Dear Families of Students in the Class of 2027:
As we approach the end of the fall semester, students are as busy as usual and looking forward to Thanksgiving Break from November 27 to December 1. They should use that break to rest, but also should start to prepare for final papers and exams, as it can be a sprint to the end of term once we return to campus. Following the end of classes on December 6, we will have a Reading Period from December 7- 10 and then final exams will run from December 10-14. University housing will close on December 15. It’s a hectic time of year, so please encourage your student to prioritize their health and to practice self-care.
As the term comes to an end, please ask your student to reflect on the fall semester by asking what their favorite course and/or reading was this term and why, as well asking what they learned about themselves this semester, whether inside or outside of the classroom. Finally, a good question to ask is what resources your student looked to this term, such as tutoring, the Writing Room, or the Gordon Career Center (particularly helpful for those sophomores looking for summer internships). If you have a sense that it was a difficult term for your student, it can always be good to ask if they have connected with me at any point, as I’d be glad to meet.
Housing will reopen on January 19 and spring semester classes will begin January 23. Most sophomores will be declaring majors in the spring term, which can seem daunting for some students, as it’s a big step in finding their academic home and settling into a field of intellectual interest. While some students have known what they were going to major in before they even arrived at Wesleyan, others have changed their minds through their exploration of the curriculum. Still others have narrowed their choices but have not yet made a final decision, and there are a few others who simply cannot decide. If you sense that your student could benefit from some guidance on the question of deciding upon a major, please let your student know that a faculty advisor, department chairperson or their class dean can be of help in this moment.
Please also encourage your students to continue to explore the curriculum even after they’ve declared a major, as I’ve seen many students discover interests that have either complemented their major field or allowed them to enjoy learning about something else entirely.
Sophomore year can also be challenging outside of the classroom, as students can sometimes think they know everything Wesleyan has to offer, so please urge them to explore different clubs, courses, and parts of campus, as the opportunities are almost endless.
If your student is contemplating studying abroad, please suggest that your student visit the Office of Study Abroad at their earliest opportunity so as to learn more about the global programs available. Wesleyan recommends that every student participate in study abroad, regardless of major, and believes that immersion in a foreign culture can be a transformative personal experience that can resonate in a student’s intellectual work in profound and unexpected ways.
I will be writing to you again in the spring. In the meantime, please feel free to call or email if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Wood
Dean for the Class of 2027
860.685.2774
jpwood@wesleyan.edu