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Student Residential Staff Share Their Experiences in Pandemic Campus Life

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Student Residential Staff Share Their Experiences in Pandemic Campus Life


Last fall, Residential Life adapted its student staff to fit the new pandemic setting of both Mount Holyoke’s remote and in-person communities. Employees, formerly senior community advisors and community advisors, are now known as resident fellows and community assistants. This change came with an adaptation in responsibility for ResLife employees. RFs and community assistants are now responsible for both cultivating community and enforcing the student compact, both integral to the success of Mount Holyoke’s COVID-19 reopening plan.

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UMass Students Self-Sequester After Campus COVID-19 Outbreak

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UMass Students Self-Sequester After Campus COVID-19 Outbreak

After a rise in community and student COVID-19 cases, with 393 active positive cases as of Feb. 18, the University of Massachusetts Amherst has declared a “high risk” operational level, implementing the most restrictive measures outlined in the university’s virus safety protocols. At the Feb. 8 Amherst Town Council meeting, representatives of the administration announced that the university would implement measures to control the spread of COVID-19, including transitioning to entirely online classes, canceling athletic practices and competitions and instituting a self-isolation order for the student body.

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Former Professor Rie Hachiyanagi Has Been Held Without Bail Since December 2019

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Former Mount Holyoke Professor of Art and Studio Art Chair Rie Hachiyanagi has been in custody since December 2019. She will continue to be held without bail until her trial, which is scheduled for November 2020.

Hachiyanagi was charged with multiple counts, including attempted murder, following her alleged assault on a fellow Mount Holyoke faculty member some time between Dec. 23 and Dec. 24, 2019. She has pleaded not guilty on all charges.

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Five Colleges announce plans for financial fallout of COVID-19

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Five Colleges announce plans for financial fallout of COVID-19

As colleges face increasing financial pressure due to effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mount Holyoke announced cost-saving measures totaling $6.5 million for the next fiscal year on March 29. The budget changes are expected to bridge Mount Holyoke’s $7.6 million deficit due to the pandemic.

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Amherst College reports first case of COVID-19

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Amherst College reports first case of COVID-19

Amherst College has reported its first case of COVID-19 on campus. On April 23, President Biddy Martin sent a message informing students, staff, faculty and others in the area that a custodial staff member had tested positive for the virus. Martin said the last time the staff member was on campus was on April 18, but that they had no contact with students remaining on campus, had worn a face mask and had no symptoms at the time.

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Entering college in the age of remote learning: how the coronavirus pandemic has affected admitted and prospective students

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Entering college in the age of remote learning: how the coronavirus pandemic has affected admitted and prospective students

National College Decision Day is May 1 — an occasion which usually marks the deadline for incoming first-year students to commit to a college or university. This year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, over 400 colleges nationwide extended this deadline, including the Universities of Massachusetts Lowell and Boston.

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College loses $7.6 million in COVID-19 pandemic response

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College loses $7.6 million in COVID-19 pandemic response

On Tuesday, April 7, the Mount Holyoke College community received an update from President of the College Sonya Stephens briefing community members on the College’s financial situation. “Over this time period, we have focused on our emergency response and continuity of operations,” Stephens wrote.

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Smith College implements community-focused policing reforms

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In July of 2018, a call was placed to Smith College campus police regarding the presence of a black student on campus who “seemed out of place.” The student in question was a Smith sophomore working in a summer program designed to encourage high school girls to study and pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. The incident made national news and sparked intense debate regarding Smith Campus Police practices and racial profiling.

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Five Colleges receive $2.5 million for indigenous studies programs

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Five Colleges receive $2.5 million for indigenous studies programs

“For years, studies of indigenous issues and Native America have been conducted and taught in the Five Colleges without proper support,” wrote University of Massachusetts Professor of Communication Donal Carbaugh. “Too many times, courses in this area could not be taught, personnel and related programs could not be funded.”

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