TRUMBULL COLLEGE: January 26, 2026
Hi Trumbullians! Hope you’re enjoying the snow!! It’s been five years since we’ve had snow like this – it’s glorious, especially for our little guy. Sahej has a snow day today (of course). So you know, we came up to Southington to help my parents with the storm and will be back in Trumbull tonight. Good times. :)
I’m keeping my “blurb” short this week since I’m taking the afternoon off today. Thanks to those who rescheduled meetings that they had with me today. I’ll be checking e-mail periodically (please note that today at 5pm is the Leave of Absence deadline – see below) but will be back in the office (and more regular e-mail activity) tomorrow – thanks so much for your patience.
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 Tuesday, January 27th (4-5pm) and Friday, January 30th (10-11:30am).
ACADEMICS
Please doublecheck your Course Schedule and Yale Degree Audit to make sure you are officially registered for your courses. If your class list is not exactly what you thought it was, please %20alice.kustenbauder@yale.edu?subject=issues%20with%20my%20schedule">let us know immediately. Many problems that students have with the registration system can be remedied, but being prompt in informing us is essential.
Double credit: If you are interested in petitioning to earn double credit in a single-credit course, please read the relevant section in the YCPS, and then consult with me. The deadline to submit this petition is Midterm, but I recommend that you do so well before that date.
Yale Degree Audit: Yale Degree Audit 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)
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January 26 |
M |
Final deadline to apply for a spring-term Leave of Absence. |
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January 26 |
M |
Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles the student to a full rebate of spring-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations). |
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February 3 |
T |
Last day to withdraw from a course offered in the first half of the spring term without the course appearing on the transcript. |
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February 5 |
Th |
Withdrawal from Yale College on or before this date entitles a student to a rebate of one-half of spring-term tuition (Undergraduate Regulations). |
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.
Fantastic Mentors and Where to Find Them: Cultivating Faculty Mentors. Looking for someone to guide your academic path? This workshop helps you identify potential mentors, ask for support, and build lasting connections with faculty—led by juniors and seniors who’ve done it and can tell you what actually works.
Monday, January 26, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Tuesday, January 27, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Getting the Most Out of Your Language Classes. Learning a language takes daily commitment—and it’s easy to fall behind! This workshop offers peer-tested strategies for staying engaged, reviewing effectively, and building habits that support steady progress, even when the workload piles up. Monday, January 26, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Managing a Heavy Reading Load. When the reading piles up, it can be hard to know where to start—or how to keep up. This workshop introduces practical strategies for prioritizing, previewing, and staying engaged with your reading without spending every waking hour on it. You’ll leave with a toolkit for reading more effectively and efficiently, developed and tested by students who’ve been there. Monday, January 26, 6-7pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Senior Thesis Power Hours. Writing a Senior Thesis is HARD—but it’s way more fun with snacks, support, and friends who get it! Drop in anytime to this two-hour session, hosted by the Yale College Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors, for Facilitated & structured focus time + breaks; Delicious snacks + seltzer water; 1:1 help from Writing Partners and Academic Strategies Peer Mentors (optional!); The camaraderie you need to keep those ideas flowing. A splendid time is guaranteed for all. Monday, January 26, 7-9pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
OCS Resumes and Cover Letters. Tuesday, January 27, 12-1pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 121
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. Tuesday, January 27, 4-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118B
STEM Navigators: How to Approach Problem Sets. Join STEM Navigators for this workshop where our mentors will go over strategies on how to approach p sets for various STEM classes! Tuesday, January 27, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
STEM Navigators: How to Join a Lab: Write Your CV & Emails. This workshop is part 2 of the 3-session series, Let’s Join a Lab! Are you struggling to write out cold emails to labs that your interested in? Do you not have a CV to attach to these emails? Come to this workshop where we’ll go over the process together - just bring your research interests and your laptops! Tuesday, January 27, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120C
DPMP Drop-in (Virtual). Online drop-in session where mentors are available to answer questions and provide guidance on various topics. Tuesday, January 27, 6-7pm, Online Event (click for Zoom link)
FGLI Pre-Med/Health Professions Workshop. Pre-Med/Health Professions Workshop with Kristin McJunkins, Director of Advanced Degree Applications & STEM Career Advising. Wednesday, January 28, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
Organize Your Time (30-minute version) + Work Time. When’s the last time you looked at your schedule and thought, how am I supposed to do all this? This 30-minute workshop helps you learn time management strategies and begin applying them to your own week, helping you feel more in control of getting everything done. Afterward, stick around for optional quiet work time with Academic Strategies Peer Mentors on hand to support you. Wednesday, January 28, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Autism Discussion Group. When’s the last time you looked at your schedule and thought, “How am I supposed to do all this?” This 30-minute workshop helps you learn time management strategies and begin applying them to your own week, helping you feel more in control of getting everything done. Afterward, stick around for optional quiet work time with Academic Strategies Peer Mentors on hand to support you. Wednesday, January 28, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
Becoming an Academic Baddie Again: Transform Your Academic Work Habits. Ready for a reset? Whether this semester feels off-track or you just want to level up, this workshop helps you reflect on what’s working, identify what’s holding you back, and experiment with new approaches to your academic work. Through guided activities and peer insight, Academic Strategies Peer Mentors help you rebuild momentum and step back into your baddie era—strategically and sustainably. Wednesday, January 28, 5-6pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
FGLI Thrive: Navigating OCS Resources. Meet with OCS to learn about all the ways you can use them & identify tools for job exploration, resources, and networks. Thursday, January 29, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120C
How to Study for Exams. Studying for exams doesn’t have to mean endless stress and last-minute cramming. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to prepare strategically for different exam types—problem-based, short answer, and essay—while building habits that reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Academic Strategies Peer Mentors share what’s worked for them and help you create a plan you can actually stick to. Thursday, January 29, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
DPMP Drop-in. In-person session where mentors are available to answer questions and provide guidance on various topics. Friday, January 30, 12:30-1:30pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 118A
Test Anxiety: Prepping for Success. If nerves tend to take over when exams approach, this workshop is for you. Together, we’ll unpack what test anxiety looks like, why it happens, and how to manage it before and during exams. You’ll leave with practical strategies for preparation, mindset shifts, and in-the-moment tools—supported by Academic Strategies Peer Mentors who know firsthand how transformative these skills can be. Friday, January 30, 1-2pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
Crack the Code: Thriving in Seminars & Lectures. Every class format asks something a little different of you—and figuring that out can be hard. In this workshop, you’ll learn practical strategies for taking notes, participating confidently, and preparing for exams and assignments in both lectures and seminars. Led by Academic Strategies Peer Mentors who’ve cracked the code themselves, this session helps you adapt your approach so you can show up prepared and engaged, no matter the classroom. Friday, January 30, 4-5pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room M104A
STEM Navigators: Monthly Sunday Study Break – Mocktails & Mario Kart. Take a break from studying and join STEM Navigators for our Mocktails and Mario Kart Study Break! We’ll have Shirley Temples, virgin margaritas, and a mini vegetarian charcuterie board for everyone to enjoy while playing Mario Kart on the Switch (board games will also be available)! Sunday, February 1, 2-3pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
CAREER STRATEGY
The Office of Career Strategy (OCS) offers career advising, professional school advising, employment and internship opportunities, and career development resources. The office works with students and alumni to clarify career aspirations, identify opportunities, and offer support at every stage of career development. Schedule a weekly OCS newsletter tailored to your interests, check out OCS events, opportunities, resources and services at https://ocs.yale.edu/channels/student, get even more tips and announcements at https://ocs.yale.edu/blog.
Resume Reviews in Trumbull – Offered Every Week. The OCS Marketing Outreach Coordinators have office hours in every single Residential College every week! Stop by to get your resume reviewed. No appointment needed.
OCS Offers Advising at Payne Whitney Gym on Tuesdays. Student Athletes can meet with any OCS Advisor. You can also meet with Robyn Acampora, OCS Student Athlete Liaison at Payne Whitney Gym’s Trophy Room on Tuesdays. Log into Yale Career Link and select “General Appt at PWG/Varsity Athletes” as the appointment type.
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) Virtual Information Session. CHFA(“Chaffa”) is a self-funded, quasi-public organization focused on providing housing solutions in Connecticut. With the goal of inspiring and empowering the next generation of housing leaders, our intern program provides training in core workplace competencies, opportunities for networking and collaborative projects, and career development conversations. Our cohort of interns learns from employees in all departments to get a real sense of what careers in affordable housing can be and do. Tuesday, January 27, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships Virtual Information Session. Hosted by the Smithsonian Office of Academic Appointments and Internships, this session will guide you through the process of applying for internships and fellowships, share tips for success, and highlight the many ways you can get involved across the Institution. We welcome students and emerging professionals from all majors and disciplines, including human resources, finance, marketing, fundraising, exhibitions, conservation, art, history, the sciences, and more. Wednesday, January 28, 1-2pm, Online Event (register for link)
Breaking In & Building Connections: Alumni Advice for Real Estate & Finance Careers. Join us for an informal conversation with Yale alumni in Real Estate and Finance as they share perspectives on breaking into the industries and offer practical advice on building meaningful connections within the alumni community. This session will highlight career paths and networking strategies, giving students actionable insights from alumni leaders. Wednesday, January 28, 4-5pm, Online Event (register for link)
Green Corps Virtual Information Session. Interested in a career in the environmental movement? Determined to make the biggest positive impact you can on issues like climate change and clean water, but you don’t know where to start? Green Corps offers a yearlong, paid training program that gives you the training and experience you need to kickstart your organizing career while making an immediate impact on critical environmental issues. Join our information session to find out more about the program! Friday, January 30, 2-3pm, Online Event (click for link)
Engineering Undergrad & Grad Student Mixer! The American Institute for Chemical Engineers at Yale is hosting an Engineering Undergrad & Grad Student Mixer on January 29th, from 5-6:30pm in the Mann Center at Dunham Lab, with dinner provided. Join other Yalies in this relaxed, low-pressure space for undergraduates to connect with grad students, especially to learn more about research areas, find potential labs to work with, and consider different paths to graduate school. Thursday, January 29, 5-6:30pm, Mann Center at Dunham Lab
Open House - Yale Student Alumni Association. New Year, New Name! Come hear semester plans, play trivia (with prizes), get your free headshot & enjoy custom Yale cookies. Friday, January 30, 1-5pm, Rose Alumni House (232 York Street)
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.
Summer Fellowships and Funding (Virtual). Planning your Summer 2026? Learn about fellowships and other funding options for independent projects, research, language study, and more!
Monday, January 26, 4-5pm, Online Event (click for link – now virtual due to snow)
Thursday, January 29, 2-3pm, Online Event (click for link)
Imagining Your Summer - Virtual Info Session. Interested in summer study abroad, fellowships, or internships, but don’t know how to get started? Attend this information session, hosted by the Office of Fellowships, for information on available opportunities and a chance to hear from experienced peers. 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! Wednesday, January 28, 8-9pm, Online Event (click for link)
DEADLINE: Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships. The deadline for graduating seniors to submit a fellowship proposal for the Yale College Postgraduate Fellowships Common Application is Thursday, January 29th at 1pm (Eastern).
DEADLINE: Udall Scholarship. The deadline to submit fellowship proposal for the Udall Scholarship, which provides up to $7500 to sophomores and juniors in fields related to environment, tribal policy, or Native American healthcare is Friday, January 30th at 1pm (Eastern).
Asking for Letters of Recommendation: Info Session. Attend this information session hosted by the Office of Fellowships for tips and strategies in selecting your recommenders and asking for letters of recommendation. Friday, January 30, 3-4pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120B
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. Friday, January 30, 4-5pm, Online Event (click for link)
DEADLINE: Ellison Scholars Program. The final deadline to apply to the Ellison Scholars Program, which fully funds doctoral study program at Oxford University, is Sunday, February 1st. Scholars contribute to EIT research projects in STEM fields.
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.
Non-Yale Summer Study Abroad: Application Deadline is March 3, 2026. Applications are also now open for Non-Yale Summer Abroad. You can apply to receive general transfer credit for a program run by another institution, choosing from more than 100 options on our designated list. Note: In addition to applying for Yale’s approval to earn transfer credit, you will also need to apply directly to your intended Non-Yale program for admission. Program deadlines vary.
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.
TAKE NOTE
Swenson Fellowship, Summer 2026. Would you like to learn the skills of a top-tier strategy consultant, while working in service of a client you know and love: Yale University? If so, we invite you to apply for the Swensen Fellowship in Strategic Analysis. Positions are currently available for full-time fellowships and summer internships, both starting in summer 2026. Swensen Fellows work on the most complex strategic challenges facing Yale and help university leaders to make decisions that advance Yale’s mission. Please see https://swensenfellows.yale.edu for more information on the position, desired profile, and application instructions. Application Deadline = this Friday, January 30th 11:59pm (Eastern).
Intern with 1stGenYale in Summer 2026. You are invited to apply a 2026 Remote Summer internship with 1stGenYale. You will have the opportunity to develop resources that will have a positive impact on first-generation students and alumni. For more information about the internship and application process, see https://www.1stgenyale.org/intern-2026. Application Deadline = next Friday, February 6th 11:59pm (Eastern)
Peer Leader Applications now Open. Peer-to-peer leadership is at the heart of Yale College’s vibrant community. As a peer leader, you’ll join a group of upper-level students who offer guidance to other students on special topics and develop programming that benefits the entire undergraduate community:
Afro-American Cultural Center | Asian American Cultural Center | Chaplain’s Office | La Casa Cultural: Latinx Cultural Center | Middle Easter & North African Cultural Community | Natie American Cultural Center | Office of International Students & Scholars | Yale LGBTQ Center | Student Accessibility Services. Visit https://yalecollege.yale.edu/communities/student-leadership/yale-college-peer-leaders-program for full details. Application Deadline = Sunday, February 8th 11:59pm (Eastern).
YC3
Take it Easy Tuesday: Types of Rest for 2026. For the month of January, join us as we share what rest looks utilizing the seven types of rest. Take time to think about what it means to rest, and practice taking a moment for yourself with a group activity. There will be some snacks and hot chocolate! Tuesday, January 27, 2-4pm, Schwarzman Center, GLC Lounge
Yale Library
Tour of Sterling Memorial Library. Join a librarian for a tour of Sterling Memorial Library! This tour includes the following spaces: Nave, Starr Main Reference Room, the 16-story book stacks, Yale Film Archive, Babylonian Collection, Gilmore Music Library, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning, Exhibits Corridor, Linonia and Brothers Room, and Digital Humanities Lab. Registration required; bring your Yale ID. Tuesday, January 27, 10-11am, Sterling Memorial Library (meet in Nave)
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. Tuesday, January 27 at 12-1pm, Poorvu Center CTL, Room 120A
First Steps with Zotero. Don’t wait until the end to make your bibliography! Zotero can help you manage your research, take notes, and create citations as you go. Yale users can sign up for a free account with unlimited storage. Tuesday, January 27, 7-7:30pm, Online Event (register for link)
Cookies & Questions. Get answers to your most pressing library questions (and a free Insomnia cookie!) from a Library Peer Mentor. Tuesday, January 27, 8-9:30pm, Bass Library, Thain Café (register if you want a reminder)
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. Thursday, January 29, 7:30-8pm, Online event (register for link)
Next Steps with Zotero. Learn how to get the most out of Zotero’s advanced research management features for your unique needs, including how to read and annotate PDFs, remove duplicate citations, filter with tags, and how to integrate Zotero with Microsoft Word and Google Docs. Friday, January 30, 10-10:30am, Online Event (register for link)
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.