TRUMBULL COLLEGE: November 4, 2024
Three more weeks of classes before The Game and November Recess! These weeks might feel quite long, particularly now that the days are shorter. Please know that I’m here for you – to listen/talk. Hang in there, Trumbullians! :)
Last week was a special one for us. On Tuesday, we went up to Central Connecticut State University to celebrate Gurbakhshash’s (my husband, Dr. Singh) tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Mathematical Sciences! This has come up over conversation with some of you, since the process was happening pretty much throughout all of last academic year. It has been so nice to finally celebrate! Halloween was fun, too, of course! We had a Star Wars theme this year – we were Ahsoka (the “Lady Tano” version ;)), Obi Wan and Mando. It was nice seeing many of you in the dining hall once we made our way back to Trumbull (along with non-Trumbull students who were probably wondering why Lady Tano and Mando were giving out candy).
Remember, although Preference Selection happened last week, Registration for Spring 2025 opens up in two weeks – this is a good time to reach out to your College Adviser, Departmental Adviser and/or DUS, if you haven’t already! It’s officially the “Advising Period” – see below.
TC’28 – Reminder that we have Fireside Chats starting tomorrow night! We have three groups Tuesday, two on Wednesday night and two on Thursday night this week! Looking forward to seeing you at Head Hyder’s house.
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 Friday, November 8th from 10:00am-noon.
Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term.
ACADEMICS
Yale College’s inaugural Advising Period runs today through Friday, November 15 to encourage:
- first-years and sophomores to reach out to their college advisers
- seniors to check with their directors of undergraduate studies (DUSs) about completion of major requirements
- all students with a declared major to check with their DUSs about their progress within their major
- all students without a declared major to begin (or continue) exploring prospective majors
Many departments and programs will offer information sessions during Advising Period. This two-week period also presents a great opportunity to connect with your advisers before Spring 2025 registration opens.
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 7 Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the second half of the fall term without the course appearing on the transcript.
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).
TUTORING
Advising Resources: http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu
Sc/QR Tutoring: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/stem-tutoring-programs
Language Tutoring: https://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.
Public Speaking. Professors are increasingly asking students to engage in public speaking, from leading class discussion to more formal presentations. This workshop suggests preparation and performance strategies to help you do your best. Monday, November 4, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours. Time for seniors to set goals and work together on their theses! Monday, November 4, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A
Managing a Heavy Reading Load. Feeling overwhelmed by piles of reading? Learn some essential strategies to make the most of your limited reading time. Have less stress and create more free time! Tuesday, November 5, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
Procrastination: How to Work Through It. We all procrastinate. When your procrastination habits get in the way of your goals, however, it’s time for a change. This workshop offers strategies for identifying the sources of procrastination and pursuing productive habits that can get you back on track. Tuesday, November 5, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
STEM Navigators: Let’s Join a Lab, Part 2: CVs & emails. re you struggling to write a CV, or email those intimidating lab PIs and STEM professors? Come to this workshop (part of the 3-session series) where we’ll go over the process together - just bring your research interests and your laptops! Wednesday, November 6, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A
FGLI Thrive: College Budgeting. Take control of your finances with our College Budgeting workshop! Learn how to navigate your financial aid package, make the most of your Startup Grant, and budget smartly for each semester. We’ll also cover practical techniques to develop strong, forward-thinking budgeting habits to help you manage your money wisely. Wednesday, November 6, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Academic and Professional Communication. Learn strategies for writing for professional and formal academic audiences. Thursday, November 7, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
FGLI Thrive: Networking 101. Learn the power of networking and prepare for our upcoming 1GenYale alum networking event! Discover the value of building connections for personal gain, learning from others, and forming meaningful relationships. Learn best practices for networking, from the first hello to the concisely constructive follow-up, and gain hands-on training with your peers. Thursday, November 7, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Rooms 120A + B
ADHD Discussion Group. Share strategies and support with peers who understand your experience. This is open to both undergraduates and graduate students. Thursday, November 7, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 118A
How to Break it to Your Parents that You Want to Study the Arts/Humanities. So you’re interested in the arts or humanities, but you—or others in your life—are concerned that they are not practical or profitable enough to spend time studying. This is a common Yale student dilemma! This workshop guides you through a series of reflective questions about why the arts and humanities matter, and how the skills one learns through studying them (whether or not one majors in them) can positively affect the course of one’s education, career, and life. You will leave this session with new vocabulary with which to articulate the value of pursuing these areas, along with a framework for continuing to determine your own path through them. Friday, November 8, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
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 8, 3-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 121
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! Friday, November 8, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
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 10, 2-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B
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
STEMConnect Pop-Up Advising. Join the Office of Career Strategy STEM Connect Team for pop up advising throughout the fall 2024 semester. Meet with an advisor and talk about career topics like the job & internship search, summer experiences, and networking. While you’re there, it’s a great time to get your resume/cover letter reviewed too! Monday, November 4, 6-7:30pm, CEID, 15 Prospect St, Room M109
Financial Life After Yale. Boola Moola! Questions about budgeting, saving, investing and taxes? Need rules of thumb? For a pair of 8pm informal chats (choose dates from identical pairs of sessions), join Branford Resident Fellow Steve Blum and his fellow alumnus John Caserta ‘01 for “Financial Life After Yale.” Started 11 years ago, more than 200 of these sessions have attracted ~ 4,000 Yalies. Want to attend? Register for your preferred time for each virtual session; this week’s options are:
Budgets, Rules of Thumb, 401Ks & IRAs: Monday, November 4, 8-9pm
Investing & Taxes: Wednesday, November 6, 8-9pm
Voices of Lime: Insights into Life with a Mobility and Dexterity Disability. Join Lime Connect and Tim Rose, Senior Consultant, Accessibility at CIBC, as he moderates a discussion with Lime Network members who are living and working successfully with mobility and dexterity disabilities. As a person who has a mobility disability himself, Tim is uniquely positioned to lead the conversation around the challenges our panelists experience – and the strategies and accommodations that have helped them succeed. Wednesday, November 6, 12-1pm, Virtual Event (register for link)
Recruitment Reception for Neurodivergent Candidates (CA) – Lime. A recruitment opportunity designed with visible and non-visible disabilities in mind. Our partners Bell, Canada Life, CIBC, Deloitte, IBM Canada, OMERS, PWC Canada, Rogers, and TD are seeking to connect with Lime Network members for outstanding opportunities available for students and professionals! All candidates must register in advance via our online system for these events to be considered. Wednesday, November 6, 5:30pm - 7:30pm, Virtual event (register for link)
Info Session: Engineering & Architecture Associates Program at Port Authority of NY & NJ. Join Eric Glover, Campus Recruiting Manager, to learn more about this two-year rotational program open to Engineering and Architecture students who are receiving a bachelor’s between September 2024 and May 2025. Associates are full-time, permanent employees with a yearly salary and benefits. During their first year, Associates rotate through different disciplines and facilities. After successful completion of the program, Associates remain permanent employees and are promoted to Associate Engineer/Architect. The 2025 cohort is expected to start in the beginning of June 2025. Thursday, November 7, 12-1pm, Online Event (register for link)
Centerview Partners LLC. Please join Centerview Partners for an in-person Information Session! Friday, November 8, 2:30-3:30pm, The Study, 1157 Chapel Street
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. 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
Fellowships & Funding Upcoming Events & Deadlines
Yale-China Fellowship: Opportunity for Seniors. The Yale-China Fellowship is a transformative two years for both the Yale-China Fellows and the Chinese students and community members they interact with. Select Yale graduates are chosen to spend two years teaching in China, where they not only become familiar with China but also make it their home. During their two years, Fellows gain an in-depth understanding of themselves, China, and Chinese language and culture, while building important professional skills and networks for future careers in various fields. Early application deadline is December 2nd; final application deadline is March 24th. Learn more and apply at yalechina.org/ycf, by emailing education@yalechina.org, or attending an upcoming session:
Info Session: Thursday, November 7, 12-1pm, Yale-China Office, 442 Temple St
Dim Sum Teahouse with Former Fellows: next Wednesday, November 13, 12-1pm, Yale-China Office 442 Temple St (register now via email)
Light Fellowship Information Session #5. The Richard U. Light Fellowship Program fully funds Yale undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students pursuing intensive language study in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean for terms ranging from a single summer to a combined summer plus academic year. Attending a Light Fellowship Information Session is a requirement to be eligible for the Light Fellowship. Visit https://light.yale.edu for more information and the application. Thursday, November 7, 6:30-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
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! Friday, November 8, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
[DEADLINE] Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. Up to $7,500 per year for two years of support for sophomores and juniors pursuing research in STEM fields. NOTE: A Yale nomination is required, but the Barry Goldwater fellowship does not interview students. Application Deadline: Thursday, November 7, 1pm (Eastern)
[DEADLINE] Harry S. Truman Scholarship. Up to $30,000 to support graduate studies related to public service. A Yale nomination is required. Eligible: Juniors. Application Deadline: Friday, November 8, 1pm (Eastern)
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
IFSA University of Oxford Open House webinar. Learn tips and tricks for how you can narrow down your Oxford college of choice and create a competitive application before the December 15th deadline! We will talk through the requirements of each Oxford college, as well as the application items you need to stand out. There will be time for questions! This session is hosted by IFSA, the Institute for Study Abroad. Tuesday, November 5, 3-4pm, Online Event (register for link)
Translating your Life Abroad. Are you preparing to study abroad and wondering how to maintain your personal routines and interests while immersing yourself in a new culture? Join SIT staff as we discuss strategies for doing so, from religious practice to exercising, while on program. Former students will also share how they were able to incorporate parts of their daily home routine into their time abroad with SIT. Wednesday, November 6, 4-5pm, Online Event (click to register)
OISS x Study Abroad: Community Connections. Curious about studying abroad as an international student? Come hear from international students who studied abroad at Yale! Food provided. Thursday, November 7, 6-7pm, Schwarzman Center, Room 215
OTHER
Blood Drive this week. The American Red Cross at Yale will be hosting two blood drives in the Dwight Hall Common Room on the following dates:
Tuesday, November 5 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
Wednesday, November 6 (10:00am - 4:00pm)
We highly recommend students interested in donating to book an appointment, as walk-in slots may not be available. If you would like to donate, you can schedule an appointment at https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=DWIGHTYALE. If prompted, use the code “DWIGHTYALE” to register for a time slot. The decision to donate can save a life, and we greatly appreciate your consideration! If you have any questions, please email Jared Rhee, the Donor Outreach Coordinator.
Global Affairs 5-Year Program Admissions Information Session. The Jackson School is holding an information session about the 5-year BA-BS/MPP program. Interested but unable to attend? Fill out this inquiry form. Current first-semester juniors from any major are eligible to apply this year, but we welcome current first-years and sophomores who may want to begin thinking about applying in the future. Thursday, November 7, 5pm, Horchow Hall, 55 Hillhouse Avenue (click to register)
From YC3
Drop-in Meditation. Join Ricky from YC3 for a 30 minute guided meditation during this busy and hectic time as a way to slow down and do something for your well-being. There will be warm tea selections available, prior to the start of the meditation, or after. Tuesday, November 5, 1-1:30pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman
Mindfulness Book Club. Do you often find yourself overthinking, always trying to be perfect, revisiting past failures? Utilizing the book ‘Mindful Twenty-Something, this 4-week course teaches practical stress-reducing mindfulness and meditation techniques. Free book will be provided. Thursday, November 7, 1-1:45pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman
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.
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.
Monday, November 4, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, November 7, 6-6:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
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. Wednesday, November 6, 6:30-7pm, Online Event (register for link)
Cookies & Questions. Get answers to your most pressing library questions (and a free Insomnia cookie!) from a Library Peer Mentor. Wednesday, November 6, 8-9:30pm, Bass Library Thain Café High Tables
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, November 6, 8-8:30pm, 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. Thursday, November 7, 8-9pm, Bass Library, Thain Café High Tables
Next Steps with Zotero. Learn how to get the most out of Zotero advanced research management features for your unique needs, including removing duplicate citations, filtering citations with tags, creating annotations, and integrating Zotero with Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Friday, November 8, 5-5:30pm, Online Event (register for link)