TRUMBULL COLLEGE: March 23, 2026
I hope you all had a restorative break! Having a two-week Spring Recess is lovely, isn’t it? I hope it was restful for you – I really needed to catch up on sleep, and I hope you did the same. :) As often happens, I didn’t finish most things I wanted to get done – it is what it is. I did get some much-needed downtime and spent most of the break celebrating two very important guys in my life – my husband’s birthday was at the beginning of break and Sahej turned seven last week!
Be kind to yourself as we get back into the swing of things – I’m trying to do that myself! The gloomy/rainy Monday isn’t helping! Regardless, SPRING is here! Have a great week back! Here we go!
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 Tuesday, March 24th (4-5pm) and Friday, March 27th (10-11:30am).
ACADEMICS
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.
Spring 2026 Advising Period: Academic departments, programs, and certificates are encouraged to hold events during Advising Period, Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 10th, just before Fall course registration opens. Check https://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu/calendar for events & updates.
Placement Exams for Spring Courses. Online placement exams in Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Mathematics (calculus) will be offered in advance of Spring course registration. The key placement exam dates are:
- Monday, March 30 (9am) Online Placement Exams Open
- Tuesday, April 7 (1pm) Online Placement Exam Close
- Friday, April 10 (5pm) Placement Results Posted
For additional details, see Dean Sodi’s March 23rd email, the Placement Exams and Information webpage, and the Center for Language Study Placement Testing site.
UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)
April 1 (W) Applications close for Fall 2026 Term Abroad or 2026–2027 Year Abroad
April 2 (Th) Last day to withdraw from a spring second-half course without the course appearing on the transcript.
April 13 (M) Fall term registration opens for Class of 2027, 8am
April 14 (T) Fall term registration opens for Class of 2028, 8am
April 15 (W) Fall term registration opens for Class of 2029, 8am
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.
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; 1:1 help from Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!); The camaraderie you need to keep those ideas flowing. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Monday, March 23, 7-9pm, Poorvu Center, Room 120A
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, March 24, 4-6pm, Poorvu Center, Room 118B
Organize Your Time (30-minute version) + Work Time. When’s the last time you looked at your schedule and thought, how am I supposed to do all this? This 30-minute workshop helps you learn time management strategies and begin applying them to your own week, helping you feel more in control of getting everything done. Afterward, stick around for optional quiet work time with Academic Strategies Peer Mentors on hand to support you. Tuesday, March 24, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
Becoming an Academic Baddie Again: Transform Your Academic Work Habits. Ready for a reset? Whether this semester feels off-track or you just want to level up, this workshop helps you reflect on what’s working, identify what’s holding you back, and experiment with new approaches to your academic work. Through guided activities and peer insight, Academic Strategies Peer Mentors help you rebuild momentum and step back into your baddie era—strategically and sustainably. Tuesday, March 24, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
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. Wednesday, March 25, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
Autism Discussion Group. A supportive discussion group for sharing experiences and strategies related to autism while navigating your journey at Yale. Wednesday, March 25, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center, Room 120C
How to Take Notes. Not sure what’s worth writing down—or how to use your notes later? You’re not alone. This workshop breaks down different note-taking approaches and helps you find a system that actually supports your learning. With guidance from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, you’ll explore how to take notes that make studying easier, keep you focused in class, and work across different types of courses. Wednesday, March 25, 5-5:30pm, Poorvu Center, Room M104A
Tech Talk Thursday. Learn how to get connected with Student Accessibility Services (SAS), explore some of our latest tech tools for inclusive education, a brief demonstration of assistive technology in action, plus time for Q&A and informal conversation with the SAS team. Food and refreshments provided. Thursday, March 26, come by anytime 3-4pm, Poorvu Center Room 120A (RSVP requested)
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, March 27, 12:30-2:30pm, Poorvu Center, Genius Bar
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. Friday, March 27, 1-2pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
DPMP Study Hall. A quiet space for focused study sessions, with Disability Peer Mentors available for assistance. Sunday, March 29, 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, March 29, 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 and check out OCS events, opportunities, resources and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student. Be sure to check the OCS Blog, CareerLink, the Common Good and Creative Careers (CGCC) for job postings.
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.
Priority Deadline for Summer Experience Award is coming up next week: Wednesday, April 1st. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Awards for applications received by April 1st will be disbursed from late April – late May. All others will be disbursed on a rolling basis. See https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/summer-experience-award/ for full details.
Meet TV’s Wolf Productions Producer. Join us for a conversation with Charbel Youssef—an accomplished producer, line producer, and unit production manager with over a decade of experience driving major feature films and television projects for leading studios, including NBCUniversal Television, Warner Bros., and Focus Features. Monday, March 23, 6:30-8pm, MENA, 305 Crown Street
Yale Sustainable Fashion Alumni Panel and Networking. Curious about what a career in sustainable apparel looks like? Join Moving the Needle for a lunchtime panel (12-12:45pm, food provided) featuring Yale alumni who will share their experiences and insights from working across the sustainable apparel and textile space. After the panel, stay around to learn more about the career guide and to participate in a structured speed-networking session (1-3pm) designed to explore pathways and connect with these industry leaders! Tuesday, March 24, 12-3pm, Kroon Hall, 195 Prospect Street
Bridgewater Associates LP Information Session. For 50 years, Bridgewater has pursued one idea: the world can be understood. Join us for a conversation with Danny DeBois, Senior Investment Associate on our Macro Research Team, to explore how we develop a fundamental understanding of major economic shifts, including transformational advances in artificial intelligence, and translate that understanding into systematic investment logic. Tuesday, March 24, 6-7:30pm, Register for Location
[deadline] Summer Internships with the Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State. The Connecticut Office of the Secretary of State has opportunities available in a number of areas, including: Communications; Graphic Design; Outreach & Engagement; Spanish Communications; and Video Production; as well as opportunities to intern with Secretary Thomas (Executive and Executive – Youth Programming).All of their opportunities and details on how to apply are at https://portal.ct.gov/sots/education/internships/internship-opportunities.
Q&A with Producer Joel Lovell. Join Joel in our seminar to discuss podcasts, audio storytelling, and his current work on Amy Poehler’s podcast, as well as Winds of Change, Missing Richard Simmons, and many more. Joel will take questions about storytelling, craft, breaking into the field, and anything else. Open to all Yale students interested in conversation, comedy, podcasts, journalism, audio drama, and the future of storytelling. Wednesday, March 25, 1:30-2:30pm, Linsly Chittenden Hall, Room 319
Fireside Chat with Dean Lewis and David Solomon (CEO Goldman Sachs). Join Pericles Lewis, Dean of Yale College, and David Solomon, CEO of Goldman Sachs, for a fireside chat on the enduring value of the undergraduate experience and the power of a liberal arts education. In conversation, they will reflect on how intellectual curiosity and professional exploration can shape a meaningful career. Attendees will have the opportunity to submit questions in advance. Thursday, March 26, 12:30-1:15pm, School of Management (please register)
STEMConnect Pop-Up Advising. 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! Drop in as your schedule allows; no appointment is necessary! Thursday, March 26, 1-3pm, CEID, 15 Prospect Street, Room M-109
Epic Information Session. Epic is a global leader in healthcare tech. We hire smart and motivated people from all academic majors to code, test, implement, and support healthcare software that improves care and save lives. Our team collaborates with some of the world’s most respected healthcare organizations to improve patient care and the health of entire communities. You’ll become an expert in health IT and have opportunities to grow and lead. Join us in our mission to help people get well, stay well, and help future generations be healthier! Thursday, March 26, 5-6pm, Online Event (click for link)
Cornerstone Research Information Session. Cornerstone Research is a leading economic and financial consulting firm specializing in the analysis of complex economic, financial, accounting, and marketing issues that arise in the context of various kinds of litigation. Consultants from Cornerstone Research will be holding a presentation on economic consulting, and we will walk through an interactive case interview. Following the case overview, you will have the chance to meet our consultants, follow-up with any questions regarding the case discussed, and ask about pursuing a career in economic consulting. Recruitment for our 2027 full-time Analyst and Summer Analyst positions will begin in Fall 2026. Thursday, March 26, 6:30-7:30pm, The Omni Hotel, 155 Temple Street
Fireside Chat w/ Les Fagen (Faculty at Columbia Law School). Join Legal Careers Expert-in-Residence, Les Fagen and OCS Pre-law Advisor, Reed Srere at the Rose Alumni House for a candid conversation on careers in law and advice on entering into and being successful in the legal field. Students will have the opportunity to ask questions throughout. Thursday, March 26, 7-8pm, Rose Alumni House, 232 York Street
Sneakers to Scrubs Medical School Admissions Panel. Sneakers x Scrubs invites all pre-medical students and applicants to an interactive discussion with medical school admissions representatives. Featured schools include Dartmouth University, The University of Chicago, Vanderbilt University, Brown University, and Case Western Reserve University. Thursday, March 26, 8:30-9:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Goldman Sachs Freshman Day at Yale. Join us for an immersive, educational experience designed specifically for first year undergraduate students interested in exploring the financial services industry. School alumni from various businesses will be in attendance during the networking portion of each event. If you are someone who thrives on excellence, join us at our upcoming event to learn more about Goldman Sachs and our long-standing apprenticeship culture. Friday, March 27, 10am-2pm, Register for Location
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.
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.
Next Wednesday, April 1st is the Application Deadline to Study Abroad in Fall 2026 or the full 2026-27 Academic Year. Search Yale’s study abroad database for eligible programs or meet with an adviser specializing in your region of interest.
Event: Pre-Med Study Abroad Panel. Join the Study Abroad office and the Pre-Health advisors to discuss study abroad opportunities for pre-med students! Hear from a panel of pre-meds who have studied abroad. Wednesday, March 25, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center, Room 120C
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
Food Gallery at LGBTQ Center.. The Food Gallery is an in-house cultural crawl where we’ll be sampling global cuisines, all from locally owned small businesses. Come and expand your palate! Thursday, March 26, 6-8pm, LGBTQ Kitchen
The Yale Sustainable Food Program invites Yale College seniors writing their senior essays on food or agriculture to participate in the 13th annual Melon Forum. Melon Forum convenes graduating seniors from a range of disciplines and departments and provides a space to share your culminating academic work in food systems study. Presenters’ work is also featured in the YSFP’s annual Melon Forum brochure. This year, Melon Forum will be held at Saint Anthony Hall from 6-8pm on Wednesday, April 15th. Students present for 8-10 minutes, followed by 2-3 minutes of Q&A. The YSFP invites you to submit the title and abstract (200-250 words) of your senior thesis/project to our interest form by this Sunday, March 29th. Any questions can be directed to wendy.y.zhang@yale.edu.
Summer Job Opportunity. Each summer EduExplora hosts a residential pre-college program for international high school students at Yale and hire undergraduate and graduate students as Residential Counselors. The role runs June 25 – July 25 and includes on-campus housing at Silliman College and a meal plan. More information at https://www.eduexplora.com/jobs; feel free to reach out with questions.
The Richard Maxwell Prize for Translation and Translation Studies. A $500 prize, open to any undergraduate student in Yale College, shall be awarded annually to the best Literary Translation or to the best essay in Translation Studies. “Literary Translation” encompasses all genres, so long as the chosen work is substantial, while “Translation Studies” is understood to include theoretical and historical questions involving language, culture, and medium. Submissions that combine actual translation and reflections on issues raised or exemplified by the process are welcome. Submissions must include: (1) a cover letter with basic information about the student’s studies/major and about the context in which the essay/translation was written; (2) a translator’s introduction describing the intellectual and historical context of the translated text, along with some consideration of its technical features; (3) a copy of the translated text(s) in the original language, as an appendix to your translation; (4) annotation, as deemed relevant, for literary translations. All submissions for consideration should be sent as a PDF file to sabrina.whiteman@yale.edu by Friday, May 1st at 3pm. The prize will be presented along with other Comparative Literature prizes at the department’s Spring reception in early May. The Richard Maxwell prize for Translation and Translation Studies commemorates the scholarly and pedagogical legacy of Richard Maxwell (1948-2010), an exceptionally wide-ranging undergraduate teacher, scholar and critic. Submission Deadline = May 1st
Yale Library
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, March 23, 7-7:30m, 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, March 24, 7-7:30pm, 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, March 25, 8-9:30pm, Bass Library, Thain Café (register if you want a reminder)
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, March 26, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Tour of Sterling Memorial Library. A one-hour walking tour of Sterling Memorial Library, where you will learn about the building’s history, collections, as well as useful library services for students, staff, and faculty. Registration required; bring your Yale ID. Thursday, March 26, 3-4pm, Sterling Memorial Library (meet in Nave)
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. Friday, March 26, 3-4pm, Online Event (register for link)
Library Workshop Incentive Program. Attend at least 3 library workshops this semester to receive a free tote bag.
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.