Dean’s Notes 11-11-2024

November 11, 2024

TRUMBULL COLLEGE: November 11, 2024

Hope you’re all hanging in there during this second wave of “midterms”. With Thanksgiving coming a bit late this year, this push to the next break is a bit longer than usual, and I’m feeling it, so I imagine you are, too! I have appreciated the nearly continuous stretch of sunny weather, even though the days are short – we need our Vitamin D! We made it out to the 2nd half of the football game on Saturday and the 3rd set of the volleyball game. We won both games, but I’m particularly proud of our Trumbullians! Trumbull seniors, David & Mason, had five of the eight TDs on Saturday, and it’s always fun seeing Gigi, Arya & Chidera in action! Keep up the great work, all!

As you know, Registration for Spring 2025 opens up next week, and we’re in Week Two of the Advising Period. This is a good time to reach out to your College Adviser, Departmental Adviser and/or DUS, if you haven’t already. A number of departments have been holding info sessions/open hours (bookmark this calendar – it’s handy!).

Please take note of my open Zoom hours, which are listed below and are always in the little blurb at the top of my Calendly page.  No appt required and the most efficient way for me to maximize the number of students I speak to during busy weeks.  This is also an opportunity to remind you to please %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu">copy Alice on e-mails to me.  She can answer many academic questions and she is amazing at keeping me on track.  Also, feel free to stop by the office when you have a question (we have snacks…we call it the “Year-long study break” ;)). YC3 is also holding two “Accountability Cafés” next week – //calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=sj6p5kbb0o0o2k4b6n50jt1bds@group.calendar.google.com&ctz=America/New_York">bookmark this calendar, too!

TC’28 – It was so nice hanging out with you last week at the Fireside Chats!

Have a great week everyone!

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 Thursday, November 14th (9:30-10:30am) and Friday, November 15th (10:00-11:30am).

Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term.

ACADEMICS
The Yale College Advising Period ends this Friday, November 15. This two-week period also presents a great opportunity to connect with your advisers before Spring 2025 registration opens. Many departments and programs will offer information sessions during Advising Period.  If you haven’t already, please …

  • first-years and sophomores:  reach out to your college advisers
  • seniors: check with your DUS(es) about completion of major requirements
  • students with a declared major:  check with your DUS(es) about your progress within the major(s)
  • students without a declared major: begin (or continue) exploring prospective majors

Are you on health hold? You will not be able to register for Spring term classes until you resolve this. Log into Health On Track to see what you are missing and take the necessary actions. Any required vaccines are easily obtained through Student Health (203-432-0312 or via MyChart), as are tests to verify earlier vaccinations. If necessary, you may request an extension, which will temporarily remove the health hold while you arrange vaccinations or gather documentation. The health requirements–vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox and meningitis–are critical to protecting everyone on campus from outbreaks of these preventable illnesses.

Yale Degree Audit:  Yale Degree Audit (YDA) is a tool that tracks your progress toward the bachelor’s degree. You can access Degree Audit through Yale Hub. 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.

UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)

November 18   Spring term registration opens for Class of 2025, 8am

November 19    Spring term registration opens for Class of 2026, visiting students, and Eli Whitney students (without a class year), 8am

November 20   Spring term registration opens for Class of 2027, 8am

November 21    Spring term registration opens for Class of 2028, 8am

November 22   November recess begins after last academic obligation.

November 30   Last day to relinquish on-campus housing for the spring term without charge (Undergraduate Regulations)

December 2      Classes resume

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. Sign up via this link: STEM Navigators sign up

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.

Strategic Planning for Your Senior Thesis.  This workshop offers you foundational strategies for researching, working with resources, and writing, your senior thesis. This workshop is a good complement to the Academic Strategies Senior Thesis Power Hours.  Monday, November 11, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

The Psychology of Time Management.  Ever wondered why it can be hard to manage your time–even when you have already learned the experts’ tips and tricks? Come to this workshop to find out why! You will learn about some of the major cognitive obstacles to organizing your time and take away a set of mental tools for increasing your awareness of these common thought processes so that they can be prevented or interrupted.  Monday, November 11, 7-8pm,Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Imagining Your Summer (with 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!  Tuesday, November 12, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

STEM Navigators: Empowering Students - How to Secure Your Summer Research Internship.  Come to this NEW STEM Navigators-sponsored workshop to learn how to optimize your applications to summer research internships!  Tuesday, November 12, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 118A

Intro to Public and Community Service Fellowships/Careers.  Attend this information session to learn about fellowship funding resources for projects, research, study, and other activities related to Public and Community Service.  Wednesday, November 13, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B

STEM Navigators: Let’s Join a Lab, Part 3: Write Your Proposal.  This workshop is part of the 3-session series, Let’s Join a Lab! 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!  Wednesday, November 13, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

Cultivating Faculty Mentors/Recommendations.  Initiate conversations, ask for assistance, request recommendations, and build mentoring relationships with Yale faculty, teaching fellows and staff.  Thursday, November 14, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Chronic Illness Discussion Group.  Share strategies, experiences, and support with peers who understand your experience. This is open to undergraduates and graduate students.  Thursday, November 14, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

FGLI Thrive: Feel Good Fridays.  Unwind and recharge at our weekly Feel Good Fridays! Drop in for a laid-back afternoon of board games, crafts, and connections with fellow FGLI students. Whether you want to relax or chat with FGLI mentors, this is your space to build community and take a well-deserved break.  Friday, November 15, 3-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 121

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, November 15, 3-4pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

STEM Navigators Study Hall.  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: this is studying together–not tutoring! See your Canvas course pages for tutoring resources).  Sunday, November 17, 2-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

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.

OCS & Fellowships Residential College Office Hours!  Need help planning your career or finding funding for your goals? Why not start by speaking to our new Student Outreach Ambassadors? These students will be at a Residential College every week for the rest of the semester. Find their schedule for the next two weeks at  https://ocs.yale.edu/blog/2024/10/31/ocs-fellowships-now-offers-residential-college-office-hours

OCS Upcoming Events
Special Agent Talent & Achievement Recruitment (STAR) Program Info Sessions.  The University of New Haven is thrilled to announce a unique partnership with the U.S. Secret Service , offering an exclusive opportunity for students in all CT colleges and universities. This is your chance to connect directly with recruiters from the U.S. Secret Service and learn about this exclusive opportunity to shorten a 1-2 year long application process into just a few short weeks/months. Read more about the STAR Program here: https://lnkd.in/e8du8hbZ.  In-person recommended; virtual option available. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week, 4pm & 5pm at the German Club, University of New Haven Main Campus

Yale Career Panels: A Candid View of the Non-Profit Profession.  Organized 13 years ago by a group of Yale alumni volunteers, these panels strive to provide candid, unvarnished views of featured professions. Either in time, money, expertise or a lifetime of devotion, Yalies have always been conscious of the need to give back to their communities. We are fortunate to have three exemplary examples of this Yale characteristic. They will provide a candid view of what is happening, good and bad, the myths that need to be highlighted, and what type of person can succeed and be happy.  Tuesday, November 12, 4:30-5:30pm, Online Event (register for link)

Morgan Stanley Information Sessions.  Meet the Morgan Stanley team and discover how we can support you on the path to your full potential. Mix and match three different information sessions and five division-specific coffee chats! You’ll learn how our early career programs empower students and recent grads to contribute to an ideas-driven culture that embraces new and diverse perspectives to solve complex problems and drive greater impact. Additional details such as location or point of contact will be provided upon registration closing. Wednesday, November 13, 12-6:30pm, exact times and location dependent on registration choices.

Educator’s Ally Virtual Information Session.  Educator’s Ally connects teachers and administrators with private and charter schools nationwide. Since 1975, EA’s highly personalized approach to recruiting has been valued by schools and candidates alike. At no cost to our candidates, we offer support, guidance, and counsel throughout the search process. Friday, November 15, 12-1pm, Online event (click for link)

FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING
What are Fellowships? Fellowships are competitive, merit-based monetary awards that support activities such as research, study abroad, low-paid/unpaid internships, independent projects. The Office of Fellowships and Funding helps students identify funding opportunities and navigate the application process. Visit https://funding.yale.edu to learn more.
Applying to more than one fellowship? Watch the Applying to Multiple Fellowships webinar for helpful strategies and information.
Need help writing? Pair with a Poorvu Writing Partner for feedback and help in drafting your fellowship application.
OCS & Fellowships Residential College Office Hours!  Need help planning your career or finding funding for your goals? Why not start by speaking to our new Student Outreach Ambassadors? These students will be at a Residential College every week for the rest of the semester. Click for this week’s RC schedule.

Fellowships & Funding Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Thomas C. Barry Summer Travel Fellowship: Alumni Panel.  The Thomas C. Barry Summer Travel Fellowship supports Yale first-years, sophomores, and juniors who are planning independent projects, work, or research in the Global South or emerging-market countries. Upon their return, Barry Fellows are invited to dinners throughout the year to learn from one another, meet other global leaders at Yale, and develop connections that will last a lifetime. Applications for the summer term open December 1 and close March 3. Join us to learn more about the Barry Fellowship and talk to Yale students with independent international experiences! 
Monday, November 11, 12-1pm, Online Event (click for link)
Thursday, November 14, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center, Room 118A

Imagining Your Summer (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!  Tuesday, November 12, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

Yale-China Fellowship Dim Sum Teahouse with Former Fellows.  Teach, live, and learn in mainland China or Hong Kong. Prior Chinese knowledge not required.  Opportunity for Seniors. Learn more and apply at yalechina.org/ycf, by emailing education@yalechina.org, or attending an upcoming session:  Wednesday, November 13, 12-1pm, Yale-China Office 442 Temple St

Intro to Public and Community Service Fellowships/Careers.  Attend this information session to learn about fellowship funding resources for projects, research, study, and other activities related to Public and Community Service.  Wednesday, November 13, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B

Lawyering for Social Justice: Finding Your Path as a 2025 Liman Undergraduate Summer Fellow.  Yale law students and undergraduates will speak about their experiences as Liman Summer Fellows, the impact of their work, and how you can apply. Fellows have worked on issues such as criminal justice, immigration, environmental policy, family childcare, disability rights, housing, and more. Attend Wednesday’s session or email Katherine.Braner@yale.edu to learn more. Applications are due January 20, 2025.  Wednesday, November 13, 7:30-9pm, Davenport College Common Room

Fox International Fellowship: Info Session.  The Fox International Fellowships at the MacMillan Center provide research fellowships through exchanges with renown universities around the world. The fellowship supports one academic year of independent research projects. Attend an information session to learn more about the fellowship and available research opportunities.  Friday, November 15, 12-1pm, Online Event (register for link)

MacMillan Center: Informational Session for Academic Year and Summer Funding.  The Whitney and Betty MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies at Yale offers funding for language study, internships, dissertation research, independent projects, and presenting at conferences. Friday, November 15, 1:30-2:30pm, Online Event (click for link)

STUDY ABROAD
Thinking about studying abroad? 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, and more. Learn about fulfilling distributional and major requirements with study abroad coursework.  The Study Abroad Office is here to support you through the process from start to finish, and it’s never too early to begin planning.

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.

Study Abroad Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Harvard Summer Academy Information Session.  Are you interested in Chinese language study in Taipei? Come to this information session to learn more about Harvard Taipei Academy for Summer 2025! Hear from HTA teachers as they present a typical day at HTA, what you can expect when applying to this program. There will be time to ask questions and to hear from former students who have participated in the HTA program.  Monday, November 11, 2:30-3:30pm, 55 Whitney Avenue, Room 305

SIT Summer Study Abroad Info Session & Student Mixer.  Join Melissa Phineus, Senior University Relations Manager & DEI Outreach Specialist for SIT Study Abroad, at 3:30 to learn about SIT Study Abroad summer programs. Stay (4:15-5) to enjoy fall treats and to connect with Yalies who have already participated in SIT programs.  Monday, November 11, 3:30-5pm, 55 Whitney Avenue, Room 369

RSAY x Study Abroad: Community Connections.  Curious about studying abroad as a student from a rural or small town background? Come hear from the experiences of rural students at Yale who studied abroad!  Monday, November 11, 8-9pm, WLH, 100 Wall Street, Room 116

Delicious & Nutritious Meals: How to Plan, Budget & Shop Workshop.  This workshop isn’t specific to study abroad, but during a study abroad experience, you may find yourself responsible for some meals and this is a great session to learn how to cook on a budget. All undergraduate and graduate students are invited to join Yale Hospitality’s Sarah Kiel, Registered Dietitian, for an engaging and informative workshop.  Tuesday, November 12, 3-4pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman

College Year in Athens (CYA).  Learn more about summer and semester study abroad options in Greece.  Tuesday, November 12, 4-5pm, 55 Whitney Avenue, Room 305

Yale College Study Abroad and Sustainability Panel.  Hosted jointly between Yale College Environmental Studies and Yale Study Abroad, student panelists will talk about their experiences studying on environmental-focused programs.  This is a great opportunity for students interested in how a global perspective will help them pursue future studies or careers in the environment. Light refreshments will be served.  Tuesday, November 14, 4-5pm, Humanities Quadrangle, 320 York Street, Room 102 (Yale Lounge)

OTHER
Fridays with Financial Aid:  Reapplying for Financial Aid.  Join us for a webinar discussing the reapplication process. Friday, November 15, 12pm, Online Event (click to register)

Are you looking to make a real difference and have an unforgettable week of your summer? Camp Kesem Yale is a student-led organization that offers a free, week-long summer camp for kids whose parents have been affected by cancer - and they are looking for passionate volunteers to join! Kesem volunteers have the opportunity to create joyful memories through incredible camp experiences and traditions. It’s an incredible chance to grow as a leader, build lasting connections, and positively impact the lives of families affected by cancer. If you are at all interested in joining Kesem in spreading the Kesem magic, please fill out this interest form.  

Dating While Disabled.  Join one of Datable’s co-authors, Caroline Cupp, and DEFY as we celebrate the launch of Datable and discuss navigating relationships as a disabled person. We will offer a viewing in the SAS Good Life Center. The first five attendees (on either Zoom or in person) will receive a free copy of the book!  Friday, November 15, 3-4pm, Online OR in-person at SAS Good Life Center, 35 Broadway 2nd floor

From the Yale Library
Anyone who attends at least 3 library workshops in one semester will be eligible for a Yale Library tote bag or water bottle! Learn more about the Workshop Incentive Program.

Demystifying the Literature Review.  Learn how to conduct a literature review for your research papers, independent projects, and fellowship applications. In this 45-minute workshop, students will learn: why a literature review is important, ways to start conducting a literature review, and techniques to synthesize your sources. Monday, November 11, 12:30-1:15pm, Online Event (click to register)

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. 
Monday, November 11, 6-6:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, November 14, 7-7:30pm, 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!
Monday, November 11, 7:30-8pm, Online Event (register for link)

Heidi the Therapy Dog.  Join us for a study break with Heidi, a yellow Labrador Retriever, whose sole job is to be a calming, comforting presence. See you there!
Tuesday, November 12, 2-3pm, Marx Library
Friday, November 15, 2-3pm, Bass Library

Advanced Search Techniques.  In 30 minutes, learn skills to research like a librarian, including how to use advanced search techniques to find books and articles in Quicksearch.  Sunday, November 17,1:30-2pm, Online Event (register for link)