TRUMBULL COLLEGE: February 17, 2026
Less than three weeks until Spring Recess! Who’s counting? ;) I know many of you are managing waves of academic work. Hang in there!
I understand that when coursework picks up, other things slip, like getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising. This is when it is most important to take care of yourselves, so please do just that. I strongly encourage you to check out the amazing resources available to you at the Good Life Center, over at Poorvu with Academic Strategies, and of course, YC3. I’m here, too, so please don’t hesitate to set up a meeting with me or visit my open Zoom hours (see below).
Apologies that Dean’s Notes are a little late this week. I was off yesterday, mostly because Sahej was also off from school. We also had scheduled dental appointments for all of us yesterday, which involves a trek up to UConn Dental in Farmington, CT. I never switched dentists when I moved from that area into Trumbull nearly a decade ago. :) Our dentist is my sister’s former professor, and she sees our entire family, so it’s a fun time – and she’s awesome with Sahej.
Have a good 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 today Tuesday, February 17th (4-5pm) and Friday, February 20th (10-11:30am).
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 (March 6th), 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.
UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)
February 25 (W) Last day of courses offered in the first half of the spring term
February 25 (W) Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the spring term
February 25 (W) Last day to convert from a letter grade to Cr/D/F option for a course offered in the first half of the spring term
February 26 (Th) Courses offered in the second half of the spring term begin
March 3 (T) Applications close for 2026 Non-Yale Summer Abroad
March 6 (F) Midterm
March 6 (F) Spring recess begins after last academic obligation.
March 6 (F) Last day to withdraw from a spring full-term course without the course appearing on the transcript
March 6 (F) Deadline to apply for double credit in a single-credit course
March 6 (F) Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-quarter of the term’s tuition (Undergraduate Regulations)
March 6 (F) Final ABX exam grades are due
March 23 (M) 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 Reid 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 is just one of the ways that the Office of Educational Opportunity helps students identify and work towards their academic and experiential learning goals. Find out more about how the OEO and the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning can help you at: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning.
Eli Whitney Caffeinated Commons. Wrap up your week with community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme or discussion, sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. Thursdays, 4pm-6pm, coffee provided. Tuesday, February 17, 4-6pm, Poorvu Center, Room 118B
How to Study for Exams. Studying for exams doesn’t have to mean endless stress and last-minute cramming. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare strategically for different exam types—problem-based, short answer, and essay—while building habits that reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Academic Strategies Peer Mentors share what’s worked for them and help you create a plan you can actually stick to. Tuesday, February 17, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
STEM Navigators: Starting Your STEM Resume & Cover Letter. How do I prepare my resume as a STEM student? You’re in luck, because STEM Navigators is running this workshop to teach you exactly how you can start and perfect your resume in its beginning stages, which is important for future job searches - or for future employers to recruit YOU! Join STEM Navigators for this workshop that will give you tips on creating a strong resume. Tuesday, February 17, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center, Room 120C
Optimize Your Reading. Not all reading strategies are created equal. This workshop introduces flexible, evidence-based techniques for reading more effectively across disciplines - whether you’re prepping for class, writing a paper, or studying for exams. Learn how to approach texts with purpose, not just persistence. Wednesday, February 18, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
ADHD Discussion Group. Connect with fellow Yalies who have ADHD to share study tips, time management strategies, and support each other through the unique challenges of college life. Discover resources and build a community that understands your experience. Snacks Provided. Wednesday, February 18, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
How to Lock In: Working Through Procrastination. We all procrastinate—but when it gets in the way of your goals, it’s time for a shift. In this workshop, we’ll explore what’s really driving your procrastination and share strategies to help you break out of the cycle. You’ll leave with tools to reset your habits and move forward—one doable step at a time. Thursday, February 19, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Chronic Illness Discussion Group. A supportive environment to share experiences and discuss the impact of chronic illness on daily life while at Yale. Thursday, February 19, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120C
Office of Educational Opportunity Drop-in Hours. Join us for our in-person drop-in hours where OEO mentors are available to answer questions and provide guidance on a range of topics, including: getting organized for your classes and making a weekly schedule; planning ahead for job and internship applications; thinking through summer opportunities and next steps; how to get started on work/Executive Function; managing your time; navigating Yale resources; general questions for when you don’t know where to go. Friday, February 20, 12:30-2:30pm, Poorvu Center, Genius Bar
Test Anxiety: Prepping 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—supported by Academic Strategies Peer Mentors who know firsthand how transformative these skills can be. Friday, February 20, 1-2pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
DPMP Study Hall. A quiet space for focused study sessions, with Disability Peer Mentors available for assistance. Sunday, February 22, 2-3pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
STEM Navigators: Sunday 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! Mentors will also serve as accountability buddies to make sure you stay on track during the study hall and achieve your academic goals! NOTE: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors! Sunday, February 22, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center, 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. Schedule a weekly OCS newsletter tailored to your interests, check out OCS events, opportunities, resources and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student, get even more tips and announcements at https://ocs.yale.edu/blog.
Resume Reviews in Trumbull – Offered Every Week. The OCS Marketing Outreach Coordinators have office hours in every single Residential College every week! Stop by to get your resume reviewed. No appointment needed.
Upcoming Career Fairs. Be sure to check https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/career-fairs-networking-events for on-campus career fairs in February, March, and April. Many request advanced registration.
Jane Street Capital, LLC Information Session. Join us for an information session about Jane Street’s Strategy and Product Internship, a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of technology, finance, and business strategy. You’ll learn how we tackle challenging problems across departments, support the firm’s growth, and gain a holistic perspective of our business. Wednesday, February 18, 6-7:30pm, Register for Location
Renting In New York – A Practical Guide Zoom Workshop + Q&A. In this webinar (~45 minutes, then Q&A), we discuss the NYC rental market (pricing & floorplan sizes), highlight the steps in the rental process, review paperwork & landlord requirements and answer all questions. Wednesday, February 18, 6-7pm, Online Event (register for link)
McKinsey and Co Inc Information Session. Join us for a relaxed and engaging session where you’ll get an inside look at our firm, discover how we prioritize work-life balance, and ask any questions you have. Whether about personal experiences or career insights we are happy to share. This informal event is designed with your schedule in mind, so you’re welcome to drop in and out as it suits you. Come as you are, comfortable attire encouraged! We can’t wait to connect with you, share what makes our organization thrive, and answer your questions. Wednesday, February 18, 7-8pm, Online Event (register for link)
2026 Connecticut Innovations Talent Fair. Connecticut Innovations (CI) is hosting our second annual CI Talent Fair to connect more than 30 CI portfolio companies with emerging talent from Connecticut colleges and universities. Attendees will gain exclusive access to apply for internships and full-time positions with Connecticut’s most innovative companies. This unique experience includes direct networking with industry leaders, on-site interview opportunities, and a full day of distinguished keynote speakers. Registration Required. Thursday, February 19, 9am - 4pm, District New Haven, 470 James Street
McKinsey and Co Inc Virtual Q&A. Ask any recruiting questions you may have. This is an informal session, feel free to pop in and pop out. Thursday, February 19, 12-1pm, Online Event (register for link)
Skills: How to Build Your Career (led by alums). Join a small team of experienced Yale alums for practical points during this 1.5 hour workshop. Thursday, February 19, 7:30-9pm, Online Event (register for link)
The Art of Public Speaking. Interested in sharpening your public speaking skills in a fun, relaxed, humor filled setting? Join us for two hours of laughs, tips, and confidence-building, led by a Yale Drama School alum Robert Russell ’89 who’s also a stand-up comedian and college professor. Optional: Bring your idea for a quick 2–3-minute informal presentation and gain valuable insights. Free lunch, too! Friday, February 20, 12:30-3pm, Rose Alumni House, 232 York Street
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.
Summer Fellowships and Funding: Office Hours. Applying for Summer fellowships? Come by during the Fellowships Office Hours for last-minute questions and help with your application! Friday, February 20, 3-4pm, Poorvu Center, Room 120B
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.
Non-Yale Summer Study Abroad: Application Deadline is March 3, 2026. Applications are open for Non-Yale Summer Abroad. You can apply to receive general transfer credit for a program run by another institution, choosing from more than 100 options on our designated list. Note: In addition to applying for Yale’s approval to earn transfer credit, you will also need to apply directly to your intended Non-Yale program for admission. Program deadlines vary.
Study Abroad next fall or academic year. Applications are now open for study abroad for Fall 2026 and/or for the full academic year 2026-2027! Search Yale’s study abroad database for eligible programs, or meet with an adviser specializing in your region of interest. The application deadline is April 1, 2026.
The Swedish Program Virtual Information Session. Want to learn more about study abroad at the Stockholm School of Economics? Tuesday, February 17, 3-4pm, Online Event (register for link)
IES Abroad Summer Programs Information Session. Thinking about studying abroad in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, or South America? Meet with IES (Institute for the International Education of Students) Abroad Senior College Relations Manager, Lucy Abasolo, to learn more about IES Abroad programs for the summer or semester. Wednesday, February 18, 4-5pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor
Advanced Studies in England (ASE Bath) Information Session. ASE is a bespoke study abroad programme tailored to driven US college undergraduates seeking a comprehensive and transformative experience. At the heart of ASE is an academic and cultural emphasis: challenging liberal arts courses complemented by a social programme designed to immerse you in Bath’s community and develop your intercultural awareness. Meet with Matias Weedman, Student Affairs Coordinator from ASE Bath, to learn more about the summer and semester programs. Friday, February 20, 3-4pm, 55Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor
Need to Get or Renew Your Passport? 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.
* Yale students, staff & faculty can get passport photos from the Yale ID Center, 55 Lock Street, by appointment
* U.S. citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for information about applying for or renewing a passport. You can apply at the Yale Station post office in New Haven or the New Haven Free Public Library. While most passports are still renewed via mail, qualified U.S. citizens and nationals may be able to renew U.S. passports online. The current estimated wait time for U.S. passport processing is 4-6 weeks.
* International students should research passport renewal procedures for their country of citizenship and be aware of how the renewal process may impact their U.S. student visa.
Learn more at https://studyabroad.yale.edu/resources/travel-planning-logistics.
TAKE NOTE
Afro-American Cultural Center’s Black History Month 2026 calendar is here! The theme this year is Honoring the Past, Rewriting the Future. From book talks and documentary screenings to the keynote address featuring Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse II ’52 and Peabody Award winner Kahlil Greene ’22, they’ve got events for everyone to enjoy.
Chase Coggins Memorial Scholarship 2025. The Chase Coggins Memorial Fund is named for Chase Frederick Coggins ’79 Timothy Dwight College. The Scholarship is to assist undergraduates in (1) wilderness exploration with philosophical, artistic or scientific intent, and (2) traveling to rural areas or developing countries to study. There is no application form, but proposals are expected to contain a brief summary of academic background, a statement of objectives, an itinerary, a budget, and two recommendations. See full application and submission details at https://saintanthonyhallsigma.org/chase-coggins-memorial-fund. Submission deadline = March 15th
Clothing Sort Party. Join the Yale Sustainability Peer Education Program at their next sorting party. Monday, February 23, 5-6pm, Dwight Hall Common Room
YC3
Queer Mindfulness Group (Part 2 of 4). Come as you are and engage in this 4-part series in collaboration with YC3 and the LGBTQ Center! This 4-part series will meet for 75 minutes weekly, incorporating mindful meditation and skill techniques that will not only enhance your well-being, but is designed to help build resilience. Utilizing the text Queer Dharma, by Jacoby Ballard, we will also explore practices and philosophies that can help us navigate uncertainty, offer compassion and healing, and allow us to experience joy. Tuesday, February 17, 4-5:15pm, Register for Location
Time Management Makeover: From Procrastinator to Pro! Tired of pulling all-nighters and feeling behind? Join Brian Hamilton, Community Wellness Specialist, for this time management session that will give you practical tools to stay organized, focused, and ahead of deadlines. Don’t let procrastination run your semester. Thursday, February 19, 3-3:45pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman Center
Yale 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. Tuesday, February 17, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
First Steps with Zotero. Don’t wait until the end to make your bibliography! Zotero can help you manage your research, take notes, and create citations as you go. Yale users can sign up for a free account with unlimited storage. Tuesday, February 17, 7:30-8pm, 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. Thursday, February 19, 12-12:45pm, Online Event (register for link)
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. Thursday, February 19, 7:30-8pm, Online Event (register for link)
Tour of Sterling Memorial Library. Join a librarian for a tour of Sterling Memorial Library! This tour includes the following spaces: Nave, Starr Main Reference Room, the 16-story book stacks, Yale Film Archive, Babylonian Collection, Gilmore Music Library, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Exhibits Corridor, Linonia and Brothers Room, and Digital Humanities Lab. Registration required; bring your Yale ID. Friday, February 20, 12:30-1:30pm, Sterling Memorial Library (meet in Nave)
Library Workshop Incentive Program. Attend 3 or more library workshops in one semester to receive a free tote bag or water bottle.
Individualized Library Help and Research Support. Students may request a Personal Librarian, request a Research Consultation for a particular topic, or reach out to a Subject Specialist Librarian for individual support.