1. What is Student Orientation and why do I need to attend?
Student Orientation is an extensive program that was created to best assist you in your transition to entering college life at Mount Holyoke. It is crucial in helping you get acquainted with the college community, the resources available on campus and give you an idea of the type of experience ahead of you. During orientation you will primarily be getting familiar with the College, attending informational meetings and getting to know fellow students. You will also have a chance to speak with your academic advisor, meet College faculty and staff, become acquainted with the academic facilities and the College offices. It is also a great time to set your OneCard account, Telephone, Cable or Banking Services.

2. When do I need to be there?
The college residence halls open for new spring entrants on Friday, January 25, 2008.  It is best to plan to arrive between 9:00am and 12:00pm, but if you must arrive later, DON'T WORRY. We'll still be waiting for you!

3. What do I do during Orientation? I am wondering what events happen during Orientation and what they are like?
If you have not already checked out the Spring Orientation Schedule please do, it will give you an idea of what will be happening during Orienation. Also, we have pictures from last year's Orientation that might give you a better idea of what these events are.

4. Where do I get my keys? Where can I get a hard copy of the final Orientation schedule? When will I find out about my academic schedule? When do I find out about my advisor?
Don't worry, you'll get all of this information when you arrive. All of it is in an arrival packet that you will receive on the morning that you check in to your dorm. Please take the time to review all the materials in your arrival packets.

5. What do Orientation Leaders do?
Some of the first people you will meet when you arrive at Mount Holyoke are Orientation Leaders. They are upper-class students carefully chosen to assist in Orientation. Think of them as your guide to MHC. They can answer many of your questions about academic, residential, and extracurricular concerns. They will assist you in every way possible in adjusting to MHC life.

6. Where can my parents stay for Orientation?
The arrival packet contains some suggested lodging places to accommodate the student families and friends. Please refer to the Area Hotels handout from the packet.

7. How long should my family stay? What events can they attend?
On official move-in day, Friday, January 25, 2008, activities for families will take place until 4:00pm. All activities after this time are for students only; families are strongly encouraged to depart on Friday evening to allow students to adjust to their new surroundings.

8. When do classes start?
Classes begin on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 at 8:00am. The first few days are usually spent "shopping" for classes.

9. Where can I buy books for my classes?
The Odyssey Bookshop sells all textbooks for Mount Holyoke classes. They are located across the street from the College in the Village Commons.

Their hours during orientation are:

Friday, January 25         10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, January 26     10:00am - 6:00pm
Sunday, January 27            noon  - 5:00pm
Monday, January 28      10:00am - 8:00pm

There are also online book retailers that sell both new and used copies of many academic books. In addition, the College has a newsgroup for selling many items, including textbooks. You will be to access this group when you pick up your computer account information.

The College Campus Store will not be selling textbooks, however you may find helpful supplies.

College Campus Store hours are:

Friday, January 25       9:00am - 5:00pm
Saturday, January 26       noon - 5:00pm
Sunday, January 27             Closed
Monday, January 28    9:00am - 8:00pm

10. Do I need to take any tests?
All students who wish to study French, German, Spanish, Italian, Latin, or Russian at Mount Holyoke must complete a Language Proficiency Questionnaire. This information is needed to place you in the course that is most appropriate for you. If you wish to study French, German, or Spanish, be sure to take the appropriate placement exam. The MHC Mathematics Assessment is for students planning to begin the study of calculus at Mount Holyoke. You may visit the First-Year Curriculum Guide online.

11. What should I pack?
A packing list can be found on the Residential Life Office webpage.

12. I want to mail some of my belongings to myself. How do I address the package? When can I receive mail?
In mid-summer you may recall receiving a packet of information containing letters from many different departments. While this may seem like a lot to deal with, it is some of the more vital information regarding your arrival to Mount Holyoke. Included in that packet was a letter from the Mail Services. Please refer to it when mailing anything to yourself before arriving here.

13. I really want to bring my car to campus. What do I need to do?
In mid-summer you may recall receiving a packet of information containing letters from many different departments. While this may seem like a lot to deal with, it is some of the more vital information regarding your arrival to Mount Holyoke. Included in that packet was a letter from the Parking Office explaining the lottery system for parking decals. Please refer to it, or check out the Parking Office webpage.

14. I plan on having visitors during the course of the school year. Where can they park?
We recommend checking out the Parking Office webpage. They have the latest information regarding all parking policies.

15. Are there co-ed bathrooms?
There are co-ed bathrooms located on different floors in each hall.

16. What should I think about when inviting guests?
The first thing is to discuss your plans with your roommate. Remember she shares a room with you, and her opinions should be respected. Other than that, there is really no "set" advice we can give you.

17. How do I make phone calls?
In mid-summer you may recall receiving a packet of information containing letters from many different departments. While this may seem like a lot to deal with, it is some of the more vital information regarding your arrival to Mount Holyoke. Included in that packet was a letter from the Telephone and Cable Business Office. Please refer to it for more information regarding both telephone and cable questions. If you have any other questions, please check their webpage.

18. How do I get off campus if I don't have a car?
The College is part of The Five College Consortium which offers FREE bus service between the five colleges and the lovely towns they reside in. You can access Hampshire Mall via this free transportation system. Additionally, the College offers off campus services to Holyoke Mall and the Big Y grocery store regularly.

19. What can I REALLY do with this little piece of plastic that they give me called the OneCard?
Here's a few things that you can do:

1. Enter buildings (This is very useful. Especially at midnight in the middle of a cold winter.) 
2. Swipe into meals (Food = Happy Students) 
3. Laundry (Clean Laundry = Happy Roommates) 
4. Buying Sodas (Carbonation can be your friend, so can the sugar syrup they put in it!) 
5. Buying food at Blanchard Cafe (Because sometimes you just need a break from the dining hall.) 
6. Picture I.D. for several purposes (This includes picking up some of your mail and even for such random uses as student discounts.)

20. What is the First-Year Common Read?
The “common read” program was started at Mount Holyoke in the year 2000 to stimulate intellectual exploration through a common experience of the MHC students.  As a part of the summer orientation program, all of the enrolled students receive a selected book which they discuss upon their arrival on campus. The book chosen for 2007 - 2008 is Field Notes from a Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert. 

21. Where can I find resources for students with disabilities?
Students who require special services are encouraged to contact the Office of the Associate Dean of the College immediately upon acceptance to ensure timely provision of services. Information regarding Disability Services and the accommodations that Mount Holyoke provides can be found online.

22. I need to contact an office. How do I find their contact information?
That is information that can be found by going to the links area and look under directory of departments. That will take you to the department webpage and their contact information is usually listed. If that does not work go to the Mount Holyoke Webpage and look under the 'Offices and Services' button.

23. What if I have more questions?
Don't panic. Your Orientation Leader will be on hand as soon as you arrive on campus to answer all of your questions. You can also contact us via the Orientation Feedback Form.