Dean of Students Update: Dining, Winter Term, Deans' Tips

Dear Students,

This week’s DOS update contains useful information on dining, winter term workshops, getting to know your Student Life deans, and intentional time management. Enjoy the sunshine, and happy fall!

Managing the Lunch Crunch

We all know that lunchtime on Tuesdays and Thursdays can be hectic, but there are some ways you can help to spread out traffic, help our friends in dining services, and enhance the dining experience for all. If you don’t have a class that ends at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays (there are approximately 1,300 of you who don’t), consider taking lunch early on those days. Or opt for Atwater, which is less heavily used than Proctor and Ross. 

Reserved Tables for Students Who Use Mobility Assistance Devices

There are tables close to the serving areas in each dining hall reserved for students who use wheelchairs or other mobility assistance devices. While we know that space is at a premium, please respect the intended use for these tables. 

Winter Term Workshops

It may be 75 degrees out today, but the winter term workshop application is open now through Thursday, September 30 at 8 a.m. Read more about winter term workshops at go/wtw, or start your WTW proposal by clicking here.

Get to Know Your Student Life Dean!

Student Life Deans Emily Van Mistri, Jennifer Guinn Sellers, Matt Longman, and Scott Barnicle have enjoyed meeting new students in first-year seminars, connecting with sophomores at the recent Sophomore Open House, welcoming back students on leave of absence last year at the Student Involvement Fair, and connecting with students one-on-one in their offices. If you haven’t had a chance to meet your dean, you can always email sldeansoffice@middlebury.edu or stop by their offices in the Stewart and Allen Halls. You can also visit go/deans to learn about the ways Student Life Deans are here to support you.

Intentional Time Management

Whether or not we are aware, what we are doing right now sets the groundwork for future habits. We’ve all lost an hour staring at our phones without realizing it. Embrace the opportunity of the new academic year to be intentional about time management. This will help build positive habits and make it less likely you will need to rely on will power and self-control to achieve your goals. Check in with the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Research to learn more about managing time. 

Campus Status Webpage

The public health situation remains fluid, and COVID-19 prevalence is high or substantial in Vermont. Monitor the Campus Status webpage regularly for the latest information on COVID-related policies and guidance. 

Wishing you a pleasant weekend,

Derek Doucet

Dean of Students