Class of 2017

Note from Dean Brown

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2017’ers,

I hope you are getting into your classes and the rhythm of the semester—and are enjoying being a senior!  

With drop/add over, CHECK YOUR CREDIT ANALYSIS to make sure you are all set to meet degree requirements by the end of the spring semester so that you can walk in the ceremony and graduate on May 28!!! 

Update Your Major Certification Form (MCF)

December Completions should submit a completed form by September 30; May Completions should do so early in the spring semester.  This tool both tracks your progress in the major and is used by your department to confirm that you have completed major requirements. 

 Grading Option/Schedule Confirmation Deadline

September 30 is the deadline for choosing a grading mode for courses that offer the option.  It is also the deadline for confirming the accuracy of your schedule so be sure to check!

Thesis & Essay Writers

The library is offering workshops on research sources and interlibrary loan and other services for seniors writing a thesis or an essay. Sessions will be offered on Mon. 9/26, Tues. 9/27, Wed. 9/28, and Thurs. 9/29 at 11 a.m, 1 p.m and 3 p.m. each day. No need to sign up ahead of time. Choose a date and time convenient for you and join a group for a 45-minute info session at Olin Library’s Reference Office. Attendees will be granted expanded interlibrary loan privileges. Contact Kendall Hobbs, Reference Librarian, at khobbs@wesleyan.edu with questions.  

Work at Homecoming and Family Weekends
This year’s Homecoming (Oct.21-22) and Family Weekends (Oct. 28-30) are fast approaching, and we need student employees! Aside from getting paid, you’ll also have the unique opportunity to help out with one of Wesleyan’s most important events, make lasting connections with alumni, and represent the student body to hundreds of visitors and guests. Fill out and submit the student worker application by Wed., Oct. 5 at 5 PM, and we will notify you of your employment status no later than Mon., Oct. 10.  Note: Homecoming is during fall break.  There will be a mandatory student employee meeting on Wed., Oct. 26 at 5 PM. If you are hired, you must attend this meeting to receive your work schedules, event staff T-shirt, and other important event information.  If you have any questions, please contact us at aprinterns@wesleyan.edu.  Best, Nisha Grewal ’17, Avva Saniee ’17, Amanda Yeoh ’19 & Maxine Gibb ’19 

I have loved seeing so many of you already this semester.  Don’t hesitate to drop in, make an appointment, or email me with questions or concerns.  Best, Dean Brown

 

Be a Senior Class Officer! Statement due April 10 at 5 p.m.

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The WSA is currently holding the elections for next year’s Senior Class officer positions. If you are interested in one of the positions:

  • Senior Class President
  • Senior Class Vice President
  • Senior Class Treasurer
  • Senior Class Secretary

If you would like to run for the Senior class officer positions, please email jvansant@wesleyan.edu a candidate statement of 200 words and arrive at the mandatory candidates’ meeting on Sunday, April 10th at 5 pm with a completed petition form. If you have any questions, please email jvansant@wesleyan.edu. See you at the meeting!

 

Peer Advisor Post: Your Social Game Plan: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Connected This Semester

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Your Social Game Plan: 5 Easy Ways to Feel Connected Next Semester    

Dec. 29, 2013 by Carolyn Lipp ’14 — New Year’s Resolutions

The long stretch of winter break is a great time to reflect on the past semester. Some of you, especially first-year students, may feel like you still haven’t found your “niche” or social support group of close friends. Or, you may feel that you are too close to a certain group of people and want to branch out more. When I plan out my new year’s resolutions, I always write something socially-related and vague like, “make new friends” or “be friendly.” However, years of trying to fulfill these resolutions have taught me that changing social behavior can be difficult without consciously incorporating different techniques. So, I present to you five suggestions, collected from the Peer Advisors, of easy ways to make connections next semester.

1. Leave your door open (when you can)

This sounds like the simplest thing but it will make a huge difference in how approachable you are to your hallmates. For those times when you’re just hanging out in your room or shooting the breeze with your roommate, prop the door open with a chair or door stop and other people walking by are far more likely to stop by your room and chat with you. You’re also doing a service to the other people on your hall who want to be social but wouldn’t want to just go around knocking on closed doors. Who knows- you might even change the culture of your hall by starting a new trend!

2. Join a new student group or get involved in a new activity

This is the traditional nugget of wisdom that your parents are always telling you, but it’s also important to keep in mind that not all student groups are necessarily social opportunities. Some activities are better for making friends than others, and this is something you could easily find out by asking someone who’s in the group. For example, one activity highly recommended by Peer Advisor Cynthia Tong is the Terpsichore dance show, or “terp,” which is held once a semester. This is a great opportunity for people of all dance levels because everyone who tries out is placed into one of the dances. Plus, what’s better bonding than repeatedly dancing closely and sweatily to expertly coordinated moves? If you’re thinking of joining something new, you should check out the student groups fair that will be held next semester (date still pending).

3. Take advantage of new classes as an opportunity to make new friends

The first week of classes is the perfect opportunity to meet new people. Chat with whoever you’re sitting next to, ask for their numbers, and then—when the time is right—invite them to hang out. This can be as simple as inviting them to go with you to events that are related to the class or something else they might be interested in. This may seem daring, but just go for it. Chances are, they’ll be thrilled that someone is being so friendly and will be equally excited to hang out with someone new. If you’re feeling particularly bold, you can extend this attitude more generally and ask for people’s numbers anywhere you have a good conversation, like on a long Usdan line or at a party.

4. Ask a professor (and new class friend) out to lunch

Take advantage of the Daniel Family Commons Free Lunch Program to take your professor and your new class friend(s) out to lunch! These vouchers cover the cost of lunch for a faculty member and up to three students, or you can just go with your professor on a lunch date. Since asking a professor out to lunch on your own can be intimidating, inviting a friend from class can ease the awkwardness and give you something to bond over (“I can’t believe we just had lunch with professor x!!!”) It’s also a great way to connect with a professor you like and to get to know them in a smaller, cozier setting. To pick up a voucher, visit Dean Mike Whaley’s office at 220 North College. Did I mention it’s free food?

5. Do the crossword in public

This unusual suggestion comes from old-timer Peer Advisor Faisal Kirdar. He’s found that doing the crossword in a public place, like Usdan or Pi, is a great way to meet new people. Since so many of us college folk are into crosswords, you’re likely to find someone eager to collaborate. Although I’m not into crosswords myself, I have witnessed many interactions occur through the magic of the crossword puzzle. Hope you’ve found some of these suggestions helpful, and feel free to post your own tips in the comments. Happy New Year!!!

Spring ReOrientation for 2017: Workshops & Events Jan. 27-Feb. 9 — Win an iPad!!

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Spring Re-Orientation for First Year Students

Community Standards and Responsibilities

January 27th | 12:00PM | Usdan 108

Wesleyan has a long history of peer adjudication through the honor board and the Student Judicial Board. Members of these boards will share the role they play in upholding the community standards at Wesleyan. You will also hear from representatives in the dean of students office who will discuss the roles they have on campus and provide some advice about what you can do to be successful at Wesleyan. Facilitated by Dean of Students, Rick Culliton and Associate Dean of Students, Scott Backer.

Lunch will be provided.

Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL) Open House

January 27th | 3:30PM | Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, 169 High St.

Come meet Wesleyan’s Chaplains, and ORSL staff and students who help coordinate spiritual and religious life on campus. Learn more at www.wesleyan.edu/orsl

Snacks will be served.

General Study Abroad Information Session

January 28th | 4:15 PM | Usdan 110

Join Director of International Studies, Carolyn Sorkin, and recent study-abroad participants to talk about the nuts and bolts of spending a semester or year studying in another country. Topics to be covered include program selection, the application process, credit transfer, cultural adjustment, financial aid, and much more. Come with questions!

Managing Your Dining Plan

January 29th | 4:15PM | Usdan 108

Haven’t quite figured out the meal plan system yet? Thinking about changing your meal plan? Worried about a special dietary need that you may have? Come to this Q&A session where campus and dining program administrators will be on hand to answer any questions you have. Facilitated by Bon Appétit Resident District Manager, Michael Strumpf, and Director of Usdan University Center, Michelle Myers-Brown.

Getting the Most Out of the Career Center

January 30th | 12:00 PM | Usdan 110

Come in and learn about how the Career Center can help you with finding your passion and locating an internship.  This quick introduction to the Wesleyan Career Center will help you to utilize our services and access the extensive internship and online job database. We’ll also show you how you can set up your online profile to personalize your experience.  This session is designed for both first-year students and transfer, exchange, and visiting students. Facilitated by Associate Director for Career Development and Campus Outreach, Persephone Hall.

Lunch will be provided.

Study Abroad and Students of Color

January 30th | 4:15 PM | Usdan 110

Join Director of International Studies, Carolyn Sorkin, and recent study-abroad participants to talk about the nuts and bolts of spending a semester or year studying in another country. Topics to be covered include program selection, the application process, credit transfer, cultural adjustment, financial aid, and much more. Special attention will be given to concerns common to students of color. Come with questions!

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Diversity Training

Visit the MLK Day website for additional details and events: http://www.wesleyan.edu/mlk/

Training Session Block I
January 31st | 10AM
Training Session Block II
January 31st | 1PM

Keynote Address

January 31st | 3:15PM | Memorial Chapel
Address by Anti-Racist Activist Tim Wise. Note, this is a ticketed event. Tickets can be picked up at the University Box Office, Usdan University Center. Students Tickets available Thursday, January 23. Reception and book signing to follow in the Zelnick Pavillion. Books will be available for purchase during the signing.

You, Booze, and the Board

February 3rd |12:00 PM | Usdan 110

This session will offer answers to students’ most frequently asked questions about addressing severe intoxication: What does alcohol poisoning look like? How do I know whether a friend needs medical assistance or not? What will PSafe do if I call them? If my friends go to the hospital, what happens next? Do they get in trouble? Are their parents called? What sanctions could they get? Conversation facilitated by Associate Dean of Students, Scott Backer.

Lunch will be provided.

Getting Good Advice, Giving Good Information, and Other Essential Nuggets of Wisdom

February 4th | 12:15 PM | Usdan 108

Returning to college for your second semester is a very different experience from heading off to college for the first time.  You bring with you all of the things that you learned in the fall – your accomplishments, as well as the challenges you may have experienced.  You have a wealth of “college knowledge.” The start of the spring semester is another new beginning and a time for you to reflect on your experiences in the fall and develop a plan for academic success.

What worked well for you and what did not?  What strategies did you use in the fall that proved to be successful?  What resources did you seek out?  Did you have balance in your semester and follow the Rule of 7? At this workshop, we will talk about the organizational and study strategies that worked best, hear from peers about strategies and resources they found helpful, and set goals for the spring. Conversation facilitated by Dean for Academic Advancement and Dean for the Class of 2017, Louise Brown, Associate Dean of Student Academic Resources, Laura Patey, and the Peer Advisors.

Lunch will be provided.

Financing Study Abroad

February 5th | 4:15 PM | Usdan 110

Join Assistant Director of International Studies, Gail Winter, and Assistant Director of Financial Aid, Jacqueline Outlaw, for a discussion of the financial aspects of study abroad. Topics to be discussed will include financial aid, scholarships, and budgeting, as well as general information regarding study abroad. Come with questions!

Wellness at Wesleyan

February 6th | 12:00 PM | Usdan 110

The transition to college is stressful, both physically and mentally. Learn about what resources are available for your well-being during this unique transition as well as during the rest of your time at Wesleyan. Learn about the extensive resources Wesleyan offers to make sure you stay physically and mentally healthy during your time at Wes, as well as ways you can get involved. Facilitated by Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), Jennifer D’Andrea.

Lunch will be provided.

Desire and Relationship:  What’s Love Got To Do With It?

February 8th | 12:00-3:00PM | Albritton 311

Participate in this no faith/multi-faith/interfaith conversation about Love and its many understandings and facets. All are welcome.

 Catered Japanese lunch will be provided.

Bystander Intervention Training

February 9th | 10:00 AM-2:00PM | Usdan 110

WE Speak, WE Stand aims to create a community that is actively engaged in the prevention of sexual assault, relationship violence and advocates for the responsible use of alcohol. The goal of the program is to empower bystanders to intervene in high risk situations involving alcohol use, sexual assault and relationship violence. Empowered bystanders make the campus community safer by standing up and speaking out when they witness situations that could potentially harm the health and safety of others. Intervening with peers can be challenging for a number of reasons and training will provide you with the skills to move from inaction to action and intervene safely and effectively.

The first training features two distinct and separate tracks: sexual assault prevention and alcohol use intervention.  For more information email Tanya Purdy at tpurdy@wesleyan.edu. Facilitated by Director of Health Education, Tanya Purdy and Sexual Violence Resource Coordinator and Therapist, Alysha Warren.

Lunch will be provided.

THANKS FOR PARTICIPATING!

Sponsored by  the Office of New Student Orientation

wesleyan.edu/orientation

____________________________________________________

Attend 7 programs and record your attendance.

Turn in your completed passport to the Office of New Student Orientation

(Usdan, Rooms 122, 124 & 126)

to be entered in a drawing for an iPad

by February 12, 2014!

____________________________________________________

For more information about these and other programs,

check out the New Student Orientation Website,

or visit www.wesleyan.edu/orientation.

Take advantage of all the great things going on at Wesleyan!

Free Tickets for First-Years to the Navarati Festival — Thurs.-Sun.

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The Navaratri Festival of Indian music and dance is a grand Wesleyan tradition, now in its 37th year. It silhouetteincludes free workshops, concerts and a traditional Hindu ceremony.  The CFA encourages first-year students to experience this important festival by offering you a free ticket to any concert during the Festival which runs from Thursday, October 10 through Sunday, October 13, 2013.  Here’s the schedule:

37TH ANNUAL NAVARATRI FESTIVAL
1. Henna and Chaat hosted by Shakti – Thursday, October 10, 7pm, Olin Library Lobby
2. B. Balasubrahmaniyan: Vocal Music of South India – Friday, October 11, 8pm, Crowell Concert Hall
3. Talk by Assistant Professor of Dance Hari Krishnan: Celluloid Classicism—Intertwined Histories of the South Indian “Dance Revival” and Early South Indian Cinema – Saturday, October 12, 1pm, CFA Hall
4. Lecture/Demonstration: Shashank Subramanyam – Saturday, October 12, 3pm, Crowell Concert Hall
5. Shashank Subramanyam – Saturday, October 12, 8pm, Crowell Concert Hall
6. Saraswati Puja (Hindu Ceremony) – Sunday, October 13, 11am, World Music Hall
7. Aparna Ramaswamy: Sannidhi (Sacred Space) – Sunday, October 13, 3pm, Crowell Concert Hall (Connecticut Debut)

For tickets, visit the Box Office in Usdan or call 860-685-3355.

 

Transition Group for First-Years and Transfers! Every Thursday 5:45 p.m.

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Are you a first-year or transfer student and having trouble adjusting to life at Wesleyan?  Maybe you haven’t formed a solid friend group yet, or maybe you’re not into the drinking scene?

If you would like to meet students who are having the same experience, get support, advice, and maybe make some lasting connections — come to our new group! 

 Thursday Evenings 5:45-7:00 pm

Davison Health Center

Solarium, Room 201, 2nd floor

 Email counseling@wesleyan.edu
to sign up

 

 

Note from Dean Brown: Tutoring, Email & Free Movies at Metro 12!

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2017’ers,

I hope all is going well!  Can you believe that on Saturday, September 28, it will be four weeks since orientation began?  Time flies, and yet, so much is packed into each day that it seems like ages ago!  I hope that you are getting settled into your classes and a rhythm for the semester.  If not, let’s talk and strategize.

TUTORING & ACADEMIC SUPPORT

If you are struggling with the material in a course, please meet with the professor AND with the TA for the course.  The professor has thumbnailCAJJE2RNoffice hours just for this reason—to meet with you to answer questions!  The Math Workshop and the Writing Workshop also offers help for work in math and writing across the disciplines.  If, after having tried these and perhaps other resources, you find that you are still struggling, then submit a request for a peer tutor by going to the class blog to get help with course content.  You will need to have talked with both your instructor and with me.  You also might find that your concern about a course is more related to how to study a particular subject or with reading retention/speed or note-taking, so a peer advisor would be a great connection in this case.  If you have questions about any of these things, please do not hesitate to contact me or your faculty advisor.

EMAIL

Email is an official means of communication at the University, so it is imperative that you check your Wesleyan email at least once every day.  There is also an email protocol that will help you to better communicate with faculty and staff.  Check out Faisal Kirdar’s Sept. 9 blog post at http://peeradvisor.blogs.wesleyan.edu/ for how to email your professor.

FREE MOVIES AT METRO 12 ON SUNDAY, SEPT. 29 FOR thumbnailCAZKOFM32017’ERS

Yes, it’s true.  All day. Movies. For free.  Brought to you by the 2017 Class Council and Metro Movies with a free small drink and popcorn provided by New Student Orientation and the Office of Student Activities and Leadership Development (SALD)/Student Affairs.  Be there!  2017’ers only.  WES I.D. REQUIRED.

CLASS BLOG

Check out the Class of 2017 blog.  Lots of events posted.

If we haven’t met yet, please stop on by and if we have met, let’s meet again!  Come in with questions or just to chat, either during drop-in hours, listed below, or by appointment (call x2758 to schedule a time).  Look forward to seeing you soon!

Have a great weekend!  Best, Dean Brown

First-Year Dinner with President Roth for Butterfield Residents — 9/17, 6 p.m.

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President Michael Roth and

Dean Mike Whaley (Vice President for Student Affairs)

together with Louise Brown (your class dean)

and Rick Culliton (Dean of Students)

cordially invite you to a buffet dinner for

the Residents at the Butterfields

 Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

Daniel Family Commons, Usdan University Center

 Join us for some great food and a chance to meet and visit with your classmates, President Roth and the Student Affairs Staff

 The dinner is limited to the first 100 students who sign up at the link below:

https://docs.google.com/a/wesleyan.edu/forms/d/1TYarcDD-FRLPMVZQbj1rmBbSFChjjkxBKWXYF2l2dMU/viewform

 We hope to see you there!