TRUMBULL COLLEGE: September 14, 2026
Hi Trumbullians! I hope none of you got caught in the crazy flooding yesterday morning! What a contrast to the beautiful day we had on Saturday and what looks to be a gorgeous week! I grew up in apple-picking country, but I love that here in CT, we have all kinds of fruit picking, including apples! We spontaneously went to Rose Farm, a small orchard nearby, where the peaches were nearly ripe and where some apple varieties were already ready for picking! Then, in the evening, we (your Trumbull leadership :)) had an amazing time attending a traditional Qawwali music concert in Hamden. It was quite the Saturday! Hope you had some down time over the weekend.
Please see my Saturday morning note (and below) about double checking that everything looks right on your fall term schedule. My authority to help with adjustments disappears precipitously the further we get from the end of Add/Drop. Thanks for your attention to these details. I hope all is well as we enter Week 3 of classes – I am working on grading today, so I imagine that the workload has suddenly picked up for everyone. Hang in there! Have a great week!
Meeting with me
To make an appointment, please use the Calendly scheduling tool, https://calendly.com/dean_c, or reach out to Alice with any scheduling issues. For in-person meetings, please come to the office. We’re right here in Trumbull G104, which you can access across from Entryway A or through Entryway G. Zoom meetings (including open Zoom office hours) will be through my Zoom page: https://yale.zoom.us/my/skchandhoke.
My OPEN ZOOM office hours for each week are listed on the top of my Calendly page (there’s a small text blurb at the top of the page that is updated regularly). 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 Friday, September 18th (10am-12pm noon).
Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term.
ACADEMICS
Please double check your Course Schedule and Yale Degree Audit to make sure you are officially registered for your courses. If your class list is not exactly what you thought it was, please %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu?subject=issues%20with%20my%20schedule">let us know immediately. Many problems that students have with the registration system can be remedied, but being prompt in informing us is essential.
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, 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)
September 15 All students planning to complete degree requirements at the end of the fall term must file a petition by this date.
September 15 Students in their final term of enrollment must petition to complete the requirements of two majors by this date.
September 15 Students in their final term of enrollment planning to change their major, must by this date, declare as such in Yale Hub.
September 15 Students in their final term of enrollment planning to earn a certificate, must by this date, declare as such in Yale Hub.
September 16 Final deadline to apply for fall-term Leave of Absence.
September 16 Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a full rebate of fall-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations).
September 24 Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term without the course appearing on the transcript.
September 26 Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-half of fall-term tuition. See Undergraduate Regulations.
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 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 (ASP) is just one of the ways that the Office of Educational Opportunity (OEO) helps students identify and work towards their academic and experiential learning goals. Visit https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning to find out other ways OEO and the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning can help. The ASP helps students navigate the “hidden curriculum” at Yale, the invisible set of underlying assumptions and expectations about how to do well as a student. We will feature ASP workshops in each Dean’s Notes – but be sure to check out OEO’s other offerings.
First-Year Essentials 3: How to Match Your Learning Strategies to Class Format: Seminars vs Lectures. From big lectures to intimate seminars, different classes call for different skills and approaches. This workshop covers how to prepare, participate, take notes, and review effectively in these different settings—so you can feel confident and prepare to thrive, whatever the course format.
Monday, September 14, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120C
Thursday, September 17, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
Friday, September 18, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 121
ASP Workshop - How to Approach Reading Literature. Reading literature can feel endless—but it doesn’t have to! Learn how to read closely, manage your time, and generate ideas for papers and discussions. This session is led by ASP Peer Mentors who’ve found ways to read deeply and get it all done. Monday, September 14, 6-7pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours (w/ How to Strategize for Your Senior Thesis). 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 | optional 1:1 help from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors | the camaraderie you need to keep those ideas flowing. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Monday, September 14, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
ASP Workshop - How to Read Analytically for Social Science Classes. Social science texts can be dense, tricky, and time-consuming. This workshop breaks down how to identify key arguments, sift through details, and come to class ready to contribute—led by students who’ve developed strategies that really work! Tuesday, September 15, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to Get Started on Your Post-Grad Plans. Not sure what you want to do after Yale—or know where you’re headed but aren’t sure how to get there? This interactive workshop will help you explore your interests and priorities, learn how to connect with people who can help you explore possible paths, and start building a realistic timeline for your next steps. You’ll leave with concrete strategies, Yale resources, and at least one action you can take to move your post-grad planning forward. Tuesday, September 15, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to 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. Tuesday, September 15, 6-7pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons. Join us for community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney & Transfer peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme, workshop, or discussion, and sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome.
Wednesday, September 16, 3-5pm. Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
Thursday, September 17, 9:30-11:30am, Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
ASP Workshop - How to Get the Most out of Your Language Classes. Learning a language takes daily commitment—and it’s easy to fall behind! This workshop offers peer-tested strategies for staying engaged, reviewing effectively, and building habits that support steady progress, even when the workload piles up. Wednesday, September 16, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to Participate in Class Discussions. Speaking in class doesn’t have to mean having all the answers! In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn how to prepare yourself to speak up in class, and practice strategies for contributing meaningfully to discussion. Afterward, stay as long as you like to reflect or prep, with support from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors. Friday, September 18, 3-4pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
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 https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student for events, opportunities, resources, and reminders from OCS. For job postings and employer events, look at the OCS Blog, CareerLink, and the Common Good and Creative Careers (CGCC) sections.
Check out top 3 tips for making your LinkedIn profile stand out from OCS advisor Reed Srere – and check out his fleece! OCS also offers all students opportunity to reserve a LinkedIn Booth you can reserve to take headshots with enhanced lighting and backdrops.
Resume Reviews (& more!) in Trumbull Buttery every Wednesday 8-10pm. The OCS & Fellowships Marketing Outreach Coordinators have office hours in every single Residential College each week. Stop by to get your resume reviewed, ask about Fellowships, and more! Office hours start this week! No appointment needed.
Yale Alumni & Student Mentorship Program Onboarding Sessions. The Yale Alumni Association hosts an annual Yale Alumni & Student Mentorship program each year through our platform Cross Campus. Interested in being mentored 1:1 from a Yale Alum? You must attend at least one of these onboarding sessions in ordered to be accepted into the program. Sessions will last 30 minutes and give an overview of expectations and best practices for working with a mentor. You will also hear from a Mentor/Mentee pair about their experience. Monday, September 14, 2:30-4:30pm, 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.
Pink Pumpkin Fellowship Pop-Up Advising Hours. Have fellowship questions? Look for the pink pumpkin! Dr. Fisher, Director of the Light Fellowship and Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships Administrator, is hosting pop-up advising hours in locations around campus throughout the fall—no sign up, appointment needed, just drop by! Whether you’re planning for summer, thinking about life after graduation, or just curious about what fellowships are, this is a great chance to get answers and explore your options. Tuesday, September 15, 12-1:30pm, Sterling Library, Nave (1st Floor)
Gates-Cambridge Scholarship for Study at Cambridge University: Info Session. Gates-Cambridge offers scholars generous funding for their graduate studies at Cambridge. We’ll discuss the application process and timeline, selection criteria, and application strategies. Tuesday, September 15, 1-2pm, Online Event (click for link)
Goldwater Scholarship: General Overview. The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation operates an educational scholarship program designed to provide opportunities for American undergraduate students with excellent academic records and outstanding research potential. Each award covers eligible undergraduate expenses, including tuition, fees, books, and room and board, up to a maximum of $7,500 per year. Goldwater Scholars are eligible for one or two years of support. Attend this information session to learn about Goldwater requirements and the application process. Wednesday, September 16, 11am-12pm, Online Event (click for link)
Oxford’s Ellison Scholarship Information Session. Meet with a representative of the Ellison Institute of Technology (EIT) at the University of Oxford to learn more about this fully funded scholarship for graduate (PhD/DPhil) study. Friday, September 18, 2-3pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor, Room 369
STUDY ABROAD
Thinking about opportunities to study 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, learn about fulfilling distributional and major requirements with study abroad coursework, and more.
Applications for Spring 2027 Study Abroad are now open! Please note that approval for term-time study abroad is a two-step process; you must both apply to Yale Study Abroad for approval, and directly to your program for admission. For Yale Study Abroad approval, the deadline is October 1, 2026 at 11:59pm. This deadline is stringently forced, with no exceptions. That said, the application is not binding; if approved for spring study abroad, you may still choose to withdraw or otherwise adjust your plans in coordination with our office. As for program admission, deadlines vary by program; you should be able to find this information, and the relevant application, directly on your chosen program’s website.
Information Session: London School of Economics (LSE) Summer School. The LSE Summer School offers high-quality teaching, a stimulating environment, and the opportunity to meet with people from all continents. The wide spectrum of academic excellence in the social sciences at the LSE ensures the unique, intellectually powerful context within which these subjects are taught and researched. Thursday, September 17, 3-4pm, 55 Whitney Ave, Room 369
Upcoming Deadline: Gilman Scholarships. The U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program (Gilman Program) provides up to $5,000 in merit-based scholarships to outstanding American undergraduate students with high financial need to pursue credit-bearing academic studies and career-oriented internships abroad. The Gilman-McCain Scholarship provides awards of $5,000 for child and spousal dependents of active or activated United States military personnel during the time of application to study or intern abroad on credit-bearing programs. Apply by Thursday, October 1, 2026 (11:59pm). Full details, eligibility criteria, and application links are at https://www.gilmanscholarship.org.
TAKE NOTE
AI in Yale College: How Students are Integrating AI Tools into Learning. Curious about specific AI tools, how they can aid your learning, or how other students are wrestling with the ethical concerns of this technology? Join a panel hosted by the Student AI Liaisons (SAIL) & the Poorvu Center North to explore how students in Yale College have integrated various AI tools into their undergraduate experience. All are welcome! High-quality snacks and drinks provided! Next Monday, September 21, 7-8pm, Poorvu North (Marx Library), Young Family Study Center
Good Life Center @ SAS - Fall Hours. Looking for a place to study, relax, recharge, or connect with others? The Good Life Center @ SAS, located at 35 Broadway (2nd Floor) is open to the Yale community this fall:
~ Sundays: 2-10pm
~ Mondays & Tuesdays: 8am-1opm
~ Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays 8am-5pm
Stop by throughout the semester and take advantage of the space and wellness resources available at SAS.
YC3
Mindfulness Mondays: Four week offering. Intro to Mindfulness is a 4-session course (Mondays) that will teach you the skill of mindfulness. It will also help you build the habit of using it in your life on a regular basis. We’ve found that folks get a lot more out of this course and mindfulness if they stick with it from beginning to end, therefore attendance at all 4 sessions is required. Please check your calendar & the session dates before signing up. Monday, September 14, 1-2pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman
Sweet Dreams – Sleep Workshop Part 1. Join Angie Makomenaw for a relaxing and creative workshop where science meets art! Together we will dive into the fascinating world of sleep—learning why it’s essential for health, memory, mood, & academic success. During this 2-part series (Wednesdays), you’ll be able to create your own personal dreamcatcher, reflect on your sleep habits, and set intentions for restful nights ahead! Wednesday, September 16, 4:30-5:30pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman
Feel Good Friday. A new 3-part series (Fridays) that allows you to feel your best from the inside out. While focusing on practices that can help you feel more grounded, relaxed, and present. Friday, September 18, 11-11:30am, Silliman Courtyard
Yale Library
Discover Yale Library. Do you want a chance to win a key to your own study room in Bass Library? Pick up a passport in Bass, Sterling, Arts, or Marx Library and collect stamps as you visit libraries. One winner will be selected on Wednesday, October 14. Full details at guides.library.yale.edu/DiscoverYaleLibrary.
This week’s Library Tours. Attend an upcoming library tour for a chance to learn about essential spaces and services for students. These tours are also a great opportunity to get a library Passport stamp! All tours require advance registration & day-of Yale ID:
* Sterling Library | Wednesday, September 16 at 3-4pm
* Marx Library | Wednesday, September 16, 3-3:30pm
* Haas Arts Library | Thursday, September 17, 3-3:30pm
* Sterling Library | Thursday, September 17, 4-5pm
Let’s Find Books for Class. Save a trip to the bookstore by learning how to optimize Quicksearch to find books (including ebooks and audiobooks). Bring your course syllabus! Wednesday, September 16, 11:30am-12pm noon, Online Event (register for link)
Boost your Google Image Searches. This session is great for anyone preparing to do a presentation with images, or who is thinking about publishing, or who simply wants to use and find images. Wednesday, September 16, 2-2:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
First Steps with Zotero. Learn how to manage your research, take notes, and create a bibliography with Zotero. Yale users can create a free account with unlimited storage! Thursday, September 17, 11-11:30am, Online Event (register for link)
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. Friday, September 18, 10-10:30am, Online Event (register for link)
Type High Day Celebration. Join letterpress enthusiasts and Yale librarians in celebration of the standard (0.918 of an inch) that ensures metal and wood type prints precisely on different relief presses – and get a Beinecke Library passport stamp! Stop by anytime between 11am and 1pm. Friday, September 18, 11am-1pm, Outside Beinecke Library (north side)
Request A Personal Librarian. Did you know all undergraduate students have a personal librarian? When, where, and how you connect with us is up to you. See full details at https://library.yale.edu/help-and-research-support/personal-librarians-for-undergraduates.