TRUMBULL COLLEGE DEAN’S NOTES: April 8, 2024
I hope you’ve all been enjoying this weather – it’s important to take some time for yourself, and I feel like that’s much easier to do when the weather is like this! I love winter, but not having to bundle up makes it that much easier to quickly go outside for a break.
I have always thought of April as a time for reflection. We’re nearing the end of the academic year, and every cohort of students probably has something on their mind. First-years and Sophomores might be reflecting on their courses over the last two or four terms – know that there’s still plenty of time to declare your major (April is a great time to meet with DUSes!). Juniors are often relieved to think that the bulk of their core major requirements will finally be done, and they can finally focus on electives and can look ahead to senior essays/projects. And Seniors, approaching the next transition is exciting, but it can also be daunting! Please know that I’m here…for all of these conversations, and I am always here to listen – it’s the part of my role that is most rewarding. I will try to pop in additional open Zoom hour blocks over the coming weeks – they’re always listed at the top of my Calendly page in the little blurb.
Please scroll through the entirety of Dean’s Notes – it just takes a few minutes! I would say read through, but I want to be realistic! ;) In particular, I don’t want you to miss out on some of the Prize opportunities/competitions that were recently sent to us (which have upcoming deadlines), and YC3 has some awesome programming coming up, particularly with Seniors in mind (with some fun swag!)!
Wishing you all the best with everything you have going on – it’s a busy time. Enjoy the sunshine and have a great rest of your week! Remember, Fall 2024 course registration opens next week! https://registration.yale.edu/
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, April 10th (4:30-5:30pm), and Thursday, April 11th (9:30-10:30am & 3:30-4:30pm).
PLEASE NOTE: Alice will be out of the office on Monday, April 8th. I will be out on Friday, April 12th. Please free to e-mail , but please copy both of us – and follow our auto-replies, particularly if something is time-sensitive. Thank you!
April 8 Deadline for Class of 2024 to confirm your “diploma name” in Yale Hub
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
April 26 Classes end; reading period begins.
ACADEMICS
Yale Degree Audit: Access Yale Degree Audit through Yale Hub to check your progress toward the bachelor’s degree. Degree Audit displays the degree requirements that you have already completed and those that are still pending. The “Look Ahead” feature shows you how future course enrollment might apply toward your degree. Use the “Class History” (click ⁝ in the upper right corner) to confirm the courses in which you are enrolled. If you believe that academic information in your degree audit is incorrect, contact our office.
Enhanced Support for Data Science Literacy: Visit the new advising page, https://diss.yale.edu, to think about ways to meet your academic goals in quantitative methods, stats and data science – whether that’s simply fulfilling your QR requirement or something more precise.
Undeclared Class of 2027: The deadline to submit the Sophomore-Year College Advising Form by May 1st at 5pm. All first-year students without a declared major received an email last week with a personalized link to the form. More details at https://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu/your-adviser-advising/sophomore-year-college-advising-form. Students with a declared major are exempt.
HOUSING-RELATED DEADLINES
Today marks the beginning of the Housing Office’s Waitlist Placement Period. Check the AY24-25 Room Draw Timeline, 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.
STEM Navigators & OCS: Unlocking LinkedIn: Tips and Tricks to creating a professional online presence! How do I prepare my LinkedIn profile? You’re in luck, because STEM Navigators is partnering with Yale’s Office of Career Strategy to teach you exactly how you can start, perfect, and present your LinkedIn profile, which is important for future job searches - or for future employers to recruit YOU! This session is part 2 of 2 in preparation for the Yale Computer Science Career Fair. Monday, April 8, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
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, April 9, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)
Chronic Illness Discussion Group. Share strategies, experiences, and support with peers who understand your experience. This is open to undergraduates and graduate students. Thursday, April 11, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Being FGLI in the Arts: John Nguyen (writing). Learn how to start an arts career by learning from other FGLI Yale students who are making a life in the arts. Join us for a discussion of preparing for and beginning a career in writing with John Nguyen, YC’24. Coffee and cookies provided. Friday, April 12, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
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, April 14, 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
Bain & Company, Inc. Networking Reception. Join us for a networking reception hosted by Yale alums who are members of Bain & Co.’s affinity groups and office communities, including but not limited to Black at Bain, Asian at Bain, Women at Bain (WAB), Familia@Bain, Diverse Abilities at Bain (DAAB), First@Bain, and Pride@Bain. Thursday, April 11, 12-2pm, The Study Hotel (click to register)
Bain & Company, Inc. Coffee Chats. This is an informal opportunity to learn more about Bain! Sign up to chat with current Associate Consultants to learn more about the culture, day-to-day life, and their transitions into consulting. Thursday, April 11, 2:30-4:30pm, The Study Hotel (click for sign-ups)
U.S. Digital Corps Virtual Info Session. We hope you’ll join us to learn more about how you can start a fulfilling tech career in government! We are looking forward to our nationwide recruitment tour for our 2025 class of U.S. Digital Corps Fellows (applications will open this fall). Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about the Digital Corps, hear from current Fellows, and ask questions. Thursday, April 11, 4-5pm, Online Event (register for meeting link)
Morgan Stanley Wealth Management Virtual Series. Morgan Stanley’s Wealth Management Division will be hosting an educational presentation for students interested in pursuing a 2025 summer internship in financial services. Students who expect to earn their degree between December 2025 and June 2027 will hear from business representatives in the Division, gain valuable information on the industry, and have an opportunity to ask questions. Friday, April 12, 12-1pm, Online Event (click & register by Tuesday!)
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
Selecting UK Universities for Graduate Study. Postgraduate study in the United Kingdom or Ireland offers all kinds of exciting opportunities, but finding the right fit is key. In this information session, you will learn about available opportunities and the application process, as well as resources to strengthen your application. Tuesday, April 9, 1-2pm, Online Event (click for link)
Letters of Recommendation for National Fellowships. Are you applying for a national fellowship — such as the Fulbright, Marshall, or Rhodes — and feeling overwhelmed by the process of requesting recommendations? Join us for a discussion of how to identify strong recommenders, cultivate relationships with them, and ensure that the application process goes smoothly for both you and your recommenders. Thursday, April 11, 2-3pm, 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.
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
The 2024 Yale Sexual Climate Survey. Yale is surveying students about their perceptions and experiences of the campus community, sexual misconduct, campus resources, and bystander intervention. This confidential survey will inform Yale’s prevention, education, and response efforts. Your response to the 2024 survey is critical: with everyone’s help, we can gather the fullest data possible. Please visit tinyurl.com/sexualclimatesurvey and fill out the survey now. Yale will report on the results in Fall 2024. For more details about the survey and Yale’s resources, please see titleix.yale.edu. For information, advocacy, and support, contact SHARE (203-432-2000).
Yale Farm Workdays. The Yale Farm is now welcoming visitors for Friday and Sunday workdays throughout the month of April:
- Friday, April 12, 2-4pm (please arrive no later than 3pm)
- Sunday, April 14, 2-4pm (please arrive no later than 3pm)
See https://www.sustainablefood.yale.edu/open-workdays for additional dates & details.
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 is Tuesday, April 9, 2024, 5pm ET (decisions announced by May 16, 2024, 5pm ET)
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).
Prize Opportunities
The Office of the Secretary compiles lists of types of prizes for which undergraduates are eligible. As our office is alerted about specific ones, we will include them in the Dean’s Notes.
Elizabethan Club Essay Prize. The Elizabethan Club awards a monetary prize for the best undergraduate student term paper and/or senior thesis/project on a subject of interest to the Club, e.g. outstanding work:
- on literature, arts, or culture of the Renaissance
- on interpretations, adaptations, or criticism relating to literature, arts, and culture of the Renaissance
- work based on research done in the Elizabethan Club Collection (at the Beinecke Library).
Work from any department is eligible and nominations can come from faculty, advisors, or the students themselves. You do not need a member of the Club. Essays must be submitted by Monday, April 22, 4pm. More information and submission instructions are at https://earlymodern.yale.edu/resources/elizabethan-club-yale-undergraduate-graduate-student-essay-prize. Questions? julia.divincenzo@yale.edu
Yale College Speech Competition. The Yale College Speech Competition takes place Monday, April 29, 2024. Sophomores, juniors, and seniors are eligible for prizes of up to $1000 for delivering a short speech of their own composition. Please use this link to sign up—the sign-up deadline is Monday, April 22, 11:59pm. After you sign up, you’ll be assigned a two-hour block between 9am and 5pm on April 29 (you must be available for the entire two hours)
The Buck-Jackson Prize: Awarded to a Sophomore for the best original oration on a subject of a patriotic nature. [Note that this does not need to be on an American subject.]
The Henry James TenEyck Prize: Awarded to orators among the Junior Class on a subject of the speaker’s choice.
The David C. DeForest Prize & Townsend Premiums: For the Senior[s] “who shall write and pronounce an English oration in the best manner.” [Note that there are no special requirements for an “English oration.”]
Please contact alfred.guy@yale.edu with questions.
From YC3
In April, YC3 is hosting a new “Seamless Transitions” series, designed to help students who are making a transition (graduating, moving off campus, studying abroad etc.) If you attend 2 of the 8 “Seamless Transitions” workshops you will receive a limited-edition sloth t-shirt (while supplies last). Please note you must attend the entire workshop to be entered for a T-shirt. ). If you need to request an accommodation for one of the “Seamless Transition” workshops, please email goodlifecenter@yale.edu
Mindfulness Mondays. Come explore meditation skills that can help benefit the body and mind, while being effective for stress management solutions. Research shows that meditation practice can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost self-compassion with 10 minutes of daily practice. This space is useful for continued learning of experienced meditators and even for beginners. Drop - in is welcome, but you’ll get more out of your practice if you come every week and engage in the series! Monday, April 8, 1-1:30pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman
YC3’s Expressive Arts Therapy Workshop: Two Part Series. Expressive Arts allow for people to engage in emotional expression through various art mediums. Through the process of creating art you can communicate and explore your emotional experiences in a unique way. In this 2 part workshop series with Dr. Zeleyka Fowler and Kayla Reid, LCSW, we will use visual arts as a medium to engage in self-reflection and emotional processing. This a 2-part series, all interested participants must commit to attending both workshop days to complete the project. All materials will be provided! Tuesday, April 9, 3:30- 4:30pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman
Seamless Transitions: Navigating Insurance and Mental Health Resources. Join us for a 45-minute workshop to learn how to navigate your health insurance, learn insurance terminology, and discuss skills and tips on how to connect with a therapist. Thursday, April 11, 12-12:45pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman
Seamless Transitions: Decision Making – how to Make & Feel Good About Your Decisions”. Do you often feel indecisive or hesitant when having to make a choice? Do you sometimes feel fearful of making the wrong decision? Do you feel overwhelmed by having too many options to choose from? YC3 is here to help you feel confident thinking through your options and making a well-informed decision in all aspects of life: academic classes, relationship dilemmas, finances, living accommodations, etc. Thursday, April 11, 12:45-1:30pm, GLC Lounge in Schwarzman
Drop-In to Mindfulness. Come explore meditation skills that can help benefit the body and mind, while being effective for stress management solutions. Research shows that meditation practice can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and boost self-compassion with 10 minutes of daily practice. This space is useful for beginning and experienced meditators. We will learn and practice two meditations per class. Drop-ins are welcome! Thursday, April 11, 3-3:45pm, 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. Monday, April 8, 7pm, Online Event (register for link) .
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 get started conducting a literature review, and techniques to synthesize your sources. Wednesday, April 10, 12pm (noon), Online Event (register for link)
Tour: Hidden Treasures In Sterling Library. Learn how to get around to find what you need and discover lesser-known special collections hidden in plain sight! Thursday, April 11, 4pm, meet in SML Nave
Zotero For Undergraduate Projects. A hands-on, 1-hour workshop using Zotero to learn research and organization strategies – including how to leverage cloud storage, saved citations, annotation tools, and Word/Google Doc integrations – to keep undergraduate research projects on track. Friday, April 12, 1pm, Bass Library L06-A