January 2025

Bulldog Families,

Happy New Year! Hope all of our students and families have enjoyed some relaxation over the holidays and are recharged to take on the spring semester and a new calendar year.

Synonymous with the first days of January are thoughts of turning over a new leaf and articulating personal goals for the next 12 months. While there continues to be much debate about whether resolutions are worth defining, in a recent study, college-aged students were among the largest group to set at least one resolution at 49%. The completion rate of all those who defined a resolution came in at a rousing 9%. One of the reasons this may occur is that people feel forced to state a resolution based simply upon tradition and are therefore not truly connected. Other articles mention a 30-Day Challenge which seems more palatable and perhaps in line with fast-paced semesters. This could equate to making it to an 8am class on time thirty days in a row (imagine! :)- this is my favorite time to teach each semester). Others could be based upon procrastination and setting guidelines for work completion or goals focused on eating and personal health. The critical piece is making them measurable, remaining positive even if there is a slip-up (that snooze button is dangerous), and the idea that completion of this task can lead to a permanent change and additional goals. Think about having this conversation with your student and see what they come up with. As always we are excited to witness the achievements of our Bulldogs inside and outside of the classroom.

For our new students and families, we look forward to welcoming you and showing all that there is to accomplish in Bulldog Nation. New students should check their Dean College email for information regarding New Student Orientation. For our Bulldogs on the homestretch to graduation, absorb every minute as there is simply nothing that mirrors the college days.

Read on for important information and events as we kick off the spring semester. Click on the banner below for check-in and move-in information. Make sure to follow our social media channels to stay connected to the college throughout the year. At the bottom of this newsletter, you will find contact information for offices across campus. Below are pictures from the holiday lighting event on Awpie Way where the community enjoyed performances by Vocal Ensemble, Loose Screws Tap Team, and of course, hot chocolate.

I look forward to connecting with you throughout the spring. Go Bulldogs!

Best,

Dave Drucker, M. Ed.

Associate Vice President, Student Life & Dean of Students

Office of Residence Life

The Office of Residence Life looks forward to welcoming all new and returning residents back to campus on Sunday, January 19! New residents should complete their Spring 2025 Housing Application by January 13, via the MyHousing Page, located on Today@Dean, under “Essential Links”. All new and returning residents can access their hall and room assignments via MyHousing. For Spring check-in information, please visit https://www.dean.edu/student-life/living-on-campus/check-in-for-residents-commuters/ or click on the banner above. Any questions, please contact our office at 581-541-1838.

Get Involved!

The following involvement opportunities will be shared with your students:

Living on campus is an essential part of the college experience and we want to hear from you! The Resident Student Association is looking for members to participate in their student organization, serve as hall representatives, plan programs, and create a place that feels like home. To get involved: email Courtney Holden, the Resident Student Association Advisor at cholden@dean.edu. Also, the Office of Residence Life will be hiring Resident Assistants (student staff) for the 2024-2025 academic year beginning in February. Interested in becoming an RA and making a difference in your residential community? Contact Area Coordinator, Jay Hinkle for more information on the hiring process.

For our full Residence Life staff directory, see below!

See you soon, Bulldogs!

Resident students with vehicles on campus: The winter months can provide many challenges, so don't forget to add a shovel to your packing list. It is hugely beneficial when digging out a car following a storm. Also, when winter weather is in the forecast, students need to check their email and the student portal for information as to when and where to move their vehicles, as we clear campus lots.

Greetings from the Commencement Committee,

We are looking ahead with anticipation to Dean College’s 159th Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025.

It will be here before you know it. Please mark your calendars and share this date with family and friends. Here is a list of area hotels to consider as you plan your visit. We will share information about commencement in this eNewsletter and update our commencement web pages throughout the spring semester.

The countdown to commencement has begun!

Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning

We are excited to welcome your students back to campus! Please remind them to look at their schedules in Student Planning and review the information about textbooks and other necessary preparation for the semester. All students will receive an email from advising the week of January 13th welcoming them back into the semester.

There's still time for Spring internships! If your student is still looking for an internship for the semester, please have them connect with their Success & Career Advisor ASAP! Students can add internships for credit through the first week of classes.

We would like to welcome Elizabeth Schubert back to our staff on a part-time basis. Elizabeth is an academic coach at Dean and worked as a part-time Success & Career Advisor last year. Elizabeth will be helping support our students while we have some staff on intermittent parental leave. We are excited to have Elizabeth with us again this spring!

Feel free to outreach to advising@dean.edu if you have any questions as you prepare your students for a great spring semester!

Student Activities and Leadership Development

We are prepping for a terrific semester of campus activities. We will have the always popular bingo and the NFL playoffs in Boomers to welcome everyone back on Sunday, January 19. The first week will include a visit from the 'Pancake Guy' who literally turns breakfast into art (pictured here) on Tuesday, January 21 from 11am- 1pm and a DIY Dorm Decor" event on Friday, January 24th from 6:30-8:30pm in the Atrium.

It's never too late to join one of the many social and academic student organizations. Provides a terrific way to meet new people, coordinate and execute campus events, and gain leadership skills to add to your resume.

Please remind your students to follow us on all our social media channels, view the posters in the Student Center, and check the portal daily for all of the great events happening in Bulldog Nation!

Study Away Program

Happy New Year! 

Now that your student is getting ready to return to campus for the Spring 2025 semester, we wanted to include a quick reminder about Dean’s Study Away Program.

Dean College provides a wide variety of opportunities for students, both in the United States and in over fifty countries around the world. During winter break, we encourage you to explore the study away program possibilities with your student, all from the comfort of your home.

Students interested in studying away in the Summer or Fall of 2025 must submit their internal pre-approval application by February 15, 2025. This application is available on the Study Away department page on Today@Dean.

To learn more, encourage your student to attend an information session about our study away opportunities on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5 pm in the Campanella Board Room directly across from the Dining Center. Students may also meet individually with Melissa Read, Director of the Study Away Program. Contact her at mread@dean.edu to schedule a time to meet.  

Center for Student Financial Planning and Services

2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) 

The 2025-26 FAFSA application is now open! The earlier you submit the FAFSA the better, as some types of aid are 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.

We will be having our first FAFSA workshop on Spring Check-in Day, January 19th. To set up an appointment click here. This will be a wonderful opportunity to get help with submitting the FAFSA. As always, if you have any questions or would like to set up a one-on-one FAFSA appointment, you can contact the Center for Student Financial Planning and Services at sfp@dean.edu or via phone at (508)-541-1518.

Spring 2025 Bills

Bills for the Spring 2025 semester are available on the Student Account Portal and were due by January 3rd. In order to check in for Spring semester, your balance must be satisfied.

If you do not have access already, your student can provide you access by logging into their Student Account Portal and clicking “Add an Authorized Party” on their home screen. You will then receive an electronic invitation to set up your very own credentials.

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

Unsure if you have a student account credit? Log on to the Student Account Portal and check your balance information. If you have a credit and do not have any pending financial restrictions, then you can use your credit to buy books and supplies at the Dean College Bookstore. Any student account credit will be automatically available online or in person at the bookstore for Spring book and supplies purchases from January 6th to February 14th. 

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 > Academic Resources. 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 2024- 2025

Sunday, January 19

Residence Halls re-open for Spring Semester

Monday, January 20

Martin Luther King Jr. Day- No Classes

Tuesday, January 21

Spring Semester Classes Begin

Monday, February 17

Presidents' Day, No Classes

Monday, March 10- Friday, March 14

Spring Break, No Classes

Monday, May 5- Thursday, May 8

Finals Week

Saturday, May 10

159th Commencement Exercises

Morton Family Learning Center (Green Family Library Learning Commons)

Academic Coaching is a specialized fee-based academic support service available through the Learning Center in both individual (one-on-one) or group (2-3 students per coach) formats. Students may sign up by using the Academic Coaching Registration forms found under Essential Links on Today@Dean or by calling the Learning Center directly at 508-541-1768. Families may also email learning@dean.edu to register their student and/or gain more information about setting up weekly meetings with an Academic Coach who can help students with note-taking, time management, organization, study strategies, and test preparation.

Counseling Services

Welcome back Bulldogs and Happy New Year! The Office of Counseling Services will be opening back up on January 21. As a friendly reminder, we are located in Chapman House. Our hours this semester will be Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 9am-5pm, and Tuesday & Thursday 9am-6pm. For any students needing support with their mental health or interested in scheduling an appointment with one of our counselors, they can complete the counseling request form on the front page of the student portal (Counseling Request Appointment Form).

The Counseling Center will be holding meet and greets during the first weeks of the semester on the concourse. Please be on the lookout for more details and information regarding these events on campus, on the Counseling Center's Instagram Page, and the student portal.

Mental Health resources are located on the student portal for students to access, as well as on the Counseling Center’s Instagram Page, and the links below.

Student Resources

Parent Resources

Much success to our Bulldogs this semester!

Dean College 2024-2025

Performing Arts

Hey families, we are very excited for our spring performances at Dean. Don't miss out on the tremendous talents of our Bulldogs. Tickets are on sale now!

February 19-23, 2025

Breath of Stars

A play about love and loss reimagining Shakespeare’s “Tempest” written by Caridad Svich.



February 28 - March 1, 2025

Choreographers’ Concert

Dean student choreographers will have selected works showcased and adjudicated by renowned industry professionals in this two-night concert.

March 21-23, 2025

An Evening of Short Plays

A new experience in theatre from Dean’s Schools of Performing Arts, this series of short plays will be curated, rehearsed, and performed in the Chapel at Dean Hall.

April 2-6, 2025

Freaky Friday

A new musical based on the celebrated novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, this is a heartfelt, comedic, and unexpectedly emotional update on an American classic.

April 24-27, 2025

Dance Company

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.

April 29, 2025

Theatre Senior Showcase

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.

May 1-2, 2025

Dance Senior Showcase

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.

The men's and women's basketball teams are back in action and will make their respective playoff pushes against strong GNAC competition during the next two months. Men's volleyball will have their first home contest on Tuesday, January 21 versus MIT. Admission is free to all home regular season contests so come out to Pieri Gymnasium and support our Bulldogs!

Keep up with all your favorite teams, schedules, articles, and more at deanbulldogs.com.