Dear students,
On behalf of faculty and staff of the School of Arts and Sciences, I am excited to start this new academic year with you. Welcome to fall term!
All of us, faculty and staff, are focused on empowering you to make the most of Dartmouth’s world-class liberal arts education, inside and outside the classroom. I invite you to find out more about the vision and structure of the new school, which launched July 1. Our goal is to enable you to explore all the opportunities that are within reach here and support you as you connect with and learn from the renowned faculty and dedicated staff who are as curious and engaged as you are.
Together, we’re creating an environment inside and outside the classroom where you can thrive and prepare for a lifetime of learning and responsible leadership. In today’s constantly evolving world, the skills you’re learning now—thinking critically and creatively, engaging in dialogue, collaborating with others, and finding purpose—will help you navigate the changes and challenges that will come your way.
Most importantly, I encourage you to take full advantage of avenues to make your voice heard, expand your learning, and create the community you want to see at Dartmouth.
- Get to know your professors. Visit their office hours, or take a faculty member to lunch to hear about their journeys and what inspires them beyond the classroom.
- Join student lunches hosted by the Division of Undergraduate Student Affairs. We want to hear what matters most to you. Sign up for the Dean’s Lunch Group and share your experiences with Arts and Sciences leadership in a casual small-group conversation. Space is limited to six students on Oct. 7, Oct, 28, and Nov. 18. Please register by October 3.
- Try something new through your house community, campus program, or a student organization. Join a group outing through the Outdoor Programs Office or participate in a Student Wellness Center program. Find out about the new career communities at the Center for Career Design. Visit the incredible arts spaces at the beautifully redesigned Hop. First-years, get involved in building the bonfire for Homecoming’s epic Dartmouth Night–a unique experience offered through the Office of Student Involvement.
- Check in regularly with your undergraduate dean and staff advisers. When you’re trying to figure out next steps, your dean can help you identify resources to plan your path. Our staff across campus are here to support you.
- Check-in with Coconut. You might see me around campus walking Coconut, my bernadoodle. Drop by the Collis Porch and say hi to Coconut and me on Oct. 21 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. We’d love to meet you!
Please know that you can also continue to count on the support and resources that are on hand to help you every day.
I’m grateful for the energy and enthusiasm of our Arts and Sciences faculty and staff, especially my colleagues who are leading the School’s three divisions: John Carey, interim dean of the faculty; Scott Pauls, interim dean of undergraduate education; and Anne Hudak, interim dean of undergraduate student affairs. We care deeply about helping you create your best Dartmouth experience and enhancing the undergraduate student experience for generations to come.
Stay tuned for updates and chances to connect in the coming months. In the meantime, I wish you a productive and engaging fall term.
Best wishes,
Nina Pavcnik
Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences