Note from Dean Brown

Note from Dean Brown: Senior Speaker/NameCoach Recording/Diploma Name

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Hey 2017’ers, 

SENIOR SPEAKER

On behalf of the Senior Speaker Selection Committee, I am happy to announce that Lizzie Shackney will be the senior speaker at the 2017 Commencement.  Thank you to all of the amazing applicants who submitted excellent essays and made this decision a very hard one for the Committee.  Please join me in congratulating Lizzie and thanking the committee members, especially the Senior Class Officers, for their great work.      

NAMECOACH RECORDING

Check your email for the “INVITATION” email.  There is a link in the email to record your name so that it is pronounced correctly when read during the Commencement ceremony. 

DIPLOMA NAME

The Registrar’s Office has asked me to remind you that when you click on the link in your portfolio (Enrollment Status>Diploma Name) to confirm the name that will be on your diploma, it must be your LEGAL name, not your preferred name.   

WITHDRAWAL DEADLINE

The last day to withdraw from a full-semester or fourth-quarter course is Wednesday, May 3.  If you are planning on withdrawing from a course, make sure that you do not need it for your major or to reach 32.00 credits with no oversubscription.  The last day of classes is in three weeks–Wednesday, May 10!! 

If you have any questions or concerns or if I can be of any help as you approach the end of the semester, please do not hesitate to contact me, come by for drop-in, or call x2758 to schedule an appointment.  

Best, Dean Brown

 

 

Note from Dean Brown

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2017’ers, 

Welcome back to the start of your last 6.5 weeks of classes!  Time really flies, doesn’t it?  Lots to both reflect upon and celebrate! 

MEETING DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

It is more crucial than ever to make sure that you are on target to graduate with 32.00 credits with no oversubscription, 16.00 Wesleyan credits, the completion of at least one major, and a minimum G.P.A. of 74.00.  In addition, you need to have met your residency requirement (six semesters for first-year entrants, five for sophomore transfers, and four for second-semester sophomore or junior transfer).  Check your credit analysis and major cert form.  You must meet all degree requirements to be eligible to participate in the graduation ceremony. 

Now is the time to add credits if you are below 32.00 (due to a plain credit deficit or because of oversubscription) or below 16.00 Wesleyan credits.  Please add the necessary credit this Monday or Tuesday, although you do have five days from the first class to add or drop a 4th quarter course.  Make sure that this credit will not oversubscribe you. 

If you are thinking about withdrawing from a course (May 3 deadline), make sure that you will not need it to complete your major or that it will not put you below 32.00 useable credits or 16.00 Wesleyan credits.  (Add some partial credit now if that would make a difference for your credit total if you withdrew.)   

ACADEMIC & COMMENCEMENT CALENDAR  (so far)

April 5 at noon – Senior Speaker essay due to Dean Brown

April 19 at 4:30 p.m. – deadline to submit honors theses and essays

May 3 – last day to withdraw from classes

May 10 – last day of classes

May 11-15 – Reading Period

May 16-19 – Final Exams

May 25-28 – Reunion/Commencement activities, 185th Commencement on the 28th

May 29 at 4:30 p.m. – deadline to move out of housing 

Information about “Name Coach” (for name reading at graduation) and Caps & Gowns will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. 

In closing, best wishes to all those finishing up their senior thesis, essay, exhibit, performance, research or other capstone experience! 

If you have questions or concerns, or if I can be of help, please do not hesitate to contact me, come to drop-in hours (listed below), or give the office a call (x2758) to schedule an appointment. 

Best, Dean Brown

 

Note from Dean Brown — 11/21/16

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Hey 2017’ers,

 As we get started on this Thanksgiving Break week, I wanted to remind you about a number of things:

1)  The last day of Adjustment is Tuesday, November 22 at 5 p.m.  Make sure to submit ranked enrollment requests for courses you want, and check your credit analysis to make sure that you will not be oversubscribed and will meet graduation requirements by the end of the spring semester.

2) The last day to withdraw from a semester or second-quarter is Friday, December 2, which is the Friday after classes resume. 

Consult with your profs about where you are in each course and talk with your faculty advisor if you are thinking about a withdrawal.  Make sure that it will not put you in an untenable credit situation or jeopardize you completing your major. 

 You can pick up a withdrawal form from my office or the Registrar’s or print one out from the Student Affairs website under Useful Forms.  Get the signature of your instructor and faculty advisor before mine (the class dean signs last). 

 3)  The last day of classes is Friday, December 9, followed by the reading period, with exams beginning Tuesday, December 13 at 7 p.m. and ending on Saturday, December 17.  (Hard to believe you will have finished with your last fall semester as an undergrad at Wesleyan!)

 4)  Housing closes at noon on Sunday, December 18.  ResLife says:

 Seniors living in woodframes:  If you would like to stay in your wood frame house at any point during the break, you must      register by Saturday, December 17, with Residential Life.

 Seniors in apartments or non-woodframe residences:  Students who are approved to remain on-campus are international students, approved winter athletes, or have valid on-campus employment or special circumstances. The only students approved to return for research are seniors working on their thesis, and the application for early return was due on Friday, November 18, 2016.

 5)  Plan now for the last two weeks of classes and finals, and carve out some time over break for reconnection and rejuvenation.  You will need to be ready to go when classes resume on November 28.  After three years of fall semesters, you know how these last few weeks fly by!

 Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns, and know that I am always happy to meet with you.

 Have a good Thanksgiving!  Best, Dean Brown 

 

 

10/27 Note from Dean Brown

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Hey 2017’ers,

Hope you all had a good fall break, getting caught up on work & sleep and enjoying some down time. 

Having just passed the mid-point of the semester, we will be moving into pre-registration for the spring semester, beginning next week with Planning from Nov. 1-14, Scheduling on Nov. 15, and Adjustment from Nov. 16-22.   

As you choose your courses, make sure to check your credit analysis for oversubscription in a subject or category so that you can be sure to meet the graduation requirements of 32.00 useable credits with no oversubscription, a minimum of 16.00 Wes credits, and completion of one major (track with your major certification form).  You also need to meet the minimum GPA of 74.00 and the residency requirement appropriate to your entry (first-years=6 semesters, first-semester soph transfers=5, and second-semester soph & junior transfers=4).  You may have gotten a letter from me if you are already oversubscribed, at the limit or near the limit for oversubscription, so be sure to check your email and see me with any questions. 

Also check the Senior Packet on the sidebar of this blog for  more info and FAQs about graduation requirements and oversubscription, etc. 

December Completions:  Make sure that your Major Certification form is completed and approved by your faculty advisor as it must be certified by your department and submitted to the Registrar’s Office by November 18. 

Need to add or drop a second-quarter course?  You have five days from the first class to do so. 

 As you think ahead, the full-semester course withdrawal deadline is Dec. 2.  If you are considering that route, make sure to first go to the instructor’s office hours, use the TA sessions, and the math or writing workshops.  Talk with your faculty advisor or me about strategies for success.  If you could use some additional help deciphering course material, get a peer tutor by requesting one through the class blog, right side bar.  If you could use some help with organization, time management, note-taking, study strategies, or test-taking tips, check out the peer advisor website, where you can also request a peer advisor or a peer tutor. 

 Family Weekend begins tomorrow, Fri., Oct. 28 through 30.  There are a lot of great events, including two panels of 2017’ers talking about their research on Friday at 3:30 p.m. and Saturday at 9 a.m. in Judd Hall 116.  Check out all the events!

 As always, if you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Send an email, come to drop-in hours (below), or give my office a call at x2758 to schedule a convenient time to meet.   Please note that this Friday’s drop-in hours are only from 2-3 p.m.

 Best, Dean Brown

 

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

 

Note from Dean Brown

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2017’ers,

This is a reminder that the drop/add deadline is Wed., Feb. 3 at 11:59 p.m.  Please make sure that your schedule is accurate, including grading mode, and that you are enrolled in 4.00 credits (3.00 credits minimum required).   The grading mode deadline extends for two weeks after drop/add ends.

Also check your Credit Analysis in the academic career bucket of your portfolio to make sure you are on track for graduation with number of semesters in residence and total credits/oversubscription.  In the same portfolio bucket, you will also find your Major Certification form, which you should fill in as much as possible and review with your major advisor.  Both documents are great planning and tracking tools.

Any questions?  Please stop by during drop-in or give my office a call at x2762 to set up a time to meet.  Would love to see you!  Best, Dean Brown

 

Note from Dean Brown: New Course/CEC Open House/Internships&Celebrating Students

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2017’ers–

1. New Course:

Check out this new course in the Dance Department–Performance Matters:  Creating Performance on Specific Topics—taught by Prof. Katya Kolcio in Spring 2015.

2. Civic Engagement Certificate Open House—12/2

Come to the CEC info session on Dec. 2, Noon-1 p.m. in Allbritton.  The CEC is open to students of all disciplines who are interested in questions of citizenship and democracy and who seek to enhance and reflect on their civic activities.  Check it out!

3. Internship/Job Strategies

This short list is excerpted from the Internship Workshop by Persephone Hall of the WCC:

  1. “What do I need and want to learn?  What do I have to offer?”  Identify a list of each for yourself and then talk with others to supplement.  Pursue opportunities in all areas of interest.
  2. Give yourself time.  Looking for an I/J is a job in itself.  What’s your plan?
  3. Use your resources:  LinkedIn, WesConnect, Indeed.com, Liberal Arts Career Network (LCAN—on WCC website), Career Drive (in your portfolio), faculty, personal acquaintances

See the Celebrating Students column for Fred Ayres ’17 and Lili Kadets ’17on their internship/work experiences.  Please share your own!!

Best, Dean Brown

Note from Dean Brown: Open Houses–Wed./Thurs., “Choosing Your Major” Workshop–Wed., 2nd Qtr. Courses

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Dear 2017’ers,

 

This is a reminder that many departments and programs have scheduled OPEN HOUSES between Wed.,  Oct. 22 and Fri., Nov. 14. Click on Open House to view the schedule and any changes.  

 

On board this week are:

Wed. – FGSS and NS&B

 Thurs. — ENGL and SOC

Lunch or refreshments are provided.

Check schedule for their times and locations.

 

CHOOSING YOUR MAJOR WORKSHOP is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, October 22 at 6 p.m. in Usdan 108.  Dean Brown and Persephone Hall from the Wesleyan Career Center will be there to suggest ways to approach or decide on your major and answer any questions you may have.  Grab your dinner and join us! 

 

Also, check out the Major Declaration Website for information about choosing and declaring a major during the sophomore year.  Check out “The Guide” for major exploration exercises and links to campus resources.   Department and program’s home websites and faculty members are great sources of information.  Questions about how the major fits into study abroad plans or possible careers should be directed to the Office of International Studies and Wesleyan Career Center, respectively.

 

SECOND-QUARTER COURSES:  If you have some time and want some more credit, take a look at these courses.  They begin this week. You have 5 business days to register for the courses by submitting an add/drop form (found in Dean’s Office or the Registrar’s).  Get the instructor’s and your faculty advisor’s approval and signature and then bring the form to me for final processing.  Check my email for a list of courses.

Hope you had a great fall break and are refreshed and energized for the rest of the semester!  Any questions?  Please see me.  Note that Wednesday evening office hours will be from only 5-6 p.m. due to the Choosing Your Major workshop.  Best, Dean Brown

Note from Dean Brown 11/26/13: Course Withdrawal Deadline Today

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Hey 2017’ers,

Just a reminder that today at 5 p.m. is the deadline for withdrawing from courses.  Please consult with the professor and your faculty advisor about doing so and if it’s a yes, then get their signatures before bringing the form to my office for my signature.

Use the Thanksgiving break to get organized and on top of your work for the last week of classes and finals.

Whether you will be on campus, at home or visiting friends, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  Best, Dean Brown

 

Note from Dean Brown

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Hey 2017’ers,

I hope you have had a great orientation and are ready for the first day of classes tomorrow, Monday, September 2.  It has been great meeting so many of you already!!  You now enter two weeks of drop/add, which ends on Friday, September 13.  If you are going to add or change courses during this time, consult with your faculty advisor and try to make the changes as soon as possible so that you keep pace with the coursework.   Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this.

CHECK YOUR SCHEDULES – DROP/ADD PERIOD

During drop/add, check your schedule for accuracy—the right thumbnailCA66YGAZsection, the right departmental or program designation, and the right grading mode (letter grade of CR/U, if the course offers an option).  Make sure that you are in fact enrolled in all the classes you are attending!  You cannot change the designation or the grading mode option after the drop/add period.  After this comes the withdrawal period, when you will need to petition to make any course changes, so CHECK YOUR SCHEDULES!

WITHDRAWAL PERIOD

The withdrawal period begins on Saturday, September 14 and goes through the tenth week of classes.  During this time, besides no changes in grading mode or course designations, dropping a course will be noted with a “W” for “withdrawal” on your transcript.

CONNECTIONS!

Check out the email I sent about the Connections—a program where you are matched with a faculty or staff mentor and an upperclass student, both of whom can serve as a good touchstone for you and answer your questions about the University and life at Wes on a one-to-one basis.  It’s a great way to get connected with the Wes community!

DROP-IN HOURS/APPOINTMENTS

If you want to consult about courses or academic direction or just talk about how things are going for you as you settle into Wes, please do not hesitate to come to my drop-in hours, listed below.  I also will be sending out notes so that we get a chance to meet, so don’t be surprised if you get one!  Drop-ins are first-come, first-served and you can sign up for a meeting on the sheet outside my office door.  If you would like longer than a 10 minute or so meeting, please contact Camille Martin, my administrative assistant, at x2758 or csmartin@wesleyan.edu to schedule a time that’s good for you.  Any question is a GOOD question, so please stop by to see me.

Have a great first week of classes and check out the great programs offered during extended orientation this week!

Best, Dean Brown

Drop-in Hours:  M–2-3 p.m.   T–3-4 p.m.   W–5-7 p.m.   Th–11 a.m.-noon   F–2-4 p.m.