Class Deans

Reminder: Last Day to Change Grading Mode – 4/28

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This is a friendly reminder that the last day to change the grading mode for courses with the student option is Wednesday, April 28th by 5pm, EST.

The deadline to withdraw from full-semester or 4th quarter courses is Wednesday, May 5th by 5pm, EST. Please see the details below for instructions.

Withdrawing from Courses

Some of you have already opted to withdraw from a course with a “W” on your academic history/transcript. A “W” is not punitive in nature; it just means you withdrew from a course after the drop/add deadline.

You may request to withdraw from a course by completing the withdrawal form and emailing it to me, your instructor, and your faculty advisor. I will not send forms to the Registrar for processing without hearing from your faculty advisor and instructor. Wednesday, May 5th by 5pm EST is the deadline to withdraw from full semester and/or 4th quarter courses. Check with your faculty advisor(s), Credit Analysis Report, and Gen Ed Report (where applicable) before you request to withdraw from any course.

Take care for now,

Dean Leathers

Notes from the Class Dean – 4/15

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Dear members of the class of 2021,

I hope this message finds you doing well. We’re entering the final month of the semester, and I know many of you are anxious for more information to help you prepare for what is to come. The following information should help you finish up required paperwork as we look towards the end of May. I anticipate that you will receive more announcements about commencement from university leadership sometime next week.

Major/Minor/Certificate Certification Forms

This is a final reminder to complete your major/minor/certificate certification forms if you haven’t already done so. You may access instructions here. Class Deans and the Registrar’s Office staff use information provided on these forms to help confirm whether graduation candidates will be cleared for their degrees at the end of the semester.

Honors Thesis Registration/Uploads

Honors candidates may upload their thesis submissions starting at 8:00am, EST on April 20th; the link for thesis submissions will close at 4:00pm, EST on April 21st.

Diploma Name and Address

This Sunday, April 18th is the deadline to submit the name that should be reflected on your diploma. Also submit the correct mailing address for the Registrar to send your diploma when it’s ready; you may submit this information through the Diploma Name and Address link in WesPortal as well. Note: undergraduate students will not receive their diplomas at commencement. The Registrar will mail diplomas for students who have completed all degree requirements and have been cleared to receive their diplomas (i.e. do not have any holds).

Diploma Holds

Students planning to graduate in May must have a student account in good standing to receive their diploma. Please contact the Student Accounts Office with questions. Additionally, eligible graduates with disciplinary holds will not receive their diplomas until those holds are removed. You may contact the Dean of Students Office with any questions.

Upon Completion Policy

I only had two students attend the Upon Completion Q & A I hosted on April 8th, and I didn’t receive many questions for the session. I’ll take that to mean that my clarifying email about the upon completion policy was helpful! You may access the content from that email here.

Change of Grading Mode

The Registrar sent out confirmation that the change of grading mode deadline is 5pm, EST, Thursday, April 28th. Remember, this change only impacts courses with the student option.

Withdrawing from Courses

Some of you have already opted to withdraw from a course with a “W” on your academic history/transcript. A “W” is not punitive in nature; it just means you withdrew from a course after the drop/add deadline.

You may request to withdraw from a course by completing the withdrawal form and emailing it to me, your instructor, and your faculty advisor. I will not send forms to the Registrar for processing without hearing from your faculty advisor and instructor. Wednesday, May 5th by 5pm EST is the deadline to withdraw from full semester and/or 4th quarter courses. Check with your faculty advisor(s), Credit Analysis Report, and Gen Ed Report (where applicable) before you request to withdraw from any courses.

2021 Commencement Regalia Updates

  • Pre-ordered caps and gowns will not be delivered to the WRJJ Bookstore until mid-May.
  • You must call Oak Hall (not the bookstore) if you wish to make a change to your order: 800-456-7623. Please tell Oak Hall that you are a Wesleyan University student from Middletown, CT and need to make a change. You’ll need to give them your order number.

Don’t forget the following resources for the final stretch of the semester:

Academic Peer Advisors (APAs)

Accessibility Services

CAPS (remember CAPS offers an after-hours service you may access with the same phone number for business hours: 860-685-2910)

Digital Learning Resources

Gordon Career Center (Check out Cardinals Helping Cardinals)

Math Workshop

Office of Religious & Spiritual Life

Peer Tutoring

Scientific Computing and Informatics Center (SCIC)

Student Academic Resources including Academic Support Services

WesNest (see WesPortal)

WesWell

Writing Workshop

Take gentle care,
Dean Leathers

Job Searching During a Pandemic: Alumni Panel Discussion – Tomorrow, 4/6

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Learn from Wes 2020 grads about finding a job and transitioning to post-grad life during the pandemic. Join us on Tuesday for a virtual panel conversation between current seniors and recent alumni.
Job Searching During a Pandemic: Alumni Panel Discussion

Tue, Apr 6 7:00 pm EDT – 8:00 pm EDT

https://wesleyan.joinhandshake.com/events/731196

Panelists:

  • Maya Bernstein-Schalet ‘20, Journalist, Heritage Radio Network/Researcher, Belly of the Best
  • Sherly Francois ’20, Management Development Program, McMaster-Carr
  • Lucine Poturyan ’20, Conflicts Analyst, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
  • Zack Hersh ‘20, Legislative Aide, Colorado House of Representatives

Moderated by the GCC’s senior Peer Career Advisors Esme Lytle ’21, Brendan Joyce ’21, and Phillip Wong ’21.

Job Searching During a Pandemic: Alumni Panel Discussion – 4/6

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Tuesday, April 6, 2021 7:00pm – 8:00pm EDT

Join us for a virtual panel discussion with members of Wesleyan’s Class of 2020. Learn from their experiences job hunting and transitioning to post-grad life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Connect with current students and recent alumni to share stories, ask questions, and share advice for navigating the months ahead.

Panelists:
Maya Bernstein-Schalet ’20, Anthropology/Civic Engagement Certificate
Journalist, Heritage Radio Network
Researcher, Belly of the Best
Brooklyn, NY

Sherly Francois ’20, Psychology/African American Studies
Management Development Program, McMaster-Carr
Atlanta, GA

Lucine Poturyan ’20, Government/Russian
Data Analysis Minor Conflicts Analyst, Wood Smith Henning & Berman LLP
Los Angeles, CA

Zack Hersh ’20, American Studies
Legislative Aide, Colorado House of Representatives
Denver, CO

Student Moderators:
Esme Lylte ’21
Phillip Wong ’21
Brendan Joyce ’21

Co-sponsored by Gordon Career Center and Dean’s Office

Contact information:
Rachel Munafo

Notes from the Class Dean – 3/17

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Dear Members of the Class of 2021,

As always, I hope this email finds you doing well. I also want to congratulate you on getting to this point in your college careers. Progress doesn’t always come easy, but it’s definitely hard-fought when a global pandemic is raging in the background. Be proud of your determination and the ways that you have shown care and concern for your studies, each other, the greater Wesleyan community, and the many other communities you love and support. And as challenging as it may be, don’t forget to take a moment to relish this time during your journey.

Many of you still have questions about commencement, among a host of other things, and I will try my best to pass along information as I receive it. What follows are updates and reminders for the next few weeks.

Commencement

As of now, I don’t have any news confirming whether remote students and/or December/January completers will be allowed to participate in any in-person commencement activities . University leadership plans to communicate updates about commencement later this month. Additionally, the 2021 Reunion & Commencement website will be updated with more information as it is made available.

Ordering Regalia Online – New Deadline is March 31st

Students will have until March 31st to place their orders for regalia. You may contact Wesleyan’s RJ Julia’s Bookstore at (860) 685-3939 with any questions about this process, including receiving/picking up your orders.

Major/Minor Certification Forms

The deadline to submit your major/minor certification forms is this Friday, March 19th. You’re welcome to reach out to me, Susan Krajewski, and your faculty advisor with questions. We still have a little time to address errors in the forms after that deadline. 

Spring Break

Spring Break is Tuesday, March 23rd and Wednesday, March 24th. Try to create margin for yourselves now so you can relax a little next week and work to finish up the semester in the weeks to come. Strive for balance as best you can. Of course, many of us will miss having two weeks to catch our breath, but I encourage you to make the very best of those two days off as permitted by our campus protocols. They’re hard-earned!

4th Quarter Drop/Add

The drop/add period for the 4th quarter begins on Thursday, March 25th. However, you may submit 4th quarter drop/add requests in advance by completing the 2nd/4th Drop/Add Form and emailing it to me, your instructor, and your faculty advisor. I will not send forms to the Registrar for processing without hearing from your faculty advisor and instructor. Additionally, 4th quarter classes may be added or dropped during the five working days following the first class meeting.

Honors Thesis Deadline

The honors thesis deadline is 4pm, EST, Wednesday, April 21st. All honors candidates are required to submit their thesis or essay in PDF format for binding, through WesPortal. Please contact your department for additional instructions.

Change of Grading Mode

The Registrar sent out confirmation that the change of grading mode deadline is now 5pm, EST, Thursday, April 28th. Remember, this change only impacts courses with the student option.

Withdrawing from Courses

Some of you have already opted to withdraw from a course with a “W” on your academic history/transcript. A “W” is not punitive in nature; it just means you withdrew from a course after the drop/add deadline.

You may request to withdraw from a course by completing the withdrawal form and emailing it to me, your instructor, and your faculty advisor. I will not send forms to the Registrar for processing without hearing from your faculty advisor and instructor. Wednesday, May 5th is the last day to withdraw from full semester and/or 4th quarter courses.

Finishing Well

We’re all dealing with a tremendous amount of stress right now, and we’re not done. Pace yourself, and remember that you still have access to tools and resources to help you complete your degree. Endeavor to finish well, but at the end of the day it may not matter whether you sprint, skip, walk or crawl over the finish line. Finishing is a win. 😊

Don’t forget the following resources for the final stretch:

Academic Peer Advisors (APAs)

Accessibility Services

CAPS (remember CAPS offers an after-hours service you may access with the same phone number for business hours: 860-685-2910)

Digital Learning Resources

Gordon Career Center (Check out Cardinals Helping Cardinals)

Math Workshop

Office of Religious & Spiritual Life

Peer Tutoring

Scientific Computing and Informatics Center (SCIC)

Student Academic Resources including Academic Support Services

WesNest (see WesPortal)

WesWell

Writing Workshop

Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. I may be delayed in my response as we head into the 4th quarter drop/add period,  but I will respond.

 

All my best,

Dean Leathers

Class of 2021 Blog | Appointments

Keep Wes Safe: https://www.wesleyan.edu/keep-wes-safe/

 

Notes from the Class Dean – 2/8

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Good afternoon!

I’m writing to clear up some confusion over where to find the “Enroll Me” button in WesPortal. There doesn’t appear to be a yellow banner with the information like there was last semester. Instead, you should be able to find the “Enroll Me” link under your “My Information” tab in WesPortal.

Additionally, everyone must be registered for at least 3.0 credits by the end of the drop/add period (February 22nd) to be considered full-time. Every student is required to maintain full-time enrollment so they are not withdrawn from the semester. The only exemptions are students approved for per-credit status with the completion of their thesis projects this spring.

Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions. My response time is a little slower than usual, but I will respond!

Take gentle care,

Dean Leathers

Notes from the Class Dean – 2/5

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Dear members of the Class of 2021,

I hope that all of you have taken the time to rest and enjoy winter break. Classes begin on Tuesday, February 9th, and I’m writing to follow up with some additional information/resources to help you start the semester well and successfully complete the drop/add period. You may also access this message on our class blog.

Enrollment

Starting on Saturday, February 6th you are required to enroll in the University. To enroll, login to WesPortal, click through the yellow alert banner at the top of the page, then click on the “Enroll Me” button. Please be aware that you will not be able to participate in drop/add until you have enrolled in the University. You must enroll in the University by Monday, February 22nd, at 11:59pm, EDT. You must do this regardless of whether you will attend classes in-person or remotely this spring.

In addition to enrolling, you must resolve any holds in your list of Action Items. To access your list, go to:

WesPortal > Enrollment Checklist & Addresses > Hold/Enroll

Instruction(s) on how to resolve each action item are provided on the page. Many action items can be resolved with a simple click of the mouse.

All action items must be resolved within the first week of classes. Please be aware that you will still be able to participate in drop/add even if you have unresolved action items (as long as you have already enrolled in the University using the “Enroll Me” button).

Change of Grading Mode

The last day to change the grading mode for courses with the Student Option is Tuesday, March 2nd by 5pm, EDT.

Digital Learning Tips for Classes and Drop/Add

Remember there are resources to help you navigate our online and hybrid learning environments. You may access a set of tips and resources to navigate the upcoming drop/add period and online learning through our class blog.

COVID-19 Campus Protocol for Students on Remote Study Status & Leaves of Absence

Students on remote study status are not permitted to visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester. This includes attending in-person classes, events, practices, meetings or visiting with students on campus, etc.

Students on medical, academic or non-academic leave must also adhere to the COVID-19 mitigation protocol to not visit campus for any reason during the Spring 2021 semester.

Additionally, the state of CT has a mandatory quarantine order in place for those traveling to any part of CT from other states on their list. You may access that information here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.

Senior Paperwork & Resources

I will begin sending reminders within the next few weeks to help you prepare to finish your last semester at Wes.

Please review the resources to help you prepare for completing your last semester and graduation. You may access the Senior Packet and more useful information on our class blog.

As of now, you should review your Credit Analysis Report, General Education Report, and Major/Minor Certification Forms in WesPortal. You may have already received an email from me about oversubscription. You may access more information about this here.

Check to make sure your full legal name is spelled correctly for your diploma. You may access information on how to confirm your diploma name here.

Additionally, don’t forget about programs and services offered by Gordon Career Center and the Cardinals Helping Cardinals program.

Commencement 2021

Commencement is scheduled for May 30th. Additional details about the format (e.g. in-person and/or virtual) will be available later this spring.

Class Dean Office/Appointment Hours

I am still working remotely until further notice, but I am accessible through email, appointment hours, etc. I will continue to conduct appointments through Zoom or Google Meeting, and my calendar is available through the following link for the duration of the Spring 2021 semester: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Last year was difficult for so many of us, and we’re clearly not out of the woods yet. I’m hopeful for what is in store for us this year. And while uncertainty appears to be a hallmark of our present time, the love and care that we show for one another can be as well.

I wish you a wonderful start to spring classes, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns moving forward.

All my best,

Dean Leathers

Senior Packet 2021: Preparing for Graduation

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Greetings Class of 2021!

This post contains important information about the graduation process and Wesleyan’s graduation requirements. As you continue to choose courses and build a program of study for the rest of your senior year, it is essential that you know exactly where you stand in terms of fulfilling Wesleyan’s graduation requirements so that everything goes smoothly when degree certification takes place in the spring. Students completing their degrees this fall have already addressed or accessed much of the information provided here. Please review the contents carefully and contact Dean Leathers immediately (tleathers@wesleyan.edu) if you have any questions or concerns.

Graduation does not just happen; you must make it happen! It is important that you fully understand Wesleyan’s graduation requirements and that you are able to interpret your academic record in light of these requirements. Remember, you are responsible for your own graduation and must fulfill all graduation requirements by the end of the Spring 2021 semester in order to earn your diploma.

  • Preparing for Graduation: This explains Wesleyan’s graduation requirements, the Major Certification Form, the Credit Analysis Report, oversubscription, December Completion, and honors.  Read it!
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the Senior Year: Answers to common questions about graduation requirements and the graduation process.
  • Academic History: Can be found in your WesPortal in the “Student Toolbox–>Academics” bucket.
  • Major Certification Form: Used to identify and track the courses you have taken and will be taking to complete your major, must be approved by an authorized advisor in your major department. Can be found in WesPortal in the “Student Toolbox–>Academics” bucket.
  • Credit Analysis Report: Reviews your academic record in light of oversubscription and monitors your progress towards meeting graduation requirements. Can be found in WesPortal in the “Student Toolbox–>Academics” bucket.
  • General Education Report: Reviews the courses taken and applied towards General Education expectations. Can be found in WesPortal in the “Student Toolbox–>Academics” bucket.
  • Honors and Thesis Information: Deadlines and other important information for students undertaking honors theses.

-Dean Leathers

Notes from the Class Dean – 8/30

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Dear members of the Class of 2021,

I hope that all of you are well and settling into your plans for the fall semester. Classes begin tomorrow, Monday, August 31st, and I’m writing to follow up with some additional information/resources to help you start the semester well and successfully complete the drop/add period.

Digital Learning Tips for Classes and Drop/Add

Attached is a set of tips to help you navigate the remainder of the drop/add period, along with digital learning resources. You may also access this information through our class blog.

Refunds (RCF refunds and transitioning to remote study status)

Students have asked about RCF refunds with any transition to remote study moving forward. Remote study status entails pursuing courses entirely online from outside of campus, Middletown, CT (and the U.S. if a student is studying at Wesleyan on an F-1 visa).

Please see the note below from Student Accounts:

“[Student Accounts] will refund the RCF in full for any students who update their enrollment status to Remote (i.e. all online coursework, not living on campus or commuting to campus] during the drop/add period who have not moved into on-campus housing. Those who do move into on-campus housing and then decide to leave and finish the semester as a Remote student will be eligible for a prorated RCF adjustment based on their change of status date/date they leave housing and meal plan usage.”

COVID-19 Campus Protocol for Students on Remote Study Status & Leaves of Absence

Students on remote study status are not permitted to visit campus for any reason during the Fall 2020 semester. This includes attending in-person classes, events, meeting or visiting with students on campus, etc.

Students on medical, academic or non-academic leave must also adhere to the COVID-19 mitigation protocol to not visit campus for any reason during the Fall 2020 semester.

Additionally, the state of CT has a mandatory quarantine order in place for those traveling to any part of CT from other states on their list. You may access that information here: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus/travel.

Honors Thesis Tutorial Registration

Some of you have asked how to submit your thesis tutorial form for registration. You may do this online through the end of the drop/add period. Instructions on how to submit the appropriate form online can be accessed on our class blog here.

Class Dean Office/Appointment Hours

I am working remotely until further notice, but I am still accessible through email, appointment hours, etc. I will continue to conduct appointments through Google Meeting and Zoom, and my calendar is available through the following link for the duration of the Fall 2020 semester: https://tinyurl.com/deanleathers. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Academic Programming/Support Suggestions

I plan to offer a brief survey for you to make recommendations for academic programming that will suit your needs this fall. Details are forthcoming!

This year has challenged us all in myriad ways, but I’m heartened by the conversations I’ve had with so many of you and I’m hopeful for the days to come. I wish you a wonderful start to fall classes, and do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns moving forward.

 

All my best,

Dean Leathers

Notes from the Class Dean – 8/24/20

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Greetings!

I hope this message finds you doing well and getting ready for the start of a new academic year. So many emails are swirling around, and I hate to add to the wave of messages you’ve already received, but I have some reminders and updates that may be useful as you prepare to begin the Fall 2020 semester.

Requests for Remote Study and Leaves of Absence

I am still processing requests for remote study and leaves of absence. Please be mindful of prorated charges for room, board, and related fees if you spend any time on campus between August 24th and August 30th. You may incur additional prorated charges as outlined on the Student Accounts website if you request to pursue either of these options starting on August 31st. Please contact Student Accounts for more details.

Requests to Pursue Remote Study

You may email me directly if you want to pursue remote study (i.e. remote status) for the Fall 2020 semester. Note: remote study status is defined as attending courses entirely online from home or another location outside of the Wesleyan campus, Middletown, CT and the U.S. (if the student has been granted an F-1 visa to study at Wesleyan). Additionally, students who are placed on “remote status” will not be permitted to visit campus at any point during the Fall 2020 semester.

In light of this, remember to confirm where you plan to study remotely when you email me a request to pursue this option.

Leaves of Absence

You may access more information about taking a leave of absence here. You should speak with your faculty advisor(s), OISA if you’re an international student, and financial aid, if applicable. I’m also happy to speak with you about any plans you have to take leave; feel free to schedule an appointment.

Note that you need to submit an official request for leave through WesPortal before I can move forward with finalizing your plans to take time off this fall. Additionally, I can still process non-medical leave until September 11th (i.e. the end of the drop/add period), but you may still be responsible for prorated charges for tuition, room, and board.

Enrollment

Starting on Sunday, August 24, at 8:30 a.m. EDT you are required to enroll in the University. To enroll, login to WesPortal, click through the yellow alert banner at the top of the page, then click on the “Enroll Me” button. Please be aware that you will not be able to participate in drop/add until you have enrolled in the University. You must enroll in the University by Friday, September 11, at 5:00p.m. You must do this regardless of whether you will attend classes in-person or remotely this fall.

In addition to enrolling, you must resolve any holds in your list of Action Items. To access your list, go to:

WesPortal > Enrollment Checklist & Addresses > Hold/Enroll

Instruction on how to resolve each action item are provided on the page. Many action items can be resolved with a simple click of the mouse.

All action items must be resolved by Friday, September 4, at 5:00 p.m. EDT. Please be aware that you will still be able to participate in drop/add even if you have unresolved action items (as long as you have already enrolled in the University using the “Enroll Me” button).

Academic Preparation

Please consult with your faculty advisors if you have any questions about requirements for your major/minors/certificate programs. You’re welcome to get on my schedule with any questions about general requirements for your degree and resources to help you successfully complete the fall semester. Remember, your Credit Analysis Report (CAR) and GenEd Report are also useful tools to help you plan for this academic year. You may access both reports through WesPortal.

Drop/Add

The drop/add period begins today, Monday, August 24th, and runs through Friday, September 11th. Classes begin next Monday, August 31st, so you have a full week to modify your schedule before you start attending your courses. Continue to submit your POI requests, and contact those instructors about getting access to the first session of any classes in which you are not currently enrolled.

Move-In and the Community Agreement

Please adhere to the guidelines communicated to you concerning move-in; the Community Agreement and coordinating Moodle;  and COVID-19 testing. Kieran Duffy of Residential Life sent an email on August 21st to help students prepare for moving in this week. I reposted it on our class blog for your convenience.  You may access it here.

Additionally, I just received the following update from Dean Whaley as it relates to the Community Agreement/Moodle:

“The Moodle has been reopened until classes begin so students can complete it at their convenience.  It will speed up the check-in process if they complete it and acknowledge the associated code of conduct prior to arrival.  If they do not have the chance to complete this prior to arrival, Res Life will have paper copies for them to review and sign when they pick up their keys.”

Honors/Thesis Information

Please see the email I sent earlier today with the attached letter containing critical deadlines and important information for students pursuing thesis work this academic year.

Welcome back, and I will be in touch again soon!

 

Take gentle care,

Dean Leathers