Academic Resources

Approaching the End of Fall Semester

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Hello Class of 2025 – 

If you can believe it, we are in the homestretch of the semester with only two more weeks of classes (ending 12/10) and then reading period (12/11 – 12/14) and finals (12/14 – 12/18). If you have questions about specific course finals, be sure to consult your professor and your course syllabus. The general Wesleyan academic calendar can be found here and the university final exam schedule can be found here. 

It is so important that you continue to work hard to push though these next few weeks. You’ve accomplished so much and you are so close to finishing this semester strong. Be sure to consider all the resources I’ve shared with you throughout the year. Those include but are not limited to:

If you are considering withdrawing from a course, please be sure to talk with your professor and your faculty advisor. As a reminder, the course withdrawal deadline is this Friday 12/3/21. The withdrawal form can be found here. 

Questions? Concerns? Simply want to chat? Feel free to reach out. Stop by my office hours (listed below) or schedule an individual appointment with me here.

You got this, Class of 2025; I’m rooting for you! Keep up the great work!
Dean Dunn 

Weekly Office Hours: 

Monday 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Tuesday 3:00 – 4:00 pm
Wednesday 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 – 11:00 am
Friday 9:00 – 10:00 am

Rest and Reflect

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The holiday break this week provides a great opportunity to rest, relax and reflect on all you have accomplished this semester. I hope you get the chance to reflect on what you are grateful for and take some time to focus on what you have enjoyed so far at Wes. I am grateful for the interactions I’ve had with many of you.

I want to share some approaching opportunities in case you are interested:

  • Prospective Film Major Meeting: 11/29 at 8pm in the Goldsmith Family Cinema (flyer below)
  • College of Social Studies Info Session: 12/1 at 4:30pm in Russell House (350 High Street)
  • Ride Free with WesPass: All Wesleyan students can ride for free on Middletown Area Transit (MAT) and 9-Town Transit buses by showing your Wes ID. This is a great way to grab some classmates and explore Middletown. Routes can take you to many destinations including grocery stores, shopping and medical offices.

While you take a pause from classes this holiday break, be sure to rest up for when classes resume on Monday 11/29. Following this break you will have two more weeks of classes and then head into reading period and final exams. As we get closer to the conclusion of the semester, start thinking about where you want to spend your time studying. SciLi, a popular study spot, will be open from 8am to 2am to mirror the hours offered in Olin – the Exley FishBowl will remain open 24/7.

If you need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Sending my best to you and your loved ones during this holiday season. Take care,

Dean Dunn

Discover New Approaches to Learning

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Struggling in Your Courses?  Discover New Approaches To Studying and Learning! Sunday November 7th at 5:00pm via zoom with Professor Cori Anderson.

Cori Anderson, Assistant Professor of the Practice in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, will offer a Zoom workshop to introduce basic principles of metacognition and select metacognitive learning strategies.  This workshop will focus on empowering you to think about and be able to assess your own learning and will equip you with new learning tools to implement in your courses.

Sunday, November 7th at 5:00pm

Zoom link here

Meeting ID: 945 4874 1326

Flyer with information on zoom session focused on new approaches to studying and learning. Text on zoom session listed above flyer.

Choosing Majors and Careers for F-1 Visa Holders

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Thursday, November 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m. EDT

Zoom link: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/4831393485

Intended Audience: Classes of 2024 and 2025 F-1 visa holders

Session Description: In this virtual session, you will learn about important factors (personal interests, career prospects, immigration-related benefits/regulations) to consider when choosing a major as an F-1 visa holder. Class Deans from the Office of Academic Advancement and staff members from the Office of International Student Affairs (OISA) and Gordon Career Center will lead this informational workshop, which will include an overview of the major selection process, post-completion employment as an F-1 visa holder, and STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension-eligible programs of study at Wesleyan. There will be time for Questions and Answers (Q&A) in the second half of the session.  

Please RSVP through this link.

Math Jam

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Are you a first generation student? Need to sharpen your skills in math? Come to Math Jam for peer support! Tuesdays and Thursdays 8-9:30pm in the Vanguard Lounge in CAAS (343 High Street).

Peer Technology Position Open

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Student Academic Resources (SAR) is seeking to hire a student to join our team of Peer Technology Specialists. If you have an aptitude for learning using digital tools and technologies, an interest in helping others navigate a wide variety of digital tools, and the ability to demonstrate and train others on the use of various technology programs, we encourage you to apply! The student will be hired and trained to join our current Peer Technology Specialists to work throughout this academic year.

Among other things, the Peer Technology Specialists will work on:

  • Coordinating campus-wide outreach to increase awareness of digital tools and technologies available
  • Organizing workshops and meeting with individuals who are interested in various technologies and/or digital tools, in order to assist them with exploring programs, learning how to use them, and providing referrals as needed
  • Researching, and seeking campus input on, new technology initiatives

To learn more and/or apply to the position, please see our Handshake Posting (https://wesleyan.joinhandshake.com/jobs/5407176)! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Crystal Rose Hill-Farrell (chill01@wesleyan.edu).

How to Study On Campus Workshop TOMORROW 9/30 12pm

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Class of 2025! Be sure to attend the workshop How to Study On Campus provided by the Academic Peer Advisors:

  • Thursday, 9/30 at 12pm in Usdan 108
  • Learn about:
    • Best spots to study on campus – some you may not know about yet!
    • Essential study tips
    • Time management strategies
    • Credit/Unsatisfactory and A-F Course Grading (grading options due Friday 10/1 at 5pm for courses with student grading option on WesPortal)
  • And don’t forget, free Wesleyan swag!

Feel free to bring your lunch or a snack and eat while you learn!

Welcome Class of 2025!

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Hello Class of 2025 –

I hope your first week of classes has been enjoyable! There is so much excitement in the air as I watch many of you head to classes, stop by various administrative offices and interact with each other on the green outside my office (North College 202).

As I shared with many of you during our Giving Good Advice session hosted by the Academic Peer Advisors during orientation, I want you to consider three challenges this year:

  1. Be Engaged
  2. Be Open-Minded
  3. Be Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Continue to be engaged by participating in class discussions. Introduce yourself to your classmates and to other community members you see in the dining halls. Participate in all that Wesleyan has to offer academically and co-curricularly including the Student Involvement Fair this Friday 9/10 from 2pm – 5pm in the tent behind Usdan.

Be open-minded to new experiences both in and out of the classroom. Wesleyan’s open curriculum is perfect to explore courses in so many disciplines including disciplines that may not be your eventual major. You faculty advisor is an incredible resources for you. For peer support, our Academic Peer Advisors are also a great resource to help you explore various course options; they will host a series of workshops this fall focused on supporting you in your first year – more information to follow soon.

Be comfortable being uncomfortable. You are experiencing so much right now in your transition to Wesleyan; naturally, change can sometimes cause some discomfort. It’s important to recognize you are not alone in feeling this way. There are many resources on campus to support you in this transition including me as your Class Dean. While the transition may not be perfect or may not look like you expected it to, we grow significantly as individuals when we face challenges such as this one – you’re a Wesleyan student now and I am confident you will see much success during your time here and beyond!

I will send you emails and post blogs from time to time to check in. Some upcoming dates to keep in mind:

  • Writing at Wesleyan Workshop: Friday, 9/10 from 1pm – 2pm (Shapiro Center Patio)
  • Involvement Fest: Friday, 9/10 from 2pm to 5pm (tent behind Usdan)
  • Career Checklist – What To Know as A First Year: Tuesday 9/14 12 – 1pm (Olson Commons)
  • End of Drop/Add Period: Friday, 9/17
  • Grading Mode Decision: Friday, 10/1 by 5pm
  • Last day to withdraw from 1st quarter classes: Friday, 10/15
  • Fall Break: Saturday 10/23 – Tuesday 10/26
  • Homecoming & Family Weekend: Friday 10/29 – Sunday 10/31

Click here to review my contact information, schedule an appointment or to visit my in-person or zoom drop-in hours. I look forward to joining you on your Wesleyan journey!