Dean’s Notes 9-23-24

September 23, 2024

TRUMBULL COLLEGE: September 23, 2024

Well, it’s much cooler, but it’s still lovely! Happy Fall!

I know that your academic work is really starting to pick up and that “midterm” season has begun (technically, midterm is Oct 25th!).  Still, it’s important to take breaks and carve out time for yourself.  The sunny, crisp weather (which I love) is great for walks/runs, and the leaves are starting to change color – enjoy it! Though I’ve lived here for years, I still find myself taking pictures on Rose Walk as the sun filters through the trees at this time of year.

It’s been really nice 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 morning open Zoom office hours (more info below). Have a great week!

TC’28: TONIGHTAcademic Integrity Workshop (required) on Monday, September 23rd at 8:30pm in the Trumbull College Dining Hall. Looking forward to seeing you all there!

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, 9/27 (10am-noon).

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

ACADEMICS
Last call
: 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.

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 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)

October 1       Applications for Spring 2025 Term Abroad close, 11:59 pm

October 11     Deadlines courses offered in the first half of the fall term (only) …

                        … Last day of courses offered in the first half of the fall term.

                        … Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term.

                        … 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 14     Courses offered in the second half of the fall term begin.

October 15     October recess begins after last academic obligation.

October 21     Classes resume.

October 25  Midterm.

                        … Last day to withdraw from a fall full-term course without the course appearing on the transcript.

                        … Deadline to apply for double credit in a single-credit course.

                        … Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-quarter of the term’s tuition.

                        … Final ABX exam grades are due.

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.

FY Football: Optimize Your Reading.  First-Year Football: Learn general strategies for effectively reading texts for any Yale class. Learn how to preview a text, effectively interact with the text while reading, and review your reading for class, essay, or exam preparation. Monday, September 23, 3-4pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

Optimize Your Reading. Learn general strategies for effectively reading texts for any Yale class. Learn how to preview a text, effectively interact with the text while reading, and review your reading for class, essay, or exam preparation. Monday, September 23, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

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 23, 5-6pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

Fresh Start: Midterm Edition.  Want to refresh your approaches to your academic work? Our mentors will lead you through a series of activities to help you identify your current strengths and develop new strategies for meeting the new challenges presented by your current semester’s courses.  Monday, September 23, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Senior Thesis Power Hours.  Time for seniors to set goals and work together on their theses!  Monday, September 23, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL Room 121

Essentials for First-Years 4: Cultivating Faculty Mentors.  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 24, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Wednesday, September 25, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C
Thursday, September 26, 2:30-3:30pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A
Friday, September 27, 1-2pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120B

Procrastination: How to Work Through It.  We all procrastinate. When your procrastination habits get in the way of your goals, however, it’s time for a change. This workshop offers strategies for identifying the sources of procrastination and pursuing productive habits that can get you back on track.  Tuesday, September 24, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

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!  Tuesday, September 24, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)

FGLI Thrive: Email Etiquette 101.  Advance your skills in the art of professional communication with our Email Etiquette 101 workshop! Learn how to craft effective emails that leave a strong impression on faculty, administrators, and professional connections. From polished writing techniques to understanding email culture, this session will help you communicate with confidence.  Wednesday, September 25, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

STEM Navigators: How to Talk to STEM Professors 101.  How do I even approach professors and make the connections I need? Come to this interactive workshop where you’ll learn to email, talk to, and meet with your professors and other Yale faculty! Wednesday, September 25, 4-5PM, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Transitioning From High School to Higher Learning.  Join us for a webinar designed to help all students make a smooth transition from high school to college. We’ll cover strategies for adjusting to the Yale environment and navigating the changes ahead. Whether you’re neurodivergent or just looking for tips to ease the transition, this session will provide valuable insights for everyone.  Wednesday, September 25, 5-6pm, Online Event (register for link)

Reading Analytically for Social Science.  This workshop provides an overview of deep reading to generate effective contributions to class discussion, develop essay topics, and identify strong evidence for essays. Participants will get practice with these strategies in our interactive session.  Wednesday, September 25, 8-9pm, Online Event (register for link)

FGLI Thrive: Navigating Imposter Stress.  You may have heard sensations of self-doubt called imposter syndrome. In this workshop, we seek to redefine this feeling as imposter stress: the sense of self-doubt rooted in navigating systemic challenges. In this session, we’ll explore the origins of imposter stress, its impact, and practical strategies to overcome it. Learn how to reinforce your strengths, engage with supportive communities, and remember your values, ensuring you thrive throughout your college journey.  Thursday, September 26, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120C

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.  Thursday, September 26, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Autism Discussion Group.  Join our autism discussion group, a supportive space where you can share your experiences, challenges, and triumphs with fellow students who understand. connect, learn from one another, and build a community that celebrates neurodiversity.  Thursday, September 26, 5-6pm, Location TBD

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.  Thursday, September 26, 7-8pm, Poorvu CTL Room M104A

Design Your Career with OCS: The Art of Creating and Sharing Your Career Journey for Juniors and Seniors.  This workshop is for juniors and seniors who are reflecting on their experiences at Yale, while navigating through the possibilities and opportunities of their post-grad lives. Facilitated by OCS members, we hope that you will begin to realize that there are multiple paths after Yale that could be interesting and fulfilling; to consider how you might integrate prototyping into your Yale experience and postgraduation; to hear yourselves speak about your plans; to be affirmed by peers in hopes and dreams and be given feedback that helps you further clarify; to develop comfort in articulating your career story.  Friday, September 27, 3-4:30pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

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 27, 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 29, 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
STEMConnect Pop up advising. Join the Office of Career Strategy STEM Connect Team for pop up advising throughout the fall 2024 semester. Meet with an advisor and talk about career topics like the job & internship search, summer experiences, and networking. While you’re there, it’s a great time to get your resume/cover letter reviewed too!  Monday, September 23, 6-7:30pm, CEID, 15 Prospect St, Rm M109

Job and Internship Search Strategies Virtual Workshop.  In this virtual workshop, we will explore the steps to the job and internship search process and introduce you to resources and tools to support your search. We will also discuss how networking can be a powerful strategy, as well as some of the options to fund your internship.  Tuesday, September 24, 12-1pm, Online Event (register for link)

International Finance Corporation Information Session.  ARE YOU READY FOR A CAREER WITH IMPACT?  The International Finance Corporation (IFC) improves the lives of people in developing countries by investing in private sector growth. We connect economic development with humanitarian needs to create real progress for the people and places that need it most. Join us for a live info session, where we will provide information about careers at IFC and special programs that best match your needs as young professionals. This event is open to undergraduate students of all majorsTuesday, September 24, 2-3pm, Office of Career Strategy, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd floor

Endeavor Global Information Session.  Founded in 1997, Endeavor is a global organization with a mission to unlock the transformational power of entrepreneurship by selecting, supporting, and investing in the world’s top founders. Today, Endeavor has established a presence in nearly 35+ countries, supports nearly 2,000 high-impact entrepreneurs leading 1,200+ companies at the “scale-up” stage, and as hosted several summer interns in their NYC office. So if you’re interested in entrepreneurship around the world, join this information session cohosted by Yale OCS and TSAI City. Lunch will be served for those who have registered. Space is limited to reserve your spot soon!  Wednesday, September 25, 12:15-1:15pm, Tsai City. 17 Prospect St, Studio

Endeavor Global Coffee Chats.  Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect with a professional from Endeavor Global, where you’ll explore various career paths in global entrepreneurship, venture capital, nonprofit work, and more. Sign up for a 20-minute coffee chat to discuss internships, career development, and opportunities with the organization.  Sign up for a 20-minute coffee chat on Wednesday, September 25, 1:30-3:30pm, Tsai City, 17 Prospect St

Yale BA-BS/MPH Information Session.  Topics to be covered 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.  Wednesday, September 25, 5:30-6:30pm, 47 College St, Room 106A

Yale Career Panels: A Candid View of Alternative Investing.  Organized 13 years ago by a group of Yale alumni volunteers, Yale Career Panels strive to provide candid, unvarnished views of featured professions. This panel will focus on three of the major categories of Alternative Investing: Private equity, hedge funds and family offices. Panelists with experience in all three fields will discuss what is happening – good and bad – in these fields, the myths that need to be highlighted, and what type of person can succeed and be happy.  Thursday, September 26, 5-6:30pm, Interactive Online Event (click to register in Eventbrite)

Kearney Webinar.  We invite you to join us for an interview prep overview session. We will go over some tips and tricks for acing the interview process.  After, we walk through the case interview process at Kearney.  There will be a focus on navigating the interview process in a virtual environment.  Thursday, September 26, 6-7pm, Virtual Event (click for link)

Design Your Career with OCS: The Art of Creating and Sharing Your Career Journey for Juniors and Seniors.  This workshop is for juniors and seniors who are reflecting on their experiences at Yale, while navigating through the possibilities and opportunities of their post-grad lives. Facilitated by OCS members, we hope that you will begin to realize that there are multiple paths after Yale that could be interesting and fulfilling; to consider how you might integrate prototyping into your Yale experience and postgraduation; to hear yourselves speak about your plans; to be affirmed by peers in hopes and dreams and be given feedback that helps you further clarify; to develop comfort in articulating your career story.  Friday, September 27, 3-4:30pm, Poorvu CTL Room 120A

FELLOWSHIPS AND FUNDING
What are Fellowships? Fellowships are competitive, merit-based monetary awards that support activities such as research, study abroad, low-paid/unpaid internships, independent projects. 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] Richard U. Light Fellowship (Spring study abroad). Deadline for the Richard U. Light Fellowship, Early Fall Competition for Spring study abroad.  Application Deadline:  Thursday, September 26, 1pm

Info Session:  Summer STEM Research Fellowships at Yale and Abroad.  Learn about the funding opportunities available from the Yale College Science & QR Center to support Summer STEM Research, both at Yale and abroad. September 27, 3:30-8:30pm, Online Event (click for link)

STUDY ABROAD
Thinking about studying 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, and more. Learn about fulfilling distributional and major requirements with study abroad coursework.  The Study Abroad Office is here to support you through the process from start to finish, and it’s never too early to begin planning.

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 next Tuesday, 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.

See the Gilman website or meet with a Yale Fellowships adviser to learn more about these two awards…
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 10, 2024

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 10, 2024. 

Study Abroad Upcoming Events
Yale French Department Study Abroad Info Session.  Learn more about the French major and certificate as well as about opportunities to study abroad in Francophone countries and how to apply courses you take while studying abroad to the French Major or certificate.  September 23, 4-5pm, Humanities Quadrangle, 320 York St, Rm 276

University of Oxford, Lady Margaret Hall: Info Session.  Join us to learn more about studying at Lady Margaret Hall at the University of Oxford during the semester or academic year. This info session will be led by Mr. Andrew Williams, the Director of Visiting Students at Lady Margaret Hall.  Thursday, September 26, 3-4pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd floor, Room 305

OTHER
From YC3

Take it Easy Tuesday is a monthly series hosted by YC3 for students to take a break and engage in artistic activities. While focusing on the importance of rest, the program aims to create a culture of wellness in an environment where all students can feel as open, expressive, and creative as they would like to be. Stop by anytime between 2:30–4pm & grab a snack!  Tuesday, September 24, 2:30-4pm, Good Life Center 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 27, 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.

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. Monday, September 23, 4-5pm, SML Nave, 120 High St (click to register)

How to Find Scholarly Articles.  Are you ready to find articles thoroughly and efficiently – without relying on Google Scholar, while also avoiding paywalls ($$)? Learn strategies to find the best possible scholarly articles from Yale Library.
Monday, September 23, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (click to register)
Sunday, September 29, 1:30-2pm, Online Event (click to register)

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!  Wednesday, September 25, 5-5:30pm, Online Event (register for link)

Cookies & Questions.  Get answers to your most pressing library questions (and a free Insomnia cookiewhile supplies last) from a Library Peer Mentor. No registration required. But – if you want an email reminder, registering will give you that.  Wednesday, September 25, 8-9:30pm, Thain Café High Tables at Bass Library

Heidi the Therapy Dog at Bass Library.  Join us for a study break with Heidi, a yellow Labrador Retriever, whose sole job is to be a calming, comforting presence. No registration required. But – if you want an email reminder, registering will give you that.  Drop by anytime on Friday, September 27, 2-3pm, Bass Library Registration Desk