FacMan information on how the heating system in each residence hall works is available on the Environmental Stewardship web site.

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 ~ 4:30pm - 6pm, Blanchard lounge 227, participants will explore the intersections of race and sexuality. It will deal with race, racial/ethnic identity, language, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, biracial and multiracial identities, as well as issues of social justice. The dialog is open to everyone. See Taboo.

In this election year, it is important to remember that Mount Holyoke College, as a tax-exempt organization, may not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The American Council on Education provides helpful guidance in the linked publication.

Join the conversation, Tuesday, October 7 @ 4:30-6pm in Blanchard lounge 227. Frank conversations about navigating faith based opinions and the intersections with presidential election campaigns, platforms and selecting the future administration. Is religion playing a role in the election? Does it resonate or clash with our beliefs of what really matters? Does the notion of separation of church and state still have currency in America? About Taboo.

Invest in yourself–register today! The workshops listed in the booklet offer employees an opportunity to increase their knowledge and skills for today’s workplace. All full-time and part-time staff and faculty at Mount Holyoke College are eligible to participate in these workshops. The workshops are sponsored by MHC-Human Resources and the Five College Training & Development Collaborative. For more information, please contact Carmen Jimenez (x3312).

Friday, October 17 – tea in 416 Clapp at 4:30 p.m., talk in 305 Kendade at 5:00 p.m. , dinner at Willits-Hallowell Center at 6:45 p.m. Speaker: Raji Balasubramanian, Sc.D. UMass School of Public Health. Title: “Estimating HIV Incidence based on Combined Prevalence Testing.” Dinner is $20 per person. RSVP by Friday, October 10 to Laurie Kamins (x2162) indicating dinner choice of chicken chasseur or vegetarian entree.

The Human Resources Department has planned Brown Bag luncheon speakers for this Fall. To register to participate in one or more of these sessions, please call Human Resources at x2503 or e-mail Sandy Kacenski or Mika Keezing. Click for more information.

Student Financial Services is offering three financial planning workshops: one on October 14th and two on October 22nd. Learn about default prevention, choosing a loan, use of credit and establishing good credit. Financial planning is long-term, not just a senior year concern, starting now will equip you with the tools to make your post-MHC dreams a reality. Click here for more information.

The College has adopted a Policy on Responsible Use of Computing Resources to provide guidance to members of the community. Two areas deserve particular emphasis: peer-to-peer file sharing software should in general not be used on College computers; and downloading of confidential information on laptops should be avoided. For further information, see Computer and Network Access.

Staff Council wants to hear from you! Take a few minutes to fill out this simple survey and enter to win a $50 gas card for participating. The survey will be available October 1 - October 7, 2008. Results will be shared at our coffee break on October 23, 8:30-9:30am in the Blanchard Great Room. To take the survey, click here.

Courtesy of the Office of Student Programs a LIMITED number of special discount tickets are available beginning October 1 to MHC Students for “A Conversation with Stephen King and Richard Russo” presented by The Odyssey Bookshop and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts November 6, 2008, 7:00 pm in Chapin. For more details visit Student Programs.

The UMasssFive College Credit Union is offering a loan to help you through the winter months. Call 1-800-852-5886 or visit for more details .

Applications are now being accepted for the Karen Synder Sullivan Travel Award. The deadline to apply for this year’s award of $7000 is noon on October 7th. Award criteria and the on-line application can be found at the Dean of Students website.

Following a report of a black bear wandering through campus last week, we wanted to provide the following link to safety information regarding bears:

The Employee Bus trip for Saturday, October 11, still has seats available. The cost per person is $20. If you are interested or have any questions, please contact the Fleet Office at x2826 or email Amanda at aflorek@mtholyoke.edu.

In this election year, it is important to remember that Mount Holyoke College, as a tax-exempt organization, may not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The American Council on Education provides helpful guidance in the linked publication.

Raheem DeVaughn, Live in Concert, Thursday, October 16, 8 pm, Chapin Auditorium

DeVaughn, the rising R&B artist and Washington D.C. native who recently received a Grammy nomination for best male R&B vocal performance, will perform live at Mount Holyoke College.

Free Tickets are available to students, staff, and faculty, while they last,  in the Office of Student Programs, M-F 9 am - 4:30 pm.

Sponsored by The Association of Pan African Unity (APAU) and The Network.

Come meet the director of the Monteverde Institute and learn about Mount Holyoke’s interdisciplinary spring 2010 semester program, “Global-Local Challenges to Sustainability;” Friday, September 26 at 2 p.m. in 303 Kendade. This program explores issues of sustainability and development as they relate to the cloud forest community of Monteverde, Costa Rica. Visit MHC In Costa Rica for more information.

Today, due to a blockage in the sewer line of the Buckland Hall basement, Facilities Management must perform an emergency excavation of the floor. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your cooperation.

Due to Mountain Day, the deadline for dropping courses/declaring the Ungraded Option has been changed to Thursday, Sept 25 at 11:59pm.

Community Service is canceled for today, Weds 9/24/2008 due to Mountain Day. The service will continue tomorrow Thursday 9/25/2008.

Listen to ALANA students describe their Mount Holyoke experience in the short student film “Experienced Diversity.” Join fellow faculty for a post-screening discussion led by Professor Jane Crosthwaite. Wednesday Sept 24 at 4:15 pm in Kendade 305

Thinking about a career in the health professions, but not sure how to proceed? An experienced faculty prehealth advisor is waiting to talk to you every Tuesday from 12:15 to 1 pm in the Kendade atrium. Look for the yellow sign.

Wednesday 9/24 is the deadline for any student who wishes to drop a course, without trace, from her Fall 2008 schedule. Additionally, it is the last day for all except first-years to declare the Ungraded option to elect credit/no credit grading in a Fall course. Contact the Registrar’s Office (x2025) if you have questions.

In this election year, it is important to remember that Mount Holyoke College, as a tax-exempt organization, may not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The American Council on Education provides helpful guidance in the linked publication.

The Circus will be at the MassMutual Center November 6 through November 9. See link for details and discount code to use.

The last day to register to vote in November’s election in South Hadley is October 15. Any person who is a Massachusetts resident, a U.S. citizen, and will be eighteen years old as of the next scheduled election, is eligible to vote. For more information visit South Hadley Voter Information.

Conference & Event Services announces the online Campus Space Request Form. Mount Holyoke departments or registered student organizations can use this form to request campus space for their meeting or event. Using this form will ensure that we respond to you quickly and efficiently. Please see the Campus Space Request Form FAQ for further information.

Conference & Event Services is pleased to announce Heather Tetrault as the new Conference & Event Services Coordinator. Heather replaced Amy Barr this past June and has quickly become savvy at reserving and coordinating campus space and providing many services for meetings and events on campus. Heather can be reached at X2153 or hmtetrau@mtholyoke.edu. Welcome Heather!

One-day retreat for students in recovery from alcohol and other drug use and for those impacted by other’s use. Build community by making connections with others, learning new skills, and strengthening supports. Explore ways to express yourself using art and writing based activities. Snacks, meals and transportation provided for FREE!. Saturday, Sept 27th, 9am-9pm. Call 413-538-2616 or email Susan McCarthy for more information.

Friday, September 19: Love Vintage. Gorgeous, authentic vintage clothing with an alternative hipster twist. Dresses, pants, shirts, lingerie, jackets, coats, neck ties, bags. Affordable and wearable.
$15 - $150, Cash, Check

See the Vendor Calendar to find out when your favorite vendor is coming to Blanchard. Brought to you by the Office of Student Programs.

Thursday, September 18: Global Prints. Fine arts, music, movie posters
$5 - $20, Cash, Credit Card, Check

See the Vendor Calendar to find out when your favorite vendor is coming to Blanchard. Brought to you by the Office of Student Programs.

Bernie’s has reserved Sunday, September 21, from 9-11am, for Mount Holyoke College employees and friends. See link for complete details.

Congratulations to the three members of the Class of 2012 chosen at random to receive $50 MHCXpress credit for participating in the CIRP Survey. Thank you to the 52% of the Class who responded to the survey. Your participation is appreciated! For more information, please contact the Office of Institutional Research (x3143).

MEFA announced on September 16th that after successfully raising $400 million in financing through the sale of bonds, it will immediately begin offering fixed interest rate MEFA Loans to families for academic year 2008-2009. Any student or family interested in this financing option should speak to Student Financial Services first. Visit MEFA Loan details for more information.

In this election year, it is important to remember that Mount Holyoke College, as a tax-exempt organization, may not participate in, or intervene in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for public office. The American Council on Education provides helpful guidance in the linked publication.

The SGA Ride Van will start this Thrusday, September 18. The shuttle will be on a loop style system running Thursday - Sundays 10pm-2:30am. If you are interested in expanding this program and would like to drive, please contact Public Safety. To see a complete list of the stops, check out the Public Safety blog. The Ride Van will not be available during college breaks or in extremely inclement weather.

The deadline for students to add Fall courses is Wednesday, September 17. All students should check their class schedules via ISIS to make sure their schedules are complete and correct by end of day September 17. For more information, contact the Office of the Registrar (x2025).

The Fleet Office is hosting a NYC bus trip on Saturday, October 11. The cost per person is $20. Departure is from Kendall Lot at 6:30am. For questions and to sign up, contact the Fleet Office (x2826) between 10am-3pm or email Amanda Florek.

The community lunch buffet at the Willits-Hallowell Center will begin service on Monday, September 15. Soups, multi-item salad bar, & daily options available. Lunch is served from 12:00-1:30pm. For more information on daily offerings, see our menu. Reservations can be made at x2217. After the hustle & bustle of getting the academic year underway, we look forward to seeing all of you here!

Bernie’s has reserved Sunday, September 21, from 9-11am, for Mount Holyoke College employees and friends. See link for complete details.

A representative of the Williams-Mystic Seaport Program in Maritime Studies will have an info table in Blanchard on Thursday, September 11, from 10am to 2 pm.

Thursday, September 11: Randy’s Orchids. Green; flowering plants; bonsai, cacti; orchids are an affordable specialty. $1-$50

See the Vendor Calendar to find out when your favorite vendor is coming to Blanchard. Brought to you by the Office of Student Programs

Wednesday, September 10: Stock Keeper. Specializing in hand-picked vintage jewelry, from elegant rhinestones to funky pendants. Original and unique vintage accessories including bags, shoes, hats, and clothing.
$10-60, cash, check, MC/VISA
http://www.stockkeepercostumes.com/

See the Vendor Calendar to find out when your favorite vendor is coming to Blanchard. Brought to you by the Office of Student Programs.

Nightfest! 2008 has been rescheduled for Friday, September 12, 6 pm.
Student Programs and the Network Programming Board-the student organization that hosts LasVegas Night and the Spring Concert-bring you an evening of music, performance, food, and fun under the stars.
Free and open to the MHC community
Skinner Green

Senior carrel sign up will be Sunday, September 14 from 10am-12pm in the Whiting Alcove Room, 6th floor Williston. After 12pm seniors can sign up at the Circulation Desk. Juniors can sign up on Monday, September 15 at the Circulation Desk. For more information, please contact Karen Mehl, Access Services (x2061).

Any new student who did not pick up her free plant may still do so. Any extra plants will be available for returning students on Friday, September 12. For more information, please contact the Botanic Garden (x2116).

An informational meeting about the J-term Course in Rome will be held on Tuesday, September 23 at 7:00 pm in Kendade 305. All interested students are welcome. For more information, please contact Geoffrey Sumi (x2277).

Auditions will be held for five short comedy pieces taken from David Ives “Time Flies,” directed by Roger Babb (8 actors), and “Brave Smiles” by the Five Lesbian Brothers, directed by Brooke O’Harra (15 actors) on September 10 and 11, 7 to 10 pm and September 12 - 3 to 5 pm - Rooke Theatre. Callbacks: September 12, 7 to 10 pm. For more information, please visit our Web site or contact Barbara Bunyan (x2834).

Enjoy the sounds of Eastern Europe and learn dance music of weddings from the nineteenth century. Ensemble meets at 5:30 on Tuesdays, first session is on Tuesday, September 9. All strings, clarinet, flute, accordion, trumpet, trombone especially desired. Auditions, if you missed them on Friday, September 5, will continue on Tuesday, September 9. Please email director, Adrianne Greenbaum to arrange an audition time. Hear klezmer.

Due to expected rains on Saturday, Sept 6, the NightFest event will not be happening. The Network is currently working on a reschedule date and will post that information on Monday.

The Center will be serving brunch on Sunday, September 14, 2008. A selection of breakfast and luncheon items will be available including a carving station & dessert table. Brunch is served from 11:30am-1:30pm. Reservations can be made at x2217. See the full menu. Plan on joining us!!

A faculty/staff Yoga class may take place on T/TH 12-1 pm if enough interest is generated. It will be taught by Kim Rand, the instructor of the physical education Yoga classes. If interested or if you have questions, email Joan Perez before September 10th.

Receive a discount on tickets to see Elmo’s Green Thumb at MassMutual Center October 11-12. For details and user code click here.

The summer Alumnae Quarterly magazine is now available. Pick up your copy at: * Blanchard Campus Center (both entrances) * Library entrance * Skinner Hall (main level entrance) * Kendade Hall atrium (lower level) Or you can read the Quarterly online.

Due to the construction at Safford Hall, and for the safety of the Community, Blanchard Circle will now become one way from the north side of North Rockefeller Hall to Gateway Road. Any questions, please contact the Parking Office at x2514.

Auditions for the Flute Choir will be held on Thursday, September 11, from 5:30 to 7 pm in the Warbeke Room, Pratt Hall. Contact Alison Hale for more information.

Convocation is tomorrow at 11:30 in the Amphitheater. Following the ceremony is the community picnic on Skinner Green. Please join us in welcoming the class of 2012 to Mount Holyoke and a welcome back to the classes of 2010 and 2011 and our new senior class of 2009.

First-year students should have received an email invitation to participate in this year’s CIRP First-Year Survey. Thank you to the 41% who have already responded. Those who have not, please check your email for a link to the survey. For more information, please contact Alison Donta-Venman (x3143).

Students who need to make fall registration changes may use ISIS to do so starting Sunday, August 31. Advisor approval is required first. (Most non-new students already have approval. New students will meet with their advisors during Orientation.) For more information, please contact the Registrar’s Office (x2025).

Decals will be available in Gorse Lot for pickup on Sunday, August 31 and on Monday, September 1 from 10 am - 4 pm. The Parking Office will work extended hours, 8:30 am - 5 pm, from Tuesday, September 2 - Friday, September 5. For more information, please contact Charlyn Puza (x2514).

Students who receive financial aid from the College are eligible to apply for a grant to help pay for lessons. Applications are available on the bulletin board across from the Music Office and online. For more information, please contact Michele Scanlon (x2306).

The Music 100 Exemption Exam will be given on Friday, September 5, at 4 p.m., in Room 109, Pratt Hall. Students may enroll initially in performance study for one semester without pre-requisite but continued study is contingent upon successful completion of the Music 100 requirement by either passing the exemption exam or taking the Music 100 course. For more information, please contact Michele Scanlon (2306).

All students who wish to take individual or ensemble performance study must sign up for an audition/interview on the bulletin board across from the Music Office. Auditions will take place on Friday, September 5, from 1-4 pm. Details/expectations for auditions are posted on the bulletin board. For more information, please contact Michele Scanlon (x2306).

Skinner Museum staff have made significant progress in researching and documenting the Museum’s collections. In an effort to focus resources on core collections used by MHC faculty and students, a group of carriages will be sent to auction in August. More

We have been advised that the District 2 water advisory has been lifted. The water is officially safe to drink again.

Places are still available for Mount Holyoke’s new study abroad program in Costa Rica for spring 2009. This interdisciplinary program focuses on the challenges of global-local interaction in the cloud forest community of Monteverde. The program is open to all majors; at least one semester of Spanish language is recommended. Contact the McCulloch Center by Friday, September 5, at the latest if you wish to apply.

South Hadley Fire District 2 is currently conducting testing for E. coli bacteria in the water supply. In the meantime, residents of the district, which includes the Mount Holyoke campus, are strongly advised not to ingest the water. The water is safe for bathing. For the time being, it is not safe for tooth brushing, food preparation, and, needless to say, drinking. For such needs, please use bottled water or boil tap water for at least one minute. More information is available from the Town. We will alert the campus community once we have been advised that the problem has been resolved. In the interim, specific questions may be addressed to Facilities Management at x2012 or South Hadley Fire District No. 2 at (413) 532-9210.

The Campus Store will be ordering Convocation Regalia on August 20. If you need to order Regalia for Convocation please contact Laurie at Ext. 2111.

Blanchard Cafe’s last patio BBQ will be Tuesday August 19th. The Cafe will be closed for cleaning on Thursday August 21st & Friday August 22nd. Thank you.

Over the summer a number of bicycles that were found to be unregistered have been confiscated by Public Safety. Any bicycles that are unclaimed by September 30, 2008 will be disposed of. Contact the Parking Office for further information at x2514. Any new bicycles brought on to Campus must be registered with the Parking Office.

Authorities from South Hadley District 2 have advised residents –including the Mount Holyoke campus– not to drink water out of faucets or fountains while they verify water quality. This is a precautionary measure, and there is no immediate cause for alarm. Water that has been boiled for at least one minute can be considered safe to drink. We will let the campus community know when the warning has been lifted.

Authorities from South Hadley District 2 have advised residents –including the Mount Holyoke campus– not to drink water out of faucets or fountains while they verify water quality. This is a precautionary measure, and there is no immediate cause for alarm. Water that has been boiled for at least one minute can be considered safe to drink. We will let the campus community know when the warning has been lifted.

Our TIAA/CREF representative will be available for free individual counseling appointments on 8/19 in Blanchard 213. If you are interested in meeting with Katie Klipstein, please call her assistant, Marion Morganti at 1-866-904-7802.

MEFA Loans will not be available for fall 2008 due to the difficult capital market conditions. Families waiting for the MEFA announcement to make a financing decision should consider alternative sources and make a decision in a timely fashion. The Federal Direct PLUS Loan is a fixed rate option with an interest rate of 7.9%. The PLUS Loan also has a deferral option. Visit PLUS Loan Details for more information.

The summer Alumnae Quarterly magazine is now available. Pick up your copy here: * Blanchard Campus Center (both entrances) * Library entrance * Skinner Hall (main level entrance) * Kendade Hall atrium (lower level) Or you can read the Quarterly online at www.alumnae.mtholyoke.edu.

Beginning tomorrow, July 30, and for the next three weeks, Porter Lot will be closed to parking except to construction vehicles. Alternatively, please use the Prospect, Greenhouse or Gorse Lots during this time. For more information, please contact Charlyn Puza (x2514).

Effective July 1, 2008, MHC has entered an agreement with Hampshire College for joint campus public safety services under the leadership of Paul Ominsky who is the current Director of Public Safety at Mount Holyoke. More

The entrance off of Gateway Road to Eliot House, which houses the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life, will be temporarily closed starting Monday, July 21 for approximately one month. You may enter Eliot House from the first floor entrance by walking up the side walk off of Lower Lake Road alongside the Art Building. For more information, please contact Gayle Higgings (x2054).

The New Residence Hall project will require the temporary shut-down of Lower Lake Road from July 19 to July 26. If an extension of time is required, then a second notification will be published. For more information, please contact Austin Martin (x3491).

Marlboro Music, a summer chamber music festival at Marlboro College in southern Vermont, has extended a special offer.

First time attendees from the Mount Holyoke community may purchase tickets at a 20 percent discount for July 12, 19 and 26, at 8:30 p.m.; July 13, 20 and 27, at 2:30 p.m.; and August 8, at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets and information, call 802-254-2394 or visit.

The handicapped ramp entrance is closed to Abbey Chapel while a permanent handicap ramp is put in place. You may still enter the Chapel through the handicap entrance on the south side of Abbey Chapel near the Registrar’s office. Handicapped access to Abbey Interfaith Sanctuary is unavailable at this time. Work is expected to be done by the end of August.

The New Residence Hall project will require the temporary shutdown of Lower Lake Road from July 9, 2008 through July 18, 2008. Work is expected to be completed during this period. If an extension is needed the road will remain closed July 21 through July 25, 2008. Please email Austin Martin, Facilities or call cell: 860-808-6118 or phone: 413-538-3491.

Mount Holyoke College has voluntarily joined a program to curtail electric use during peak periods this summer. Testing will occur June 18th. See link for details.

Interested in regional sustainable energy? UMass Amherst Office of Research and Co-op Power are sponsoring a conference at UMass Amherst on June 20 and 21. For details, visit the Co-op Power web site.

The Route 47 bridge will be closed on or around Thursday, June 12, and will remain closed possibly until December. Detour signs will be posted. The western half of Pearl Street and all of Woodbridge Street will be used for the detour. Heavy truck traffic is expected on Route 9 and 116. For more information, contact the Mass. Highway Department at (413) 584-1611 or the South Hadley Department of Public Works at (413) 538-5033.

Blanchard summer patio BBQ’s start Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 - Look for our menus on line. Price remains $5.99. Hope to see you all come on by!

Blanchard Cafe summer hours start Monday June 2nd, 2008. Summer hours are: Monday through Friday 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

South Hadley is sponsoring a regional hazardous waste and drug disposal day on Saturday, June 28. A great opportunity to clean out your garage and medicine cabinet. Preregistration is required, see their announcement for details.

Great selection of perennials, shrubs, houseplants and more. Sunday, May 25, and Sunday, June 1, from 9-3 on the west side of the greenhouse. Open to the public.

The rain location for the Senior BBQ has been changed to the tent on Skinner Green.

Special ticket prices for the Augusten Burroughs reading at MHC on June 18 are available for the Mount Holyoke community: $5.00 OFF per ticket, when ordered in advance. Order in person at the UMASS Fine Arts Center Box-Office, by telephone at 413-545-2511 or 800-999-UMASS, or online. Maximum four tickets per order. Use code MHC before placing order. More info, including pre-discount ticket prices, at:
http://www.wfcr.org/WFCREVENTS/index.php

Conference & Event Services is getting ready for another busy summer. Mount Holyoke College will welcome 27 conferences and events. Our summer visitors include young women and men, alumnae, parents, and faculty from institutions worldwide. For more information visit Conference Services, call X2333 or email.

The US Gymnastics Training Centers and the USSC Swim camps have generously offered scholarships for children of faculty and staff for this summer. For more information, please visit Conference Services, call X2333, or email.

Members of the Mount Holyoke community can now use Google’s technology to search the College’s Web sites! The new search box, powered by Google Custom Search, is available at the main search page, the homepage, and nearly all other official pages.

The Community Lunch Buffet at Willits will be coming
to a close for the academic year this Friday, May 16. We hope you’ll have occasion to stop in this week. The staff at Willits-Hallowell wishes all wonderful summer.

Due to the closing of Lower Lake Road May 14 - May 18, 2008, the Five College Bus will not be able to access the Blanchard Bus Stop or the Mary Woolley Bus Stop during that time. The bus will make its normal stop on Park Street near Reese, travel back to Route 116 via Morgan Street, and make its normal stop at the Library Bus Stop on Route 116. Please call the PVTA at 545-0056 with any questions about their schedule.

Friday, May 9: The Gallery. Sterling Silver jewelry, Textiles
$5 - $25

See the Vendor Calendar to find out when your favorite vendor is coming to Blanchard. Brought to you by the Office of Student Programs.

An instructor may not accept exams or papers due in lieu of exams after 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 13, unless the instructor has approved an extension authorized by the Director of Health Services or of the Counseling Service or one of the academic deans. The deadline for students to request an extension for incomplete work is May 13, at 5:00 PM.

Repaving Lower Lake Road is part of the New Residence Hall project; a temporary shutdown of the road will be required May 14-18. Lower Lake Rd will be shutdown between Morgan St. and Blanchard Circle Road, with no access to Lower Lake Road from either direction and no access to Lower Lake Road from Woolley Circle during this time. For more information visit, email or call 860-808-6118.