BOOM! 2021: Coming together, apart
1 year later: Students take time off after campus closure
As March marked the anniversary of the College’s campus closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it served as a further reminder that many students have been learning remotely for a full year. Student enrollment decreased during the 2020-2021 academic year, indicating that a large number of Mount Holyoke students have opted to take time away from their studies, either for just one semester or the full year.
FP Monologues capture stories of resilience in a turbulent time
Mills College announces closure as a degree-granting institution
College will hold a virtual commencement for 2021 graduates
The College announced Monday that it will hold a virtual commencement ceremony for graduates of the class of 2021 on May 23 at 10:30 a.m. EST. In an email sent to graduating students and their families, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students Marcella Runell Hall wrote, “It is with great regret that we announce that no family, friends or other guests will be able to participate in any campus celebrations in advance of the virtual ceremony.”
Photo Essay: Gorse Closure Protests
“I don’t want people to have to fight for a while,” said Michael Eason, a parent of a Gorse student. After Mount Holyoke extended Gorse Children’s Center’s contract by one year, Eason attended a demonstration at the College gates, calling for a long-term plan for childcare beyond the one-year timeline.
For students of nontraditional age, remote learning presents new challenges
J.J. DiPietro left behind a different life when she chose to return to college as a nontraditionally aged student in 2018. She enrolled at Holyoke Community College for two years before moving to South Hadley, MA, and enrolling at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. For DiPietro, the switch to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic was a welcome change. Her two small dogs, privately-owned cleaning business and general responsibilities of being an adult in college all benefited from the extra time spent at home.
College’s decision to close Gorse Children’s Center sparks outrage from faculty and community members
“Mount Holyoke has removed a really key part of what made me feel safe — not just [as] an employee, but made me feel safe living here,” said Assistant Professor of Politics Ali Aslam, who faced uncertainty in his child care options after the College’s recent announcement that it would close the Gorse Children’s Center.
