Dean’s Notes 9-16-24

September 16, 2024

TRUMBULL COLLEGE: September 16, 2024

The lovely weather continues!! This has been a truly incredible stretch of New Haven weather. Hope you’re all enjoying it.

Now that we’ve settled in for the term, I want to draw your attention to the Academic Strategies Program – please make use of their workshops and their amazing mentoring program.  Most workshops and meetings are held right around the corner in the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning.

Please also look at the Tutoring section. I want to draw your attention to our Trumbull Writing Tutor: Adam Sexton.  He’s awesome.  Please scroll down for a blurb about him and a link for making an appointment.  There are also a number of options for STEM tutoring, from course-based tutors to drop-in hours.  You can find more info by clicking here.  Please remember that all of these tutoring services are free of charge.

I’m also sending one of my regular wellness reminders – lots of folks are under the weather and you probably all noticed that your workload is suddenly picking up!  It’s that time.  Don’t forget: Getting REST is very important and Vitamin C is your friend (orange juice is a great source!)!  Stay well and get well soon if you already got sick. Also, if you were wondering, it’s not too early to get your flu shot – find more info here: https://yalehealth.yale.edu/topic/flu-information.

TC’28: Save the DateAcademic Integrity Workshop (required) on Monday, September 23rd (next Monday) at 8:30pm in the Trumbull College Dining Hall.

Finally, please take a moment to scroll through this whole newsletter each week – at the end, under “Other”, we always have a bunch of random blurbs that are sent to us from various offices/organizations. 

Have a wonderful rest of the week!

Meeting with me
To make an appointment, please use the Calendly scheduling tool, https://calendly.com/dean_c, or reach out to Alice with any scheduling issues.  For in-person meetings, please come to the office. We’re right here in Trumbull G104, which you can access across from Entryway A or through Entryway G. Zoom meetings (including open Zoom office hours) will be through my Zoom page: https://yale.zoom.us/my/skchandhoke.

My OPEN ZOOM office hours for each week are listed on the top of my Calendly page. When you click on the Zoom link, you will be placed into a waiting room. I will speak to students (one-on-one) in the order they “arrive.” My upcoming open hours are FRIDAY, 9/20 (10am-noon).

Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term.

ACADEMICS
Please double check your Course Schedule and Yale Degree Audit (via Yale Hub) 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 creditIf 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 (YDA) is a tool that tracks your progress toward the bachelor’s degree. You can access Degree Audit through Yale Hub. 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 19    Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term without the course appearing on the transcript

September 21    Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-half of fall-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations)

October 1            Applications for spring 2025 Term Abroad close, 11:59 p.m.

TUTORING
Advising Resources
http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu

Sc/QR Tutoringhttps://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/stem-tutoring-programs

Language Tutoringhttps://cls.yale.edu/programs/language-tutoring

Yale College Writing Center:
https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/undergraduate-writing-and-tutoring.  The Yale College Writing Center offers a variety of resources available to all students looking for support as they complete writing tasks during their time at Yale:

  •   Adam Reid Sexton is the Trumbull College Writing Tutor.  His office is in room Basement 29.  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 share a Google doc of the material 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!
  •  Writing Partners are Yale College or graduate school students selected for both their writing skills and their ability to talk about writing. 
  •  The Writing Advice webpage offers a range of information and resources related to writing in Yale College. It includes sample student essays from a wide range of disciplines, allowing you to read good models as you learn to write in a new field, and also features extensive advice about writing with Turnitin.

Yale Academic Strategies Program/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 undergraduates be active, empowered learners at Yale. Through 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 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. 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 Geoffrey Canales (geoffrey.canales@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. Our online mentoring schedule is live. If you’d like to schedule a meeting before then, please email us 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. Questions? Contact us at academicstrategies@yale.edu.

STEM Navigators: Biology Lab Techniques. Hoping to strengthen your biology knowledge and skills? Feeling like you want to gain a better understanding of lab techniques? Join our Biology Lab Technique Workshops and Study Hall sessions where you’ll 1) dive into essential biology concepts and lab techniques used in biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and more, and 2) practice select skills alongside graduate students to boost your confidence and build your CV.  Monday, September 16, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

DEFY x DPMP Mixer.  Get ready for an evening of inspiration, connection, and delicious food at the DEFY x DPMP Mixer! This is your chance to dive into the heart of our vibrant community, meet our passionate DEFY members, and engage with seasoned DPMP mentors. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to engage, learn, and grow. Monday, September 16, 5:30-6:30pm, Poorvu CTL Room 121

Exam Study Strategies.  Reduce exam stress by learning new strategies for preparing and studying for midterms and finals. This workshop offers suggestions for preparing for and taking problem-based, short answer, and essay exams.  Monday, September 16, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Strategic Planning for Your Senior Thesis.  This workshop offers you foundational strategies for researching, working with resources, and writing, your senior thesis. This workshop is a good complement to the Academic Strategies Senior Thesis Power Hours.  Monday, September 16, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)

Essentials for First-Years: Crack the Code:  Thriving in Seminars & Lectures.  Learn the fundamental strategies for preparation, note-taking, and engagement that can enable your ongoing success in your courses.  Choose ONE time below to attend this week:
Tuesday, September 17, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Wednesday, September 18, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Thursday, September 19, 2:30-3:30pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A
Friday, September 20, 1-2pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B

Strategies for Intro Econ: Problem Sets & Exams.  Learn strategies for efficiently working on intro econ problem sets and key strategies for studying for exams.  Tuesday, September 17, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Strategies for Reading Literature.  Reading literature presents special challenges. How do we read deeply without running out of time to complete the reading? This workshop introduces techniques to help you effectively read and respond to literary works.  Tuesday, September 17, 7-8pm. Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Reading Effectively for STEM.  Learn strategies for reading purposefully and efficiently for STEM courses. Topics of discussion include how to effectively read textbook chapters and scientific articles, how to navigate jargon, data, and figures, and how to use readings to prep for problem sets and exams.  Tuesday, September 17, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)

FGLI Thrive: Navigating Leadership.  Expand your leadership potential in this dynamic workshop! Whether in extracurriculars, class discussions, or daily life, learn how to inspire and engage others, balance leadership and teamwork, and advocate effectively for your goals. Understand the vital role of being both a leader and a follower, and discover the skills to motivate others, work collaboratively, and turn your vision into action—because every strong team needs both leaders and dedicated participants.   Wednesday, September 18, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 118A

Strategies for Intro Physics.  Come to this workshop to talk about how to approach physics at Yale! We will address everything from tackling p-sets, to thinking like a physicist, to organizing and planning your work for these classes.  Wednesday, September 18, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Organize Your Time.  When’s 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 learn about ways to make the most out of your time, but also do some actual work toward your own scheduling and planning needs.  Wednessday, September 18, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Pathways for First-Years.  First years get a lot of advice from a wide variety of sources. But what do you really want to get out of your first year? This interactive workshop helps students identify goals and sources of satisfaction, and it offers strategies for avoiding common pitfalls like overextension and burn out.  Wednesday, September 18, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)

FGLI Thrive: How to Talk to Professors.  Join Dr. Karin Gosselink as she demystifies office hours and offers valuable advice on building stronger relationships with your professors. Learn how to communicate effectively, be open about your understanding of course materials, and know that professors are approachable, relatable, and just as passionate about learning as you are.  Thursday, September 19, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 118A

Pathways for Sophomores.  Sophomore year offers new challenges, including increased course loads, upper-level classes, and identifying a major. This interactive workshop helps students set goals and make long-term plans for the year.  Thursday, September 19, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Chronic Illness Discussion Group.  Share strategies, experiences, and support with peers who understand your experience. This is open to undergraduates and graduate students.  Thursday, September 19, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 118A

Managing a Heavy Reading Load.  Feeling overwhelmed by piles of reading? Learn some essential strategies to make the most of your limited reading time. Have less stress and create more free time!  Thursday, September 19, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

FGLI Feel Good Fridays.  Unwind and recharge at our weekly Feel Good Fridays! Drop in for a laid-back afternoon of board games, crafts, and connections with fellow FGLI students. Whether you want to relax or chat with FGLI mentors, this is your space to build community and take a well-deserved break.  Friday, September 20, 3-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 121

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: this is studying together–not tutoring! See your Canvas course pages for tutoring resources).  Sunday, September 22, 2-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B

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
MassMutual Financial Group Virtual Coffee Chats.  Have a virtual 20-minute conversation with analysts, associates, and managers, to discuss the MassMutual iMMerse program, a 2-year rotational program consisting of rotations in Strategy, Corporate Development, Consumer Insights, and Market Insights. Sign-up for a chance at a slot and a host. Individual Online Sessions will be scheduled for Wednesday, September 18, 10am-5pm

MassMutual Financial Group Virtual Coffee Chats.  Have a virtual 20-minute conversation with analysts, associates, and managers, to discuss the MassMutual iMMerse program, a 2-year rotational program consisting of rotations in Strategy, Corporate Development, Consumer Insights, and Market Insights. Sign-up for at chance at a slot and a host. Individual Online Sessions will be scheduled for Thursday, September 19, 10am-5pm

Kearney Virtual Information Session.  Connect with our Former Summer Business Analysts to talk about their experiences as an intern. We will also talk about how to apply for a consulting role at Kearney. Our team will go over the application process as well as an overview of the practices you can apply for.  Thursday, September 19, 5-5:45pm, Virtual Event (click for link)

DC ENERGY LLC Coffee Chats.  Please join us for coffee and snacks to learn more about the company. DC Energy is a proprietary trading firm that focuses on the energy markets. Our competitive edge is based upon a rigorous, quantitative analytical approach. Come chat with us any time between 10:00am and 12:00pm. It’s a relaxed and casual event, so you are welcome to reserve, or just swing by. We look forward to meeting you!  Friday, September 20, 10am-12pm, Donut Crazy, 290 York Street

MassMutual Financial Group Virtual Coffee Chats.  Have a virtual 20-minute conversation with analysts, associates, and managers, to discuss the MassMutual iMMerse program, a 2-year rotational program consisting of rotations in Strategy, Corporate Development, Consumer Insights, and Market Insights. Sign-up for at chance at a slot and a host. Individual Online Sessions will be scheduled for Friday, September 20, 10am-5pm

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.

Fellowships & Funding Upcoming Events & Deadlines
[DEADLINE]  Yale-China New Haven Public School Fellowships (NHPS).  Fellows spend the school year building relationships with New Haven students, creating space to explore Chinese language and culture in public schools, and cultivating intercultural empathy and understanding by working in high school Chinese language programs or K-8 Chinese speaking English language learners. Fellows receive support and a stipend. More information & application at https://www.yalechina.org/nhps-fellowships. Application Deadline:  Friday, September 20, 11pm

[DEADLINE]  Yale-China New Haven Free Public Library Fellowships (NHFPL).  The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) Fellowship is a partnership with Dwight Hall at Yale and the New Haven Free Public Library. NHFPL Fellows act as cultural navigators to create, plan, and implement pathways to expand resources and events for Chinese speaking audiences. Fellows receive support and a stipend. More information & application at https://www.yalechina.org/nhfpl-fellowship. Application Deadline:  Friday, September 20, 11pm

STUDY ABROAD
Study Abroad is fully integrated into your time at Yale! By spending a summer, semester, or full academic year studying abroad, you will be taking courses that earn graduation credit at Yale, maintaining your advising network on campus, and using Yale funding (as applicable).
We’re here to support you through the process from start to finish, and it’s never too early to begin planning. Get Started!

Applications for Yale Credit for Spring 2025 Abroad
Spring 2025 Credit for Spring Term Abroad applications and Petitions for Spring Programs not on Yale’s Designated List are due October 1st, 2024 at 11:59PM.
You must both apply directly to your intended study abroad program by their deadline and complete the Yale Credit for Spring Term Abroad or Petition application by October 1st.
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application in case you have personal or technical difficulties. Emails received after 4:30pm on October 1st will not be responded to until the following day.

Applications for Gilman Scholarship
Are you a U.S. citizen or national receiving a federal Pell grant who plans to study abroad during Spring 2025, Summer 2025, or Fall 2025? You may be eligible for the Gilman Scholarship to help fund your study abroad experience! The Gilman application is due October 10th, 2024.

Applications for Gilman-McCain Scholarship 
Are you a child or spousal dependent of an active or activated military member who receives Title IV Federal Financial Aid? You could be eligible for the Gilman-McCain Scholarship, which offers up to $5,000 to support your study abroad plans. Additionally, applicants can apply for the Critical Need Language Award (up to $3,000) and the STEM Supplemental Award (up to $1,000). The Gilman-McCain Scholarship applications are due October 10th, 2024. 

To learn more about these two awards, see the Gilman website or meet with a Yale Fellowships adviser. To learn more about studying abroad, meet with a Study Abroad adviser

Study Abroad Upcoming Events
CET Film Production at FAMU: Student Film Screening.  Watch short films created on the CET Film Production at FAMU program & hear from alumni on what goes into creating a finished product in just one semester. Hear directly from past students to learn more about their experiences with the filmmaking process and student life in Prague.  Monday, September 16, 5-6pm, Virtual Event (register for link)

CIEE Info Session.  Learn about CIEE study abroad program options and ask questions about any CIEE study abroad programs that you might have. CIEE offers study abroad programs during the summer, fall, spring, or full academic year in locations around the world. From in-house courses to directly enrolling at local universities, CIEE has program structures to fit your interests. Come learn more about which programs might fit your goals!  Wednesday, September 18, 12pm, Zoom

OTHER
From YC3

Introduction to Mindfulness is a 4-session course 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 the course if they stick with it from beginning to end, therefore attendance at all 4 sessions is required (9/10/24 - 10/1/24). So double check your calendar and then sign up:  Section 2 Intro to Mindfulness

Showing Love from a Distance.  Worried about balancing your life at Yale with staying connected to friends, family, and partners long distance? Join Angie Makomenaw, Community Wellness Specialist, for an interactive brainstorming session utilizing the Love Language framework. Together you’ll create a list of ways to support your loved ones.   Wednesday, September 18, 12:30-1pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman

The Power of Perseverance.  Do you often find yourself overthinking, always trying to be perfect, revisiting past failures? This workshop will focus on growth mindset, the idea that we can improve and learn from our mistakes, while approaching challenges as opportunities for growth, and stepping out of our comfort zone.  Friday, September 20, 1-2pm, Good Life Center Lounge in Schwarzman

From the Yale Library
Any student who attends at least 3 library workshops this semester will be eligible to receive a Yale Library tote bag. Learn more about the Workshop Incentive Program.

Let’s Find Books For Class.  Save a trip to the bookstore by learning how to optimize Quicksearch to find books (including e-books and audiobooks). Bring your course syllabus! 
Monday, September 16, 5-5:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Sunday, September 22, 1:30-2pm, 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!  Tuesday, September 17, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)

Next Steps with Zotero.  Learn how to get the most out of Zotero’s advanced research management features for your unique needs, including removing duplicate citations, filtering citations with tags, creating annotations, and integrating Zotero with Microsoft Word and Google Docs.  Wednesday, September 18, 8-8:30pm, Online Event (register for link)

*Library Tour* Hidden Treasures in Sterling Library:  Discover hidden rooms and lesser-known special collections while learning the ins and outs of the 16-story book stacks Sterling Memorial Library! Registration Required; bring your Yale ID.   Friday, September 20, 4-4:45pm, SML Nave, 120 High Street (click to register)

Tour of Sterling Memorial Library For New Students.  Join a librarian for a tour of Sterling Memorial Library! This tour is designed especially for new students. Registration Required; bring your Yale ID. Find a tour, September 16-23