Colleges across the U.S. brace for 2020 economic instability due to coronavirus closures

Colleges across the U.S. brace for 2020 economic instability due to coronavirus closures

For private liberal arts colleges like Mount Holyoke, tuition and room and board fees make up a significant portion of annual operating revenues. The potential of continued distance learning into the 2020-2021 academic year calls the economic stability of these institutions into question.

Five Colleges announce plans for financial fallout of COVID-19

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.

Amherst College reports first case of COVID-19

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.

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

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.

Proposed four-course module system sparks mixed reactions from faculty and students

Proposed four-course module system sparks mixed reactions from faculty and students

As remote learning ends for the current academic year, colleges across the U.S. are considering their options regarding the novel coronavirus pandemic for the fall 2020 semester. On April 29, Mount Holyoke announced new planning measures being taken in preparation.

Administration and faculty present “module-style” learning proposal for fall 2020

Administration and faculty present “module-style” learning proposal for fall 2020

After weeks of planning, consulting and researching options, college administrators have put forward a proposal for fall semester contingency planning to faculty and small student focus groups. Following a virtual town hall in which administrators presented the College’s proposal on Thursday, April 30, multiple professors confirmed that a module plan was in the works.

In the wake of COVID-19, international students struggle to make their way home

In the wake of COVID-19, international students struggle to make their way home

As U.S. colleges shut down due to the outbreak of COVID-19, countries around the world limited international travel, leaving international students with increasing barriers to make it home. The Mount Holyoke News talked to international students from India about their journeys home after the country imposed their travel ban.