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You’re Ready!

You’re Set!

The wind is behind your back!

We’re following you with ❤️ ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Welcome to MHC, class of 2029!! We are so excited to have you joining us. Mount Holyoke is an incredible community, and Western Mass is near and dear to me (as I’m sure it will be to you soon, too)! There are so many people at MHC who want to help support you as you make this transition - please never be afraid to reach out and ask for help when you need it.

August Bates (they/them)

Disability Services

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Binevenides, clase de 2029!!

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2029,

We are so excited you are finally here! I hope you spend these first few weeks learning, laughing and HAVING FUN. As an alum, I can assure you, this is an incredible community and there truly is no place like Mohome! Welcome to you ALL!

With love,

Christina Quimby '12

Associate Director of Admission

(with a throwback pic from my glory days <3)

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A huge welcome to the Class of 2029!!! This is the start of something new... 😺💚 We can't wait to have everyone here. However you're feeling right now, in the great words of high school musical, WE'RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER! Never hesitate to ask questions, everyone is figuring it out as they go—and we are all so eager to help!!!

See you soonnn :)

- Keira Gillin '26, Orientation Leader

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Welcome to Mount Holyoke!

Hello Class of '29! I'm so happy that you've chosen this place to spend the next four years. You are going to have the best time -- and convocation is the best way to kick this time off. As a senior, I can attest that the time flies. For now, all you have to worry about is having fun and bringing some green! See you soon

With love,

Ruth '25-ish (Springie/December Grad) <3

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With Orientation starting soon, I wanted to welcome all of our firsties MoHome! Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions; Transitioning to college can be a big change, but the O-Team and the rest of MoHo is here to support you!

Wishing you all an amazing start to the year!!

- Emilio Falcon (they/he) '28, Orientation Leader

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A drawing of a green griffin with one claw outstretched. To the left, going from top to bottom is the year 2029.

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We can't even begin to tell you how excited we are to meet you all! Fret not, we're all going to have so much fun at Orientation and your initiation into the Mount Holyoke community! As your Orientation Leaders, we're here to answer any questions you might have, as there are none that are too small, especially regarding such a massive shift. We can't wait to see you make your mark on campus and our community, YOU GOT THIS!!!! <3

Best regards,

Andrea Zelada-Delfin, '28, she/her

Orientation Leader

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Welcome to MHC! Excited to meet you!

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This is a page from a 2015 zine made by trans students! It features a quote from Sylvia Rivera.

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A special welcome to fellow TGNC students 🏳️‍⚧️

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A special welcome to fellow TGNC students 🏳️‍⚧️

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I wanted to drop a note extending a very warm welcome to trans and gender nonconforming (TGNC) students who are joining MHC's vibrant community this year. This past academic year was a special celebration of the 10-year anniversary of MHC's trans-inclusive admissions policy, and we held over 20 events to commemorate that moment and support our trans community at MHC today. Please don't be afraid to reach out, ask for help, and build community - you are welcome here! Trans women, trans men, and nonbinary folks are all integral to the MHC community - you belong 💗

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A handwritten message reads "We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are," quoting trans activist Sylvia Rivera.

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To all our lovely Green Griffins and new students---welcome MoHome!! On behalf of the Orientation Team, I am so excited for you to arrive on campus and explore all the amazing things the MHC community has to offer. Everything you're feeling, whether it's excitement, anxiety, or a little bit of both, is completely valid!! Your Orientation Leaders are more than happy to talk through any concerns and answer any questions, so don't hesitate to reach out to chat with us about anything!! I can't wait to watch you flourish and spread your wings over your time here!!<333

-Sakura Wilson (she/her), senior and Orientation Leader

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We are so excited to welcome you onto campus so soon! Coming to college is a big change that can be scary, but we are here for you during this transition. I love the MHC community so much, and I'm excited for you to experience my favorite place! My biggest piece of advice is to allow yourself to take up space and use the resources that are there for you. We are all cheering for you!

See you soon!

Hattie Nichols '27

Orientation Leader :)

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Welcome Mohome! We are all so excited to meet you on campus. All of you are here for a reason, and you will go on to do great things here. So enjoy our beautiful campus, make new friends, take cool classes, and make the most of it. I promise it is so worth it 🫶🏻

Saturn Barnes (they/he) '27

Orientation Leader

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To all incoming students, welcome MOHOME! Yes, coming to college is both scary and exciting, but as someone who has been here for a whole year (even the summer!), this will feel like home in no time. Seeing this campus transform into different realities as the seasons change is the best feeling ever. I'm so excited to be one of the OLs for y'all, and I can't wait to see the new faces on campus! I hope you all have a great time in college <3

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To all the new members of our MoHome community, welcome!! We are so excited for all of you to make our college a more creative, brilliant, and fun place with your presence and voice!! I'm so excited to have the chance to be one of your OL's! This experience can be so nerve-wracking as you have all these brand-new experiences to tackle, but you are so strong, and you'll never have to embark this journey alone <3. There are so many new friends, adventures, and experiences that await you, and I hope you learn to love MHC and make it your home!

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To all the incoming students - firsties, transfers, and FP scholars... Welcome! I hope you come to find a home at MHC and enjoy your time in this community. Find a way to push your comfort zone, even if it is just a teeny bit at first. Attend events, explore buildings, and enjoy the dining hall !!! Whether you know it or not, you are meant to be here. -Mia Gonzales Jackson '2026

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Welcome to campus! I am so excited to meet you all! As a transfer to Mount Holyoke, I can confirm that you picked an amazing place and community to join! I look forward to guiding you on your journeys!

- Lindsey Sciacca '26

(FP and Transfer Orientation Leader)

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We are so excited to meet you! From traditions like Mountain Day and milk and cookies, to the collaborative academic environment, they would all be incomplete without you 🫶🫶 Can’t wait to get this year started!

-Hailey Brooks ‘27 (O-leader!!!)

✌️ 💚 2029

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Hi, Class of 2029!! I’m so excited to welcome you to campus alongside fellow Orientation Leaders, very soon :D you’re probably feeling at least a little nervous, which is okay! Just know that there’s so much in store for you here, and you will quickly find your people. I hope you all grow to love Mount Holyoke as much as I do.

See you soon,

Maimoona Abdaal ‘27

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I am so excited to welcome the class of 2029 to campus! Mount Holyoke is truly a magical place to be and belong to. I hope you have a wonderful first year full of exploration, new experiences, and joy.

With so much love and excitement,

Annabel (one of your orientation leaders!)

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We are so incredibly excited to welcome you all to campus!! MoHome is just that--a place you'll find a new home and friends for life. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need and take every opportunity you can! We are here for you and your journey, so be bold and true to yourself and those around you.

Christine Niu '27, Orientation Leader

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We at Health Services are your medical home away from home!! We are here to support your unique journey of health and well-being!

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G created logo 3 cadeuseus plus lyon heart

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Prepping to welcome all the macg  firsties -💚 your macg resident advisors

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Prepping to welcome all the macg  firsties -💚 your macg resident advisors

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Hi class of 2029!! When I first came to Mount Holyoke, I never would've expected to love it as much as I do now. The MHC community is truly so special and unique, and I just know that you are all going to LOVE it. I can't wait to see all the incredible things you will accomplish as students here!

Much love!!

-Charlie Hamilton '28

Orientation Leader

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We're all so excited for you to join the Mount Holyoke College community! These next four years will be full of wonderful opportunities, and your Orientation Team is here for anything you may need. Much love to all of you!

Aleena Jafar-DeCesare '27

Orientation Leader

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Hi class of 2029! I'm Anya and I'm absolutely thrilled to be one of your Orientation Captains!! I'm so unbelievably excited to welcome you all to the Mount Holyoke College community and I know you're going to make amazing memories and create bonds that will last a lifetime! Your orientation team is here for your and your success adjusting campus so don't hesitate to reach out with questions or to just say hi :)

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We are so happy you'll be joining our community! You are so not ready for all the joy that awaits you at MHC. Never be scared to ask for help from your fellow classmates, we are here for you <3

Love from Manu '26, your Orientation Co-Captain!

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I didn't expect MHC to become a true second home for me, but after leaving I couldn't wait to come back for my second year!! I'm so excited for you all to start classes, meet friends, discover the campus, and make this experience your own. No matter how far or close you're coming from, moving to this new space can be scary, but you got this!!!

I can't wait to meet you all!

-Gracie Miller Segura, Orientation Leader

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Class of 2029 incoming!! We can't wait to meet you guys. Everyone is working so hard to make sure you guys have the best orientation possible, and we're so excited for you guys to get here! I know you might be a little anxious or overwhelmed right now, but I promise once you get on campus everything will start falling into place. Every single one of you belongs at Mount Holyoke College and will be welcomed with open arms. My advice to you: enjoy the ride!

See you soon!

-Nora Haynsworth '28

Orientation leader

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Class of 2029, the MHC community is truly so excited to meet you! The people here are special and the memories you make here will be too! MHC is a transformative journey and you never know what new opportunities will come your way! I know you are ready to take on the challenge and I can't wait to see all that you accomplish! We are here to answer questions and help you forge your own path here <3

See you soon at MoHome

All the love,

Meena Relyea-Strawn '27 (One of your Orientation Leaders)

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You are about to have the BEST four years ever. There are so many amazing things in store for you here at Mount Holyoke, we cannot wait to see all of the great things you will accomplish during your time here. Never forget that you are so incredibly loved, cared for, and supported by every single person in this community.

WE LOVE YOU!!

-Mia Lederer '28

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Hello from Health Services - we're your primary care "home away from home" and are excited to meet you!

We are offer both sick visits and support for chronic conditions, are staffed with board-certified clinicians, and serve all current MHC regardless of insurance. There is no copay for appointments, and you can book via phone (413-538-2121) or on your patient portal.

If you are new to New England, welcome! We truly do have one of the most beautiful campuses in the U.S. But don't forget to check yourself for ticks after exploring campus! 🐜

More info on contacting us, insurance, prescription pickup, vaccinations, and more here.

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Don't be afraid to spend time outside on campus, even in the beautiful cold

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At Mount Holyoke I found my peace and my people. Welcome to all new students, and especially to transfer and Frances Perkins scholars. MHC can totally change the trajectory of your life, as it did mine. Your unique voice is valuable; here you will learn to hone and amplify it. Congratulations on this new journey; forge a new path through these difficult, demoralizing times, proving to yourself your grit and creativity. You are going to excel, because you are naturally excellent.

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Welcome! We look forward to seeing you in the Dance Department!

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Welcome! We look forward to seeing you in the Dance Department!

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Welcome to MHC! If you feel homesick at first, as I did, that's perfectly normal. Soon it will dissipate as you start classes and activities and make new friends. These can be the best four years of your young life if you open yourself to the smorgasbord of opportunities made available to you.

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I loved my time at Mount Holyoke and the memories and friendships I formed. Try everything you want, and try to get some sleep! It's gonna go by so fast, enjoy it. Mount Holyoke forever shall be. -Katie '05

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My time at MHC helped shape who I am today, and I hope you'll enjoy your time here just as much as I did. My advice is that if a course sounds interesting, take it!  You never know when you'll have another opportunity to study that particular topic in depth, and there is no reason that you can't have fun while you earn your degree, even when you're picking classes to fulfill graduation requirements.

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Welcome to what I hope will be some of the best years of your life. 35 years later I still look back on my time at MHC with love and I am so grateful for the people and experiences it brought to my life.

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This is the time and the place to be who YOU want to be. Whatever roles and expectations may have defined you before — they don’t have to define you now. Explore and have fun discovering yourself! May this community be all you need it to be to do so. 💛

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We cannot wait to welcome you to Mount Holyoke! Your next chapter starts soon!

- President Holley

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Welcome! This is a fantastic opportunity, so climb the mountain on Mountain Day, take all the classes that interest you (you can audit just for fun!), and join a couple clubs. Also take advantage of that Makerspace because I am so jealous!

-Megan Tatum ‘04

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the friends you make at orientation can continue being your friends after the first semester if you communicate!!

if you need help ask for it!!

don’t be afraid of messing up

go into conversations with an open mind

be brave enough to change your mind and admit you were wrong

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Welcome to Mount Holyoke, new students! Be sure to come by the Archives in Dwight Hall to learn about the history that is now your history.

- the staff of the Archives & Special Collections

[photo: American and international students on the window ladder in the Blanchard gymnasium, 1920s.]

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Taking office post-Great Depression and undeterred by the daunting work ahead, the unflappable Frances Perkins once declared, "It is there to be done, so I do it." And look at you! Like the namesake of our program, you are here, in your moment, about to do all of the "it" Mount Holyoke has to offer. Take weird classes, apply for the scary internship, make friends with your brilliant classmates, join that club that you don't have time for (it's worth it!), and enjoy every minute you're here. We're all so excited to welcome you and to support your journey 💜

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Welcome to Mount Holyoke! We're so glad you're here!

-Rebecca Thomas, on behalf of the Sociology & Anthropology Department

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I’m so jealous—you’re about to embark (no pun intended) on a life-changing journey. Over the past four years at MHC, I’ve grown more into my identity than I previously thought possible. As for my advice: be conscious of the nostalgia you’re creating here each day. Attend your classes, lean on your professors, challenge yourself, and make friends everywhere you go (I know you will!). You are going to look back to your orientation-self as a senior and be mind-blown at what a wonderful person your experiences at Mount Holyoke have made you become. Have the most fun while you’re here!

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We're so excited to have you join our MHC community!

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We are so excited that you are our newest green griffins! As you get ready for orientation, here are some resources that may be helpful:

Orientation website

Orientation Schedule

Pre-arrival to-do list

Frequently asked questions

Campus resources

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We are so excited that you are our newest purple phoenixes!

As you get ready for orientation, here are some resources that may be helpful:

The Frances Perkins Scholars Association (FPSA)

The Frances Perkins Program Facebook Page

Read FP stories

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As your student prepares to start their journey at Mount Holyoke, we want to recognize that this is a big transition for you as well. We are so excited to have you joining our extended Mount Holyoke community!

Orientation for all new students and their families kicks off the afternoon of Friday, August 29, 2025 with the Opening Day Picnic from 11:30 am to 2 pm and the President’s Welcome at 1 pm! Parent, Family and Supporters Orientation is from 1:45 to 4:30 pm, with the President's Reception beginning at her home at 4:30 pm.

We also want to encourage you to keep a lookout for our @MHC Newsletter, which is sent biweekly on Thursdays. This email includes important campus news and updates, notable stories and premiere events.

You can also join the Mount Holyoke Parents and Families Facebook page. This is not an official College moderated page, and we encourage you to reach out to the proper administrators/departments for urgent questions, but this page can be a helpful resource.

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We are so thrilled that you are joining our community. Enjoy your time here - it will go quickly, but the friendships and experiences you will gain will last a lifetime!

-Beckie Markarian '07

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We are so excited to have you as part of our community. As you prepare to arrive on campus, we wanted to share the Fearless First Academy Pre-Orientation Schedule with you, and some additional resources and information with you:

The First-Generation College Student Network is composed of administrators, faculty and staff whose work provides programmatic initiatives necessary to support first-generation college students at MHC.

FLIP, Mount Holyoke’s First Generation and Low-Income Partnership, is a student organization for first-generation and low-income students. Their purpose is to help students find community within an institution that is traditionally affluent and built on legacy. FLIP sponsors events and conferences designed to orient first-generation and low-income students.

Learn more on the FLIP Mount Holyoke Facebook page, or email FLIP at flipmhc@gmail.com.

Located in Blanchard 107, the Fearless First Resource and Community Center is a resource and community space for first-generation and low-income students. The center includes textbooks, academic resources, seasonal clothing, appliances, hygiene products and more. For more information contact mhcfirstgennetwork@mtholyoke.edu.

Fearless First Academy is a pre-orientation program for new, first-generation and/or low-income students and their families to become acclimated to Mount Holyoke College.

Faculty and staff support: Mount Holyoke College has several faculty, staff and administrators who provide support services for first-generation and low-income college students. This includes academic deans and members of the Office of Student Success and Advising, the Division of Student Life and many more.

More stories and information for First-Generation and Low-Income Students.

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We are so glad that you have joined our Mount Holyoke community! We hope that you enjoy your time at MHC! As you become acquainted with our campus, we encourage you to take part in our beloved traditions, engage with our thoughtful faculty, and enjoy our beautiful campus.

Read stories of other transfer students.

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Welcome to South Hadley - we are so excited to have you as part of our global community! As you prepare to arrive on campus, we wanted to share the International Student Pre-Orientation Schedule, and some additional resources:

McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives: The McCulloch Center organizes global programming, events and opportunities for all, along with providing dedicated resources for international students.

International student advising and support:We are here to help you during your time at Mount Holyoke — from navigating immigration regulations and obtaining an ID to filing taxes.

Student organizations: From language clubs to cultural centers, many of our student organizations have a global focus.

International Student Organizing Committee (ISOC): The ISOC helps international students feel more at home through academic support, discussions, events and info sessions for all international students at Mount Holyoke.

Check out more stories and information for international students.

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Welcome to Mount Holyoke!

We are so excited to welcome a new group of green griffins (class of 2029), purple phoenixes, teal owls and transfer students "MoHome." As these new students prepare to start their Mount Holyoke journeys, we invite you to share a kind word, message of welcome or any advice that you think would be beneficial.

Click on the green plus sign at the bottom right to share your message.

You can share a written message, submit a photo or share a video message.

Note: Please feel free to add your class year or affiliation to your message. If you have any questions or issues posting your message, feel free to reach out to communications@mtholyoke.edu.