New classes added to course catalog for Spring semester 2019

New classes added to course catalog for Spring semester 2019

BY ANNA HASSON ’21

Several new courses are being offered at Mount Holyoke in the upcoming spring semester. Many of the new course offerings are interdisciplinary, while others were developed specifically for first-year students. The new classes are being taught both by visiting lecturers and tenured professors. Many professors have adapted their material to fit inside the ever-changing world of academia.

Working groups report to SGA

BY MERYL PHAIR ’20

This week’s senate meeting took place in the Blanchard Great Room on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Senate opened with a short debrief about the town hall meeting held on Nov. 6 before moving into action plan presentations from each of eight working groups.

Ayanna Pressley elected MA’s first black woman in Congress

Ayanna Pressley elected MA’s first black woman in Congress

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

“I know for a fact none of us ran to make history. We ran to make change,” said Ayanna Pressley during her Congressional election acceptance speech. “However, the historical significance of this evening is not lost on me.”

Former EPA administrator discusses policy, climate change

Former EPA administrator discusses policy, climate change

BY ANNA SHORTRIDGE ’19

“Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires everybody to participate,” said Gina McCarthy, the former administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, at a lecture titled “The Future of the Planet: Climate Change, Health Equity & Environmental Justice” on Nov. 8. “So get engaged — be part of the democracy, be bold, be excited. And for crying out loud, be hopeful, this is a time for great hope and great action,” she said.

College and town of South Hadley consider crosswalk safety

College and town of South Hadley consider crosswalk safety

BY ANNA HASSON ’21

Vice President for Finance and Administration and Treasurer Shannon D. Gurek sent the Mount Holyoke student body an update on the safety of the crosswalk on College Street on Oct. 31. Representatives of the Mount Holyoke administration “have met with Town and State officials regarding pedestrian and traffic safety on the section of College Street that runs in proximity to the College,” according to the email. The parties involved have agreed on preventative actions that will ensure the safety of both pedestrians and drivers.

SGA hosts Town Hall with admissions and financial aid

SGA hosts Town Hall with admissions and financial aid

BY LILY REAVIS ’21

Kathryn Blaisdell, Director of Student Financial Services (SFS), joined Robin Randall, interim Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Admissions, for a Town Hall about admissions and financial aid on Tuesday, Nov. 6.

2018 midterm election results in Massachusetts

2018 midterm election results in Massachusetts

BY ALLYSON HUNTOON ’19

As of Wednesday evening, midterm election results from around the country were still coming in. In Massachusetts, Democrats won all of the Congressional races on the ballot, including the state’s nine seats in the House of Representatives and one Senate seat, to which Senator Elizabeth Warren was re-elected. At the state level, Republican governor Charlie Baker was re-elected, defeating Democrat Jay Gonzalez.

Proposed change to Title IX alters definition of gender

Proposed change to Title IX alters definition of gender

BY LILY REAVIS ’ 21

The Trump Administration is working with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to establish a legal definition of gender under Title IX, according to a New York Times article published on Oct. 21.

Student-run cafe opens in the library atrium

Student-run cafe opens in the library atrium

BY MERYL PHAIR ’21

“It’s about time,” said Deyscha Smith ’19 when she heard that a new cafe would be opening its doors in the Williston Library atrium on Thursday, Nov. 8. The space has been vacant since Rao’s Coffee Shop closed on Monday, Sept. 17, and students have felt the absence of a library coffee shop since.