The Freshman Handbook
The Freshman Handbook is a source of placement information and advice for incoming freshmen. It is prepared in the Yale College Publications Office during the winter so that matriculants can receive it in the spring. Photocopies of the department's material in the previous year's Freshman Handbook are sent to DUSes late in the fall term. Corrected and updated copy is due back in the office of the editor in early December.
Please note the following changes for the Class of 2014 Freshman Handbook:
- Portions of the information previously found in the Freshman Handbook will be published only on line in 2010. This online text will include "Special Academic Programs and Preregistration" (Chapter 8 in the Class of 2013 handbook) and the academic program descriptions from Chapter 9. Freshmen will still have access to the material in May, but it will be available exclusively on the freshman Web site.
- The academic program information for freshmen will still be collected and edited before most departments finalize their curriculum for the following year. You are therefore encouraged to keep your program description for the freshman Web site brief and general, and to refer students to the YCPS where appropriate. Bear in mind that students will have access to full program information in the online YCPS by July 30.
- Specifics about placement tests, departmental meetings, and other freshman orientation events will not appear in the freshman Web site’s descriptions of academic programs. That information will be published in the Calendar for the Opening Days of College, edited later in the academic year and available to students in mid-July.
- If your department plans to make substantial changes to your major for 2010–2011, please note this on your copy when you submit your changes in December. It may be possible to include such changes on the freshman Web site in the spring after the Course of Study Committee has approved them.
Questions regarding the Freshman Handbook may be addressed to the editor, Shalane Hansen, Yale College Publications, 246 Church Street, room 201, 432-9171.