September 2025

Bulldogs Families,

As we move into fall and the temperatures begin to shift, we hope your students have found their footing and are continuing to seize opportunities on campus. Transition periods can look different for every student, no matter where they are in their college journey, and we encourage them to access campus resources whenever needed. This month’s articles highlight social and academic support, success strategies, and the importance of prioritizing wellness.


Our Involvement Fair was a great success, with more than 200 students connecting with representatives from student organizations. If your student wasn’t able to attend, it’s not too late to get involved. Encourage them to visit Student Activities and Leadership Development, located in the Paula M. Rooney Student Center Atrium, to learn more about opportunities. Below are a few pictures of the terrific welcome activities that we hosted for new and returning Bulldogs.

We are also very excited to welcome families and alumni back to Bulldog Nation for Homecoming and Family Weekend festivities on October 3 and 4.. Visit the official Homecoming page or click on the banner below this article to see the multitude of events and activities. Please note: due to high attendance expected at Longley Athletic Complex, families are asked to park on campus and take the fan shuttle from Dean Hall to Longley. The shuttle will run prior to and throughout the entirety of the football game.

Best,

Dave Drucker, M. Ed.

Associate Vice President, Student Life & Dean of Students

Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning

Is Boomer Texting YOU?

We have a wonderful chatbot Boomer who texts our students valuable information and check-ins. However, sometimes even great Bulldogs make mistakes! If you're getting texts from Boomer instead of your student, please email kefitzgerald@dean.edu with your student's name and correct cell phone number. Thanks!

Supporting Student Academic Success



We have just completed week three of the semester! This is typically a time that students may be seeking additional academic support in their courses. Here's some information we share with your students.

Success & Career Advisors have access to a dashboard that provides updated information about students' performance in courses by pulling data directly from Canvas pages. Students also have access to their own "live" grades and assignments in each course on the Canvas page. Advisors may reach out to students based on their academic performance on their dashboard to provide additional resources and support.

We also encourage students to:

• Engage with their faculty to discuss specific grades, academic progress, and areas to improve.
• Utilize the academic support available to all students in the Morton Family Learning Center, and the Theodore and Cynthia Berenson Center for Writing, Mathematics, and Presentation Excellence.
• Explore the Academic Coaching (AC) program, a fee-based service offered through the Morton Family Learning Center, which provides academic skill development through professional support in writing, reading, math, time management, and study skills.

We are here to support their success!

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

Spring Registration

Yes, we already want to get Spring 2026 on your students' radar for course registration! They will start to receive information mid-October, and course registration starts the first week in November. Now is a great time to ask them what they're enjoying about their schedule, classes, and overall academic experience. They'll be ready to start planning ahead for spring in just about a month! Students should reach out to their Success & Career Advisor with any questions.

Career Services- Small Steps Equal Big Opportunity

The campus is buzzing, and Career Services is here to help students take the next steps toward their future! Encourage your student to update their Handshake profile, polish their resume, and check myDean for workshops and events that can help them level up their career game.

Before the semester flies by, it’s the perfect time for students to start thinking about Spring internships or other experiences to boost their resume. Our weekly Drop-In Hours make it easy; students are encouraged to stop by Monday in the Beanery or Thursday in the Robbins Family Center for tips, ideas, and support!

Even small steps can lead to big opportunities—helping students gain confidence, explore careers, and prepare for life after Dean College.

Dean Career Closet- Dress for Success!

The Career Closet is here to help students shine! Whether it’s an interview, class presentation, or professional event, students can shop FREE professional clothing—and with a new dressing room, it’s easier than ever to find the right fit.

P.S. Coming for Homecoming? We’re accepting lightly used professional clothing donations! Email careers@dean.edu with questions.

Dining Services

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

• We offer healthy and allergen-friendly options to accommodate any diet.

• Students have access to our campus-registered dietitian.

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

It's 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 Dean College Dining Services, please call us at 508.541.1564. 

Academic Support at the Morton Family Learning Center

The Morton Family Learning Center supports students 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 designed to help them 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

Students can schedule free tutoring appointments anytime through the Schedule Free Tutoring link on the Learning Center’s page via myDean, or they can stop by for a drop-in session. For questions, the Morton Family Learning Center can be reached at 508-541-1768 or learning@dean.edu.

Academic Coaching

Students seeking more individualized support can participate in Academic Coaching, a fee-based program that offers one-on-one or small-group sessions focused on building academic skills and strategies for long-term success. Student will 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. 

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

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

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

Health Services

We've recently received some questions regarding COVID-19 on campus and the current recommendations:

What should students do if they test positive for COVID-19?

• Isolate in their rooms until they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol or Ibuprofen or other medication) AND they are starting to feel better. 
• Health Services requests that students obtain “to go” meals from dining services while isolating. 
• For at least 5 days after resuming normal activities, students should: wear a mask anytime they are in indoors around other people, wash hands frequently and avoid spending time with people who are at increased risk for severe disease.

What resources are available on campus?

• Dean College Health Services – COVID-19/flu/RSV PCR swabs will be sent out (billed to health insurance)

Students should visit Health Services with additional questions or concerns. We are here to assist!

Health Services is located in Chapman House. 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.

Counseling Services

Fresh Check Day  

The Counseling Center is excited to once again host Fresh Check on Thursday, October 9.  Fresh Check is a nationwide signature program of the Jordan Portco Foundation, Fresh Check Day. The event is an uplifting mental health program that supports mental health promotion and suicide prevention through interactive booths, and peer-to-peer messaging and assists students to engage in the important dialogue of wellness and mental health resources. Booths will be staffed by several student organizations and departments from the college. Free prize giveaways, ice cream, and more! We hope to see all of our Bulldogs there! 

We are excited to welcome Winnie the therapy dog to the Counseling Center Team. Winnie’s handler is Sam Miller, the Director of Counseling Services. Winnie is excited to provide comfort and support to students and faculty this year. Winnie loves Bullodogs so be sure to have your students stop by and say hello during Winnie Wednesdays this semester!

The Counseling Center is 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 staff 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

Dean College Announces 2025-2026 Performing Arts Season

Dean College proudly announces its new 2025-2026 season of theatre and dance performances featuring current Dean students, award-winning faculty, and renowned guest artists and directors. Running from October through May, the lineup includes 12 different productions.

“The performing arts have the power to inspire, challenge, and unite us,” said Stephen Ursprung, Dean of the Schools of Performing Arts. “This upcoming season reflects the passion and dedication of our students and faculty, and we’re honored to share their creative voices with audiences throughout the year.”

Regularly priced tickets range from $12 to $22 per show. Full-season ticket packages offer a 25 percent discount off the regular single-ticket prices. The Full Season Package (eight performances) is $132 for the general public and $72 for senior citizens and non-Dean students. All shows for Dean students are $5.

The Theatre Series Package (four performances – “The Wolves,” “Cabaret,” “Much Ado About Nothing,” and “THE PROM”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.

The Dance Series Package (four performances – “Fall Dance Concert,” “Faculty Dance Works,” “Choreographers’ Concert” and “Dance Company”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students. Ticket packages and individual show tickets are now available online at www.dean.edu/performance.

2025-2026 Performing Arts Season at Dean

“The Wolves”

· October 15-19, 2025

· Main Stage

· This play is set during a girls' indoor soccer team warm-up. From the safety of their suburban stretch circle, the team navigates big questions and wages tiny battles with all the vim and vigor of a pack of adolescent warriors. A portrait of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for nine American girls who just want to score some goals.

“Fall Dance Concert”

· October 31-November 1, 2025

· Guidrey Center

· Enjoy student works and collaborations that integrate dance, theatre, music, and much more.

“Cabaret”

· November 12-16, 2025

· Main Stage

· Daring, provocative, and exuberantly entertaining, this musical explores the dark and heady life of Bohemian Berlin as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.

“New Dancer Showcase”

· November 21-22, 2025

· Main Stage

· An informal showing of dance works created by Dean’s upperclassmen dance majors and performed by first-year dance majors.

“New Thespian Showcase”

· November 23-24, 2025

· Main Stage

· An informal showing of monologues, scenes, songs and theatre works brought to the stage by Dean’s first-year theatre majors.

“Faculty Dance Works”

· December 5-6, 2025

· Main Stage

· Two energetic and exciting evenings of dance, featuring outstanding works conceived by the Joan Phelps Palladino Dance Program faculty and renowned guest artists.

“Much Ado About Nothing”

· February 18-22, 2026

· Main Stage

· In this abridgement of Shakespeare’s classic play, young lovers, virtue, villainy, and charming naivete abound.

“Choreographers’ Concert”

· February 27-28, 2026

· Main Stage

· Dean student choreographers will have selected works showcased and adjudicated by renowned industry professionals in this two-night concert. Join us to enjoy the creative talents of emerging choreographers in a full production setting. Friday evening’s presentation will feature live commentary from guest artists following each work, while the program will be reprised as a regular concert on Saturday evening.

· The performances may differ each night, so please ensure you attend the appropriate night if you hope to see specific students.

“THE PROM”

· April 8-12, 2026

· Main Stage

· Four eccentric Broadway stars desperately need a new stage. So, when they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know it’s time to spotlight the issue…and themselves. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, “THE PROM” expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.

“Dance Company”

· April 23-26, 2026

· Main Stage

· Award-winning faculty and guest choreographers showcase the impressive talent of our dance majors through a mixed bill of new and restaged dance works, ranging in style from hip-hop to jazz dance, tap to modern, and ballet.

“Theatre Senior Showcase”

· April 26-27, 2026

· Main Stage

· Featuring scenes, songs, and monologues, the “Theatre Senior Showcase” is a celebration of the Class of 2025 and the cohort’s formal introduction to the professional theatre community.

“Dance Senior Showcase”

· May 1-2, 2026

· Main Stage

· Creating a performance from the ground up, Dean’s talented senior dance students share their choreography, performance, and production expertise in this annual collaborative showcase.

Dean has moved to a ticketless validation system for all events. There are two ways to receive your online tickets: digitally, via your mobile device (highly preferred), or by printing your receipt at home and picking up your tickets at the Will Call line at the Main Stage kiosk starting 60 minutes prior to performances with a valid ID. All events and performances are subject to change. Please visit www.dean.edu/performance for all up-to-date times and applicable venue policies. Ticket holders who do not comply with venue policies will not be admitted.

Please note: Dean College welcomes children and families to our performances. However, infants and children under 2 years of age are not allowed in the theatre, and an adult must accompany children under 16. All patrons must have their own ticketed seats; lap sitting is not permitted. Only ADA-certified service animals are allowed in the theatre.

Article by Stephanie Hoyt, Communications Manager, Marketing Department

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: 

• Buy books and supplies  
• Request Boomer Bucks  

The 2026-27 FAFSA opens October 1st! 

The earlier you submit the FAFSA the better as some aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please be sure to have your FSA ID username and password with you to complete and sign the FAFSA. If this is your first time completing the FAFSA visit studentaid.gov to learn about the application process and how to set up your FSA ID. 

Stay tuned for upcoming FAFSA filing events. As always, if you have any questions, you can contact the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services at sfp@dean.edu or via phone at (508)-541-1518. 

Happy Financial Aid Day! 

October 15 is Financial Day! This is a special day set aside to celebrate and recognize the contribution of all financial aid professionals across the United States for helping students make their college-going dreams a reality.  

Students and parents are welcome stop by the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services (Dean Hall – Frist Floor) to celebrate with us throughout the day. It’s a great day to book an appointment for FAFSA filing help! More information on Financial Aid Day celebrations will be forthcoming. 

Getting Around Town -Free Shuttle for Students- GATRA GO

Reminder that 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.

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 in full swing with teams now into conference play. For those watching from afar, a reminder to access the livestreams when possible as the Bulldogs vie for the postseason. Winter sports will be gearing up with regular season competition beginning in November. Continue to follow the Bulldogs all year long on our social media accounts and the athletics website!

Let's Go Bulldogs!