TRUMBULL COLLEGE: September 22, 2025
Happy Fall! It was sunny and crisp this morning – I love this time of year. One of the first signs of fall around here is seeing the leaves on the tree in Stone Court change color. Soon enough, most of the leaves will be a beautiful golden/yellow color on that tree. When the sun filters through, Stone Court glows. There’s a little human in our household who loves that tree as much as I do.
I know that your academic work is really starting to pick up and that the first wave of “midterms” has begun. Make sure to take time for yourselves as things get busier and busier – take a walk, sit on a bench on Rose Walk and look at the foliage – enjoy this crisp fall weather!
I have enjoyed catching up with many of you one-on-one during the early weeks of the term, while also getting to know our newest Trumbullians. Don’t hesitate to set up a meeting, or visit my Friday open Zoom office hours (more info below). Have a great week and all the best with everything you have going on!
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, September 26th (10-11:30am). Please check the little blurb on Calendly for my latest open Zoom hours.
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 (YDA) 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)
October 1 Applications for spring 2026 Term Abroad close.
October 10 Last day of courses offered in the first half of the fall term.
October 10 Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term.
October 10 Last day to convert from a letter grade to the Cr/D/F option in a course offered in the first half of the fall term.
October 13 Courses offered in the second half of the fall term begin.
October 14 October recess begins after last academic obligation.
October 20 Classes resume.
October 24 Midterm.
October 24 Last day to withdraw from a fall full-term course without the course appearing on the transcript.
October 24 Deadline to apply for double credit in a single-credit course.
October 24 Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-quarter of the term’s tuition.
October 24 Final ABX exam grades are due.
TUTORING
Advising Resources: http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu
Academic Strategies Program: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/academic-strategies-program
Sc/QR Tutoring: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning/help-with-stem/stem-tutoring
Language Tutoring: https://cls.yale.edu/programs/language-tutoring
Writing Center/Tutors/Partners: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/undergraduate-writing-and-tutoring; https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/writing-center
Trumbull Writing Tutor: Adam Reid Sexton is the Trumbull College Writing Tutor. 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!
Academic Strategies Program. Through the Office of Educational Opportunity, the Academic Strategies Program helps students navigate the “hidden curriculum” at Yale, the invisible set of underlying assumptions and expectations about how to do well as a student. They offer support groups, individual mentoring, and workshops; see https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning.
Mid-Term Season: Becoming an Academic Baddie Again. It’s not too late to reset! This workshop helps you reflect on what’s working this semester, shift what isn’t, and build a plan for a stronger second half. Led by ASP Peer Mentors who know the power of small changes and second starts. Monday, September 22, 6-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours. Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for (1) Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks; (2) Delicious snacks + seltzer water; (3) optional 1:1 help from Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors; (4) the camaraderie you need to keep those ideas flowing. Monday, September 22, 7-9pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Essentials for First-Years 4: Cultivating Faculty Mentors. Looking for someone to guide your academic path? This workshop helps you identify potential mentors, ask for support, and build lasting connections with faculty—led by juniors and seniors who’ve done it and can tell you what actually works.
Tuesday, September 23, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120C
Wednesday, September 24, 6-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Friday, September 26, 1-2pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120C
Reframing Networking for FGLI Students. Join us as we reframe networking as an innate human activity, one that allows for information exchange and the possibility of landing professional opportunities. Tuesday, September 23, 5-6:30pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120B
How to Lock In: Working Through Procrastination. We all procrastinate—but when it gets in the way of your goals, it’s time for a shift. In this workshop, we’ll explore what’s really driving your procrastination and share strategies to help you break out of the cycle. You’ll leave with tools to reset your habits and move forward—one doable step at a time. Tuesday, September 23, 7-8pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Stem Navigators: How to Talk to STEM Professors. Nervous about approaching your professors in your STEM classes? Want to know how to make the connections you need and get to know your professor better or learn more about their research? Come to this interactive workshop where you’ll learn to email, talk to, and meet with your STEM professors and other STEM faculty at Yale! Wednesday, September 24, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
ADHD Discussion Group. Connect with fellow Yalies who have ADHD to share study tips, time management strategies, and support each other through the unique challenges of college life. Discover resources and build a community that understands your experience. Wednesday, September 24, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
Eli Whitney Caffeinated Commons. Wrap up your week with community, conversation, and caffeine! Drop by this relaxed weekly hangout hosted by the Academic Strategies Program’s Eli Whitney peer mentors—sometimes there’s a theme or discussion, sometimes just snacks and good company. Whether you’re here to chat, decompress, connect, or set up your weekend, you’re always welcome. Thursdays, 4pm-6pm coffee provided. Thursday, September 25, 4-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118B
Organize Your Time! (Micro-Workshop). When’s the last time you looked at your schedule and thought, how am I supposed to do all this? This 30-minute workshop helps you learn time management strategies and begin applying them to your own week, helping you feel more in control of getting everything done. Afterward, stick around for optional quiet work time with Academic Strategies Peer Mentors on hand to support you. Thursday, September 25, 4-4:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Let Me Cook: How to Eat While Giving a Presentation (Micro-Workshop). Whether you’re giving a formal talk or leading class discussion, public speaking takes practice. In this 30-minute session, you’ll learn preparation and performance strategies that help you feel more in control—and more like yourself. Want to rehearse or get feedback? Stay afterward and work with ASP Peer Mentors as long as you like. Thursday, September 25, 6-6:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Finding Your Voice: Strategies for Speaking Up in Class (Micro-Workshop). 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. Thursday, September 25, 6:30-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Exam Study Strategies for Social Science Classes. Preparing for exams in social science courses can be tricky: the material is broad, and the expectations aren’t always clear. Learn how to organize your thinking, review strategically, and walk into your exams with confidence. Friday, September 26, 2-2:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
1stGenYale Summer Internship Fair. To kick off the 2026 summer internship hiring cycle, we’re excited to hold our inaugural in-person fair At the fair, you will get a chance to promote your skills and talents, meet with interested employers, and get a head start on connecting about next summer’s internship opportunities. Depending on the employer’s timeline, you would then apply through Yale’s Career Link or the employer’s platform. Bring your resume and business cards. The Office of Educational Opportunity is ready to guide you through the process of preparing these important networking materials ahead of time. However, if you don’t have personalized business cards in time for the Fair, register early to have some generic cards with your name made for free. Friday, September 26, 3-5pm, Poorvu Center
Chronic Illness Discussion Group. A supportive space for students navigating chronic health conditions to share experiences, coping strategies, and resources. Connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of managing health while pursuing your Yale education. Friday, September 26, 3-4pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
Exam Study Strategies for Humanities Classes. Humanities exams often ask you to synthesize big ideas under pressure. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to review texts, practice analytical writing, and approach essay exams with a clear and focused strategy—guided by mentors who’ve done it successfully. Friday, September 26, 3-3:30pm, Poorvu Center 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! Mentors will also serve as accountability buddies to make sure you stay on track during the study hall and achieve your academic goals! NOTE: Tutoring NOT provided by mentors! Sunday, September 28, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center 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. Schedule a weekly OCS newsletter tailored to your interests, check out OCS events, opportunities, resources and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student.
Smithsonian Internships & Fellowships Virtual Information Session. Gain hands-on experience with a world-renowned institution that offers a wide variety of opportunities for any career path. Join our virtual info session featuring staff from the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of Academic Appointments and Internships. In this hour long session, you will learn more about year-round internship and fellowship opportunities available throughout all Smithsonian units, research centers, and museums. This event is open to all majors, school years, and alumni! Tuesday, September 23, 12-2pm, Online Event (register for link)
Kearney Intern Panel. 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. Wednesday, September 24, 6-6:45pm, Online Event (register for link)
Voloridge Investment Coffee Chats. Voloridge will be offering 1:1 coffee chats with candidates interested in exploring opportunities with us. As a quantitative hedge fund, we are actively recruiting and view these meetings as a valuable way for candidates to engage directly with senior members of our team. These conversations will provide insight into our research-driven approach, the roles we are hiring for, and what it’s like to build a career at Voloridge. They also give us the opportunity to connect more personally with candidates who are serious about pursuing a future in quantitative finance. Thursday, September 25, 11-11:55am, The Study Hotel, 1157 Chapel Street
Barclays Information Session and Coffee Chats. Barclays will be at The Study for our Annual Coffee Chat, Information Session, and Networking. If you are graduating between December 2027 and June 2028 and you are interested our 2027 Summer Internship, we recommend you RSVP to attend. It will be a great opportunity to meet Yale Alum and find out about their journey and different areas of the bank. Thursday, September 25, 4:30-8pm (Coffee Chat 4:30-6pm|Info/Networking Session 6-8pm), The Study Hotel, 1157 Chapel Street
DC ENERGY LLC Virtual Information Session. Please join us for a short, relaxed session to learn more about DC Energy. This event is structured as office hours where you can meet some members of our firm and ask any questions you may have. While the event itself is several hours in total, please sign up for a short slot at calendly.com/recruiting-dco/dc-energy-2025 so we can send you the Zoom meeting invite. Friday, September 26, 10am-12pm, Online Event (register for link)
New York Times On-Campus Information Session. Discover the path to a career in journalism with Theodore Kim, Director of Newsroom Programs at The New York Times. Learn about exciting programs at The Times and gain insider tips and strategies to kick-start your journey in the world of journalism. Friday, September 26, 12-1pm, Humanities Quadrangle (HQ), 320 York Street, Room L01
The Bridgespan Group: Recruiting Webinar. Are you passionate about solving society’s toughest problems? Are you attracted to the analytical rigor of strategy consulting? Are you looking for a team-based working environment where your colleagues would share your passion for social impact? This webinar will cover topics such as: – Our work and who we work with – Training and professional development opportunities – Our culture – Our benefits – Recruiting process. Sunday, September 28, 8-9pm, 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.
[DEADLINE] McCall MacBain Scholarship. Deadline to apply to the McCall MacBain Scholarship, an interdisciplinary leadership program that supports graduate or professional studies at McGill University. Applications for Summer/Fall 2026 entry are open until September 24, 4pm (Eastern).
STUDY ABROAD
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). Plus – through navigating new environments, norms, and perspectives – you will strengthen your soft skills, including adaptability, resiliency, problem solving, resourcefulness, and intercultural communication.. Yale Study Abroad is 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 2026 Abroad.
Spring 2026 Credit for Spring Term Abroad applications and Petitions for Spring Programs not on Yale’s Designated List are due Wednesday October 1st 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.
Study Abroad 101 Info Session. Attend this session to get an overview of your study abroad opportunities. Yale Study Abroad advisers will discuss term-time and summer programs, application timelines, credit transfer, planning tips, and helpful resources. There will also be time for Q&A. Wednesday, September 24, 4-5pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor, Room 369
Yale French Major & Study Abroad Info Session. Meet Yale French faculty and students to learn more about the major and study abroad opportunities for Summer 2026 and beyond. Wednesday, September 24, 4-5pm, HQ 276 (320 York St)
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BA-BS/MPH 5-year Program for Yale College Students Info Session. Yale College students interested in the five-year BA-BS/ MPH program apply for admission in the fall semester of their junior year. Topics to be covered in this information session include the academic requirements, the concentrations of study and the admission process. The program director and current students will also be available to answer questions. Learn more on the YSPH website. Thursday, September 25, 5:30-6:30pm, 47 College Street, Room 106B
Yale in London Spring: Immersion in the Art World. The Yale Center for British Art (YCBA), in partnership with the Paul Mellon Centre (PMC), invites Yale undergraduates to apply for a unique, fully funded opportunity to explore London’s dynamic cultural sector. Over ten days, students will gain first-hand insight into the roles, responsibilities, and organizations that shape one of the world’s most vibrant art capitals. Program runs during spring break: March 9–20, 2026.
- Fully funded: travel, housing, visas, and stipend included
- Open to Yale College Sophomores (fourth term) and Juniors (fifth and sixth terms), from all academic backgrounds.
- Meet curators, conservators, educators, and archivists.
- Site visits and conversations with leading institutions, including the National Portrait Gallery, Tate Britain, Black Cultural Archives, V&A East, and Hauser & Wirth.
Information Session: Come speak with Jemma Field, Associate Head of Research at the YCBA on Tuesday, September 30, 12–1pm (Jonathan Edwards Dining Hall)
The Yale Review is open to submissions through September 30. We accept completed submissions of poetry, fiction, essays, review essays, and translations via Submittable. Every submission will receive a response by the end of May. Please note that we review only completed pieces, not pitches, through Submittable. (During designated windows, we consider pitches and time-sensitive topical pieces via email, as detailed in our Pitch Guidelines.)
YC3
Queer Mindfulness Group. Come as you are and engage in this 4-part series in collaboration with YC3 and the Yale LGBTQ Center! This 4-part series will meet for 75 minutes weekly, incorporating mindful meditation and skill techniques that will not only enhance your well-being, but is designed to help build resilience. Second Session = Wednesday, September 24, 4:30-5:45pm, Yale LGBTQ Center, 135 Prospect Street
Cultivating Conversation: The Leadership Playbook, Navigating Conflict & Building Trust. Are you interested in learning how to be a more effective communicator and leader in every area of your life? Come join YC3 and the Good Life Center for a 1hr workshop where you will learn key principles of leadership, effective communication strategies and practical skills on how to add this to your daily life. Open to all students. This workshop is part of the Cultivating Conversation offerings. Lunch will be provided. Thursday, September 25, 11:30am-12:30pm, Humanities Quadrangle (HQ), 320 York Street Room 131
Sweet Dreams. Join Angie Makomenaw & Corinne Coia 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, you’ll be able to create your own personal dreamcatcher, reflect on your sleep habits, and set intentions for restful nights ahead! Second/Last Session = Thursday, September 18, 12-12:45pm, The Good Life Center in Schwarzman
YC3 Well-Being Resource Fair! For the 3rd year in a row, YC3 is conducting a resource fair. The YC3 Well-Being Resource Fair is for undergraduate students to be able to connect to all of the well-being resources that are available to them as Yale College students! This program is primarily for first year students, those returning from leave, and transfer students. Join us for FREE giveaways, food, prizes and more! Registration is not required, but highly encouraged. This will be held on the second floor outside of the presidents room. Thursday, September 25, 4-6pm, Schwarzman Center, President’s Room, 2nd Floor
Yale Library
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 22, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (Register for Link)
Introduction to Digital Humanities. This workshop provides a broad overview of the digital humanities, focusing on important concepts rather than specific tools. We will explore the history of the field, examine key methodologies, and discuss the process of working on a digital humanities project. Tuesday, September 23, 11am-12pm, 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. Tuesday, September 23, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (Register for Link)
The Basics of a Literature Review. This 45-minute workshop will cover the basics of a literature review. We’ll go over definitions of the different types of reviews and discuss strategies for writing them. This workshop is great for upper-level undergraduates and Master’s students in the social sciences. Thursday, September 25, 12-12:45pm, Online Event (Register for link)
**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.
**Students may also request a Personal Librarian or reach out to a Subject Specialist Librarian for individual support.