TRUMBULL COLLEGE DEAN’S NOTES: March 25, 2024
I hope you all had a wonderful break! Having a two-week Spring Recess is extraordinary, isn’t it? I hope it was restorative for you. It was for me, which is nice. :) As often happens, I didn’t finish most things I wanted to get done – oh well. I did get a lot of rest 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 five last week! We went to Mystic for a few days (and had the hotel pool to ourselves the whole time!), spent a lot of time outside (even though it was cold at times), and ate a lot of cake and ice cream. Good times.
Have a great week back – it’s taking me a little while to get into the swing of things, if that’s any comfort – hence Dean’s Notes being out a bit later than usual. ;)
Meeting with me
To make an appointment, please use the Calendly scheduling tool, https://calendly.com/dean_c. Please 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 WEDNESDAY, March 27th (4:30-5:30pm) & THURSDAY, March 28th (9:30-10:30am).
PLEASE NOTE: Friday, March 29th is a staff holiday (Good Friday) and Trumbull Offices will be closed. Feel free to e-mail me, but please follow my auto-reply, particularly if something is time-sensitive. Thank you!
ACADEMICS
Spring placement exams: Spring placement exams close on Tuesday, March 26th, 5pm. The eight subjects with spring placement exams online are CHNS, FREN, GMAN, HEBR, ITAL, PORT, SPAN, and MATH.
Only some students may need to take a placement exam this spring, in time for preference selection and registration in April. Mainly students with prior knowledge who did not take a placement exam or receive a departmental placement within the past year.
April 1 Preference Selection sites open for Fall 2024 multi-section courses and discussion/lab sections, 8am
April 2 Deadline for Fall 2024 Term Abroad or 2024–2025 Year Abroad, 11:59pm
April 3 Preference Selection sites close, 5pm
April 4 Last day to withdraw from a spring second-half course without the course appearing on the transcript, 5pm
April 8 Deadline for Class of 2024 to confirm their degree & “diploma name”
April 15 Fall term registration opens for Class of 2025, 8am
April 16 Fall term registration opens for Class of 2026, visiting students, and Eli Whitney students (without a class year), 8am
April 17 Fall term registration opens for Class of 2027, 8am
HOUSING-RELATED DEADLINES
Deadlines for room selection are detailed at https://housing.yale.edu/undergraduate-housing/room-draw/timeline. Check Room Draw Policies and FAQs for details. Still have questions? Email %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu">undergraduatehousing@yale.edu (feel free to cc Alice).
TUTORING
Advising Resources: http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu
Sc/QR Tutoring: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/stem-tutoring-programs/small-group-and-1-1-tutoring
Language Tutoring: http://cls.yale.edu/foreign-language-tutoring
Yale College Writing Center
https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/writing-center
Whether you are working on a reading response, research paper, application essay, or a creative piece, the Writing Center offers one-to-one consultations to help you at any stage of the writing process.
Professional Writing Tutor: Adam Reid Sexton at Trumbull. 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 email him the document 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! https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/residential-college-writing-tutors
Writing Partners. Writing Partners are Yale College or graduate students who are talented writers who love helping others. Writing Partners can meet with you to talk through ideas or give feedback on your draft on a first-come, first-served basis. Drop-In hours are in-person at Poorvu or over Zoom. You can also schedule a Zoom appointment. https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergrad-writing-partners
Fellowship Writing Partners. Planning to apply to a scholarship or fellowship program and would like to team up with a Writing Partner as you prepare your materials? Fellowship Writing Partners have been through the process themselves and will meet with you at least three times to help plan, revise, and polish your materials! Request a Fellowship Writing Partner here.
Weekly Writing Partners. Taking a writing intensive course or working on a long-term writing project and want to meet with the same Writing Partner each week? Request a Weekly Writing Partner here!
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 undergraduate be active, empowered learners at Yale. Though 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). 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 here.
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 Karin Gosselink (karin.gosselink@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. To request a mentor please email 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. Poorvu North is a collection of rooms in Kline Biology Tower accessed down the stairs opposite Steep Café. Questions? Contact us at academicstrategies@yale.edu.
Cultivating Faculty Mentors/Recommendations. Initiate conversations, ask for assistance, request recommendations, and build mentoring relationships with Yale faculty, teaching fellows and staff. Monday, March 25, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours. The Academic Strategies Senior Thesis Power Hours are designed to help students stay motivated and accountable while working on their senior theses. They will be held throughout the semester to give students a chance to help each other with solidarity and accountability in the development and writing of their senior theses. The sessions are facilitated by an Academic Strategies Peer Mentor. Monday, March 25, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A
Assistive Tech Overview. Assistive Technologies is a segment of the Disability Peer Mentor Program. DPMP aims to create a sense of community and a network of support within the disabled communities at Yale. To learn more about DPMP or to request a mentor, follow our Instagram @yaledpmp. Monday, March 25, 8-9pm, Online Event
Organize Your Time! When is the last time you asked yourself “How am I going to get all of this done??” You are not alone! This interactive workshop offers evidence-based strategies and the opportunity to start figuring out what will work best for YOU: you will not only to learn about ways to make the most out of your time, but also do some actual work toward your own scheduling and planning needs. Tuesday, March 26, 8-9pm, Online Event
Chronic Illness Discussion Group. Share strategies, experiences, and support with peers who understand your experience. This is open to undergraduates and graduate students. Thursday, March 28, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Wait – Someone Will Pay Me to Do That?! (Arts and Humanities). Oh, the places you’ll go! Dr. Seuss might well have been talking about YOU if you come to this session. This workshop aims to demystify undergraduate fellowships/funding for Arts and Humanities students. You will learn from other Yale students about some of the big resources for Arts/Humanities funding, and together discuss how to find opportunities, how to talk with faculty and staff about your dreams; and why to make this a part of your Yale education. Friday, March 29, 2-3pm, 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: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors! Sunday, March 31, 2-5pm, Poorvu CTL 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. Check out OCS events, opportunities, and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student.
OCS Upcoming Events
Bloomberg Workshop. As the Spring season wraps up, Bloomberg Engineers walk through a new Workshop focused on “Preparing for a Technical Interview.” Find out how to set yourself up for success from seasoned interviewers and Yale Alumni on what to do if you’re stuck, how to practice, and how to make yourself stand out in the recruitment process. RSVP https://tinyurl.com/ymyh28my to join the workshop. Dinner will be served! Wednesday, March 27, 6-7pm, The Watson Center, 60 Sachem St, Room A53
MeshEd - Summer 2024 Paid Teaching Internships. MeshEd Collective, PBC is hiring undergraduate and graduate students to teach our career-exploration courses in a free CT Summer Innovation Lab for middle schoolers this summer! Interns will be part of a dynamic, mission-driven team and coached by strong educational leaders and coaches. This is a 6 week program from June 24 – August 3 serving 6-8th graders in the Greater Hartford area. Thursday, March 28, 12:15-1:15pm, Online Event (register for link)
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.
Not sure where to begin the fellowships process? Refer to this step-by-step guide on How to Apply for Fellowships. The first step in planning a strong fellowship application is to identify your short-term or long-term personal and academic goals, which will help you determine the kind of project you want to pursue. Read about Yalies who have previously won fellowships.
Fellowships & Funding Upcoming Events
ISA Information Session #2. The International Study Award (ISA) funds one summer study abroad program for students receiving a Yale Scholarship. Attend this information session to learn about ISA eligibility, the application and disbursal process, and have your ISA questions answered by the ISA Team. Tuesday, March 26, 3:30-4:30pm, Online Event (click for link)
STUDY ABROAD
Yale Study Abroad helps students choose from hundreds of study abroad options including Yale Summer Session Abroad, Non-Yale Summer Abroad, and Year or Term Abroad.
Study Abroad Deadlines. Applications for Fall 2024 and Academic Year 2024-2025 Study Abroad are due April 2nd. All deadlines are 11:59pm ET on the date listed below. Visit the Study Abroad website for more details and list of designated programs.
Full Year 2024-2025 Abroad
Credit for Full Year Abroad: April 2
Petition for Full Year Programs not on Yale’s Designated List: April 2
Balliol College, Oxford University: Junior Year Abroad Program for English Majors: April 2
Fall 2024 Abroad
Credit for Fall Term Abroad: April 2
Petition for Fall Programs not on Yale’s Designated List: April 2
International Study Award (ISA). The ISA can help fund an approved study abroad experience for eligible students. To learn more…
(1) Watch a recording of a recent ISA info session (use your Yale netID at the SSO login option)
(2) Join the Zoom Session on Tuesday, March 26, 3:30pm
(3) The ISA website is also a great resource to learn how the ISA is calculated, what it covers, what to do if you need to pay a deposit before you receive your ISA, and more.
(4) Contact isa@yale.edu with any questions about the ISA and using that funding to pay for your study abroad experience.
Need to Get or Renew Your Passport? Don’t wait to ensure you have the necessary travel documents! All passports should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of your anticipated study abroad program. 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.
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. Get a passport photo at the Yale ID Center (55 Lock Street).
The current estimated wait time for U.S. passport processing is 6-8 weeks. This process starts once the State Department receives your application and does not factor in mailing times. For additional information, visit our Travel Planning & Logistics page.
YALE SUMMER SESSION
Yale Summer Session (YSS) offers a broad range of courses, taught by Yale faculty, for Yale College credit in New Haven, online, and abroad. Visit https://summer.yale.edu to apply, browse courses, and more.
OTHER
Blood Drive this Week. The American Red Cross at Yale will be hosting three blood drives in the Dwight Hall Common Room this week on the following dates:
* Tuesday, March 26 (10am – 3:45pm)
* Wednesday, March 27 (10am – 3:45pm)
* Thursday, March 28 (10am – 3:45pm)
If you would like to donate, you can schedule an appointment here. If prompted, use the code “DWIGHTYALE” to register for a time slot. We highly recommend students interested in donating to book an appointment, as walk-in slots may not be available. The decision to donate can save a life, and we greatly appreciate your consideration!
All presenting donors will receive an exclusive T-shirt and will be entered into a raffle for a $500 certificate at the Yale bookstore. Questions? Email Jared Rhee, Campus Donor Outreach Coordinator.
YHHAP SpringFest. The Yale Hunger and Homelessness Action Project is hosting YHHAP Spring Fest: A Night of Comedy and Music at St. Anthony’s Hall this Saturday, March 30th, 8-9:15pm. This event will kick off the YHHAP Fast, our semesterly fundraiser, and all proceeds will go to support our three FAST organizations—Haven’s Harvest, Sunrise Cafe, and Continuum of Care—which all do incredible work combating food and housing insecurity in New Haven. Enjoy performances from the Yale Undergraduate Jazz Collective, the Yale Ex!t Players, Doox of Yale, the Olmo Quartet, and Pretty Please as you help support Yale’s largest student-run fundraiser! Register
Register now for Language Tasting Spring 2024. Come one, come all, to an event not to be missed! Yale’s Language Tasting, a collaboration between Poorvu’s Academic Strategies Program and the Center for Language Study (CLS), offers undergraduate students a variety of languages to “sample,” alongside friends and food and festivities! This is a chance to meet wonderful instructors and to try out classes you might not have room for in your schedule, but have always been curious about. We are able to host only 60 students and will start a waitlist once those spots have been filled. We are asking students to commit to the full afternoon; register online now.
Friday, April 5, 3-6pm
* Welcome Remarks at Poorvu, 3-3:15pm
* Tasting One at Poorvu, 3:20-3:40pm
* Walk to CLS, 3:40pm
* Tasting 2 at CLS: 3:55-4:15pm
* Meet & transfer to other classes: 4:15-4:35pm
* Tasting 3 at CLS, 4:35-4: 55pm
* Closing Ceremony with games, prizes and pizza, 5-6pm
Registration is not first-come, first-served, but rather, prioritizes first those who registered for the Fall 2023 Language Tasting but weren’t able to secure a spot, and then first-years and other undergraduates. We will confirm your registration by email.
Questions? Email Ketty Kabengele or Dr. Lynda Paul.
Opportunity for Seniors: SOM Silver Scholars Program. The Silver Scholars Program at the Yale School of Management allows students to earn a Yale MBA degree within three years, directly after graduation, spring-boarding them toward their career goals and leadership positions. The program is designed for exceptional students with strong leadership potential. These students enroll in our full-time MBA program where they make up about 5% of the student body. Rather than the traditional summer MBA internship, Silver Scholars complete a year-long internship, extending their experience to three years. All Yale College students receive a 50% tuition discount and an application fee waiver. If you would like to speak with an admissions representative, please email maria.derlipanska@yale.edu to schedule an appointment. Round 3: Application Deadline April 9, 2024, 5pm ET (decisions announced by May 16, 2024, 5pm ET)
Two Ways to Learn and Serve in New Haven This Summer! The Pathways Summer Scholars Programs welcome 150+ local public high school students to take part in free STEM and Arts & Humanities classes. We’re seeking Teaching Assistants & Residential Advisors for this summer!
1. Teaching Assistant: Search Job ID 25774 at yalestudentjobs.org
TAs help with logistical needs of the program, plan activities, serve as mentors and chaperones to students, and aid classroom instructors. Prospective TAs must be available from July 1st to August 2nd from 8:30am to 4:30pm, five days a week. This is a full-time position, $16.75/hour.
2. Residential Advisor: Search Job ID 14548 at yalestudentjobs.org
RAs live with rising high school seniors during the STEM program and their primary responsibility will be to supervise & mentor residential students. Prospective RAs must be available from July 1st to 19th. This is a full-time paid position with shifts starting at 3pm. Room, board, and a $1,600 stipend are provided.
Walden Peer Counseling. Walden Peer Counseling is one of the oldest anonymous and confidential hotline and walk-in peer counseling services in the US. Staffed exclusively by Yale undergraduates, we are available to talk about anything that’s on your mind. We are open every weekday and weekend night during the academic year when classes are in session; the hotline operates from 8pm to 8am every night. Our office, in the Welch B basement, is open from 8pm to 1am Sunday through Thursday. The number for the hotline is (203) 432-TALK (203-432-8255).
From YC3
Wellness Wednesday: Reset for Success. Welcome back from break! This Wellness Wednesday is all about setting yourself up for success with the remainder of the semester! We’ll have some student consultations around managing your time wisely and your schedule, a giveaway item, snacks, and a beverage. You won’t want to miss out. Wednesday, March 27, 2-4pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman
From the Yale Library
Next Steps with Zotero. Learn how to get the most out of Zotero’s 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.
Tuesday, March 26, 12pm noon, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, March 28, 5pm, 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 27, 8:30pm, Bass Library
Latte with a Librarian. Meet with a librarian for a drop-in research consultation. Any student who asks a library or research-related question will receive a FREE Yale Library mug. Thursday, March 28, 12:30-2pm, Bass Library
Therapy Dog Thursday. Visit Bass Library to meet with Heidi, a yellow Labrador Retriever, whose sole job is to be a calming, comforting presence. See you there! Thursday, March 28, 2pm, Bass Library