TRUMBULL COLLEGE: September 28, 2026
Hope you are all hanging in there on this third day of gloomy weather! I am hoping that it will clear up very soon. Our campus is beautiful in every season, but there’s something particularly charming about the autumn light and the leaves changing color. As the temperatures cool and the days get shorter, it’s important to maximize our Vitamin D exposure earlier in the day! Walking out to East Rock Park or Edgerton Park is particularly tranquil early in the morning.
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! Self-care is particularly important at such times. 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!
Again, flu shot clinics have begun – more info here: https://campushealth.yale.edu/yale-flu-and-covid-vaccine-program. I got my Flu and COVID shots on Saturday! Fun fun. :)
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, October 2nd (10-11:30am).
Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term.
ACADEMICS
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)
Thursday, October 1…Applications for Spring 2027 Term Abroad close
Friday, October 16…Last day of courses offered in the first half of the fall term
Friday, October 16…Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the fall term
Friday, October 16…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.
Monday, October 19…Courses offered in the second half of the fall term begin
Tuesday, October 20…Midterm
Tuesday, October 20…Last day to withdraw from a fall full-term course without the course appearing on the transcript
Tuesday, October 20…Deadline to apply for double credit in a single-credit course
Tuesday, October 20…Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-quarter of the term’s tuition. See Undergraduate Regulations
Tuesday, October 20…Final ABX exam grades are due
Tuesday, October 20…October recess begins after last academic obligation
Monday, October 26…Classes resume
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 5: Fellowships & Funding. Interested in summer study abroad, fellowships, or internships, but don’t know how to get started? Hear from students who have done these things to help you identify some possible summer opportunities. You will leave with a clearer idea of what is possible and the resources you can access to make your vision happen. Now is the perfect time to start planning!.
Monday, September 28, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120B
Tuesday, September 29, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
Thursday, October 1, 4-5pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120C
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: 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 28, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 120A
OEO: Midterm Drop-In Hours. Preparing for midterms? Stop by the Poorvu Center for dedicated study support hosted by the Office of Educational Opportunity. Whether you need help organizing a study plan or refining your exam prep strategies, peer mentors will be on hand to help you succeed.
Tuesday, September 29, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL - Genius Bar
Wednesday, September 30, 7-9pm, Poorvu CTL - Genius Bar
Eli Whitney + Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons (w/Fellowships & Funding). 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 30, 3-5pm. Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
Thursday, October 1, 9:30-11:30am, Poorvu CTL, Room 118A
ASP Workshop - How to Take Notes Effectively. Not sure what’s worth writing down—or how to use your notes later? You’re not alone. This workshop breaks down different note-taking approaches and helps you find a system that actually supports your learning. With guidance from Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, you’ll explore how to take notes that make studying easier, keep you focused in class, and work across different types of courses. Wednesday, September 30, 5-6pm, 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, October 2, 2-3pm, Poorvu CTL, Room M104A
ASP Workshop - How to Study on a Bus. Whether you are an athlete or an acapella aficionado, it can help to develop strategies for studying and managing your time as you travel around while navigating your academic and extracurricular commitments. Join us to talk about how to do that! Friday, October 2, 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.
Help Trumbull Win! OCS now has data on which Residential Colleges have responded the most to the Summer Activities Survey and it’s not looking good for Trumbull! Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors: take a minute to respond at https://yale-csm.symplicity.com/surveys/2026 and help us surge ahead before the survey closes this Wednesday. Moorah!
Career Launchpad Series. Catch the last two sessions in this series with OCS advisors:
* Career Exploration. Jumpstart your career exploration! Introduction to strategic career approaches and outline many of the resources offered through the Office of Career Strategy. Friday, October 2, 3-4pm, Online Event (register for link)
* Ace Your Interview. What separates a good interview from a great one? Learn what employers are really evaluating, explore common interview formats, and develop strategies for answering questions with confidence and authenticity. How is an interview like a comedy set? Success comes from knowing your material, practicing your delivery, and being ready to adapt in the moment. Yale has resources to help you prepare & practice. Tuesday, October 6, 5-5:45pm, Online Event (register for link)
Employers in New Haven this week! Check the OCS Events Listing for event times & registration details:
* Bain & Company. Management Consulting firm with offices in 67 cities worldwide
* Two Sigma Investments LP. Quantitative investment management and trading firm headquartered in New York with additional offices across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific
* DV Commodities. Division within DV Group that specializes in trading commodities markets, including crude oil, refined products, natural gas, power, emissions, metals, softs, and agriculture. Offices in New York, London, Dubai, and several US cities
* Jane Street Capital, LLC. Quantitative trading firm with offices in New York, London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Amsterdam.
* Barclays. British universal bank with UK consumer, corporate and wealth and private banking franchises, a leading investment bank, and a strong, specialist US consumer bank.
* Goldman Sachs. Financial institution with Global Banking & Markets and Asset & Wealth Management businesses with offices throughout the US and across the globe.
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.
This Week’s Collab: The Office of Fellowships & Funding + Academic Strategies Program = First Year Essentials and Eli Whitney & Transfer Student Caffeinated Commons. Check out the details above!
James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program Information Session. Learn about the James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. The program is designed to provide a substantive work experience for students who have a serious career interest in the area of international affairs. Eligible are graduating seniors and Yale College alumni who graduated within the past academic year. Wednesday, September 30, 1-2pm, Online Event (click for link)
University of Cambridge Information Session. Join Nathan Lamb from the office of Student Admissions & Access at the University of Cambridge for a presentation on key topics related to the application process, scholarships, and student experience at Cambridge: What it is like to study at Cambridge? | What GPA do you need? | How do you apply? | Which programmes are on offer? | How much does it cost? Friday, October 2, 3-4pm, 55 Whitney Ave, Room 369
STUDY ABROAD
It’s a big week for Study Abroad … the Yale deadline for Spring Study Abroad is this Thursday, October 1st (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. NOTE: approval for term-time study abroad is a two-step process; you must both apply to Yale Study Abroad this week for approval and directly to your program for admission. 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.
Event: Yale Study Abroad Spring Semester Cram Session. Join the Study Abroad Outreach Coordinators and Poorvu Writing Partners for last-minute help on your Spring 2027 Yale Term Abroad application over pizza and cookies! Monday, September 28, 7:30-9:30pm, Poorvu CTL, Room 121
Event: Study Abroad 101. Learn more from Yale Study Abroad advisers about available study abroad programs, application timelines, associated costs, and how studying abroad can enhance your academic and personal experience. Thursday, October 1, 4-5pm, 55 Whitney Ave, Room 305
(Another) Thursday 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.
Renew Your Passport. You need an up-to-date passport to even apply for Yale summer programs. The deadline is in January, but don’t wait until winter break to get started. Even if you are not yet sure that you will study abroad, you should have a valid passport at least three months in advance, if possible. All passports should be valid at least 6 months beyond the end date of your anticipated study abroad program. Yale students For additional information, visit https://studyabroad.yale.edu/resources/travel-planning-logistics.
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.
TAKE NOTE
History of Art Welcome Gathering. The History of Art department is hosting its annual welcome gathering for majors and those interested in the major on Tuesday, October 6th, 5:30pm, Loria Center, 190 York Street (Rooftop or Room 750, depending on the weather).
Study a language not currently taught at Yale. The deadline to apply for Spring 2027 language study through the Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) Program or the Fields Program is this Thursday, October 1st. In these non-credit programs, students work with a language partner to study a language not currently offered at Yale in the DILS program or study a language at an advanced level in the context of your academic field in the Fields program.
YC3
Craft et Veritas: Tree of Life. A weekly drop-in space to learn more about YC3, unwind, meet some new folks, or just sit quietly in the corner and judge our craft selection. No pressure, just fun creative activities. Open to all students. There will be a different activity every Monday. Monday, September 28, 3-4pm, Good Life Center “Offline Oasis” at Schwarzman
YC3 Well-Being Resource Fair. For the 4th 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. Wednesday, September 30, 4-6pm, President’s Room at Schwarzman (2nd Floor)
YC3 recently replenished the swag in our office. Dean C is particularly fond of a couple new items. Stop by for a freebie of her – or your – choosing, while supplies last.
Feel Good Friday. Feel Good Friday is a 3-part series on 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. This week, join us for a chair yoga practice. Friday, October 2, 11-11:30am, Good Life Center Lounge at Schwarzman
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.
Speaking of Study Spaces…
* Bass Library is connected to Sterling Memorial Library via an underground tunnel. Natural light flows in from two sunken courtyards, perfect for studying when the weather is nice!
* Based on student feedback, Yale Library is considering new chairs for Starr Reference Room. Try them out and cast your vote by this Wednesday, September 30.
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:
* Beinecke Library | Tuesday, September 29 12-12:45pm
* Library Shelving Facility | Wednesday, September 30, 1-2:30pm (shuttle provided)
* Divinity Library | Friday, October 2, 3-4pm
Library Workshops
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! Monday, September 28, 7-7:30pm, 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.
Monday, September 28, 8-8:30pm, 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!
Tuesday, September 29, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, October 1, 10-10:30am, Online Event (register for link)
Introduction to Tropy. This introduction will walk through how to organize, annotate, and export your archival photographs with Tropy. Tropy allows you to attach information to your photos, transcribe or take notes on them, and categorize them using lists and tags. Wednesday, September 30, 2-2:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Interacting with AI via Python. Would you like to work with an AI large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Claude, but not via web interface or desktop applications? Attend this session to interact with LLMs using the Python programming language to accomplish common tasks. Registration Required (for API keys & links). Thursday, October 1, 10:30am-12pm, Poorvu CTL
Demystifying the Literature Review. Learn how to conduct a literature review for your research papers, independent projects, and fellowship applications. In this 45-minute workshop, students will learn: why a literature review is important, ways to start conducting a literature review, and techniques to synthesize your sources. Friday, October 2, 11-11:45am, Online Event (register for link)
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.