Bulldog Families,
We are coming upon the midpoint of the semester which means a well earned break for most of our students. While we continue to see some wild swings in New England temperatures and precipitation, gaining sunlight in March always seems to bring about an upbeat sense of what's to come.
The brighter light for many could also be the downward trend of the Omicron Variant and an opportunity for our community to remove masks in many locations if they so choose (policy change noted below). It has been nearly two years since the pandemic began and any positive signs that we are moving toward the endemic phase of COVID-19 are welcome ones. Students have shown great compliance with our policies which has certainly played an integral part in our low positivity rate in campus testing.
The campus continues to buzz with activities, performances, and athletic events. Please continue to view the spectator policies for all events as we excitedly welcome back our fans and families to support the amazing talents of our Bulldogs.
We hope that many of you will get to spend quality time with your student during Spring Break as we get ready for the stretch run toward the end of the semester and Commencement. Please view the great highlights, events, and resources from Bulldog Nation.
Best,
Dave Drucker, M. Ed.
Associate Vice President, Student Life & Dean of Students
|
|
Spring 2022 Updated COVID-19 Policies- Below was a communication sent to students on Friday, February 25.
Bulldogs,
As we continue to navigate the pandemic, the community has done a commendable job with campus compliance measures aiding in a very low COVID-19 positivity rate. Thank you for your efforts. We have closely followed health guidelines and recommendations from both the CDC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Based upon these factors the College has made the following decisions:
Effective February 28, 2022, the use of a mask will be optional except as follows:
(1) Surgical masks are required in exercise science labs, science labs, Paramedic and EMT labs and will be provided upon arrival in the classroom.
(2) Masks will continue to be required when visiting the Thayer Barn Testing Center.
(3) Masks will continue to be required for audience members at dance and theatre productions.
(4) Additionally, there may be other venues that require individuals to wear a mask. Please be cognizant of the requirements of the venues that you attend.
It is strongly recommended that unvaccinated or otherwise immunocompromised individuals wear masks while in any indoor space.
Individuals who are fully vaccinated are not required to wear a mask but may do so if desired. As always, any individual who wishes to continue to mask, should be supported in that choice.
Students, staff, and faculty are still required to test once a week at the Thayer Barn Testing Center (per current GNAC rules, unvaccinated in-season student-athletes will need to test twice per week). Students must also continue to complete the daily symptom check on CoVerified and present the 'green' cleared screen when entering classrooms, dining center, or other campus venues when asked.
Dean is allowing spectators at athletic events, as well as audience members at dance and theatre productions. All attendees must be fully vaccinated, show proof of vaccination upon arrival, and adhere to the current face mask policy. For more information, please visit the appropriate site on www.dean.edu.
Any additional alterations to COVID-19 policies will be noted on Today@Dean throughout the remainder of the semester.
Best,
Dave Drucker
AVP Student Life and Dean of Students
Shannon Overcash
Associate Dean of Students
|
|
Residence Life
Spring Break
The residence halls will close at 6:30pm on Friday, March 4 and re-open on Sunday, March 13 at 12noon. Resident students should unplug all electronics, empty trash, and close windows before departing campus. Students have access to a form on Today@Dean to request to stay for a portion, or the entire break due to distance from home (500 miles or greater) or flight arrangements. Students should complete this form by Thursday, March 3.
Housing Selection
That time of year is drawing near… Housing Selection for Fall 2022! Housing Selection information is now available for all returning students. Students have received information about completing their housing applications and paying their deposits. Make sure to check in with your student to ensure they have completed those important steps. The Housing Booklet is available for students on the Residence Life page on Today@Dean. Returning student housing selection for Fall 2022 will begin for rising seniors and juniors the week of March 28th, and the week of April 4th for rising sophomores and first years.
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 Tuesday, March 15th (located in Dean Hall) 2) Clear any holds that may be on their account with Student Financial Planning and Services 3) Complete the My Housing Application. By completing these steps, students will be eligible to select housing during their housing selection time.
If you are interested in learning more about the housing selection process, please check out the Returning Student Housing Selection Booklet by clicking on the following link, Housing Selection Booklet 2022-2023. Students received an email on February 15th containing the housing selection material.
Please understand that single rooming options are limited on campus. Singles will be a part of the housing selection process; if one is available at the student’s selection time, they would be eligible to select this space. If filled, students would need to choose another housing option. The Office of Residence Life will manage a waitlist for students who are interested in a single and aren’t able to get one through the selection process. It is recommended that students have a backup plan in mind for the selection process, including a roommate option.
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.
|
|
Robbins Family Center for Advising & Career Planning
- Quarter 4 classes start after spring break! If your student is interested in adding a class to finish out the semester, Q4 might be for them! Encourage them to talk to their Success and Career Advisor about options.
- BUILD (Bulldogs Understanding the Importance of Learning and Development) Mini-Conferences have launched this semester! They are a great opportunity for students to stop by informative tables and sit through short sessions that can build their essential skills. The February BUILD was a success and students can keep an eye out for the next two in March and April!
- Has your student activated their Handshake account yet? Handshake is our hub for internships as well as on or off-campus jobs. Additionally, we partner with many other colleges to gain access to online career fairs. Encourage your student to log on and check out the events section of the page to see what is up and coming!
- Do you have a graduating student? The graduation application went LIVE from the Registrar’s Office. Ask your student if they have completed it!
- Use spring break to have conversations with your student about their next step. If your student is graduating, spring break is a good time to job hunt and apply for positions! For non-graduating students, spring break can be used to look for summer internships or start looking at graduate schools!
-
Even though the spring opportunities fair is virtual on March 30th, students still need to dress professionally from the waist up! Make sure they return from spring break with an outfit that will impress! As a reminder, they can visit our Career Closet if they need inspiration or an item!
|
|
Morton Family Learning Center
The Morton Family Learning Center will host a Songwriting Workshop on March 17th!
The Same Thing Project is a songwriting workshop for people from all walks of life. All students including musicians and non-musicians, faculty/staff, and curiosity seekers of all kinds are invited to participate on Thursday, March 17 from 1-3 pm in the Morton Family Learning Center. Together, we will write a song! Led by Rhode Island Music Hall of Fame member and former Atlantic Records recording artist, Mark Cutler, The Same Thing Project will foster an environment where you do not have to be skilled at a musical instrument in order to be musical. The goal is to encourage and provide a setting where all participants can be part of a creative community; one that is open, non-judgmental, inclusive, and encouraging.
The Morton Family Learning Center is located on the second floor of the Green Family
Library Learning Commons. We host a variety of programs each semester in addition to our regular schedule of learning support services. For more information on the Morton
Family Learning Center and learning support, please see the Learning Center’s
page on Today@Dean or Dean.edu.
|
|
Student Activities
The Dean Activities Board will be hosting a Casino Night on St. Patrick’s Day featuring live blackjack tables, roulette, and other interactive ways to win prizes! There will also be an inflatable pub for our 21+ students. The Annual Collaboration Show, hosted by our six dance teams will take place on March 19th. The show exists to create another space for Dean dancers to explore their creativity and choreography. Each of the six teams as well as selected student pieces will perform.
Our student organizations will be closing out the month with a variety of events! The Arts & Entertainment Management (AMGT) club will be hosting a talent show on March 25th. The following weekend, the Collaborative Authors League (CAL) will be hosting an Escape Rooms event. The Music Culture Club will be collecting donations for the Franklin Food Pantry at “Cans for Jams” featuring the classic game, Guitar Hero.
Make sure to check out the @DeanCollegeCampusLife and @dab_deancollege Instagram pages for event details and highlights!
|
|
Campus Parking 2022- 2023
We are prepared to open requests for the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 parking program. All interested students must complete the parking application by April 15 to be considered.
Students can access the application via a link on Today@Dean, marketing efforts in the Campus Center Concourse, and through student email. The parking lottery is based upon a student's seniority and completed credits. Applications submitted after April 15 may be placed on a parking waitlist, dependent on overall student campus parking availability.
Students on the parking waitlist will be contacted during the summer months as spaces become available. Students that do not receive a parking spot via the parking lottery or the waitlist will not be permitted to bring a vehicle to campus. All questions regarding campus parking should be directed to Zach Roy, Campus Safety Manager at zroy@dean.edu.
Students selected for a campus parking space for the Fall 2022-Spring 2023 academic year via the parking lottery will receive a message with their campus parking location by Friday, May 6, 2022.
|
|
School of the Arts Spring Productions and Performances
We are excited to bring you the spring line-up of performances showcasing the tremendous talents of our students. Please select the link below for tickets,
spectator policies, and additional information. On with the show!
HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
MARCH 30-APRIL 3, 2022
2:00 P.M. | 7:30 P.M.
MAIN STAGE
Big business means big laughs in this classic satire of big business and all it holds sacred. A tune-filled comic gem that took Broadway by storm, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize, How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying is an irreverent and tuneful romp, jam-packed with sly, swift, and sharp jabs to the funny bone and an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser. The story follows the rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, who climbs the corporate ladder from lowly window washer to high-powered executive, tackling such familiar but potent dangers as the aggressively compliant "company man," the office party, backstabbing coworkers, caffeine addiction and, of course, true love.
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
FRESHMAN THEATRE SHOWCASE
APRIL 8 & 10, 2022
7:30 & 2:00 P.M.
MAIN STAGE
An informal showing of monologues, scenes, songs, and theatre works brought to the stage by our first-year theatre majors.
SENIOR THEATRE SHOWCASE
APRIL 9 & 10, 2022
7:30 P.M.
MAIN STAGE
Featuring scenes, songs, and monologues, the annual Theatre Showcase is a celebration of the class of 2022 and the cohort’s formal introduction to the professional theatre community.
SENIOR DANCE SHOWCASE
APRIL 22 & 23, 2022
7:30 P.M.
MAIN STAGE
Creating a performance from the ground up, our talented senior dance students share their choreography, performance, and production expertise in this annual collaborative showcase.
DANCE COMPANY
APRIL 28-May 1, 2022
2:00 P.M. | 7:30 P.M.
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.
|
|
Financial Aid Award Letters Coming in March!
If you haven’t submitted the 2022-2023 FAFSA as of yet, please do so online or via the myStudentAid app today. The earlier you submit the FAFSA the better as some aid is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. Your FSA ID and password and your parent FSA ID and password (if dependent) will be needed to electronically sign the FAFSA. As always, if you need help filling out the FAFSA or 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. Financial aid award letters will be sent home in March for those who did file the FAFSA.
|
|
Coleman, Corley, and Fillion Named NFHCA Division III Scholars of Distinction
Junior Zoe Coleman (Warwick, RI), first-year Caroline Corley (Medway, MA), and sophomore Mackenzie Fillion (New Bedford, MA) have been recognized as National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) Division III Scholars of Distinction. View the full story at deanbulldogs.com.
|
|
Men's Basketball Defeated by Emmanuel in First Round of GNAC Playoffs; Men's and Women's Lacrosse kick off their seasons at home this week; Baseball and Softball head south for Spring Break
The No. 12 seed, Dean College men's basketball team fell to No. 5 seed, Emmanuel, 99-69, in a Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) tournament first-round matchup Tuesday evening.
The men's lacrosse team will open its campaign on Sunday, February 27 at Grant Field versus Husson. The women will begin their season on Wednesday, March 1 hosting Fitchburg St. University on Grant Field.
The baseball and softball teams will both travel to Myrtle Beach to begin their respective seasons. Both will play several games during spring break week.
Men's volleyball remains in search of their first victory of the season. Next up for the Bulldogs is a match versus Lesley University on Wednesday, March 2 in the Pieri Gymnasium. Continue to follow Bulldogs athletics with news inclusive of current spectator policy, schedules, and highlights all year long at deanbulldogs.com. Let's go Bulldogs!
|
|
Counseling Services
Time for a “Sleepcation”
Spring Break is a great time for students to catch up on sleep, re-charge their batteries, 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 the use of electronics can boost productivity, increase creativity, and lead 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 of episodes while you work out!
Go 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.
Counseling Services 508.541.1602
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00am-7:00pm Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
MaryAnn Silvestri. M. Ed, LMHC Director of Counseling counselingservices@dean.edu
|
|
Dean College receives VAWA Department of Justice Grant for the second time
Prevention and Education:
This past semester, the college was awarded a $299,889 continuation grant to enhance prevention and education tools for domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking through the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women.
During the month of February, the Office of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education promoted National Dating Violence Awareness Month by offering interactive programs and workshops to support establishing healthy friendships and relationships and ending the month with the Dean College community participating in a Wear Orange Day in support of speaking up against dating violence. In April, we will partner with student organizations and the campus community to promote Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
|
|
The 2022 Global Days of Giving was a success! Including the $200,000 in unlocked challenge dollars, we raised more than $500,000 for Dean College.
For the heated contest for the Dean Athletic Battle of the Bulldogs - Softball came out on top with the most individual donors followed closely by Football!
|
|
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
Dining Services: 508.541.1564
Morton Family Learning Center: 508.541.1768
Residence Life: 508.541.1838
Email: deanofstudents@dean.edu
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
