Letters and Speeches
Regarding the ICE guidance of July 6, 2020
President Stephens extends her support to international students who are an integral part of the Mount Holyoke community.
Black lives matter
President Sonya Stephens discusses the actions Mount Holyoke College will take to confront and address racism and to demonstrate that Black lives matter.
In solidarity with victims of racial violence
A letter in which President Sonya Stephens denounces racial violence and gathers the College community for a virtual vigil in its wake.
An update on Commencement 2020
A letter to the class of 2020 regarding Commencement plans due to COVID-19.
Planning for the Consequences of COVID-19
We are still prioritizing safety, wellness, and physical distancing, even as we turn our attention to important questions regarding the future.
COVID-19 Update
President Sonya Stephens shares updates and announcements regarding Mount Holyoke’s response to COVID-19.
Welcome Back Spring 2020
A letter discussing campus updates and new initiatives to start off the spring semester.
Sep. 2019 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Updates on the fall Board meeting, the dedication of the Fimbel Maker & Innovation Lab and a tribute to Mindy McWilliams Lewis ’75, P’05.
Swastikas on the Smith College Campus
President Stephens joins President McCartney in condemning the hatred and cowardice that invoking these symbols represents.
Convocation 2019 Welcome Address
To kick off 2018–2019, Sonya Stephens encouraged students to do as much as they can to truly to engage with the learning opportunities they have.
Welcome Back Fall 2019
A letter discussing campus updates and new initiatives to start off the academic year.
Feb. 2019 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Updates on the February Board meeting, the new board chair Mindy McWilliams Lewis ’75, P’05, Commencement and Be Well.
College convenes a Hiring Practice Task Force
The task force will review our policies and procedures and make recommendations to refine our approach to safe, equitable and effective hiring practices.
VP for enrollment management named
Robin Randall has been named the Vice President for enrollment management.
Mount Holyoke: A Smoke-Free Campus
The officers of the College have decided to adopt a 100 percent smoke-free campus policy by June 2020.
Mount Holyoke’s response to Hampshire news
President Stephens shares important news from Hampshire College President Miriam Nelson.
Fall 2018 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
Updates on the fall Board meeting, the Community Center opening, and Inauguration.
In sorrow at the hateful act in Pittsburgh
“We must be more committed than ever to espousing values and ideals that run directly counter to those who would promote hatred, divisiveness, and fear.”
Standing with Trans & Non-Binary Individuals
“We will work to create the conditions on this campus for all to enjoy the respect that comes from understanding and empathy, and for all to thrive.“
Continuing the #MeToo conversation
An update to the community on how historical allegations are being addressed and affirming the College's commitment to high standards of safety and care.
Inaugural Address
"We will reassert the relevance and power of a Mount Holyoke education and of a women’s college that is the most inclusive."
Convocation 2018 Welcome Address
In her 2018 Convocation address, Sonya Stephens called on students to use their language to define their world.
President's Report 2017–18
Two years into The Plan for Mount Holyoke 2021, Sonya Stephens reports on the College's progress and new initiatives.
Spring 2018 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
A letter summarizing the Board meeting that took place May 3 – 5, 2018.
Commencement 2018 Welcome Address
An invitation for the graduates to take “a moment to reflect on how you spent your time here as the world has changed around us.”
In anticipation of the future
A letter to the community following the Board of Trustees decision to name Sonya Stephens as the 19th President of Mount Holyoke College.
MHC: An Inclusive Community
A letter regarding the College's commitment to providing students with a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning environment.
Welcome Back Spring 2018
A letter discussing the opening of the dining commons, the new pathways advising software and initiatives for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Tax threatens financial aid opportunities
A letter to Congressman Richard E. Neal regarding the ways a tax on endowment income would threaten financial aid opportunities.
Update on NEASC site visit
A letter to the Mount Holyoke community regarding the recent site visit of the team charged by NEASC with the review of Mount Holyoke for reaccreditation.
Mount Holyoke stands with #MeToo
A letter to the Mount Holyoke Community regarding the #MeToo campaign.
Fall 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
A letter summarizing the Board Meeting that took place October 12 through October 14, 2017.
Statement on Title VII
A letter stating that Mount Holyoke will continue to protect transgender students and employees from discrimination and harassment of any kind.
Statement on Title IX
A letter affirming our continued commitment to our current Title IX policy prohibiting gender and sex-based discrimination of any kind.
Response to DACA Decision
A letter expressing distress over President Trump's decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
Remarks from the 2017 Convocation Ceremony
In her 2017 Convocation speech, Sonya Stephens focused on the Mount Holyoke community that has endured — and celebrates—180 years of change.
Reaffirming support for DACA
A letter urging President Trump urging him to commit to a long-term solution allowing DACA students to remain in the country.
Statement on the violence in Charlottesville
A letter reaffirming Mount Holyoke's commitment to diversity and inclusion following the violence in Charlottesville, VA.
Spring 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
A letter summarizing the Board Meeting that took place February 23–25, 2017. The meeting included setting the fees for 2017–2018.
A letter to President Trump
A letter signed by more than forty college and university presidents regarding the executive order concerning immigrants from majority-Muslim countries.
Response to recent executive actions
A letter to the Mount Holyoke Community in which Acting President Sonya Stephens reaffirmed Mount Holyoke's core values.
Immigration Policy following Executive Order
Students affected or concerned about their status should be in contact with the McCulloch Center for Global Initiatives.
Two New College-wide Initiatives
A letter describing initiatives in the area of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as Campus and Global Environmental Sustainability.
Response to Petitions on DACA
A letter in response to petitions to adopt a policy regarding protections for DACA students and to declare MHC “a sanctuary center of higher education."
Embracing Difference as We Embrace Challenge
A post 2016 election message to the Mount Holyoke Community.
An Open letter to Stephen Bannon
A letter written in conjunction with the presidents of the Seven Sisters colleges taking exception to disparaging remarks made by Mr. Bannon.
Presidents write to President-elect Trump
More than 100 college and university presidents wrote to urge the President-elect to “condemn and work to prevent harassment, hate and acts of violence."
Fall 2016 Board of Trustees Meeting Summary
A letter summarizing the Board Meeting that took place September 29 – October 1, 2016. The meeting included the approval of The Plan for Mount Holyoke 2021
Remarks from the 2016 Convocation Ceremony
In her first Convocation speech as acting president, Sonya Stephens explored the question of Convocation, and what it represents.