Dear Students,

We are looking forward to welcoming you all back to campus for the start of the 2024-25 academic year!

We have been working hard to prepare for your arrival, both for new students who will soon participate in Orientation and returning students.

We are kicking off the school year with Welcome MoHome, our weeks of welcome happening from classes start until Family and Friends Weekend! Make sure to bookmark the Embark events page and check out all of the ways you can connect to new people, explore Mount Holyoke traditions and events, and much more!

Then, follow and share your Welcome MoHome experiences with @MHCStudentLife, using the hashtags #WelcomeMoHome and #MyMoHome on Instagram! Mid-September, we will do a random drawing of all those who’ve used those hashtags to win some MHC swag. Also, be on the lookout on our social media for a room decorating contest!

Below are some important reminders and pre-arrival details for move-in.

We can’t wait to welcome you back MoHome, soon!

Warmly,

Marcella Runell

Vice President for Student Life, Dean of Students

Rachel Alldis

Assistant Vice President for Student Engagement and Executive Director of Residential Life

As you prepare to return to campus, we want to share a number of reminders related to your health and safety so you can best pack and prepare!

Respiratory Viruses, Including COVID

The College follows the CDC guidance for respiratory viruses isolation and precautions. We encourage you to bring your own supply of masks and self tests along with any medication, cleaning supplies, or other items you may need. There will be a limited supply of COVID self tests and masks for the first weeks of September available in Blanchard 205 starting the first day of classes.

If you are positive for COVID or if ill with any respiratory illness prior to arrival on campus or during the semester, please follow the guidance provided on the student respiratory illness/COVID page. Given the rise in cases of COVID seen this summer, we encourage all students to test before coming to campus. As a reminder, COVID-19 has shifted to an endemic phase, meaning it is here to stay.

• If you need to delay your arrival to campus and you will not be here for the first day of classes you should reach out directly to your Academic Dean and Residential Life. All students should be back on campus and attending classes by Sept. 9.
• Students who are immunocompromised and/or have other long-term or chronic disabilities should contact Disability Services to submit the necessary documentation for health-related accommodations.

Mosquitos and Ticks

We encourage you to pack the mosquito and tick repellent of your choice. You can find additional information on the Mosquito and Tick Precautions page.

Measles

There have been regional outbreaks of measles in the US over the past several months with high rates of hospitalization and complications. Measles vaccination substantially reduces the risk of contracting measles and is one of the health requirements for Massachusetts higher educational institutions. Students who have not completed their measles vaccination series--either because they are “in process” of getting immunized or due to medical or religious exemption--may be excluded from campus should MHC experience a measles outbreak.

Mpox

The College is also monitoring other public health concerns, including Mpox, a disease spread through skin-to-skin or other close, personal contact. Learn about prevention, signs, symptoms and more on the CDC, WHO and MA DPH Mpox websites. Students with symptoms or concerns about exposure should contact Health Services.

Reminder: Returning students (you!) can start moving back to campus Sunday, Sept. 1.

Key Pick-Up Times for Returning Students

• Sept. 1: 9 am to 9 pm, Blanchard 205
• Sept. 2: 9 am to 9 pm, Blanchard 205
• Sept. 3: 9 am to 5 pm, Blanchard 205

You must pick up your own key! You cannot have a friend pick up your key for you. If you arrive on campus outside of key pick-up hours, please talk with your RA or RF to get into your room, or call Public Safety and Service until you can pick up your key the next day. If you have questions, please contact res-life@mtholyoke.edu.

Move-in Hotline
The move-in hotline, available at 413-538-2911, will be staffed from 9 am to 5 pm on move-in day, Sept. 1. You can also use the hotline for any questions or concerns that come up during your move-in day. Due to the higher volume of calls, you may need to call back if you don’t reach us immediately. We appreciate your patience.

On Sept. 5 you can call Residential Life at 413-538-2088 from 9 am to 5 pm for any questions or concerns that come up during your move-in day.

Shuttles

Convocation

Happening Tuesday, Sept. 3, in the Amphitheater! More information to come, and make sure to pack your class color gear, and seniors, make sure to have your academic robe to wear over your clothing.

The 2024 Common Read: “I Never Thought of It That Way”

Mount Holyoke College’s 2024 Common Read is “I Never Thought of It That Way” by Mónica Guzmán. You’re strongly encouraged to check out a copy from LITS or a local library, snag a copy from The Odyssey Bookshop or a local bookstore, or download the audio version online! Then, make use of the LITS Common Read Guide with guided reading questions, more about the author, additional resources, and more! The author will join us on-campus Nov. 19!