Frequently Asked Questions

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The following are frequently asked questions about the Alumnae Admission Program. The questions have been split into two categories:

1. I am not a member of the Alumnae Admission Program
2. I am a member of the Alumnae Admission Program

1. Non-Members:

How do I become an alumna admission volunteer?
You should either fill out the "Volunteer Information Sheet" form or contact Emily Allyn, Alumnae Admission Coordinator in the Office of Admission (413-538-2023, admission@mtholyoke.edu)

How is the Alumnae Admission Program organized?
As it ideally stands, each region of the world is represented by an Alumna Admission Representative (AAR) and, in some cases, her Assistants. The Alumnae Admission Coordinator serves as the main contact for alumna volunteers and is responsible for their training. Admission Office staff members have the responsibility of working with alumnae in the areas of the world in which they travel. Regions not covered by staff travel are assigned to admission staff during the application reading process. Questions that are specific to the Alumnae Admission Program should be directed to the Alumnae Admission Coordinator, Emily Allyn. Alumnae abroad work solely with the Coordinator of International Recruitment, Obio Ntia.

What are the responsibilities of an alumnae admission volunteer?
Volunteers are asked to conduct interviews, attend college fairs on behalf of Mount Holyoke, contact prospective students, sponsor or attend admission events, and sponsor book awards. Alumnae Admission Representatives (AARs) coordinate these activities with the Admission Office, while Assistants provide support for AARs.

How much time should I plan to commit to the Alumnae Admission Program?
The time commitment can vary depending on the position an alumna assumes (AAR or Assistant), the location of the alumna, and the number of students interested in Mount Holyoke from that region. Generally, volunteers are most busy in the fall, early winter, and during the month of April. AARs are often more involved than Assistants in the organization of a region and the recruitment of students. The Admission Office welcomes participation at any level, with volunteers giving as much or as little time as they have available.

How often will I receive information from the College?
AARs receive monthly mailings from the Admission Office. Assistants receive mail nine months of the year.

How can I learn more about the program?
Contact the Office of Admission and request an Alumnae Admission Program Handbook.

2. Program Members:

How do I choose which students to contact from the inquiry list I receive?
All students on the inquiry list are important to the College. However, the source of contact a student has had with the College can indicate their level of interest.  We suggest focusing on students who have self-initiated their contact, have interviewed, have visited campus, or have spoken with an Admission staff member at their school. 

I have called or written everyone on my inquiry list, but have had few responses. Is this normal?
Students and their families may be caught off guard when they receive "cold calls" from alumnae, so do not be discouraged. Follow up with the student by sending a postcard or email to remind her of your contact information.

Where should I send completed interview report forms?
Interview report forms should be sent to:
Office of Admission
Mount Holyoke College
50 College Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
Fax: (413) 538-2409

I was asked a question during an interview (college fair, phone call, etc.) that I did not know the answer to. How should I respond?
Do not be afraid to say, "I don't know." If you do not know the answer to a question, make a note of the student and her contact information and get back to her in a timely manner. The Handbook lists frequently asked question about the College and should be the primary tool from which to pull information. Feel free to use Admission directors as a resource as well; they are always happy to answer questions from students or alumnae.

I would like to sponsor a book award, but there is no local club to fund the book. How can I sponsor the award?
The Alumnae Association has a small budget to help alumnae fund book awards in areas where there is no club or club funds are depleted. Please contact the Alumnae Admission Coordinator, Emily Allyn, for more information at admission@mtholyoke.edu.

Which member of the admission staff is responsible for my region?
For information on your region of the world, go to Director's Territories.

How can I get a list of other alumnae that volunteer in my area?
Contact the Alumnae Admission Coordinator, Emily Allyn, for information about other program volunteers at admission@mtholyoke.edu.