The readjustment: students return to Mount Holyoke after gap years and semesters

The readjustment: students return to Mount Holyoke after gap years and semesters

Like many colleges and universities around the United States, Mount Holyoke offered almost exclusively remote courses during the 2020-2021 academic year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This turn of events prompted some students to choose to take a gap year or semester instead of attending online classes. Mount Holyoke students who took one semester off were able to remain a part of the class year they entered college with. However, some who took a full year off are adjusting to a social life in flux and sometimes to a new class color and mascot, which has complicated the return to the College.

Liz Sevigny ’23 elected as a Circle K international trustee

Liz Sevigny ’23 elected as a Circle K international trustee

This past summer, Liz Sevigny ’23 was elected as an international trustee of Circle K, a group devoted to promoting service projects within communities. According to Sevigny, Circle K allows members to develop leadership skills while working to enrich the world around them.

Mount Holyoke College pairs with alum Alison Rogers ’12 and the program USEFULL

Mount Holyoke College pairs with alum Alison Rogers ’12 and the program USEFULL

During the later months of the fall 2021 semester, the Mount Holyoke Dining Commons will begin implementing a solution to the challenge of maintaining the flexibility of takeout options without creating excessive waste. Starting soon, students will be able to take their meals to-go using returnable, reusable takeout containers. This program will allow students to keep the takeout option while also reducing waste. Currently, the Dining Commons is providing single-use compostable containers for students to use, both for eating in and takeout.

The return MoHome: Students divided over College’s COVID-19 protocols

The return MoHome: Students divided over College’s COVID-19 protocols


Whether you’re a first year stepping onto campus for the first time or a senior experiencing waves of nostalgia while walking around the Mount Holyoke campus, there are new experiences to discover as the College welcomes back the full capacity of students for the new academic year. Although a majority of students seem glad to be back, some feel anxious about returning. Opinions vary widely on how the school is handling the COVID-19 pandemic and the protocols that should keep our community safe.

Admission Ambassadors welcome prospective students with in-person tours

Admission Ambassadors welcome prospective students with in-person tours

After over a year of virtual tours and information sessions, the Mount Holyoke campus welcomes back prospective students for in-person tours. Over the past few months, to prepare for the summer, the Office of Admission has been hiring and training student Admission Ambassadors to guide tours.

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Professor Ajay Sinha explores photography and Indian dance

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Professor Ajay Sinha explores photography and Indian dance

Ajay Sinha, a professor in the art history and architectural studies departments, is using the summer to continue one of his research projects, a book, with the help of architecture major Sarannya Sharrma ’23. Sinha previously taught Sharrma in one of his classes and offered her an opportunity to help him with the manuscript of his book over the summer.

Astronomy department reaches for the stars with summer research

Astronomy department reaches for the stars with summer research

Although another year at Mount Holyoke has come to an end, academic life is still present on campus as summer research is now in full swing. Professors across the College, such as in the astronomy department, are beginning projects in their fields of study and have students assisting them for experience.

Jason Young, a visiting lecturer from the astronomy and physics department, has remained on campus since the end of the semester to conduct summer research.

Professor Darby Dyar appointed deputy principal investigator of VERITAS, first mission to Venus in three decades

Professor Darby Dyar appointed deputy principal investigator of VERITAS, first mission to Venus in three decades

Professor M. Darby Dyar never intended to be a planetary geologist — or a scientist at all, for that matter. As an undergraduate at Wellesley College, she majored in art history and geology, determined to build a career as a journalist. However, encouraged by the few female mentors in STEM she encountered, she set herself on a path that would grow into a renowned career in planetary science.

Residential Life navigates Mount Holyoke’s return to full capacity

Residential Life navigates Mount Holyoke’s return to full capacity

Life at Mount Holyoke has not been the same since COVID-19 spread across the world over a year ago. One area of the community that endured substantial change was Residential Life, constantly needing to shift the number of students allowed to live in dorms during the 2020-21 academic year. The College’s plans changed from allowing the full number of students on campus, to partial capacity, to almost no students during the fall semester and then back to partial capacity during the spring.

‘Life after tragedy’: Elizabeth Smart discusses survival and activism

‘Life after tragedy’: Elizabeth Smart discusses survival and activism

33-year-old New York Times bestselling author and activist Elizabeth Smart visited the Mount Holyoke community on April 29 as part of the College’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month programming. Smart is known for her role in establishing safety legislation to prevent abductions, such as the national Amber Alert system. Smart promotes the possibility of “life after tragedy.”

Global Fest marks a return to on-campus events

At Mount Holyoke, the student body includes hundreds of international students from over 70 countries, representing cultures from across the globe. The International Student Organizing Committee sought to celebrate the diversity of all the cultures and backgrounds of Mount Holyoke students through their annual Global Fest, hosted on Saturday, April 24, both on-campus and online.

‘What does an editor do?’ panel teaches students how to get started in the publishing world

Have you ever wondered what an editor does and what exactly they want from writers? Well, those are questions Andrea Lawlor, assistant professor of English at Mount Holyoke, set out to answer. On April 21, Lawlor held a panel discussion with three editors from literary journals and magazines as guest speakers.

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Mount Holyoke Review holds virtual publishing party

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Mount Holyoke Review holds virtual publishing party

On April 23, the Mount Holyoke Review, a literary magazine out of Mount Holyoke College, held a virtual publishing party for their second completed publication. With 51 attendees, the Zoom session featured nine of its published writers who read their work aloud. While the readers performed, the Zoom chat function was used by some to encourage and praise each other.

Phexxi, a new form of birth control, hits the market

Phexxi, a new form of birth control, hits the market

On May 22, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Phexxi, making it the first non-hormonal, on-demand contraceptive that regulates vaginal pH levels. Phexxi is manufactured by Evofem Biosciences, located in San Diego. According to Phexxi’s official website, Evofem Biosciences is devoted to developing innovative healthcare solutions that put women “in control of [their] sexual and reproductive health."

Weissman Center for Leadership kicks off ‘Our Voices, Our Platforms’ in town hall with Rep. Ayanna Pressley

Weissman Center for Leadership kicks off ‘Our Voices, Our Platforms’ in town hall with Rep. Ayanna Pressley

The Mount Holyoke College and the Weissman Center held a town hall on March 19 with Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley in conversation with Carmen Yulín Cruz, former mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and current Harriet L. Weissman and Paul M. Weissman distinguished fellow in leadership at Mount Holyoke College. This town hall was the first of many in the new series “Our Voices, Our Platforms” hosted by the Weissman Center for Leadership. The series will run at least through December 2021 and works to emphasize the power and importance of using your voice to create change.

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