TRUMBULL COLLEGE: December 1, 2025
Hope you had a restorative November Recess and hope you had fun at The Game! Congrats to our Football players!! So excited for them.
We spent half the break at my parents’ house in Southington, CT. I made our simple Thanksgiving meal once again, which means everyone grazes on baked veggie dip, lots of roasted veggies and pie for about five hours – it was fun. :) Sahej got a lot of attention from his grandparents, his Masi (my sister) and his “new” Maserji (they got married this summer). Sahej also had a grandparents’ event at his school which was adorable. We kicked off the holiday season at Lake Compounce, too, where they had the amusement park decorated with holiday lights. It was a great break.
And now for the final stretch of the term! I know…the next ~two and a half weeks are going to be very busy. However, right after that, we’ll have another, more restorative break! Hang in there. As I say every term: While it is true that Yale can be particularly challenging at times, you’ve made it this far and the end of the term is in sight. You can do it!! For those of you who feel nervous, try this strategy: Repeat to yourself often, “I can do it!! I am a good test taker/I can write this paper/I can complete this project/I can give this presentation…” I know it’s cheesy, but it works!
This will be the last issue of Dean’s Notes for the fall term. Keep an eye out for End-of-term messages from me in the coming days. Please also take note of the “Upcoming Dates & Deadlines” below – we’ll send a reminder later in the week about Friday’s deadlines.
Know that I’m here to talk and so is Alice. Please don’t fret if you don’t see an opening in Calendly. This is the reason that I hold OPEN Zoom hours (see below) and encourage you to pop into the office to speak to Alice as well. Please also know that I will hold office hours until the last day of finals. I’ll shift to more Zoom appointments and open Zoom hours during reading period and finals, so you know.
Have a wonderful last week of classes! Know that I’m cheering you on!! You’re busy with assignments/exams/papers/projects – hang in there everyone! Get your rest – sleep is very important. Take care of yourselves and one another. Looking forward to seeing you at Friday’s Holiday Dinner, too!
THIS FRIDAY: The Summer Opportunities Fair is on Friday, December 5 | 1:30-4:30PM (Presidents’ Room, Schwarzman Center). Check it out!
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, December 5th (10am-12pm).
Please note that I teach on Wednesday mornings during the fall term. I am also in Admissions all day today (Monday, Dec 1st) and away from the office.
FroCo APPLICATIONS
TC’27: The 2026-2027 FroCo Application is now open. Please Save-the-date for our Trumbull FroCo Info Session: Tuesday, January 13th, 2026 @6pm in the Fellows’ Lounge (2nd floor of Entryway K).
ACADEMICS
Registration continues through Thursday, December 18th in Yale Course Search. Log into Yale Hub to check for any holds that may block your registration. The University Registrar’s Office has many written guides, video tutorials, and FAQS at https://registrar.yale.edu/registration/yale-college-registration and Alice is happy to talk through your Degree Audit with you, especially looking at how your progress toward distributional requirements and/or earned credits might inform your Spring course selections
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. If you believe that academic information in your degree audit is incorrect, contact our office.
UPCOMING DATES AND DEADLINES (5pm unless noted)
December 5 Classes end; reading period begins
December 5 Last day to convert from a letter grade to the Cr/D/F option for a full-term course and/or a course offered in the second half of the fall term, 5pm
December 5 Last day to withdraw from a full-term course and/or a course offered in the second half of the fall term, 5pm
December 10 Final examinations begin, 9am
December 15 Reading period ends, 9am
December 15 Deadline for all course assignments, other than term papers and term projects. This deadline can be extended only by a Temporary Incomplete (TI) authorized by the student’s residential college dean, 9am
December 17 Final examinations end, 5:30pm; winter recess begins
December 17 Deadline for all term papers and term projects. This deadline can be extended only by a Temporary Incomplete (TI) authorized by the student’s residential college dean.
December 18 Residences close, 12 noon.
December 18 Spring term registration closes for all GSAS & YC students, 5pm
December 22 Official degree conferral date for fall 2025. Degree clearance begins once final grades have been submitted.
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 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 is just one of the ways that the Office of Educational Opportunity helps students identify and work towards their academic and experiential learning goals. Find out more about how the OEO and the Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning can help you at: https://poorvucenter.yale.edu/learning.
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, December 1, 7-9pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Monday, December 8, 7-9pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
DPMP See You Later End of Semester Hangout. Celebrate making it through another semester with your DPMP community! Join us for a casual farewell gathering before finals and winter break, complete with snacks, games, and good vibes. Wednesday, December 3, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
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. Wednesday, December 3, 6-6:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
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, December 4, 4-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118B
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.
Thursday, December 4, 6-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Tuesday, December 9, 6-7pm, 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, December 5, 1-1:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Friday, December 5, 3-30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Tuesday, December 9, 4-4:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Fin-Aid Application Study Break. Enjoy cookies as you reapply for financial aid next year! Bring your laptop! Registration is not necessary, but preferred. Tuesday, December 9, 4:30-5:30pm, Poorvu 118A
Chat, how do I talk to my professor? Not sure how to start an email or what to say in office hours? You’re not the only one! In this session, Academic Strategies Peer Mentors walk you through real-life strategies for reaching out to faculty and building academic relationships that matter. Friday, December 5, 2-3pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
STEM Navigators: Monthly Study Break – Cake and Castle in the Sky. Please take a break from the hustle and bustle of studying for final exams and finishing up final assignments and join STEM Navigators for our monthly study break! We’ll have cake and watch Castle in the Sky! Sunday, December 7, 1-3pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
STEM Navigators: Study Hall – Reading Period Edition. 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, December 7, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Monday, December 8, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Tuesday, December 9, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Wednesday, December 10, 2-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
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. Monday, December 8, 4-4:30pm, Poorvu Center 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, check out OCS events, opportunities, resources and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student, get even more tips and announcements at https://ocs.yale.edu/blog.
Yale College OCS-Fellowships Outreach Coordinators. The OCS-Fellowships Outreach Coordinators are undergraduate students in the residential colleges, trained by the Office of Career Strategy and the Office of Fellowships to introduce their peers to the resources of these offices. Each outreach coordinator serves as the point person for two residential colleges. When classes are in session, the Outreach Coordinators host programs in the colleges, are available for resume reviews, and can answer questions about career and summer funding resources. Each also holds Open Hours once a week in each of their assigned residential colleges, which are posted on the OCS website. Students are invited to visit them during their open hours or contact them directly.
OCS (re)Introductions: Interviewing Workshop. In this virtual workshop, we will (re)introduce you to foundational interviewing skills and techniques and outline many of the resources offered through the Office of Career Strategy. Monday, December 1, 5-6pm, Online Event (register for link)
Yale Personalized Medicine & Applied Engineering Info Session. The Yale School of Engineering and the Yale School of Medicine are hosting fall information sessions for their innovative one-year joint master’s degree in Personalized Medicine & Applied Engineering. This interdisciplinary program equips students with cutting edge skills at the intersection of medicine, engineering, and computer science. Participants gain hands-on experience designing 3D solutions for personalized healthcare using technologies such as 3D imaging and printing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and computer-assisted navigation, and augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR). Pre-med and medical students, biomedical/mechanical/electrical engineering and computer science majors passionate about healthcare innovation should apply by the December 15th deadline. Wednesday, December 3, 7-8pm, Online Event (click for link)
2025-2026 Ichan Medical School at Mt. Sinai FlexMed Information Session Exclusively for Students. FlexMed allows college sophomores in any major to apply for early acceptance to the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Attend one of their information sessions to learn more about the program and application process.
Thursday, December 4, 2:30-3:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Thursday, December 11, 2:30-3:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
CIBC Information Session. CIBC Capital Markets provides a wide range of investment banking, global markets, credit, and research products and services to institutional, corporate, and government clients in North America and in key markets around the world. While CIBC is headquartered in Toronto, we will be focusing on opportunities in the NYC office. Choose from one of three sessions (12-1pm, 2-3pm and 4-5pm) open to all students. Each session will consist of a brief presentation followed by an opportunity to network – and is open to all students. Note that the recruiting cycle for 2027 summer internships (for YC’28) will begin in January 2026. Thursday, December 4, 12-1pm OR 2-3pm, OR 4-5pm, Payne Whitney Gym, Trophy Room
Ask OCS @ Dwight Hall. Join your fellow students and Jorimel Zaldivar, Senior Associate Director for Common Good Careers, as we discuss career questions and issues in a small group setting. Gain insights and advice on topics such as career exploration, composing resumes and cover letters, interview preparation, and networking. No RSVP needed; stop by at any time between 2-4pm. Friday, December 5, 2-4pm, Dwight Hall, 67 High Street
Internships at The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation & Technology. Please join us to learn about our summer undergraduate research internship and one-year postbac experience. Admissions details will be provided. In this info session, you will also have the opportunity to ask questions. Tuesday, December 9, 2-3pm, 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.
Light Fellowship Information Session #7. The Richard U. Light Fellowship Program fully funds Yale undergraduate, graduate, and professional school students pursuing intensive language study in Chinese, Japanese, and Korean for terms ranging from a single summer to a combined summer plus academic year. Attending a Light Fellowship Information Session is a requirement to be eligible for the Fellowship. This is the last information session before the deadline. Tuesday, December 2, 1:30-2:30pm, 55 Whitney Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 369
Yale College Postgrad Fellowships - Info Session #5. Attend this information session to learn about Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships for research, study, and projects after Yale. These are a collection of fellowships which may range in duration from 3 months to year-long (12 months) opportunities for research, study, and projects. These awards are administered by the Office of Fellowships and share a common application form. Thursday, December 4, 11am-12pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor, Room 305
2026 Summer Opportunities Fair. Learn about all the opportunities available to Yale College undergraduates this summer! Stop by the annual Summer Opportunities Fair to learn about hundreds of amazing professional development, study, and funding opportunities in the U.S. and abroad for Summer 2026. Drop by at any time during the fair to chat with staff, faculty, and students to find experiences that are right for you. Friday, December 5, 2-4pm, Schwarzman Center 2nd floor, Presidents’ Room and Gallery
Wu Tsai Undergraduate Fellowship: Information Session. Each summer, Yale undergraduate students collaborate with renowned Wu Tsai Faculty Members on interdisciplinary research questions that advance our understanding of the brain and cognition. Attend this information session to learn more about the Wu Tsai Undergraduate Fellowships. Students are also welcomed to schedule a one-on-one Q&A meeting with Program Manager, Liz Knapp. Monday, December 8, 1-1:45pm, 100 College, 11th floor, Room 1167
How to Write a Summer Fellowship Research Proposal. Attend this information, offered by Yale Undergraduate Research - Science and QR Department, for strategies and guidance in writing a summer STEM fellowship research proposal. Visit the Science & QR website for more helpful resources and full list of upcoming events. Monday, December 8, 8-9pm, Online Event (click for link)
Yale College Postgrad Fellowships – Application Q&A Workshop. Attend this interactive Q&A workshop to receive answers on your questions about Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships for research, study, and projects after Yale. The Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships are a collection of fellowships which may range in duration from 3 months to year-long (12 months) opportunities. These awards are administered by the Office of Fellowships and share a common application form. Wednesday, December 10, 2:30-5pm, 55 Whitney Ave, 3rd Floor, Room 369
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.
YSS Abroad Info Session. Join Yale Study Abroad staffers to learn more about the 2026 Yale Summer Session Abroad programs. Programs are led by Yale faculty members in Europe, South America, and Africa, and provide students with the opportunity to earn 2-4 Yale credits, often while fulfilling language or distributional requirements. The 2026 application opens the first week of December! We are happy to share info about the programs and answer your questions. Wednesday, December 3, 3-4pm, Becton Lab, 15 Prospect Street, C031 (location pending)
Harvard Taipei Academy Information Session. Are you interested in Chinese language study in Taipei? Come to this information session to learn more about Harvard Taipei Academy for Summer 2026! Hear from HTA teachers as they present a typical day at HTA, what you can expect when applying to this program. There will be time to ask questions and to hear from former students who have participated in the HTA program. Thursday, December 4, 2:30-3:30pm, 55 Whitney Avenue, 3rd Floor, Room 369
Yale Study Abroad Drop-in Advising. Thinking about studying abroad? Join us for Drop-In Group Advising—no appointment needed! Hear from study abroad advisers and connect with other students who are also considering a semester or summer abroad. Thursday, December 4, 3-4pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
2026 Summer Opportunities Fair. Learn about all the opportunities available to Yale College undergraduates this summer! Stop by the annual Summer Opportunities Fair to learn about hundreds of amazing professional development, study, and funding opportunities in the U.S. and abroad for Summer 2026. Drop by at any time during the fair to chat with staff, faculty, and students to find experiences that are right for you. Friday, December 5, 2-4pm, Schwarzman Center 2nd floor, Presidents’ Room and Gallery
Virtual Info Session: Berlin Theater Intensive Summer 2026. The Bard Berlin Theater Intensive aims to foster creative engagement between students and a wide variety of multidisciplinary artists working in theater and performance in Berlin. Dates are May 29 - June 29, 2026. Monday, December 8, 6-7pm, Online Event (click for link)
Need to Get or Renew Your Passport? 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, staff & faculty can get passport photos from the Yale ID Center, 55 Lock Street, by appointment
- U.S. citizens should visit the U.S. Department of State’s website for information about applying for or renewing a passport. You can apply at the Yale Station post office in New Haven or the New Haven Free Public Library. While most passports are still renewed via mail, qualified U.S. citizens and nationals may be able to renew U.S. passports online. The current estimated wait time for U.S. passport processing is 4-6 weeks.
- International students should research passport renewal procedures for their country of citizenship and be aware of how the renewal process may impact their U.S. student visa
Learn more at https://studyabroad.yale.edu/resources/travel-planning-logistics.
OTHER
New Student Organization? If you, or anyone you know, are interested in starting a new student organization, reviving a dormant one, or registering an existing unregistered organization, you must attend a New Group Info Session and then submit the Intent to Register Application by Sunday, January 4th. There’s another Info Session tomorrow, Tuesday, December 2nd at 6pm (click for link). The application opens on Sunday, November 23rd. For more details, see https://studentorgs.yalecollege.yale.edu/get-involved/cant-find-your-community-create-it.
Secret Film Society. Join us for the next gathering of the Secret Film Society where we will screen a new, unreleased film. At the Secret Film Society, the film is the secret, not our gathering. The title and genre of the film aren’t announced until the show begins. Register and attend to enjoy the surprising reveal! Tuesday, December 2, 7:30pm, 53 Wall Street
YC3
Wellness Wednesday. This month we are focusing on financial wellness. Taking an active part in understanding resources available to us on campus, and how to work within a budget – especially as we gear up for the holidays! This program is in collaboration with the Financial Aid office and Student Engagement. Stop by anytime between 2-4pm & grab a snack and free giveaways! Wednesday, December 3, 2-4pm, Good Life Center in Schwarzman Center
Accountability Café @ The Beanjamin <Friday>. Having trouble with motivation and locking in? YC3 will be taking over the Franklin’s Beanjamin to offer an Accountability Café. Come and get a free drink and tell Angie your goal and how much time you need (minimum of 1 hour). You decide what level of encouragement & support you would like from Angie! Since this is a popular event, you will need to pre-register and if you are late your spot may be given away. Sign up for a session on Friday, December 5, 10am – 4pm, Franklin Beanjamin, 2nd floor
Accountability Café @ The Acorn <Monday>. Having trouble with motivation and locking in? YC3 will be taking over the Silliman’s Acorn to offer an Accountability Café. Come and get a free drink and tell Angie your goal and how much time you need (minimum of 1 hour). You decide what level of encouragement & support you would like from Angie! Since this is a popular event, you will need to pre-register and if you are late your spot may be given away. Sign up for a session on Monday, December 8, 10am-4pm, Silliman Acorn, 4th floor of Byers Hall
Yale Library
Reading Strategies for Writing Papers. Learn strategies – that you can begin during the research process - to efficiently read and analyze scholarly articles in preparation for a research paper, including lateral reading, selective reading, and active reading. Monday, December 1, 12-12:45pm, Online Event (register for link)
Latte with a Librarian. Meet with a librarian for a drop-in research consultation. Any student who asks a library or research-related question will receive a FREE Yale Library mug. Tuesday, December 2, 12:30-2pm, Thain Cafe High Tables, Bass Library
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, December 3, 12-12:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Tour of Sterling Memorial Library. Attendees will learn about the building’s history, architecture, and collections, along with information about borrowing print and digital library materials and library services for students, staff, and faculty. Registration required; bring your Yale ID. Thursday, December 4, 12-1pm, Sterling Memorial Library (meet in Nave)
Tour of Marx Science and Social Science Library. Join a librarian for a tour of the Marx Science and Social Science Library. We will visit the book stacks and study spaces, including the 24/7 study space. Attendees will learn about the library’s history, along with practical information about borrowing privileges, research support, working with librarians, and more. Friday, December 5, 2-2:45pm, Marx Library (meet in Young Family Study Room at the entrance)
Library Workshop Incentive Program. Attend 3 or more library workshops in one semester to receive a free tote bag or water bottle.
Individualized Library Help and Research Support. Students may request a Personal Librarian, request a Research Consultation for a particular topic, or reach out to a Subject Specialist Librarian for individual support.