Dean Families,
We are nearing the midpoint in the semester which has many bright aspects, including the daylight we will gain this coming weekend. We also know that world events are top of mind and we are following developments closely and are in close communication with local and federal agencies. Below is an email that was sent to students on Friday and we will update as necessary. We do hope that everyone will have a chance to relax and enjoy some down time during the break as students ready for the second half of the semester. As you discuss midterm grades with your student remind them of the plethora of resources, some detailed in this communication, that are always at the ready to provide great support, skill building and positive reinforcement! The following details some important highlights, events and dates coming up in Bulldog Nation. Go Bulldogs!
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Dave Drucker
Assistant Vice President,
Student Life & Dean of Students
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Coronavirus Update: Below is an email that was sent to all students
Dean College takes the health, safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff very seriously. We are closely monitoring developments in the situation pertaining to
Coronavirus (COVID-19), following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the U.S. Department of State, and the World H
ealth Organization.
As a precautionary measure, we would ask that those students traveling outside of the United States for spring break to please make us aware. Please email Dave Drucker, Dean of Students at
[email protected]
with your travel destination(s).
Additionally, any student that chooses to cancel their
international travel
for Spring Break will receive
no housing charge
for remaining on campus. Please note, however, that the Smith Dining Center is closed during spring break. Students remaining on campus during spring break must visit the Office of Residence Life in Chapman House by Wednesday, March 4
th
.
As has been reported, COVID-19 presents with similar symptoms as the flu such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. We encourage all students to practice healthy behaviors recommended during any cold and flu season:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- If traveling by plane or public transit, sanitize seat, armrests and tray with disinfecting wipes.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Seek medical care if you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Get adequate rest.
- Stay well-hydrated.
To assist with cleaning surfaces prior to spring break, we will provide all resident students with a few disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces in your room. These will be placed under your door Tuesday evening. Always best to have basic cleaning supplies on hand, so consider purchasing those items over the break if possible. Your Resident Directors are a great resource for guidance on keeping your rooms clean throughout the academic year!
While the current risk level in Massachusetts remains low and we have no reported cases on campus, the College will continue to provide updates as needed and take proactive measures regarding cleaning and additional safety measures.
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Fall Registration
Fall course registration starts Tuesday, April 7
th
. Students will receive an email from their Success and Career Advisor after spring break with registration instructions. Please encourage your student to follow up with their advisor! Students are required to clear any ‘holds’ on their account such as missing health forms, outstanding balance, etc., to prevent delays with registration. For additional questions and information regarding the registration process, students should visit the Robbins Family Center for Advising & Career Planning.
Dean Career Advantage Workshop Series
The Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning continues to put on workshops helping to prepare students for what’s next! In April, your student can look forward to sessions on conflict management, workplace etiquette, and resume basics. Encourage them to be on the lookout for more details!
Study Lab in the Morton Family Learning Center
Did you know that the Morton Family Learning Center offers daily Study Labs for all students? Study Lab is a quiet space for students to study, staffed by a Learning Center staff member who has the ability to coordinate professional and peer tutoring services for students as needed.
Study Lab in the Library - LLC 214
Sunday-Thursday, 7:00-9:30 pm; and Monday-Friday, 3:30-5:30 pm
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Housing Selection for 2020- 2021
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That time of year is drawing near…. Housing Selection for Fall 2020! Housing Selection information has been available since February and students have received information about completing their housing application and paying their deposit. Make sure to check in with your student to ensure they have completed these steps. The Housing Booklet is available for students on Today@Dean. Selection will begin the week of March 23
rd
.
Please have your student visit their Resident Director or Chapman House, home to the Office of Residence Life, with any questions.
Remember, for students to be eligible for Housing Selection, they will need to
1) Pay their deposit of $250 to the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services by Monday March 16
th
(located in Dean Hall)
2) Clear any holds that may be on their account with Student Financial Planning and Services
3) Complete the MyHousing Application.
Students are reminded that unless approved by the Office of Residence Life to change to commuter status, they must live on campus as housing is guaranteed for four years.
Commuter students must live with immediate family or an approved guardian confirmed by the Office of Residence Life or they will be in violation of the housing policy and, consequently, may be charged for college housing.
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Financial Planning for 2020 - 2021
Reminder - If you plan to apply for financial aid for the 20-21 academic year, we recommend that you complete the FAFSA
as soon as possible
at
www.fafsa.gov
so we can provide you with a financial aid award before the end of the spring term. Dean College’s school code is 002144. Please contact the Center for Student Financial Planning with any questions at 508.541.1518 or email them at
[email protected]
.
Enrollment Deposit
Prior to participating in Housing Selection and Fall Registration, students must pay a $250 deposit by March 16
th
. The fee will be credited toward your Fall 2020 tuition bill. The fee can be paid online at
https://dean.afford.com/PPT/MakeAPayment
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154th Commencement Exercises Saturday, May 9th
RAIN OR SHINE!
For more details about Commencement please visit our website:
www.dean.edu/commencement
.
The website
will continuously be updated with details leading up to and through the graduation ceremony.
Important Information:
- Ordering Caps and Gowns:
Students can go to
www.buildagrad.com/dean
to place their order.
Deadline is March 27, 2020.
- Applying to Graduate
: Instructions are available on Today@Dean within the Office of the Registrar/Student Documents.
Deadline is April 1, 2020.
- Picking up Caps and Gowns*
: Wednesday, April 22
nd
from 2pm – 6pm and Thursday, April 23
rd
from 3pm – 7pm outside the Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning in the Campus Center.
* If your student forgot to order his/her cap and gown online, have them visit the Advising Center during the cap and gown pick up times and vendors will work with your student to receive their regalia.
Commencement Reception for Graduates and Families
:
Friday, May 8
th
from 7:00pm – 8:00pm. Dean College will hold a reception in the Campus Center for graduates and their families. Information regarding registering for this event will be sent out via email in the coming weeks.
Are you
looking for a lasting Commencement gift
for your graduating student? Honor your graduate’s time at Dean by purchasing:
You can also donate to Dean in honor of your soon-to-be graduate by visiting
www.dean.edu/give
.
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Graduation Days Event for Students
Thursday, May 7
th
Remind your soon to be graduate to mark their calendar for Thursday, May 7
th
! This student event kicks off graduation weekend and will include a special dinner in the Dining Center followed by a moonlight Boston Harbor Cruise. This is a free event for students with a cash bar for those 21+. Graduates will receive notification in the coming weeks about signing up for this terrific event. More to come on the full list of Commencement festivities in the coming weeks!
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Thinking about earning an Advanced Degree?
Interested in attending graduate school after Dean? The schools listed below will be at the Opportunities Fair on March 19
th
.
Come hear about all their programs to earn your advanced degree!
Bridgewater State University, Bryant University, Northeastern University, Merrimack College and Western New England University School of Law
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Spring Break
The residence halls will close at 6:30pm on
Friday, March 6
th
and re-open on
Sunday, March 15
th
at 12noon. Resident students are reminded to unplug all electronics, empty trash and close windows before departing campus. Students that need to stay for a portion or all the break must speak with the Office of Residence Life in Chapman House by Wednesday, March 4
th
.
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Travel Preparations
If your student is making use of mass transportation for spring break there are a few different ways to get around. There are multiple ways to get to South Station (train and bus terminal) and Logan Airport. Students can download the mticket app to get MBTA tickets sent right to their device. A one way ticket from the Franklin/Dean College MBTA station to South Station is approximately $12. There is a free bus from South Station to Logan Airport. Students can also make use of a car sharing service with both Uber and Lyft in the Franklin area. Students should reserve these rides with their phone/device 24 hours in advance to ensure an on time pick-up. Estimated rates for rides to TF Green in Providence are around $55, Amtrak in Providence is $45 and Logan International Airport is around $70. Rates can vary based on time of day and season. If your student can find another student to share the ride they can split the fare on their phones. Your student can always ask staff members here at Dean to help them examine the best ways to Boston or Providence terminals.
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Spring Career and Internship Fair
March 19
th
The Robbins Center for Career Planning and Internships will host their Spring Opportunities Fair on Thursday, March 19
th
from 10am-12pm. The Fair will showcase on and off campus internship opportunities as well as full time and part time positions and graduate school opportunities. Please encourage your student to get professionally dressed, print out copies of their resume and head to this exciting event! Spring break is a great chance to make sure your student returns to campus with interview appropriate attire to wear to the fair!
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Has Your Student thought about our Study Away Program?
A great way for your student to create an amazing resume is to participate in Dean College’s Study Away Program. Studies have shown that studying away has a positive impact on 21
st
century career skills and expands career possibilities not only immediately after graduation but throughout one’s career. In fact, a recent Dean participant stated that studying in London for a semester was the reason she was hired for a competitive summer internship in her field. And, it’s fun!
Dean College’s Study Away Program includes three options to meet a variety of interests and needs: (1) Dean College courses that include a short, 7-10-day trip abroad or in the U.S., (2) study away internship programs in the United States, including The Washington Center or the Disney College Program, and (3) study abroad for a semester or a year at DanceAbroad Argentina, Regent’s University London, Rome Campus of Assumption University, or in many other countries throughout the world through one of our affiliated partners: AIFS, API, Arcadia University, and SIT.
Students generally study away anytime between 2
nd
semester of their sophomore year through to 1
st
semester of their senior year, and need to have a 3.000 cumulative GPA. Students first complete the internal pre-approval application, and then they complete the external study away application. For more information on Spring 2021 opportunities, students can speak with their Success and Career Advisor and with Melissa Read, Director of the Study Away Program.
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Calendar Planning
When seeking information about Dean College calendar dates, please use the Official Academic Calendar that is listed on
www.dean.edu under the Academics tab
. Please do not use Google or other internet search engines for the calendar as it is likely to produce outdated and incorrect information.
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Summer is a vibrant time to be at Dean! The campus is alive with activity and opportunities for those looking to advance their academic studies. Through the
School of Continuing Studies
, Dean offers a large selection of credit-bearing courses that can satisfy many college and university requirements. Our courses let students get ahead or catch up on college credits. No matter who you are and what your needs are, Dean College Summer Session has something for you.
The Dean College 2020 Summer Course Schedule will be available on April 1
st
. You can view and register for classes online at
www.dean.edu/scs
.
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Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance
The Joan Phelps Palladino School of Dance will hold its annual
Dance Company
performances on April 23
rd
- 26
th
and we will round out the academic year with the
Senior Showcase
on May 1
st
and 2
nd
with
DEAN-x
being presented the afternoon of May 2
nd
. All Dance performances will take place in the Main Stage and tickets for all shows can be purchased
at
www.dean.edu/performance
.
School of the Arts
The Theatre Department is also busy this semester with its ticketed productions of
Thoroughly Modern Millie
,
which
will run from April 1
st
-5
th
, and the first annual
Freshman Theatre
Showcase
being presented on April 17
th
and 18
th
in the Main Stage. Tickets for all shows can be purchased
a
t
www.dean.edu/performance
.
We also have Theatre Senior Projects being presented as an Evening of One Act Plays, Monologues and Musical Dream Roles on March 20
th
at 7:00 pm in The Performing Arts Studio on School Street. In addition, Senior Voice Recitals will take place on May 2
nd
at 5:00 and 7:30pm in the Marvin Chapel in Dean Hall. These events are not ticketed and all are welcome.
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Athletics - Three Bulldogs earn All Conference Selections in Basketball; Booker Named NECC Player of the Year
Jordan Booker
(Waterbury, Conn.) has been named the 2019-20 New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) men's basketball player of the year. In addition to his major award, Booker earns his third straight first-team all-conference selection. The nation's eighth-leading scorer at 25.6 points per game, Booker lead the league in assists per game (6.9) three-pointers made (76), free throws made (130) and minutes per game (37.6). A two-time United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) All-American, he has been named NECC Player of the Week eight times in his career and is the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,698 points and 409 assists.
Junior standout
Jordan Lynch-Rexroth
(Harrisburg, Pa.) was named second team all-conference by the New England Collegiate Conference on Tuesday. In his first year with the Bulldogs, Lynch-Rexroth finished 10th in the conference with 12.6 points per game while placing fourth with 6.8 rebounds per game. Lynch-Rexroth's all around effort helped power Dean to a 7-5 conference record and fourth place NECC finish.
Sophomore star
Makayla Rudder
(Springfield, Mass.) was named New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) first team all-conference, capping an incredible season for the Bulldog's most dominant player.
Rudder, the lone member of the Dean squad to earn post-season all conference honors, finished the season with 21.9 points per game (second in the NECC), 11 rebounds per game (fifth in the NECC), 3.4 assists per game (fourth in the NECC) and a 46.1% field goal percentage (fifth in the NECC). Rudder reached the 1,000 point milestone with 23 points against Emerson College in the last regular season contest. She finished the season with 1,040 points for her career.
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From Counseling Services: Health Benefits from Sleep
Time for a “Sleepcation”
Spring Break is a great time for students to catch up on sleep and re-charge their battery and return to campus refreshed and motivated to finish the spring semester.
The effects of sleep deprivation are widespread and are having a dramatic impact on public health, including college students, A
study by the University of Georgia
found that, on average, most college students get 5–6 hours of sleep per night. The current recommendation for individuals 18-25 years of age is 7-10 hours per night. Lack of sleep can reduce cognitive performance, memory capacity and social competence. It also can affect decision-making abilities and have an impact on mental health.
Try some of the below suggestions to improve sleep habits and daily routines:
Unplug from electronics
-turn off the phone, iPad and computer. Cutting down on use of electronics can boost productivity, increases creativity and leads to more engaging conversations.
Read a good book or magazine
- researchers have found reading before bed reduces stress levels by 68%!
Take power naps!
- taking a 20-30 minute nap at the same time each day can help balance sleep deficiencies.
Limit binge watching
-take your favorite show to the gym and binge a couple episodes while you work out!
Get outside -
getting
sunlight boosts your daytime energy, it can also contribute to regular, restful sleep.
For a college student, there are many factors that make maintaining a regular sleep schedule difficult. However, practicing a couple of the above suggestions each day can improve academic performance and overall quality of life.
Counseling Services offers a variety of groups and workshops to support students.
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As always, please feel free to reach out to any of our offices if we can be of further support to you or your student.
Advising and Career Planning:
508.541.1536
Athletics:
508.541.1816
Campus Safety:
508.541.1888
Center for Student Financial Planning and Services:
508.541.1518
Dining Services:
508.541.1564
Health Services:
508.541.1600
Morton Family Learning Center:
508.541.1768
Residence Life:
508.541.1838
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