• Mount Holyoke, in collaboration with And Still We Rise, is facilitating a support group tailored specifically for Middle Eastern North African (MENA) students, which kicked off this week. Additional sessions are scheduled from 4 pm to 5:15 pm on Tues, Dec. 12, Jan. 9 and Jan. 16. The group convenes virtually, and to receive an invite, simply text "HOLYOKE" to 978-523-2700. If you do not feel comfortable texting or do not have text capabilities, email me at dean-students@mtholyoke.edu and we will send you the information to join the group.
• Additionally, the Office of Community and Belonging, in conjunction with Student Life, Student Government Association, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, will host dedicated affinity spaces for campus conversations this Sunday, Dec. 10. These spaces aim to create a platform for engaging and meaningful intragroup conversations about current campus and global events. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss, share feelings, and exchange ideas for self-care and community support. For more information and to register in advance, visit Embark – Affinity Spaces Registration.
• All first-generation and low-income students are invited to the Fearless First End of Semester Check-In on Monday, Dec. 11, from 5 to 6 pm in the Unity Center to discuss resources, ask questions, and connect with your Fearless First Community.

• Tomorrow is Kendall Fun Night, where Kendall will stay open until 10 pm with fun activities like badminton, yoga, pickleball, open swim from 7-9 pm, plus more!
• Join Student Involvement in the Community Center on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 6 to 8 pm for No Study Zone for mini golf, a photo booth, crafts, board games, food and more. To request accessibility accommodations, please email student-involvement@mtholyoke.edu at least 72 hours before the event.
• De-Stress Fest runs during reading days next week, with activities like Pet-a-Pet, Crafts and Cocoa, Late Night Bingo, and more.

Marcella Runell

Be Well

Be Well is the College’s wellness program that provides students with strategies and opportunities to create their own path to wellness. It integrates four components essential to building a life that sustains and empowers: a healthy mind, a healthy body, a healthy community, and a healthy life. Make sure to check out Be Well events on campus!

Be Well, Be Welcome: Financial Literacy

Thank you so much to all who joined us for the Free Dinner, Free Money, For First Year's Financial Literacy event! Financial literacy is a confusing field that should be accessible to all. If you were unable to attend, no worries! You can find the information used in the presentation here, if you ever have any questions surrounding personal finance, insurance, credit scores, and more.

Announcements & Updates

Request for jars with lids!

• The CDC is looking to collect 40-50 jars with covers for an activity to be held during next week’s No Study Zone event on Dec. 12 from 6-8 pm. If you have any small to medium-sized jars with covers (jam/jelly jars, olive or pickle jars, etc.) that you are happy to part with, please either drop them off at the CDC (across from the Public Safety and Service office, M-F, 9-5 pm) or email mmurphyrennie@mtholyoke.edu and we will come collect them from your office.

Sign up for the annual toy drive!

• The Mount Holyoke Student-Athlete Advisory Committee is partnering with Wunderfund, a nonprofit that serves children working with the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families to provide kids in the Pioneer Valley with presents that they would not otherwise receive for the holidays. Individuals can sign up to sponsor a 1-5 children. After signing up, you will receive an email with the information of the child you are sponsoring so you can find a gift that best suits their needs. There will be gift drop-offs on campus on and approaching Dec. 13.

2024 Trailblazers of Color Leadership Conference

• Save the Date for the 2024 Students of Color Leadership Conference with the theme "Sankofa: Looking Back to Move Forward," which will be happening on April 6, 2024. Learn more here!

Policies about demonstrations, chalking and posters

• As a reminder, here are the College’s policies on demonstrations, posters and chalking on campus. Community members can report violations by visiting the Community Standards web page.
• Remember that College employees – such as Public Safety, Residential Life staff, and Facilities staff – will remove materials that do not follow the posting policy.
  • Employees should not be harassed when implementing the policy and please note that vandalism is a serious violation of the honor code. Vandalism can be punishable by law, subject to fines and/or serious conduct outcomes

Students: Receive your flu shot at Health Services

• Once again, Health Services is offering flu shots. Schedule a time to receive your flu shot by going to My Health Connection to make an appointment. Or, call Health Services at 413-538-2121. If you have the student health insurance plan (SHIP) there is no additional charge for the flu vaccine. If you have the pre-paid plan or another health insurance plan a $20 charge will be placed on your student bill.

Counseling Service Open Access Scheduling

• Open Access Scheduling for the Counseling Service begins on Nov. 27 and runs through the last day of finals. During Open Access Scheduling, you can schedule a brief, solution-oriented consultation. Times are posted daily for students in need of support or connection. Log into my.mtholyoke, go to MHC Tools, then Counseling Service Online Scheduling and Forms. You can also call 413-538-2037, Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm. If you are in need of immediate assistance, call the Crisis Line at 413-538-2037 and follow the prompts for urgent evaluation and support in planning next steps. For more information or questions, call 413-538-2037 or visit: mtholyoke.edu/counseling.

Community and Belonging traditions

• The Community and Belonging traditions which honor graduating seniors take place Spring 2024 prior to the last day of classes and/or during Commencement Week. (1) the Fearless First Cording Ceremony for First Generation and/ or Low-Income students and (2) Lavender Ceremony for LGBTQIA+ students, (3) the Students of Color Stoling Ceremony,(4) International Senior Ceremony, and (5) Blessing and Sending.
• We recognize that some of you may not be able to return to campus; if you self-identify with one or more of these communities we would like to honor you by providing a special gift that is given to all students who participate in the ceremonies.
• To receive your gift, please fill out one or both of the forms as you identify. These gifts can be picked up at the Champagne and Strawberries/ Berries and Bubbly on Dec. 12, or prior to Friday, Dec 15 at the locations noted on each form.
  • Blessing and Sending Gift - Dec. 2023
  • Fearless First Cording Ceremony Gift- Dec. 2023
  • Lavender Ceremony Gift - Dec. 2023
  • International Student Senior Gift - Dec. 2023
  • Stoling Ceremony Gift - December 2023

Events & Experiences

Paint and Sip event

• Come relax and unwind from end-of-semester stress at the Betty Shabazz Cultural Center on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 3 pm. There will be refreshments to enjoy and canvas to paint on.

Hanukkah Party

• The JSU and Office of Community and Belonging invite you to join them for the Hanukkah party, Friday Dec. 8 at 5 pm in the Eliot House Lounge. They will have a Shabbat with candle lighting followed by a delicious and traditional Kosher meal! Food will be served at 6 pm.

Christmas Party

• All are invited to join the Mount Holyoke Christian Fellowship, Daughters of Zion and the Office of Community and Belonging at the Christmas Party on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 5-8 pm in the Great Room. There will be food, crafts, carols, and a gingerbread house competition!

"No Study Zone" town hall with Students of Color Committee

• Come join the Students of Color Committee for Karaoke and Just Dance during our "No Study Zone" town hall on Dec. 12 in the Unity Center from 6 to 8 pm!

Tea Time with DS Fellows

• Come to Tea Time with the Disability Services Fellows on Dec. 8 from 11:15 am to 12:15 pm and chat! Drop-in to ask questions, give feedback, or just hang out and eat snacks and drink tea.The purpose of this space is multi-purpose, for disabled and disabled-resonant individuals to engage in community, whatever that looks like for you.

Reunion Student Worker Information Session Registration

• Joining the Reunion team is a great way to meet some of Mount Holyoke's incredible alums and start summer with a paycheck. Come learn more about Reunion work and critical application details at one of the informational sessions on Feb. 13 and Feb. 15. The deadline to register is Feb. 11. Please note you must attend one of the information sessions to be eligible to work. Please be in touch with Kathy Cadorette, coordinator of the Reunion Student Work Program, at reunion-l@mtholyoke.edu, with any questions about Reunion work or the information sessions.

Resources & Reminders

College’s emergency response procedures

• Any emergency should be promptly reported to Public Safety and Service at 413-538-2304. For medical emergencies, call 911 or 1-911 from a campus phone. Please note that weather alerts are announced at the top of every page of the College website, with details on the campus alerts page. You can sign up for the Emergency Notification System here.

Care and support resources

• This site includes important phone numbers, support groups, and drop-in spaces, specific resources related to COVID support, and information about connecting with staff in the Division of Student Life.

Did you know you can get research help from LITS?

• Schedule an appointment or email us at researchservices-g@mtholyoke.edu for help with: brainstorming a research topic, refining your research topic, finding books, articles, and data, evaluating and using information, citing sources

Looking for a new library study space?

• Check out the Study Space Finder tool on the LITS website - it will narrow down locations based on criteria you put in, including your preferences for which library building, wheelchair accessibility, type of furniture, group or solo study, and noise level preference.

Public Safety and Service Inquiry or Complaint form

• Public Safety and Service has a process and form for submitting any questions, complaints, or commendations about their department. I encourage you to review their webpage for more information about both!

College’s COVID procedures

• You can find information about the College’s COVID procedures on the student COVID-19 webpage.

COVID self-test kits and KN95 masks

• COVID self-test kits and KN95 masks are available in the Student Life suite (Blanchard 205) during the hours the suite is open (typically Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). There are enough kits for every student to take 1 kit – each kit contains 2 tests – please be mindful of this and note that all test-kit dates have been verified (some may show a date that is expired but all test-kits have been personally reviewed against a revised expiration date list). Additionally four free tests are available for each household to request through the government's COVIDTests.gov portal.

Safety Net Fund and Book advance

• The Safety Net Fund program offers financial support for students who may have difficulty accessing living necessities, access to technology, and/or other needs to support successful academic learning. To apply, please fill out the Safety Net Fund form. Please note the form is being hosted in a different location using new software. The Book Advance form is also available!

Textbook Resources

• We have compiled a list of resources, tools, and suggestions to help you navigate the process of getting your textbooks for the fall. Take a moment to check out the Textbook Resources page to learn more!

PVTA Bus Service

• For full information on the PVTA for the fall semester, review this news release from the Five College Consortium: All Five College Buses will Operate in the Fall 2023 Semester. Ongoing updates can be found on the bus page of the Five College website, and at pvta.com.

Mount Holyoke Shuttles and On-Campus Zipcards

• The College provides shuttle service for students to local places such as CVS pharmacy, Holyoke Mall, and Stop and Shop grocery store. For the full schedule and to sign-up review the Fleet Service webpage.
• Mount Holyoke has an affiliation with Zipcar to support student access to their self-service, on-demand car sharing in the area. To use Zipcars, simply register as a member, reserve a car online or by phone, use your Zipcard to enter the car, and drive away. When you’re done, return the car to the same location where you picked it up.