Photo by Rosemary Geib '23. The Division of Student Life aims to connect people with communal signs in the Dining Commons.
By Rebecca Gagnon ’23
Staff Writer
Rushing against the crowd of the Dining Commons during the busy lunch hour, the search for a familiar face or simply a place to sit causes anxiety to slowly build in the pit of your stomach. Then, you see your holy grail: one student in the dining hall has a colorful sign stating “You’re Welcome to Sit with Me.” You build up your nerve and take up their offer, resulting in a new friend and a relaxing lunch period before your next class.
The Division of Student Life has developed a new system in the Dining Commons titled the “You’re Welcome to Sit with Me” campaign, as stated in the “Dean’s Corner” email sent on Nov. 4.
According to the email, the system is extremely easy. A student simply needs to “grab a sign from behind the swipe in station, put it on [their] table and welcome those [they] do not know to eat a meal with [them].”
The idea for the campaign originated from observing similar types of programs at other liberal arts colleges, but the Division for Student Life adapted the idea to fit the Mount Holyoke campus and give students the best possible experience.
“We are hoping that these signs can break down barriers around meeting new people and help build community,” Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Marcella Runell Hall said.
This new system is a pilot program, Hall explained, so it is unclear at the moment how long it will last. Hall stated that she would love any feedback and suggestions about the program, including on the topics discussed at the tables.
Hall recognizes that social anxiety can be a barrier for some students and hopes that the new system will allow individuals to emerge from their shells and get out of their comfort zone.
“Many students with social anxiety [want] to meet new people, so this can be an opportunity for a low-stakes moment to do that,” Hall explained. “If you see someone with a sign on their table, see it as an invitation. Take them up on their kind offer, ask if they have pets, what they like to study, where they are from — anything that could be a moment to connect.”
In line with Mount Holyoke’s mission to encourage relationship building, this program is a new way for students to make friends and deepen their connections to the College community.