinkedIn Photo Booth.  OCS is excited to offer Yale College students the opportunity to reserve 30-minute sessions at the LinkedIn Photo Booth, a private room at 55 Whitney Avenue. The OCS LinkedIn Booth has a ring light, a tripod for your cell phone, multiple back drops to choose from, and is available – by reservation – every  Wednesday and Friday, 10am-4pm, when classes are in session. Submit your request 1 day in advance to be considered. More information – and general LinkedIn tips! – at the OCS Build Your LinkedIn Profile page.

Applications are now open for Morgan Stanley Internships. Applications are open for Summer 2026 internships across Investment Banking, Global Capital Markets, Fixed Income, Strategy, and other business areas.

OCS Upcoming Events
Eldridge Industries Virtual Information Sessions.  Join Yale Alumni for a virtual information session to learn more about the company and the Summer 2026 internship. Students will have the opportunity to learn more about the day to day of an Eldridge Industries Investment Associate by connecting with members of our team. Students will be able to ask questions about our culture and the life of an Investment Associate. Tuesday, January 28, 5:30-6:15pm, Online Event (click for access)

Yale Career Panels: A Candid View of the Social Media and Influencer Professions.  Organized 13 years ago by a group of Yale alumni volunteers, these panels strive to provide candid, unvarnished views of featured professions. Roles in social media and as influencers have become professions, both full time or part time, and can be financially rewarding. This panel includes influencers and social media mavens who will share their view of where the professions are heading, the myths, how they got involved, the challenges and opportunities they see, why type of person can succeed, and how you should think of both as careers or part time endeavors. Tuesday, January 28, 7-8pm, Online Event (register for link)

Corient Coffee Chats.  At Corient, we help high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families to enjoy a full life, while enabling them to preserve their wealth for future generations, and provide for the people, causes and communities they care about. If you want to work for a company that values your contributions and supports your growth, we would like to meet you. Sign up for a 15-minute in-person coffee chat to connect with a team member about potential internship opportunities for Summer 2025 and Summer 2026. Thursday, January 30, 15 minute sessions 11am-1pm or 4-6pm, Willoughby’s, 258 Church St (click for required sign-up)

FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING
The Office of Fellowships and Funding helps students identify funding opportunities to support activities such as research, study abroad, low-paid/unpaid internships, independent projects - and navigate the application process. Visit https://funding.yale.edu to learn more.

Meet with an Outreach Coordinator! Interested in learning more about fellowships and career resources, but unsure where to start? Meet with one of our Outreach Coordinators! OCs are Yale students with first-hand experience and knowledge of fellowships and career opportunities available at Yale. OCs hold office hours in all residential colleges on biweekly basis. Check out the Office of Fellowships Instagram for locations!

Fellowships & Funding Upcoming Events
Summer Fellowships & Funding (with Poorvu).  Planning your Summer 2025? Learn about fellowships and other funding options for independent projects, research, language study, and more! Registration is full, but interested students are still welcome to attend without RSVP.  Monday, January 24, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

How to Write a Great Fellowship Research Proposal (STEM).  Attend this Yale College Science & QR Center session on how to write a research proposal in STEM disciplines at Yale. Monday, January 27, 7:30-8:30pm, Online Event (click for link)

[DEADLINE] Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships. With durations ranging from 3 months to 12 months, this collection of fellowships support graduating seniors across a variety of purposeful activities such as public service, travel, research, work, and study. Eligible students may apply for one or more of the following postgraduate fellowships via a single common application in the Yale Student Grants DatabaseApplication Deadline = Wednesday, January 29, 1PM (Eastern)

Beinecke Scholarship: Information Session.  Beinecke Scholarships are awarded to American undergraduates during their junior year to support future graduate study at a university in the United States or abroad. The program “seeks to encourage and enable highly motivated students to pursue opportunities available to them and to be courageous in the selection of graduate course of study in the arts, humanities, and social sciences.” 
Wednesday, January 29, 4-5pm, Online Event (click for link)
Friday, January 31, 1-2pm, Online Event (click for link)

Imagining Your Summer for Student Athletes (with Poorvu).  Interested in summer study abroad, fellowships, or internships, but don’t know how to get started? Hear from students who have done these things to help you identify some possible summer opportunities. You will leave with a clearer idea of what is possible and the resources you can access to make your vision happen. Now is the perfect time to start planning!  Wednesday, January 29, 8-9pm, Online Event (click for link)

[DEADLINE] Boren Undergraduate Scholarship.  Up to $25,000 for study abroad in critical areas of the world. Yale endorsement is no longer required for this scholarship. Applicants must apply directly to the program via the program’s official website.  Application Deadline = Wednesday, January 29

[DEADLINE] Udall Scholarship.  Up to $7000 to US sophomores and juniors committed to careers related to the environment, tribal public policy, or Native American health care. Deadline to apply for Yale’s nomination for the Udall = Thursday, January 30, 1pm (Eastern)

[DEADLINE] NIST SURF.  Fully funded summer research opportunities at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).  Application Deadline = Friday, January 31, 11:59pm (Eastern)

[DEADLINE] FAO Schwarz Fellowship.  Two-year, paid fellowship at nonprofit organizations in Boston, New York, and Philadelphia. Focus on leadership and social impact.  Application Deadline = Saturday, February 1, 9pm (Eastern)

[DEADLINE] DART Summer Research Fellowship.  10-week NIH-sponsored Diversity in Addiction Research Training (DART) fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  Application Deadline = Midnight on Saturday, February 1

[DEADLINE] Tillman Scholars.  Military scholarship for academic expenses, professional networking, and leadership development. Veterans, active military service members, and military spouses eligible.  Application Deadline = Saturday, February 1

STUDY ABROAD
Yale Study Abroad helps students choose from hundreds of study abroad options including Yale Summer Session Abroad, Non-Yale Summer Abroad, and Year or Term Abroad.

Understanding Your Summer Study Abroad Options.  In the summer, there are two pathways to study abroad for credit:

  1. Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad: Intensive, highly structured programs led by Yale instructors for Yale College credit.
  2. Non-Yale Summer Programs Abroad: Programs run by other institutions that have been deemed eligible for transfer credit. Note: you must apply both for Yale approval by March 4th and directly to your intended program(s) for admission. Those program deadlines vary, and many accept students on a rolling basis.

To learn more about these options, visit the Get Started page and attend the Planning for Your 2025 Summer Study Abroad webinar this Tuesday.

Applications are now open for Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Academic Year 2025-2026 Study Abroad! Apply by the deadlines below (11:59pm Eastern). Visit the Study Abroad website for more details and list of designated programs.
  Summer 2025
  Yale Summer Session Programs Abroad:  February 4
  Credit for Non-Yale Summer Abroad:  March 4
  Petition for Summer Programs not on Yale’s Designated List:  March 4
  Application for Yale in London Summer Courses:  March 4

  Fall 2025 Abroad
  Credit for Fall Term Abroad:  April 1
  Petition for Fall Programs not on Yale’s Designated List:  April 1

  Full Year 2025-2026 Abroad
  Balliol College, Oxford University: Junior Year Abroad Program for Yale English Majors:  April 1
  Credit for Full Year Abroad:  April 1
  Petition for Full Year Programs not on Yale’s Designated List:  April 1

Don’t wait to ensure you have the necessary travel documents! Even if you are not yet sure that you will study abroad, you should have a valid passport at least three months in advance, if possible. As a point of reference, the current estimated processing time for a U.S. passport  is 6-8 weeks. International students should research passport renewal for their country of citizenship and be aware of how renewal may impact their U.S. student visa. Visit the Study Abroad Office Travel Planning & Logistics for additional information.

London School of Economics Summer School.  Thinking of studying abroad this summer at the London School of Economics? Before you apply, read the LSE Program page on the Study Abroad website. It has valuable information about which courses can transfer back to Yale, how to select courses, and more!

Study Abroad Upcoming Events
Yale Summer Session Abroad in Auvillar: Personal Geography Info Session.  Come meet instructor Colleen Kinder and learn more a two-credit creative writing course in southwestern France from July 5 – August 2, 2025. This immersive program offers students the opportunity to develop their writing skills while experiencing the culture and beauty of the region. It fulfills the Hu or WR requirement. The info session will cover details about the course, application process, and the immersive experience in France. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions. No registration required.  Tuesday, January 28, 2-2:30pm, Online Event (click for link)

Yale Summer Session Abroad in Siena (Elementary and Intermediate Italian).  Curious about study abroad opportunities in Siena and Tuscany? Join us for an Information Gathering Session to learn about the upcoming Siena Summer Program. Explore the vibrant culture and history of Siena while immersing yourself in the picturesque beauty of Italy. Hosted by the Italian Studies Department, this session will provide details about the program, its academic offerings, cultural experiences, and more.  Tuesday, January 28, 4-5pm, Humanities Quadrangle, 320 York Street, Room 133

Planning for Your 2025 Summer Study Abroad.  Join this Zoom webinar to get an overview of your 2025 summer study abroad options. Study Abroad advisers will go over the application processes and timelines, credit transfer, funding opportunities (such as the International Study Award), planning tips, and helpful resources. There will also be time for Q&A. No registration required.  Tuesday, January 28, 4-5pm, Online Event (click for link)

Yale Summer Session in Georgia: Russian Language Program.  Ready to learn or improve your Russian? Spend eight weeks in the beautiful resort town of Batumi, Georgia, immersed in language, history, camaraderie, and fun. From First Year to Advanced Russian, these programs fulfill L1/L2 through L5 and Hu requirements. Don’t miss the exciting opportunity to hone your Russian, experience Georgia culture and hospitality, and explore the mythical land of the Argonauts & the Golden Fleece! Meet and learn about it from Yale faculty member Constantine Muravnik.  Friday, January 31, 2-2:30pm, Online Event (click for link)

OTHER
Apply to be a Swensen Fellow.  Would you like to learn the skills of a top-tier strategy consultant, while working in service of a client you know and love: Yale University?  If so, we invite you to apply for the Swensen Fellowship in Strategic Analysis. Positions are currently available for full-time fellowships and summer internships, both starting in summer 2025. Swensen Fellows work on the most complex and strategic challenges facing Yale and help University leaders to make decisions that advance Yale’s mission. Application Deadline = this Sunday, February 2, 11:59pm (Eastern)

Yale Sustainable Food Program (YSFP) is hiring students for both term-time positions and the Lazarus Summer Internship. If you are a current Yale College student excited about food systems, ag, cooking, justice, storytelling, sustainability, and/or spending more time on the Old Acre in 2025, we encourage you to apply. You can view descriptions of YSFP opportunities here and fill out the YSFP common application  by 11:59pm on Friday, February 14.

You’re Always Welcome at The Good Life Center.  If you’re looking for a quiet place to study, relax, and recharge, remember that you are always welcome at the Good Life Center at SAS. Our space has comfy seating, seltzers, snacks, coffee and tea, games, puzzles, and a place to just be! During evenings and weekends, you can also access other parts of our building for quiet study. The Good Life Center at SAS is located on the second floor of the offices at 35 Broadway.

From YC3
Time Management Skills.  Are you overwhelmed with the start of the semester and the never ending to do list stacking up? Join this workshop and learn some skillful time management techniques to help you stay organized, efficient, and ahead this semester.  Friday, January 31, 1-2pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman

From the Yale Library
Any student who attends at least 3 library workshops this semester will be eligible for a Yale Library tote bag! Learn more about the Workshop Incentive Program.

Next Steps With Zotero.  Learn how to get the most out of Zotero’s advanced research management features for your unique needs, including how to read and annotate PDFs, remove duplicate citations, filter with tags, and how to integrate Zotero with Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  Monday, January 27, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)

Reading Strategies for Writing Papers.  Learn strategies – that you can begin during the research process – to efficiently read and analyze scholarly articles, including lateral reading, selective reading, and active reading.  Tuesday, January 28, 1-1:45pm, Online Event (register for link)

Hidden Treasures in Sterling Library.  Join a fellow Yale student to learn tips & tricks and find hidden ‘gems’ inside the 16-story Sterling Library stack tower! Registration Required and bring your Yale ID!  Thursday, January 30, 3:30-4:15pm, Sterling Memorial Library

How To Find Scholarly Articles.  Are you ready to find articles thoroughly and efficiently – without relying on Google Scholar, while also avoiding paywalls ($$)? Learn strategies to find the best possible scholarly articles from Yale Library.  Thursday, January 30, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)