August 2024

Dean Bulldogs and Families,

We are just a few weeks away from check-in/move-in for the 2024/2025 academic year! While we know there may still be a number of items on your checklist: purchasing items for your room, last paychecks from work, one last trip to the beach, or a visit with family, we are already excitedly preparing for your arrival. For our newest Bulldogs and families, welcome to Bulldog Nation!

This is the first of my monthly newsletters to keep you appraised of campus highlights and happenings. The August edition is unique in that it is sent to both students and families to keep everyone on the same page. Once the year is underway, the newsletter will be family-focused (the students are living it each day!). 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! You will also find contact information for many of our offices at the close of the newsletter.

It seems apropos that the Olympics are taking place as I think about what lies ahead for our Bulldogs. Olympians, regardless of which sport, have dedicated their lives to perfecting their craft. This did not happen overnight, and I'm sure these athletes were met with setbacks time and time again, only to push themselves even more. And yes, we will witness sprints with track and field events on the horizon, but even sprinters took years to master leaving the starting block. The college experience is a testament to constant practice, effort, and resiliency. Four years will move quickly, but it is a marathon where the goal is to stretch yourself just a bit further each day. For those of you that remember my discussion from New Student Orientation, this is not about perfection but instead, the memorable imperfections that have brought all of you to realize your potential and growth. The medal stand is analogous to the stage at Commencement, a triumph for both students and families. Our staff and faculty look forward to being your coaches and mentors, providing encouragement along the way.

We look forward to seeing all of you shortly, safe travels to campus and...Let's Go Bulldogs!

Best,

Dave Drucker, M. Ed.

Associate Vice President, Student Life & Dean of Students

Residence Life

Housing Assignments are Live!

We are excited to announce that the 2024-2025 housing assignments for all first-year and transfer residents were released on July 31, 2024! We encourage all incoming residents to check their emails for instructions on how to access their housing information via MyHousing. Returning residents can view their assignments, selected during Spring Housing Selection, on MyHousing.

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 Check-In webpage in early August.

·      August 29: Move-In from 1:00 - 3:00pm for incoming Arch residents

·      August 30: Move-In for new and transfer residents

·      September 1: Move-In for returning residents

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 homes. All Move-In Crew members will move in early on August 29th. For additional questions, contact Courtney Holden at cholden@dean.edu.

Click here to apply

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. (see graphic below)

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! To connect with your Resident Director, please visit the Residence Life page on Today@dean.

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.

If you have additional questions, please reach out to the 

Office of Residence Life: 508.541.1838

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

Bulldog Beginnings- Welcomes the Newest Bulldogs!

The campus community is so excited to welcome our newest Bulldogs to campus at the end of this month, kicking off with Bulldog Beginnings! This welcome weekend is an opportunity to get acclimated to the campus, meet new friends, get prepared for classes, and start thinking about what your time at Dean will look like. Bulldog Beginnings will kick off on the afternoon of Friday, August 30th, and continue through Monday, September 2nd. Bulldog Beginnings contains both mandatory and optional programming, all designed to show you everything you need to know about Dean College! Stay tuned for more information, and feel free to reach out to orientation@dean.edu with any questions!

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 excited to return to Dean College as your on-campus dining provider! Referred to as Dean College Dining Services, your student can look forward to:

• Comfort food favorites and the latest on-trend menu items across all of our locations

• 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

• Mobile ordering, payment, and express pickup through our new dining app at Boomers and Bulldog Beanery

• New automated vending solutions offering sweet and savory hot options 24/7

• Brand new dining web and social media sites (coming soon) 

We can’t wait to see you on campus! 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 starting August 9th or through our website, which will be active very soon. 

Center for Student Financial Planning and Services

Enhance your Check-in Experience

To ensure a seamless check-in experience:

Check your Dean email for any emails pertaining to action items needed and take care of those remaining items prior to your arrival

Log on to Today@dean. If you have any restrictions, they will be highlighted at the top right of your screen.

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 Student Account Portal and check your balance information. If you do have a credit and do not have any pending financial restrictions, then you can use your credit to:

Buy books and supplies at: https://www.bkstr.com/deanstore/home

Request Boomer Bucks using the “Boomer Bucks Request” link located under Essential Links on Today@dean.

159th Dean College Commencement

Greetings from the Commencement Committee.

Yes, we are already looking ahead with anticipation to Dean College’s 159th Commencement. It will be here before you know it.

We do want to make sure everyone is aware of an important amendment that was made to the Dean College 2024-2025 Academic Calendar – Commencement will now be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

Please note this important date in your calendar so you can start planning for the celebration! Here is a list of area hotels that we recommend. During the academic year, we will regularly update you via these emails and our commencement web pages.

We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025 with fun activities throughout the year, including a special senior sendoff! We are excited to cheer on the seniors (and soon to be graduates) as they finish their last year at Dean and start their next chapter!

Campus Parking 2024- 2025

At the current time, our resident student parking program is at full capacity. There is a waitlist and students are welcome to add their names at any time (see contact information below). First-year students may not have a car on campus. As spaces become available, students will be contacted to confirm their continued interest in campus parking.

Please be reminded that vehicles found on Dean's property without a valid permit will be fined and potentially towed. This may also jeopardize a student's ability to receive a parking permit in future semesters. We 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 Friday, August 30th, or from the Campus Police and Safety dispatch office in the lower level of Dean Hall. All questions regarding campus parking should be directed to Erica Abro, Captain, Campus Police and Safety at parking@dean.edu.

Online modules: Binge Thinking is for all students; U Got This is for New Students Only

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 training courses are mandatory and should be completed by August 15th. As of now, 40% of all incoming students have completed both programs.

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=913

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, you are welcome to contact Shea Lawrie, Director of Sexual Violence Prevention and Education at slawrie@dean.edu.

U Got This! https://dean.catharsisonlinetraining.com/Student/StudentDashboard/SSO?clientProgramId=914

Troubleshooting:

If a student is experiencing login issues or video playback concerns, they may try using a different browser or incognito tab. Google Chrome is the preferred web browser for this program. Many students have also had success using their phone or tablet, which may be an alternative option. Finally, if a student is experiencing unresolvable technical concerns after attempting to troubleshoot, they may email catharsisonlinetraining@catharsisproductions.com and include deanofstudents@dean.edu.

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.

Robbins Family Center for Advising and Career Planning

Fall Course Schedules...and more!

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.

Handshake

New student Handshake accounts are LIVE! Please log in from Today@Dean to activate your account. Handshake is the leading platform for student employment. Log on to access career resources, connect with employers, apply for on-campus and off-campus positions, and secure an internship for the fall semester. Not sure where to start? Reach out to Thea Cerio (tcerio@dean.edu) for help.

Fall Internships

Planning to do an internship this fall? Log into https://dean.joinhandshake.com/login to browse opportunities and complete the internship application. Reach out to your Success & Career Advisor if you need help! Questions? Reach out to Thea Cerio: tcerio@dean.edu

erio@dean.edu

Morton Family Learning Center

The Morton Family Learning Center offers a wide variety of academic supports to help students prepare for exams, presentations, and projects. Writing, math, and subject area tutoring, presentation practice as well as group and individual study spaces are offered through the Theodore and Cynthia Berenson Center for Writing, Mathematics, and Presentation Excellence which is located on the first floor of the Green Family Library Learning Commons. Students may schedule free tutoring appointments online via the My WCOnline link located in the top right-hand corner on Today@dean or drop in for appointments.

For additional information about our services, please contact the Morton Family Learning Center at 508-541-1768 or email us at learning@dean.edu.

Want to study away in January 2025 or Spring 2025? 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 21st-century skills and expands career possibilities not only immediately after graduation but throughout one’s career. 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 two planned for Spring 2025: (1) Spain: A Land of Many Cultures, with a March 2025 trip; (2) From Amsterdam to Paris: Unraveling Economic Landscapes in Europe, with a May 2025 trip to Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. 

·      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 2025.

·      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 the 2^nd semester of their sophomore year through to the 1st 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 2025 or Spring 2025 is no later than October 1, 2024 (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 2024 – watch Today@Dean 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.  

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 2024

Friday, August 30

New Student Check-in/Move-in*

Friday, August 30 - Sunday, September 1

Bulldog Beginnings

Sunday, September 1

Returning Student Check-in/Move-in

Monday, September 2

Labor Day- College Closed

Tuesday, September 3

First Day of Fall Classes

Monday, October 14

Indigenous Peoples' Day-

No Classes

Friday, October 25 - Sunday, October 27

Homecoming for Alumni and Family Weekend

Wednesday, November 27- Friday, November 29

Thanksgiving Break, No Classes

Tuesday, December 10 - Friday, December 13

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

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 are two urgent care facilities within just a few miles of campus that are open seven days a week. Please check their respective websites for hours of operation: PHYSICIANone and Milford Regional Urgent Care.

Wishing you a great start to the semester! Pictured above are Chapman House (home to Counseling Services, Health Services, and Residence Life) and Nurse Practitioner, Laura Branford Smith.

Counseling Services

We are excited to welcome back our students and returning clinical staff for the 2024-2025 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 on the front page of Today@dean (student side -Essential Links), 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 the student portal, under Announcements, 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 weeks 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 Today@dean.

The Counseling Center staff is excited to offer walk-in hours during the first weeks of the semester to students. These hours and schedule will be posted on Today@dean and the Counseling Center's Instagram page, as the beginning of the semester approaches. The goal of hosting walk-in hours is to support students in understanding and becoming familiar with counseling services on campus while allowing students to get to know the clinicians in the center at the same time. 

The 'Zen Den'

In the final weeks of the spring semester of 2024, the College held a ceremony to open a relaxation room on campus. The room, referred to as the 'Zen Den' is part of an initiative to expand wellness opportunities on campus. Students will be able to take advantage of various areas in the room where they can listen to calming sounds and music, meditative apps, or play quiet games with friends.

A majority of the funding was provided by the KyleCares Foundation, a local family organization that focuses on mental health advocacy and suicide prevention. The Active Minds student organization spearheaded the idea for the space and was highly involved in the selection of furniture and design of the room. We are excited for students to utilize the space throughout the academic year. Days and times of availability will be posted on the student portal.

Fresh Check Day

Bulldogs, save the date for Fresh Check Day on October 10th! The Counseling Center is excited to once again host Fresh Check at Dean College.

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. This will be the seventh year Dean has hosted the events for its campus community.

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 7am-6pm and Saturday from 9am-6pm. We will provide directions on the student portal 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-emergent transportation needs.

Dean College Announces 2024-2025

Performing Arts Season

We’re so excited to announce our new 2024-2025 season of theatre and dance performances featuring current Dean students, award-winning faculty, and renowned guest artists and directors. Running from September through May, the lineup includes six theatrical productions, four dance shows, and multiple showcase performances.

September 27-29, 2024

Let it Be

A musical celebration of The Beatles that follows a group of teenage friends and their intertwining stories during the height of the Vietnam War.

October 16-20, 2024

Mad Forest

A poignant play written by Caryl Churchill following two families during the Romanian Revolution.

November 1-2, 2024

Arts Mosaic

Student works and collaborations, integrating dance, theatre, music, and much more.

November 13-17, 2024

My Favorite Year

A classic musical comedy based on the book by Joseph Dougherty and music and lyrics by Tony award-winning Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

November 22-23, 2024

New Dancer Showcase

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

November 23-24, 2024

New Thespian Showcase

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

December 5-6, 2024

Faculty Dance Works

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

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.

Ticket Pricing

Regularly priced tickets range from $12-$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 – “Mad Forest,” “My Favorite Year,” “Breath of Stars,” and “Freaky Friday”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.

The Dance Series Package (four performances – “Arts Mosaic,” “Faculty Dance Works,” “Choreographers’ Concert” and “Dance Company”) is $66 for the general public and $36 for senior citizens and non-Dean students.

More information about our 24-25 Performing Arts Season and ticket packages are now available online at www.dean.edu/performance. Individual show tickets will be available beginning September 1st.  

Fall sports are closing in! Keep up with all your favorite Bulldog teams, 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 Greater Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC), and Eastern Collegiate Football Conference (Football only).

Let's Go Bulldogs!