Tradition

Altered tradition creates recognition for graduate students

Altered tradition creates recognition for graduate students

“Convocation is a moment to celebrate affinities, including class year identity,” said President Sonya Stephens, promoting applause from the tightly packed amphitheater. This year’s convocation came with the announcement of an addition to a century-old Mount Holyoke tradition.

Dis-O: Mount Holyoke, what’s happening to me?

Dis-O: Mount Holyoke, what’s happening to me?

Mount Holyoke College boasts a myriad of traditions that date back more than a century. One of these traditions, dating back to the early 1900s, aims to bring the senior and first-year classes together: DisOrientation or Dis-O, formerly known as Hazing Day or Freshman Day.

Chop, chop! Students on MoHo’s famous haircut

Chop, chop! Students on MoHo’s famous haircut

BY MADELINE FITZGERALD ’21

The snipping of scissors and a pile of hair on a dorm room floor — this is the start of a Mount Holyoke tradition. It’s not one listed on the College’s Wikipedia page, nor is it mentioned on campus tours. And it is certainly not one that every student will participate in. But for many students, the MoHo Chop is as much a part of their Mount Holyoke experience as Mountain Day or M&Cs.

Wait ­­­­— so what happens when Baby gets here in the fall? New students reflect on their first experiences of MHC traditions

Wait ­­­­— so what happens when Baby gets here in the fall? New students reflect on their first experiences of MHC traditions

Traditions like Convocation are a defining aspect of the Mount Holyoke experience. They also mark the beginning of a journey at the College for many students, including first-years. For prospective students, Mount Holyoke’s traditions are often a deciding factor for choosing the College.

The history behind Convocation

The history behind Convocation

BY LILY REAVIS ‘21

Though some archive records claim that Convocation has taken place annually since 1837, there are no formal accounts of any such event until 1931. If there was a tradition before then, it was likely very different in style. The official establishment of Convocation in 1931 marked a turning point for Mount Holyoke College. Today, Mount Holyoke College’s Convocation is a loud, vibrant celebration of the school’s community, but it wasn’t always that way; the tradition was originally far more formal and focused on individual student awards. 

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