TRUMBULL COLLEGE: October 5, 2026
I hope you all got outside over the weekend! I love that it cooled down last night and that today is such a perfect fall day! This morning, I walked through Stone Court and the way the sun was hitting the yellow leaves on the tree gave the whole space this golden glow. I have said that before, but it’s just so lovely!! It never gets old. The days are getting shorter, so it makes the mornings a little more special in my mind. And it’s these little things that help us through because these next couple of weeks are going to be busy for everyone. Hang in there, folks.
For that reason, I want to remind you that YC3 is available for 1:1 support to students. You can book appointments with their Wellness Specialists (shoutout to Whitney Simmons, who is our go-to Trumbull contact and is awesome) or College Care Clinicians directly on their website. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to them: https://yalecollege.yale.edu/getting-help/yale-college-community-care-yc3.
Again, flu shot clinics have begun – more info here: https://campushealth.yale.edu/yale-flu-and-covid-vaccine-program. Please know that flu shots are included in the Basic Student coverage at Yale Health: https://yalehealth.yale.edu/topic/basic-student-health-services-overview.
Given that it’s Sustainability week, I want to pop in this little video and guide, which I hope you’ll find helpful from one of your neighbors. ;)
Finally, it’s also not too early to start counting down to October break! ;) Hang in there with everything and 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 (there’s a small text blurb at the top of the page that is updated regularly). 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 Thursday, October 8th (3:30-4:40pm) and Friday, October 9th (10-11:30am).
Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term. I will also be away from the office all day next Monday and Tuesday, October 12-13.
ACADEMICS
Double credit: If 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: Yale Degree Audit is a tool that tracks your progress toward the bachelor’s degree. You can learn about – and access! – Degree Audit at https://registrar.yale.edu/student-records/degree-audit. Degree Audit displays the Yale College degree requirements that you have already completed and those that are still pending. A “Look Ahead” feature shows you how future course enrollment might apply toward your degree. If you believe that academic information in your degree audit is incorrect, contact our office.
Tracking Your Forms: Did you know you can track the status of the Registrar Office Forms you’ve submitted? If you’re not sure how to do that, check out this YouTube tutorial.
UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)
Friday, October 16…Last day of courses offered in the first half of the fall term
Friday, October 16…Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term
Friday, October 16…Last day to convert from a letter grade to the Cr/D/F option in a course offered in the first half of the fall term.
Monday, October 19…Courses offered in the second half of the fall term begin
Tuesday, October 20…Midterm
Tuesday, October 20…Last day to withdraw from a fall full-term course without the course appearing on the transcript
Tuesday, October 20…Deadline to apply for double credit in a single-credit course
Tuesday, October 20…Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-quarter of the term’s tuition. See Undergraduate Regulations
Tuesday, October 20…Final ABX exam grades are due
Tuesday, October 20…October recess begins after last academic obligation
Monday, October 26…Classes resume
TUTORING
Advising Resources: http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu
Academic Strategies Program: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/academic-strategies-program
Sc/QR Tutoring: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning/help-with-stem/stem-tutoring
Language Tutoring: https://cls.yale.edu/programs/language-tutoring
Writing Center/Tutors/Partners: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/undergraduate-writing-and-tutoring; https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/writing-center
Trumbull Writing Tutor: Adam Sexton is Trumbull’s Residential College Writing Tutor. He is eager to work one-on-one with any and all Trumbullians on writing of every kind, from academic papers to creative writing to fellowship applications. A Senior Lecturer and Course Director in English, Adam has taught at Yale since 2013 and has served as Trumbull’s Writing Tutor since 2014. He also coordinates the TC Mellon Forum. To make a tutoring appointment with Adam, go to https://www.yalewco.com/
Academic Strategies Program. The Academic Strategies Program (ASP) is just one of the ways that the Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) helps students identify and work towards their academic and experiential learning goals. Visit https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning to find out other ways OEO and the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning can help. The ASP helps students navigate the “hidden curriculum” at Yale, the invisible set of underlying assumptions and expectations about how to do well as a student. We will feature ASP workshops in each Dean’s Notes – but be sure to check out OEO’s other offerings.
ASP Workshop - How to Approach Reading Literature. Reading literature can feel endless—but it doesn’t have to! Learn how to read closely, manage your time, and generate ideas for papers and discussions. This session is led by ASP Peer Mentors who’ve found ways to read deeply and get it all done. Monday, October 5, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours. Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for: Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks | Delicious snacks + seltzer water | optional 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors | the camaraderie you need to keep those ideas flowing. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Monday, October 5, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
ASP Workshop - Intro to Econ: Peer Sharing. Intro Econ moves fast and can feel like a completely different way of thinking. This session walks you through how to tackle problem sets, study for exams, and stay grounded—led by peer mentors who know the challenges and how to meet them! Tuesday, October 6, 6-7pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
OEO: Midterm Drop-In Hours. Preparing for midterms? Stop by the Poorvu Center for dedicated study support hosted by the Office of Educational Opportunity. Whether you need help organizing a study plan or refining your exam prep strategies, peer mentors will be on hand to help you succeed.
Tuesday, October 6, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL - Genius Bar
Wednesday, October 7, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL - Genius Bar
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons (w/Fellowships & Funding). Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome.
Wednesday, October 7, 3-5pm. Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
Thursday, October 8, 9:30-11:30am, Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
ASP Workshop - How to Match Your Learning Strategies to Class Format: Seminars vs Lectures. From big lectures to intimate seminars, different classes call for different skills and approaches. This workshop covers how to prepare, participate, take notes, and review effectively in these different settings—so you can feel confident and prepare to thrive, whatever the course format.
Wednesday, October 7, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
Friday, October 9, 2-3pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to Manage Test Anxiety and Prep for Success. If nerves tend to take over when exams approach, this workshop is for you. Together, we’ll unpack what test anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how to manage it before and during exams. You’ll leave with practical strategies for preparation, mindset shifts, and in-the-moment tools. Wednesday, October 7, 6-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
ASP w/ Fellowships and Funding Office - Imagining Your Summer. Thinking about summer study abroad, fellowship opportunities, or professional internships–but don’t know where to start? Come to this session to hear from students who have done these things & staff whose job it is to help you get these things! You will leave this session with a clearer idea of what is possible, and a solid understanding of what resources could be available to you to make it happen. Now is the perfect time to start planning! Thursday, October 8, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
ASP Workshop - How to Organize Your Time. Time management isn’t just about being busy—it’s about making time for what matters. In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn strategies for balancing your coursework, extracurriculars, and life outside of Yale. With the help of ASP Peer Mentors, you’ll explore different approaches to scheduling, planning, and managing overwhelm—then start crafting a system that works for you. Thursday, October 8, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to Study the Arts at Yale. So you want to study the Arts at Yale! This workshop addresses questions about how to pursue the study of different arts at Yale; whether to major or not to major; how to build arts-related pathways both inside and outside the classroom; imposter syndrome/lack of pre-requisites; to double-major or not to double-major; and how to get paid to study the Arts. Friday, October 9, 3-4pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
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. Schedule a weekly OCS newsletter tailored to your interests and check out https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student for events, opportunities, resources, and reminders from OCS. For job postings and employer events, look at the OCS Blog, CareerLink, and the Common Good and Creative Careers (CGCC) sections.
Select Internship Programs. OCS offers hundreds of pre-vetted employer contacts and internships. Visit https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/select-internship-programs for 6 different funded internship programs offered by OCS spanning the Arts, Entertainment, Community Service, Journalism, and Public Policy.
Info Session: MIT Sloan School of Management. This session is tailored for college seniors and recent graduates to learn more about our Master of Finance and Master of Business Analytics programs here at MIT Sloan. Current students who are can also learn more on MIT Sloan’s MBA Early Deferred Admissions offering. Thursday, October 8, 4-5pm, Register for Location
Employers in New Haven this week! Check the OCS Events Listing for time & registration details:
* Sotheby’s Inc. Global Broker & Auction House that promotes access to and ownership of exceptional art and luxury objects.
* Jane Street Capital, LLC. Quantitative trading firm with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Amsterdam.
* Insight Partners. Global software investor partnering with high-growth technology, software, and Internet startup and ScaleUp companies
* Leerink Partners, LLC. Highly specialized healthcare investment bank with a legacy of excellence in the financial industry..
* Morgan Stanley. Global financial services firm providing investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services.
FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING
Yale and outside funding options can help support research, study abroad, public service, unpaid internships, and self-designed projects, in New Haven and around the globe. Postgraduate fellowships support independent projects, graduate study, and much more. The Office of Fellowships and Funding helps students identify funding opportunities and navigate the application process. Visit https://funding.yale.edu to learn more.
Fulbright SUBMIT Office Hours: Let’s Click Submit Together! Join Fulbright Program Advisor Jill Carrera to finalize your Fulbright application and click submit! Jill will be available to answer any last minute questions and make sure you feel good about clicking that submit button. Monday, October 5, 2-4pm, Online Event (click for link)
Fellowships For Filmmakers. In this session, Jill Carrera, Senior Associate Director in the Office of Fellowships, will discuss some of the fellowship opportunities available for filmmakers including summer awards/grants to consider for undergraduates and post-graduate awards to consider for seniors. The session will cover fellowships such as Fulbright, the Office of Fellowships Summer Grants, and more. There will also be time for questions. Monday, October 5, 4:30-5:30pm, Leeds Studio, CCAM (Room 103, 149 York Street)
Harry S. Truman Scholarship: Information Session. Join Jill Carrera from the Office of Fellowships to learn about the Harry S. Truman Scholarship for juniors who want to pursue careers in public service. This session will be recorded. Tuesday, October 6, 12-1pm, Online Event (click for link)
Richard U. Light Fellowship Information Session #3. Learn more about funding for intensive language study in China, Taiwan, Korea, and Japan for Summer and Academic Year. To be eligible to apply, students are required to attend at least one information session. Friday, October 9, 10:30-11:30am, 55 Whitney Ave, Room 369
Harry S. Truman Advising Series: Truman’s 3 Pillars. Join Jill Carrera from the Office of Fellowships for a workshop dedicated to the 3 Truman application pillars: public service, leadership, and graduate school plans. By the end of this workshop, you will understand exactly what Truman looks for with their 3 pillars and how those might connect to your own experience and work. Friday, October 9, 1:30-2:30pm, 55 Whitney Ave, Room 305
STUDY ABROAD
Back from Abroad: A Fall Homecoming. Welcome Back! You survived the flights, language barriers, and reverse culture shock. Now come tell us what happened! Over postcards and pumpkins, enjoy cider, donuts, ridiculous travel stories, and more from everyone who studied away from Yale last spring! Monday, October 5, 4-5pm, Register for Location
Thinking about opportunities to study abroad for the summer or next fall? Head to the “Get Started” tab to search programs that fit your personal and academic interests, check application deadlines, review costs and funding options, get advice on your plans, learn about fulfilling distributional and major requirements with study abroad coursework, and more.
Renew Your Passport. You need an up-to-date passport to even apply for Yale summer programs. The deadline is in January, but don’t wait until winter break to get started. 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. All passports should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of your anticipated study abroad program. For additional information, visit https://studyabroad.yale.edu/resources/travel-planning-logistics.
TAKE NOTE
Welcome Gathering: History of Art Major. The History of Art department is hosting its annual welcome gathering for majors and those interested in the major on tomorrow Tuesday, October 6th, 5:30pm, Loria Center, 190 York Street (Rooftop or Room 750, depending on the weather).
Science Policy Communication Workshop. Are you a scientist interested in learning to communicate your work to policymakers and the public? Do you want to learn more about the intersection of science and government? Or maybe you’re not a STEM person at all, but want to understand science policy ahead of the November midterms. We invite you to the second annual Science Policy Communication Workshop, led by the Yale STEM Hill Day team. We’re a group of graduate students from across three Yale schools with expertise in science, policy, and science policy, with the goal of making all of the above more accessible. Thursday, October 8, 6-7pm. Horchow Hall, 55 Hillhouse Ave
Info Session & Application for Grand Strategy 2027 Cohort. Join Professor Mary Sarotte for an info session on Tuesday, October 16, 5pm, Online Event (click for link). The Brady-Johnson Program in Grand Strategy is a year-long academic opportunity that consists of a two-semester seminar | a summer research funding opportunity | supplemental events & activities with professors, alumni, and practitioners. Visit https://jackson.yale.edu/grand-strategy-program for more about the program and to access the application portal. Application Deadline = Friday, November 6th (11:59pm)
YC3
Craft et Veritas: Glitter Jars. A weekly drop-in space to learn more about YC3, unwind, meet some new folks, or just sit quietly in the corner and judge our craft selection. No pressure, just fun creative activities. Open to all students. There will be a different activity every Monday. Monday, October 5, 3-4pm, Good Life Center “Offline Oasis” at Schwarzman
Pixel Break. Pixel Break is a quick escape from the grind. Swing by for video game-inspired activities, creative character prompts, and low-stakes fun—no gaming experience needed. Each event features something a little different, from writing to your favorite characters to completing mini “side quests.” It’s an easy way to take a break, reset, and add a little fun to your day. Monday, October 5, 3-4pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman
YC3 recently replenished the swag in our office. Dean C is particularly fond of a couple new items. Stop by for a freebie of her – or your – choosing, while supplies last. Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, Trumbull College Dean’s Office
Wellness Wednesday: Social Wellness OUTSIDE. Join YC3 for Wellness Wednesday! This month we are focusing on social wellness. Come take time to connect with new people and partake in a social bingo activity for the chance to win a prize. Stop by anytime between 2-4pm & grab a snack and free giveaways! Wednesday, October 7, 2-4pm, Schwarzman Center
Yale Library
Discover Yale Library. There’s just one more week to collect stamps for your chance to drawing to win a key to your own Bass study room! One winner will be selected next Wednesday, October 14th. See guides.library.yale.edu/DiscoverYaleLibrary for registration & full details. Bring your passport and Yale ID to this week’s Library Tours:
* Beinecke Library | Tuesday, October 6, 4-4:45pm (click to register)
* Sterling Library | Friday, October 9, 10-11am (click to register)
Let’s Find Books for Class. Save a trip to the bookstore by learning how to optimize Quicksearch to find books (including ebooks and audiobooks). Bring your course syllabus! Monday, October 5, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
How to Find Scholarly Articles. Are you ready to find articles thoroughly and efficiently, while also avoiding paywalls ($$)? Learn strategies to find the best possible scholarly articles from Yale Library.
Monday, October 5, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, October 8, 2-2:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, October 8, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Next Steps with Zotero. Already using Zotero? Let’s customize Zotero to match your needs. In this workshop, learn advanced tips & tricks to make Zotero even more organized and efficient for your workflow. Tuesday, October 6, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Button Making with Book Covers. Take a break and learn how to hand-press 1” buttons using images from the library’s discarded book covers. Tuesday, October 6, 8-9:30pm, Bass Library, Thain Café High Tables
Picture This: Foundational Data Visualization Principles. Join us for an hour-long introduction to data visualization and learn foundational strategies for bringing your data to life. No prior data-visualization experience is required. Wednesday, October 7, 10-11am, Bass Library, Rooms L01-A & L01-B
AI And the Literature Review: A Comparison. Can you build a literature review with AI? How does it compare to the traditional route? Join us for a session with one goal: to help you choose when, where, and if automation makes sense during your literature search and synthesis. Wednesday, October 7, 12-1pm, Online Event (register for link)
First Steps with Zotero. Learn how to manage your research, take notes, and create a bibliography with Zotero. Yale users can create a free account with unlimited storage! Wednesday, October 7, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Request A Personal Librarian. Did you know all undergraduate students have a personal librarian? When, where, and how you connect with us is up to you. See full details at https://library.yale.edu/help-and-research-support/personal-librarians-for-undergraduates.