August 2025

Dean Bulldogs and Families,

With the calendar flipping to August, we are just a few weeks away from check-in/move-in for the 2025/2026 academic year! Whether you're finalizing your packing list or still checking off a few last-minute items, we’re already hard at work preparing for your arrival. And to our newest Bulldogs and their families—welcome to Bulldog Nation!!

This also kicks off our monthly newsletter, designed to keep you apprised of campus highlights and happenings. This first edition is sent to both students and families to keep everyone on the same page. Once the year is underway, the newsletter will be geared more specifically toward families as our students will be experiencing campus life firsthand! While some articles may be geared toward specific audiences, the majority of the information is intended for all. There are a number of links in each article as well as pictures with embedded links, so click away! Many offices have provided updates and important information so please take some time to read it all. You will also find contact information for many of our offices at the close of the newsletter.

We look forward to welcoming our new and transfer students on Thursday, August 28. As tradition holds, we will kick off the year with Bulldog Beginnings, a program designed to assist our newest Bulldogs in getting settled into campus life. This will include both academic and social components, inclusive of the class photo and the Matriculation ceremony to officially begin your academic college journey at Dean. Our returners will then join us on Saturday of Labor Day weekend. Reminder that the first day of fall classes is Tuesday, September 2.

We look forward to seeing all of you shortly. Wishing you safe travels--and as always...Let's Go Bulldogs!

Best,

Dave Drucker, M. Ed.

Associate Vice President, Student Life & Dean of Students

Office of Residence Life

Introducing eRezLife: Welcome to the New Hub for all things Residence Life

On Monday, July 21 returning residents received news regarding their online housing platform. As we prepare for an exciting year ahead, I am thrilled to introduce eRezLife, our new online platform designed to enhance your on-campus living experience. As a resident, this will now be your go-to home base for everything related to Residence Life.

Here are a few key ways you’ll use eRezLife:

·View and RSVP to upcoming college events – including RA programs, community-wide initiatives, and move-in information.

·       Complete forms – Early Move-In Requests and Move-In Crew Applications are now available, and both are due by August 15. To locate, visit the Forms tab in the eRezlife portal.

.  Throughout the semester, you will also find your guest registration forms, break request forms, etc. on this site for quick access!

·       Access important hall information – from communication with your RA/Resident Director, to roommate agreements, hall meetings, and room inspections.

·       Check your room assignment – your assigned room and roommate details are available right in your housing profile.

·       Submit facilities requests – need something fixed in your room? Submit a request directly through eRezLife. (This feature will be activated at the start of each semester).

·       Find essential campus resources – including community expectations, resources for successful on-campus living, and non-emergent support services.

We are excited about the potential this platform holds to streamline your housing experience and keep you better connected to your residential community and our residence life staff.

To log in, students simply click the link below, and you should be signed in automatically with your Dean credentials (student email and password). We encourage you to bookmark this webpage for quick access, or alternatively, this website can be located on the new myDean Residence Life page. We encourage you to log in and take a few minutes to explore before your return to campus:

 🔗https://dean.erezlife.com/

Housing Assignments:

All 2025-2026 housing assignments for all first-year and transfer residents have been released! We encourage all incoming residents to check their emails for instructions on how to access their housing information via eRezLife. Returning residents can view their assignments, selected during Spring Housing Selection, on eRezLife.

Fall Move-In:

As Move-In Day approaches, the Residence Life Team is excited to welcome you all (or welcome you back) to campus! Please see the move-in dates below. For all move-in times and additional information, please refer to our webpage in early August.

·     August 27: New Arch and Engage Student Move-In- 1pm- 3pm

·     August 28: New and Transfer Resident Move-In- 9am- 3:30pm

·     August 30: Returning Resident Move-In 9am- 3:30pm

Move-In Crew:

Attention returning students: The Office of Residence Life is currently recruiting enthusiastic and motivated students to join our Move-In Crew! As a member of our Move-In Crew, you'll play a vital role in ensuring that new students feel welcome and supported as they settle into their new home. All Move-In Crew members will move in early on August 27 from 9am – 11am. For additional questions, contact our office at reslife@dean.edu .

Visit our new housing platform at https://dean.erezlife.com/ to learn more and apply by August 15.

Preparing for Move-In:

Know what to pack, what to leave, and what’s already in your room! We encourage residents to pack light and bring only the essential items they need for living on campus to ensure an easy move-in day. We can’t wait for you to move in and decorate your room! For packing ideas and more, follow us on Instagram @dean.reslife.

Click here for an extensive packing checklist.

Our Campus Partners Make Your Move Easy!

MicroFridge allows you to rent or buy a microwave/refrigerator combo that will be delivered to your room.

Dormify offers one-stop shopping for all your room needs to personalize your space.

GradGuard Dean College does not cover the cost of your personal belongings if lost, stolen, or damaged. It is recommended you obtain renter’s insurance.

Storage Squad offers a Ship to School Program. Storage Squad will store and deliver your items right to your room!

Key Information:

We’re so excited to have you here at Dean! For student access to our new housing platform visit: https://dean.erezlife.com/

Be sure to keep an eye on your Dean email for welcome messages from your residence hall and/or your living-learning community in the coming weeks.

📋 We've attached a Move In Checklist to help with all your packing needs.

For all the details about move-in day, visit our website: Move-In Day Information.

📆 Stay in the loop with upcoming events, packing tips, and more by following us on Instagram: @dean.reslife.

We look forward to seeing you on Move-In Day!

If you have additional questions, please reach out to the 

Office of Residence Life: 508.541.1838

Bulldog Beginnings- Welcomes the Newest Bulldogs!

Our office proudly welcomed our newest Bulldogs during three New Student Orientation sessions in June! We’re thrilled to continue the celebration this August with Bulldog Beginnings. Throughout Bulldog Beginnings, students will participate in sessions designed to deepen their understanding of Dean and set them up for a successful year. They’ll also enjoy engaging late-night events that help them connect with peers and start building lasting bonds within our campus community!

Returning Students- Don't Forget Your Dean ID!

Please remember to bring your ID with you. Campus Police and Safety will update your access accordingly. If you lost your ID, contact Campus Police and Safety before you arrive at 508.541.1888, and they will print you a new one [with your existing photo] - free of charge! If you request a new ID on move-in day, charges may apply.

Dining Services

Sodexo is very excited to support your student's dining experience. For our newest Bulldogs we will have a session during Bulldog Beginnings to provide a thorough overview of our offerings and meet key members of our team. Below are a number great features and options for your student to access at the Smith Dining Center and across our campus eateries:

• Download the Everyday App (pictured below) to view menus, mobile ordering and express pickup at the Beanery and Boomers and identify options based on food allergens or sensitivities.

• Fresh made-to-order and customizable offers in the Smith Dining Center

• Healthy and allergen-friendly offers to accommodate any diet

• Access to our campus-registered dietitian

• Locally sourced produce and products through our MASS Impact Initiative

• Fun and engaging theme meals and events designed to ignite campus connections

• Automated vending solutions offering sweet and savory hot options 24/7.

• Both the Vicki vending in the Green Family Library and the Just Baked vending in the Rooney Student Center Concourse accept Boomer's Bucks!

We can’t wait to see you on campus! Always important to remember that the quickest way for your student to get their questions answered is to connect with our staff onsite. If you would like to contact the Dean College Dining Services team before the start of the academic year, please call us at 508.541.1564. 

Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning

Fall Course Schedules

It’s time to view your fall course schedule! Make sure you log into Student Planning to check for any changes that may have come up in your schedule over the summer.

Transfer credits and AP scores are still being submitted to the Registrar’s Office, so if you still have credits you need to send, there’s time!

Success & Career Advisors will be sending emails to all students within the week with reminders on how to utilize Student Planning and any student-specific information on fall schedules. These emails will also include information on finding your required books, but if you want to take a peek early, visit the bookstore: Dean College Bookstore

If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to advising@dean.edu.

Advising Updates

We are in the final stages of hiring a new Success & Career Advisor for first years and sophomores in the School of the Arts and School of Dance, as well as some students in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Students who will be working with this advisor will continue to get all communication from advising@dean.edu until they are hired! Please don’t hesitate to outreach with any questions. We will send an updated staffing list in the next newsletter!

This is a great opportunity to remind you all that we have Success & Career Advisors that work with students in their first two years, and Success & Career Advisors that work with students in their junior and senior years. If you are transitioning advisors, be sure to respond to their outreach and meet them. They’re excited to get to know you! You will get more information from them later in August about introductory meetings. Career Ready This Fall!

Whether your student is just getting started or preparing for graduation, Career Services is here to support every step of the journey—starting now.

Career Planning - use Handshake for jobs and internships

👋 New Students: We’re actively working to set up your Handshake accounts—the platform where students find campus jobs, internships, and career resources. Keep an eye on your Dean email for login details coming soon!

💼 Planning for a Fall Internship? Students can browse opportunities and submit internship applications through Handshake. Questions? Reach out to your Success & Career Advisor or contact Courtney Shimer, Director of Career Services, at cshimer@dean.edu.

✨ Looking Ahead: Now’s a great time to reflect—what kind of experiences and skills will move you forward this year? Career Services can help students take that first step, whether it’s polishing a resume, setting goals, or exploring interests.

📅 Stay Tuned: Updates on fall events and drop-in career hours will be shared soon!

Campus Police and Safety/ Parking 2025- 2026

The department of Campus Police and Safety is located in the lower level of Dean Hall and provides 24-hour-a-day protection and service to the Dean College community. The department is staffed 365 days a year. Campus Police personnel are certified sworn officers that are trained in CPR/AED and act as first responders for medical emergencies. Safety escorts are available to all Dean College students on campus. Campus Police and Safety can be reached at 508-541-1888. 

All Dean College students must register their vehicle with the Campus Police and Safety Department prior to bringing the vehicle to campus. Contact information is below for the parking application process. Please note, first-year students may not have a car on campus.

We strongly urge students not to park in neighborhoods adjacent to the College as it becomes a disruption to our neighbors. 

First-year commuter students can receive their parking permits at the start of Bulldog Beginnings on Thursday, August 28, or from the Campus Police and Safety dispatch office. All questions regarding campus parking should be directed to Erica Abro, Captain, Campus Police and Safety at parking@dean.edu. A copy of the Parking and Traffic regulation brochure can be found on the Campus Police and Safety site on mydean.dean.edu.  

Welcome Back! Academic Support at the Morton Family Learning Center

As the Fall 2025 semester gets underway, the Morton Family Learning Center is here to support your academic journey every step of the way. Whether preparing for exams, writing papers, planning presentations, or tackling challenging coursework, we offer a variety of free academic support services to help you succeed. Located on the first floor of the Green Family Library Learning Commons, the Theodore and Cynthia Berenson Center for Writing, Mathematics, and Presentation Excellence provides:

• Tutoring in writing, math, and subject-specific areas
• Presentation coaching and practice opportunities
• Individual and group study spaces

You can schedule free tutoring appointments anytime through the Schedule Free Tutoring link on the Learning Center’s page via myDean or stop by for a drop-in session. Have questions? We’re here to help! Contact the Morton Family Learning Center at 508-541-1768 or email us at learning@dean.edu. We look forward to seeing you soon and supporting your success this semester!

Academic Coaching

Receive personalized learning support through Academic Coaching at Dean College!

Academic Coaching is a fee-based, collaborative, goal-oriented relationship focused on developing a student’s skills and strategies for academic success. It involves one-on-one or small group sessions where the coach helps the student set goals, create action plans, and access additional academic resources. The coach acts as a facilitator, guiding the student to discover and utilize their strengths, overcome challenges, and build effective habits for long-term success.  

Want to learn more? Register to join our informational Zoom meeting on August 25^th from 4:00 pm-5:00 pm:

Academic Coaching: Informational Zoom Registration

Ready to register? Use the links below:

Academic Coaching: Individual Coaching

Academic Coaching: Group Coaching

Additional questions? Please reach out to Cara Camire, Assistant Director of Learning Services, at ccamire@dean.edu or 508 541-1566.

Want to study away in January 2026 or Spring 2026? Now’s the time to learn more about Dean’s Study Away Program and get ready to apply! 

Why study away? One of the most exciting and transformative experiences a student can have during college is to study away. It truly is life changing. It sets students apart when they get ready to apply for jobs or graduate school. Studies have shown that studying away has a positive impact on developing top-notch 21^st century 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! 

What are the options? Dean College’s Study Away Program includes three options to meet a variety of interests and needs in the U.S. and in over 50 countries around the world:

·      Dean College courses that include a short, 7-10-day trip abroad. There are three options for Spring/Summer 2026: (1) a Spring 2026 course on the History and Culture of Greece, with the trip to Greece during the March 2026 spring break; (2) a Spring 2026 course on Iceland, with a trip to Iceland in May 2026, after finals and Commencement; and (3) a June 2026 opportunity in Berlin, where you will live and learn in Berlin for the month of June, taking one or two courses.

·      2-week to 6-week experiences in the U.S. or abroad in January or during the summer, including an exciting 2-week dance intensive in Buenos Aires in January 2026.

·      Full-semester or academic year opportunities in the U.S. or abroad. Dean is a proud member of the International Student Exchange Program (ISEP), a network of over 300 colleges and universities around the world. Students at a U.S.-based institution may apply to be an exchange student in over 50 countries around the world, living and studying at outstanding universities abroad. Students will pay tuition, room and board to Dean as they normally would, and then obtain (or update) their passport and any needed visas plus a plane ticket. 

When can I study away and what are the criteria? Students can participate in courses with trips at any point and must meet any required course prerequisites. For longer experiences (2-weeks to a full academic year), students generally study away anytime between 2^nd semester of their sophomore year through to 1^st semester of their senior year. You’ll need to have a 3.000 cumulative GPA.

How do I apply? Students first complete the internal pre-approval application, and then they complete the external study away application. The internal application deadline to study away for January 2026 or Spring 26 is no later than October 1, 2025 (August 15^th if interested in the ISEP exchange program).   

What do I do next? Interested students should plan to attend an information session about our study abroad exchange opportunities in September 2025 – watch myDean for the announcement. Students may also meet with Melissa Read, Director of the Study Away Program. Contact her at mread@dean.edu to schedule a time to meet.    

Office of Community Standards

The Office of Community Standards welcomes you back to campus for another great year! As a courtesy reminder, all community members are encouraged to review the College's Code of Student Conduct, which outlines student behavioral expectations and specifies the process students are afforded when allegations of student misconduct surface. Questions/concerns can be sent to studentconduct@dean.edu.

The following mandate is specific to all new students (first year and transfer).

As part of the College’s commitment to fostering a safe and responsible campus community, we would like to remind you about the importance of completing the mandatory online alcohol education and bystander intervention training: Binge Thinking! and U Got This! These workshops are mandated for all new students and must be completed by August 15th. 

What is Binge Thinking!?

Binge Thinking! is designed to equip you with valuable information about alcohol awareness, responsible drinking, and making informed decisions. By completing this training, you'll gain insights into the potential risks associated with alcohol consumption and learn how to stay safe, both on and off campus. Binge Thinking! https://dean.catharsisonlinetraining.com/Student/StudentDashboard/SSO?clientProgramId=1110

What is U Got This!?

U Got This! is an interactive online bystander intervention training. This training addresses interpersonal violence (sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, and stalking) and provides tools to help you challenge disrespectful and abusive behavior when you witness it. U Got This! discusses topics of a sensitive nature and may trigger an emotional response. If, for whatever reason, you are uncomfortable or concerned about the content, please contact Kevin O'Connell, Director of Community Standards at koconnell@dean.edu. U Got This!

https://dean.catharsisonlinetraining.com/Student/StudentDashboard/SSO?clientProgramId=1111

Troubleshooting:

If you require any technical support with either, or both, of the above-outlined online workshops, please do the following:

1. Make sure you have a strong Wi-Fi signal or move to a location that does.

2. Switch browsers to Chrome (use Chrome Incognito Window or Firefox (use Firefox Private Browsing).

3. Clear your cache -- for laptops typically press Ctrl-Shift-Delete (Windows) or Command-Shift-Delete (Mac).

4. Switch to another device. The training can be done via desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.

5. Suspend any security software or antivirus software during the program.

6. If the problem persists after steps 1-5, please contact catharsisonlinetraining@catharsisproductions.com directly. 

Center for Student Financial Planning and Services

Did you know you could use your student account credit for books/supplies and Boomer Bucks?

Unsure if you have a student account credit? Log on to the Student Account Portal and check your balance information. You can use your credit to:

Ø Buy books and supplies effective August 12th

Ø Request Boomer Bucks

Enhance your Check-in Experience

To ensure a seamless check-in experience:

Ø Check your Dean email. Resolve any outstanding action items prior to your arrival to campus.

Ø Log on to myDean and check Self Service for any restrictions. If you have any restrictions, they will be highlighted gold, at the top right of your screen.

Calendar Planning

When seeking information about Dean College calendar dates, please use the Official Academic Calendar that is listed on the Dean College website under the heading Academics. Please do not use Google or other internet search engines for the calendar as it is likely to produce outdated and incorrect information.

Key Dates for the Fall Semester 2025

Thursday, August 28

New Student Check-in/Move-in*

Thursday, August 28 - Monday, September 1

Bulldog Beginnings

Saturday, August 30

Returning Student Check-in/Move-in

Monday, September 1

Labor Day- No Classes and Administrative Offices Closed

Tuesday, September 2

First Day of Fall Classes

Friday, October 3- Saturday, October 4

Homecoming for Alumni and Family Weekend

Monday, October 13

Indigenous Peoples' Day-

No Classes

Wednesday, November 26- Friday, November 28

Thanksgiving Break, No Classes

Monday, December 8 - Thursday, December 11

Finals Week

*Some early arrival groups may have a different move-in date. You will receive outreach from the individual overseeing each program.

Health Services

Student Health Insurance – Changes in Benefits

The 2025–2026 college-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan will be provided by UnitedHealthcare. Please note that several important changes have been made to the plan’s structure and coverage.

Key updates include:

• Adjustments to deductible amounts
• Introduction of co-insurance requirements
• Revisions to prescription drug coverage

We strongly encourage all students to carefully review the updated benefits information outlined below to fully understand how these changes may impact your coverage and out-of-pocket costs.

Reminder: All students are automatically charged for the school offered health insurance. You must either waive or enroll each year. This year the student health insurance plan will be provided by UnitedHealthcare. Please view the UnitedHealthcare Plan Highlight Flyer to view plan deductibles, co-pays and co-insurance costs.

As you pack (or assist with packing) and prepare for the Fall semester, here are a few friendly reminders to ensure a smooth start:

• Pack Some Health Essentials: Include items like a thermometer, cough and cold medicine, rapid COVID tests, pain/fever reducers (Advil, Tylenol, etc.), and Band-Aids.

• Submit Health Forms: Make sure your student has submitted all required health forms through the Student Health Portal at dean.studenthealthportal.com. Automated emails are sent to any student who remains on a health hold.

• Health Insurance Waiver: Has your student submitted a waiver request for the student health insurance? You can check the waiver status by logging into their Student Dashboard on the AHP Waiver Page and noting the "Status" description.

A reminder that we are located in Chapman House and our hours of operation during the academic year are Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm. There is an urgent care facility within just a few miles of campus that is open seven days a week. Please check their website for hours of operation Milford Regional Urgent Care.

Wishing you a great start to the fall semester!

Tuition Insurance and Renter's Insurance

We know that the cost of a college education is a large monetary investment and that the unexpected can occur. With this in mind, the College works with GradGuard to offer both tuition and renter's insurance. These are voluntary options for coverage. Please refer to gradguard.com/tuition and gradguard.com/renters for more information on cost and coverage options. In previous years, a few hundred dollars provided coverage for up to $20,000 dollars of tuition coverage.

Counseling Services

 We are excited to welcome back our students and returning clinical staff for the 2025-2026 academic year. The clinical staff is eager to support students with their personal, academic, and emotional goals to have a successful academic year. 

The Counseling Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9am-5pm. The Counseling Center staff can be made available for evening hours by appointment only on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment with the Counseling Center, students should complete the Counseling Request Appointment Form found HERE, and someone will reach out to them via phone or email. Wait times may vary at certain times during the semester.

Community resources are posted for students on myDean, under Counseling Services, the Counseling Center's Instagram page, and the links below.

Student Resources

Parent Resources

The Counseling Center staff will be holding meet and greets during the first week of the semester. Please be on the lookout for more details and information regarding these events on campus, on the Counseling Center's Instagram page, and on myDean.

The Counseling Center is excited to welcome all students back to campus and wish everyone the best of luck this academic year!

Dean College Announces 2025-2026

Performing Arts Season

We’re so excited to announce our theatre and dance performances for the coming year. For additional information on tickets and performances visit the Box Office located here or by visiting the Dean College website. Season ticket packages are on sale now. Encore!

Getting Around Town -Free Shuttle for Students- GATRA GO

Students can download the Gatra Go United app for a free rideshare service available to them Monday through Friday 6:30am-8pm, Saturday 9am-8pm and Sunday 9am- 6pm. We will provide directions on the student portal (myDean) as there is a special Dean College code for our community.

There is a three-passenger maximum for each trip. Students can use the service for Franklin and the neighboring towns of Foxboro, Wrentham, Norfolk, and Bellingham. Students have the opportunity to visit grocery stores, retail shopping centers, restaurants, and movie theatres. This includes Wrentham Outlets (Wrentham) and Patriot Place (Foxboro).

Students who choose to leave and return to campus before and after the hours provided by Gatra Go must obtain their own transportation (friend, rideshare, etc.). Campus Police and Safety cannot leave campus for non-emergency transportation needs.

Fall sports are kicking off soon! Keep up with all your favorite Bulldog teams with schedules, articles, and more at deanbulldogs.com. We hope to see you at Longley Athletic Complex, Pieri Gymnasium, or Grant Field this year as our teams take on great competition throughout NCAA Division III. The Bulldogs compete in the Greater Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), and new this fall, Football joins the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC)!

Student- athletes, please make sure you are staying up to date with all athletic updates, as well as completing all required documents for participation (located on deanbulldogs.com). We are excited to see everyone back on campus in August!

Let's Go Bulldogs!