TRUMBULL COLLEGE: Pre-Fall term Dean’s Notes
Hello Trumbullians! Welcome (again) TrumFrosh, Transfer, Y-VISP and new Eli Whitney students! Welcome to those members of TC’24 who studied remotely last year! Welcome back to everyone else! I hope you have been having a wonderful summer and I look forward to catching up with you over the coming days and weeks.
For those of you who are new to Trumbull, this is our first “Dean’s Notes” issue of the year. We know how much e-mail you receive. Therefore, Leah and I put together one e-mail per week that includes a LOT of important information. Please read it and note that it will always be organized into sections (Academics/Deadlines at the beginning Tutoring, CIPE, etc Other announcements).
Although I was in the office throughout last year, and Leah was here a couple of days each week, our office was “virtual”. Although I will retain some Zoom hours and most of our forms are paperless, we are excited to see you in-person in the office this year! Particularly those of you who have only seen us over Zoom, please stop by! As you know, masks are required indoors, so please be mindful of that when you enter Leah’s office. For about half of you who may not know this, the door to my office is in Leah’s office!
Wishing you all the very best as you start classes this week!
Note: If you simply click “reply” to e-mails from our office that utilize the Yale Messaging system, Leah and I do not receive the e-mail (the address is @message.yale.edu and the e-mails are lost somewhere in cyberspace!), so please e-mail us directly! Thanks!
Meeting with me
To make an appointment, please use the Calendly scheduling tool, https://calendly.com/dean_c, or reach out to Leah with any scheduling issues. I will have a mix of Zoom and in-person meetings each week. Zoom meetings (including open office hours) will be through my Zoom page: https://yale.zoom.us/my/skchandhoke. For in-person meetings, come to the office – masked, of course.
My OPEN office hours for each week are also listed on my Calendly page – this week. When you click on the Zoom link, you will be placed into a waiting room. I will speak to students in the order they “arrive”.
ACADEMICS
Important Notes on Course Enrollment
The University Registrar’s Office has a helpful new website devoted to course registration, at registration.yale.edu. The “FAQs” and “Important Dates” are particularly helpful!
During the Add/Drop period, you may add courses (if the course is open or you have permission to enroll) and drop courses within Yale Course Search without a fee. The Add/Drop period ends at 5 pm on September 15 and the courses listed on your registration worksheet at that time will constitute your fall course schedule. After September 15, you will need my permission to make any changes to your schedule, and the Registrar will charge a $20 processing fee for each course added or dropped.
Your “Canvas worksheet” synchronizes with Canvas, and you may load as many as 10 course credits onto your Canvas worksheet. Including a course there grants you “visitor” access to those courses’ Canvas sites’ “assignments” and “announcements” features, and that visitor access will last for the duration of the Add/Drop period.
Be sure to distinguish your registration worksheet (used to enroll in courses) from your Canvas worksheet (used as a sort of scratch pad). Keep in mind that to enroll in a course, you must include it on your registration worksheet.
Overloads, Overlaps, Professional School Courses, and Other Petitions
A schedule of 3.0 course credits or a schedule of 6.0 or 6.5 course credits needs my permission before the schedule is submitted. To request an overload or underload, make an appointment with me as soon as possible and complete the Petition for Credit Overload.
Enrollment in courses that overlap in meeting times is generally not permitted. If you find you MUST enroll in two courses that overlap in meeting times, such an overlap cannot be more than fifteen minutes and requires the permission of both instructors (even if one of the courses is recorded, and even if you will be missing class time in only one of the two courses) AND a petition through my office to the Committee on Honors and Academic Standing. There must be sound academic reasons for such an overlap. This petition is due by the end of the Add/Drop Period, and sooner would be prudent. To petition, here’s what you need to do:
1. Confirm that the final exams for the two courses are not offered at the same time;
2. Confirm that the synchronous components of the two courses do not overlap by more than 15 minutes;
3. Explain how enrollment in the two courses is possible, despite the conflict in published meeting times; and
4. Secure both instructors’ explicit permission to take the two overlapping courses in the context of (a), (b), and (c).
Send those four items to me, with Leah copied on that message, under the email Subject line, “Overlap petition from (your name here).”
A schedule with a course in a professional school requires an additional form: Request to Enroll in a Professional School Course (Blue Form)
Only four professional school credits can be offered toward the 36 credit requirement; however, students may enroll in more than four credits understanding that all courses will remain on the academic record and be included in the GPA even if not offered toward the 36 credit requirement.
Courses at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences and at a professional school cannot elect the CR/D/Fail option.
Credit for these courses on your transcript: When you put a Professional School course on your schedule, zero (0) course credits are recorded for the course until you submit your completed Blue Form and the Registrar’s Office determines the course credits for that course after that. Some courses earn 1 course credit in Yale College and some earn 0.5 course credits (most commonly in SOM and EPH). Some do not earn credit.
Independent Studies (Directed Reading, Directed Research, etc. as listed by most departments). There are limits on the number that a student can enroll in during a given year and over four years. Enrolling in an independent study requires the additional permission of a Director of Undergraduate Studies. See the YCPS for details: http://catalog.yale.edu/ycps/academic-regulations/course-credits-course-... Such courses may not be used to fulfill any distributional requirements. Independent study courses, other than senior projects and certain other courses designated for A-F grading by the department offering the course, are graded Pass/Fail. Students cannot petition for a conversion from P/F to A-F; only the department or program offering the course may do so.
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. YDA is located on the Academics tab of Student Information System (SIS). YDA 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.
A list of Sc courses without prerequisites may be found at http://science.yalecollege.yale.edu/academics/faculty-resources/science-....
A list of QR courses without prerequisites may be found at http://science.yalecollege.yale.edu/academics/courses/qr-courses/qr-cour....
UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES
Today, 8/30 Registration worksheets open for new students
September 1 Fall term classes begin; 8:20 a.m.
Add/Drop period begins; 9 a.m.
September 3 Friday classes do not meet; Monday classes meet instead
September 6 Labor Day; classes do not meet
September 15 Add/Drop period ends, 5 p.m.
All students planning to complete degree requirements at the end of the fall term must file a petition by this date.
Final deadline to apply for fall-term Leave of Absence. You can request a Leave of Absence here: Yale College Request for Leave of Absence
TUTORING
Writing Center/Tutors/Partners: http://ctl.yale.edu/writing; http://writing.yalecollege.yale.edu/
Sc/QR Tutoring: http://ctl.yale.edu/tutoring/quantitative-reasoning-science
Language Tutoring: http://cls.yale.edu/foreign-language-tutoring
Advising Resources; http://advising.yalecollege.yale.edu/.
FIRST-YEARS
First-Year Distributional Requirements: At the end of your first-year (after two terms of enrollment) the student’s record must record enrollment in at least one course credit in two of the three skills categories (WR, QR, and foreign language). For a course with two distributional designations, only one or the other designation can be counted toward the distributional requirements; in other words, no double dipping. A course may, however, count toward both the requirements for a major and for a distributional requirement.
SOPHOMORES
Sophomore Year Distributional Requirement: At the end of the sophomore year (after four terms of enrollment) the student’s record must record enrollment in at least one course credit in each disciplinary area (Hu, Sc, and So) and at least one course credit in each skills category (WR, QR, and foreign language). For a course with two distributional designations, only one or the other designation can be counted toward the distributional requirements; in other words, no double dipping. A course may, however, count toward both the requirements for a major and for a distributional requirement.
JUNIORS
Junior Year Distributional Requirement: At the end of the junior year (after 6 terms of enrollment) a student’s record must show successful completion of all skills requirements: two course credits in QR, two course credits in WR, and foreign language). A course completed CR cannot count toward a distribution requirement. For a course with two distributional designations, only one or the other designation can be counted toward the distributional requirements; in other words, no double dipping. A course may, however, count toward both the requirements for a major and for a distributional requirement.
SENIORS
Distributional Requirement for the degree: Successful completion of two course credits each in WR, QR, Hu, So, and Sc and completion of the foreign language requirement. A course completed CR cannot count toward a distribution requirement. For a course with two distributional designations, only one or the other designation can be counted toward the distributional requirements; in other words, no double dipping. A course may, however, count toward both the requirements for a major and for a distributional requirement.
Senior Fall Term Completion: All students planning to complete degree requirements at the end of the fall term must submit a petition by September 15th. See Special Arrangements.
ACADEMIC STRATEGIES PROGRAM
https://yaleconnect.yale.edu/PoorvuAcademicStrategies/club_signup
https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/academic-strategies-program
Our mission is to help all Yale undergraduate be active, empowered learners at Yale. Though peer academic mentoring, interactive workshops, and connections to resources, we hope to provide you with the tools that can propel you towards your goals.
ASP Peer Groups for First Years and Sophomores:
Organized by class year and area of academic interest, these peer groups meet regularly with an ASP mentor as they explore the academic resources and opportunities that are especially important for first-year and sophomore students. To sign up, click here: Academic Peer Mentorship Groups
ASP/Community Initiative Peer Groups for FGLI First-Years and Sophomores
A partnership between the FGLI Community Initiative and ASP, this program places first-generation/low-income (FGLI) students in small peer groups led by an FGLI-identifying junior or senior peer mentor. Students can talk through their experiences navigating Yale and receive in-depth information and support about important Yale resources and opportunities.
Click here to sign up for an FGLI First-Year Peer Group
Click here to sign up for an FGLI Sophomore Peer Group
Senior Thesis Peer Groups:
Students will meet regularly to share strategies, support, solidarity, and accountability in the development and writing of the senior thesis. Meetings begin the week of September 13. Sign up here: ASP Senior Thesis Groups.
Disability Peer Mentorship Program
A collaboration between Academic Strategies and Disability Empowerment at Yale, this program matches students with disabilities with peer mentors who have similar experiences navigating academic life at Yale for individual mentoring. Students can request a mentor via this form: http://tinyurl.com/2021MentorRequest. First-year students can also request mentorship and guidance about Student Accessibility Resources through the SAS Peer Liaison Program.
ADHD Discussion Group
Academic Strategies hosts a discussion group for undergraduate students with ADHD. Share strategies and support with peers who understand your experience. To sign up, fill out this form: ADHD Discussion Group.
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 Academic Strategies Learning Specialist Sarah Cussler (sarah.cussler@yale.edu) for an appointment.
For First-Years: College Transition Videos
Did you know that diving into your syllabi can help you succeed in your classes? What to learn the keys to performing well on p-sets? Learn about these topics and more through our college transition videos: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/undergraduates/academic-strategies/first-y...
Key Poorvu Center Academic Resources Links for First-Years 2021-2022
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 goes live Monday, Sept. 13. If you’d like to schedule a meeting before then, please email us at academicstrategies@yale.edu.
Workshops
Our famous workshop sessions will all be online again this academic year. Register via YaleConnect to access Zoom links:
Time Management
Friday, Sept. 3, 1-2 pm
Time management is key for lowering stress at Yale. Set priorities and develop a weekly schedule that can lead to an active and balanced academic life.
Get the Most Out of Your Seminars & Lectures
Monday, Aug. 30, 7-8 pm
Learn preparation, participation, note-taking, and review strategies to help you succeed in these two very different learning environments.
Get the Most Out of Your Language Classes
Weds., Sept. 1, 4-5 pm
Learn the daily habits and mindsets that can help you succeed in learning a language at Yale.
Strategies for Intro Math: Problem Sets & Exams
Weds., Sept. 1, 7-8 pm
Learn strategies for efficiently working on intro math problem sets and key approaches for studying for exams
Get the Most Out of Your Reading
Weds., Sept. 1, 9-10 pm
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, essays, and exams.
Managing a Heavy Reading Load
Thurs., Sept. 2, 4-5 pm
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!
Reading Analytically for Social Science
Thursday, Sept. 2, 7-8 pm
This interactive workshop provides an overview of deep reading to generate effective contributions to class discussion, develop essay topics, and identify strong evidence for essays.
Returning from Your Leave of Absence
Thursday, Sept. 2, 7-8 pm
This interactive workshop helps you assess your current interests, strengths, and needs, and helps you develop a transition plan to help you get reconnected to your academic life at Yale.
Strategic Planning for Your Senior Project
Thursday, Sept. 2, 9-10 pm
Learn how to plan your writing and research, and how to access support resources for your senior thesis. For full-year and 1-semester senior thesis writers.
CIPE
THE ONGOING COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) SITUATION:
Sponsored outbound international travel from the United States, including study abroad and fellowships, is suspended for Yale College students for the duration of the spring 2021 term. This decision is final and will not change even if circumstances should change in the destination country. Starting with summer 2021, sponsored travel for Yale College students will be governed by the Yale College Travel Policy, but should public health concerns require, further restrictions may be imposed at any time.
RESOURCES
Yale students have a free subscription to the Daily Chatter, a great resource for keeping up with global news presented from a non-partisan perspective.
APPROACHING APPLICATION DEADLINES
September 3, 1pm ET - Fulbright US Student Grants for Graduating Seniors Campus Deadline | Eligible: Class of 2022 are strongly encouraged to participate in campus review process; Class of 2021 and alumni although eligible to apply, will not participate in campus review process
September 21, 11:59pm ET - Schwarzman Scholars Program for U.S. And Global applicants | Eligible: Juniors, Seniors, and recent graduates
October 15 - The German Chancellor Fellowship National Deadline | Eligible: Seniors & Recent Graduates with Brazilian, Chinese, Indian, Russian, South African or American citizenship
Search for Yale funding and information for external awards requiring application through Yale on the Yale Student Grants Database (SGDB).
OTHER
Yale University Bands auditions: Sept. 1 – Sept 4.
Concert Band, Jazz Ensembles, Yale Precision Marching Band
https://bands.yalecollege.yale.edu
The Shops at Yale are excited to offer a Virtual Welcome Bag for all new and returning college students in the New Haven area! The virtual bag includes 70 exclusive shopping and dining offers (valid August 26 – September 26) that they can redeem at businesses throughout New Haven.
Below is the link where students can find more information and redeem their offers:
https://theshopsatyale.com/welcome/