Month: March 2020

Preparing for Your Thesis Virtual Info Session – This Friday (4/3/20)

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Preparing for Your Thesis Virtual Info Session

Friday, April 3, 2020, 3pm – 4pm, EST

Join representatives from the faculty, Office of the Registrar, Olin Library, the Institutional Review Board (IRB), and the Office of Academic Advancement/Class Deans to discuss how to prepare for pursuing a thesis next academic year.

The info session will be offered online through Zoom, and you will be emailed the session access information after you submit your RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/westhesis.

We understand not every student interested in the session will be available to participate at the designated time. The session will be recorded and posted online for students to access before the end of the semester.

You may contact Dean Leathers at tleathers@wesleyan.edu if you have any questions or concerns about your RSVP and/or the scheduled session.

We look forward to hosting you on April 3rd!

Dean Leathers

 

Notes from Your Class Dean – 3/26/20

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Good evening,

I hope you and your loved ones are doing well. I also wanted to take this time to check in, especially since we’re rounding the bases on our first week of distance learning and virtual Wesleyan life.

Some of you have reached out already with concerns about navigating challenging dynamics at home. Others have contacted me with requests to modify their class schedules. And a few of you have expressed concerns about completing the semester while navigating an unfamiliar, virtual landscape. No matter what, keep reaching out! None of us signed on for this, but I want to encourage you as I encourage myself to take things step-by-step and day-by-day.

While many of us no longer have unfettered access to all the people and communities we hold dear, that doesn’t mean we can’t continue to make important connections. FaceTime and Netflix/Amazon/Hulu/Peacock/YouTube/Disney+ (lest I leave out any streaming giant), or pick up the phone and call/text someone. Find new ways to maintain the networks that have been your support. I’m happy to speak with anyone about what I’ve been doing to live beyond my keyboard and touchscreens. None of my approaches are groundbreaking, and most of them don’t feel as satisfying or as cathartic as giving my little sister a hug or eating out with one of my closest friends. Even so, they’re getting me through this.

What follows is a short listing of important academic updates and resources for your review. I’ve provided a link to the Spring 2020-specific  Student Academic Resources (SAR) website where there is useful information to help you complete the semester successfully. Please note, peer advisors, course tutors, and Accessibility Services are still available to work with you.

Additionally, I invite you to keep the lines of communication open with me and your professors. Don’t hesitate to schedule a half-hour appointment or a 20-minute drop-in with me to discuss any issues or concerns; you may do so through the following link: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers.

IMPORTANT UPDATES/RESOURCES

Credit/No Credit (CR/U) Process

Students will be allowed to move from letter grades to CR/U grading simply by notifying their professors by the last day of classes, Wednesday, May 6. Please note: all departments and minors will accept CR/U credits this semester towards their majors/minors.

Revised Timeline for Spring 2020 Pre-Registration

The university has revised the timeline for pre-registration for the Fall 2020 semester:

Planning: April 7 – 20
Scheduling: April 21
Adjustment:  April 22 – 28

The new dates for the planning period overlap with Passover. Please let me know if you have concerns about your ability to participate in academic planning during that time frame.

Fourth (4th) Quarter Drop/Add Process

The deadline to add or drop a fourth (4th) quarter course is five (5) business days from the first class meeting. You may access the 2nd/4th quarter drop/add form through the following link: https://www.wesleyan.edu/registrar/forms/DropAddForm_2nd4thQuarter.pdf

To submit your request, download the form and complete the top portion digitally (you may do this without access to a scanner as the form is now writeable). Once you have done so, forward the form to me, your course instructor, and your faculty advisor(s). If you cannot download the form, please email me (tleathers@wesleyan.edu), and I will walk you through an alternative process to submit your request.

A full listing of current, 4th quarter classes can be accessed here.

Tips for Learning in a Digital Environment

The following link provides access to resources to help you with the transition to distance learning: https://www.wesleyan.edu/sar/Spring2020.html.

Many thanks to those of you who have reached out for support and those who have given their peers support as well. I also want to give a big thank you to those of you who have wished me and my family well. Please continue to look after each other.

 

Take gentle care,
Dean Leathers

 

 

Spring 2020 Fourth (4th) Quarter Classes – Full Listing

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Subject Catalog Section Description Instructor Meeting Schedule Cap Enrl Total Enroll
CSPL  262 01 Intro to Soc Entrepreneurship Kingsley,Makaela Jane …..F. 01:20PM-03:20PM, Loc:ALLB103 30 26
CSS  320 02 Jr Tut: China in Global Econ Bonin,John P. …..F. 02:00PM-04:00PM, Loc:PAC421 10 6
CSS  330 02 Jr Gov Tut: Global Trends Rutland,Peter …..F. 02:00PM-04:00PM, Loc:PAC422 10 10
CSS  340 02 Jr Hist Tut: Bombings of Japan Johnston,William D. ….R.. 02:00PM-04:00PM, Loc:PAC421 10 13
E&ES  195 01 Sophomore Field Course Ku,Timothy C.W. …..F. 01:20PM-04:10PM, Loc:SCIE405 25 14
PHED  102 01 Tennis, Intermediate Fried,Michael A .M.W.F. 10:50AM-11:40AM 15 14
PHED  104 01 Golf Potter,Christopher J. ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM 12 18
PHED  106 02 Fitness, Beginning Black,Drew .M.W.F. 08:50AM-09:40AM 19 19
PHED  107 01 Inner Game of Golf Woodworth,Mark A. ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM 12 6
PHED  118 03 Strength Training, Intro Mullen,Kate .M.W.F. 09:50AM-10:40AM 19 13
PHED  118 04 Strength Training, Intro Reilly,Joseph P. .M.W.F. 01:20PM-02:10PM 19 10
PHED  119 02 Strength Training, Advanced Mullen,Kate .M.W.F. 10:50AM-11:40AM 19 11
PHED  123 01 Lifeguard Training Solomon,Peter Gordon ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM 10 4
PHED  138 02 Indoor Cycling McKenna,Jodi .M.W.F. 08:50AM-09:40AM 19 12
PHED  139 01 Running for Fitness Reilly,Joseph P. .M.W.F. 08:50AM-09:40AM 12 9
PHED  140 01 Racketlon Kerr,Shona ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM 16 15
PHED  155 01 Plyometric Training DiCenzo,Daniel A .M.W.F. 08:50AM-09:40AM 19 18
PHED  157 01 Pickleball Meredith,Eva Bergsten ..T.R.. 01:20PM-02:40PM 19 11
PHED  159 01 Cross Training Fitness Black,Drew ..T.R.. 10:20AM-11:40AM 19 18
QAC  154 01 Working with MATLAB Thayer,Kelly Marie …W… 07:10PM-10:00PM, Loc:ALLB204 19 19
QAC  155 01 Working with Python Oleinikov,Pavel V .M….. 07:10PM-10:00PM, Loc:ALLB204 19 28
QAC  156 01 Working with R Kaparakis,Emmanuel I. ..T…. 07:10PM-10:00PM, Loc:ALLB204 19 28
QAC  311 01 Longitudinal Data Analysis Kaparakis,Emmanuel I. .M.W… 01:20PM-02:40PM, Loc:ALLB204 16 23

Listening Circle: Check-In. Connect. Process on 3/24

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Listening Circle: Check-In. Connect. Process
Learn spiritual strategies to support yourself and others during these perplexing times. Facilitated by Rabbi David. For more info contact dleipziger@wesleyan.edu. For Wesleyan students.
Time: Tuesday, Mar 24, 2020, 12:30- 1 PM Eastern Time 
(US and Canada) Via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 462 356 2192

Notes from Your Class Dean: Working Together for the Remainder of Spring 2020

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Greetings!

I hope this message finds you well as I know we are all living in strange and challenging times. Even so, I am hopeful that we will get through this together. In the spirit of hope and action, I have outlined my plans to support you in the days and weeks ahead.

Emails & Other Communication

You’re probably inundated with emails right now, and I promise that I will try my best only to send emails that apply to the majority of students in the Class of 2021. Additionally, I encourage you to check the Class of 2021 blog for other useful updates and information from different campus units. My hope is that the junior class blog will be a hub for information and resources that support you for the immediate future and beyond.

Email is the quickest way for me to get in touch with all of you, and for you to get in touch with me, but I’m open to other platforms that will help me to communicate effectively and efficiently as well (e.g. Moodle, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok). Don’t hesitate to forward along any suggestions you have! Sadly, I can’t promise I will pursue every recommendation, but any suggestion you send me will get a fair and thoughtful review.

Office Hours & One-on-One Meetings

Given that Wesleyan is implementing a distance learning model for the remainder the semester and in an effort to improve and maintain my own health, I am no longer hosting in-person drop-in hours or appointments for this academic year. However, I’m still working and accessible.

Moving forward, I will host 30-minute, virtual meetings by appointment, and I will resume my drop-in hours on a virtual platform starting March 23rd continuing through the end of the semester. Please bear with me as I pursue virtual options to meet the needs of students in the junior class.

You may schedule appointments and drop-ins through my Google calendar: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers

All of my drop-ins and appointments will provide captions to make them more accessible and they will be hosted through Google Hangouts Meet until further notice. Additionally, all times listed are based on Eastern Standard Time (EST).

There’s no doubt in my mind that we’ll hit some bumps in the road (slow internet connectivity; delayed appointments for one reason or another; beloved siblings/children, pets or other sounds of life distracting us in the background, etc.), but I am dedicated to working through the challenges ahead to assist you as best as I can. Given that, I ask for a little grace during this season and I will be sure to extend it to you in kind.

Info Sessions & Workshops

My colleagues and I are putting our heads and resources together to offer virtual content we either initially planned to offer in person sometime this semester or have identified as a useful resource given our new normal.

On tap is a collaborative session on preparing for a thesis and the honors process, and I’ve started talks with a colleague about offering a session to give students a more robust introduction to the Zoom app/platform. Details on both are forthcoming!

I’m not sure what the future holds, but I will continue doing my best to provide you all with guidance and support as long as I serve as your class dean.

Please be safe, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns moving forward.

Take gentle care,

Dean Leathers

Services for New Week and Beyond 3/20

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Dear Students,

As we all struggle to get used to Wesleyan in a distance-learning mode, we in Student Affairs wanted to provide you with an online resource guide detailing services and supports that will still be available regardless of whether you are near or far in the coming weeks.

Wishing you safe travels, good health and successful transitions.  As always, let us know how we can help.  Go Wes!

Warmly,

Dean Mike

 

Senior Interviewer Positions with Admissions – Applications Due 4/1

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The Senior Interviewer position is a professional internship with the Office of Admission. We seek mature and responsible candidates with the ability to represent Wesleyan honestly, enthusiastically, and articulately.

The position is open to all members of the Class of 2021 in good standing.

You may access more information about the position here.

 

 

Update on Global Coronavirus Emergency – 3/4/20

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To the campus community:

As our campus looks forward to spring break, we are writing again with an update on the global coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We plan to provide regular updates going forward until the situation stabilizes. We have also created a new website with the latest information about the virus for the Wesleyan community, along with an FAQ addressing common questions and concerns, and links to other resources.

To date, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of COVID-19 at Wesleyan or in Connecticut. As the virus continues to spread through the U.S. and the rest of the world, the Wesleyan Emergency Response Team is actively managing our readiness and response to the epidemic. Health and safety continue to be the University’s top priority.

We are also closely monitoring the situation in countries around the globe. Earlier this week, we made a decision to close our study-abroad program in Bologna, Italy. Students in the program are instructed to return to their homes, and we’ve asked them not to visit campus until after spring break. Classes in the program will be offered online for the remainder of the semester. Students in several independent Wesleyan-approved programs in South Korea have also been sent home.

As many students prepare to leave campus over break, we urge everyone to make informed and thoughtful decisions about travel in consultation with their families. Wesleyan has made a recommendation that faculty, staff, and students should not travel internationally at this time. The Centers for Disease Control’s informative website contains resources to track COVID-19 cases by geography, advice for avoiding illness, and much more.

We are asking all faculty, staff, and students to register any travel beyond Connecticut—domestic or international—on this form.

As a reminder, Wesleyan’s campus will remain open over spring break. Students are permitted to remain in residences, and dining service and other supports will be available.

As always, no matter where you are in the world, please take common sense measures to stay healthy, such as washing hands and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

We will continue to communicate regular updates to the campus. If you have questions about services over spring break, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at (860) 685-2772. Questions about study abroad can be directed to Associate Director of Study Abroad, Emily Gorlewski, at egorlewski@wesleyan.edu.

Rob Rosenthal, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Mike Whaley, Vice President for Student Affairs