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Comparable Schools'
Diversity Grades:
College Prowler Take
Whether or not you see Mount Holyoke as diverse depends largely on where you’ve lived before. The school has a high percentage of international students, which creates many opportunities for those who haven’t experienced a taste of many different cultures. However, not everyone chooses to take advantage, and sometimes the cultural shows meant to showcase important aspects of those cultures are poorly attended. It seems that some students are comfortable where they are and can’t be bothered to learn about things that don’t directly impact their studies and immediate social life—although this can sometimes be understandable, given the often overwhelming array of events and activities there are on any given weekend. Students need to choose their priorities, and they won’t automatically learn about other cultures just because they’re represented on campus. On the other hand, some students have felt immersed in diversity ever since they first set foot on campus, through experiences such as being placed with a roommate from another country, one who practices a religion they may never have heard of, or one who has a different sexual orientation. In general, this campus is very welcoming of differences. Most students have an attitude of, “Okay, I don’t necessarily understand this, but I’m willing to learn about it.” In fact, some lifestyle and political choices that are generally viewed by society at large as “different” actually seem to be the norm on campus, leading some to say that it is a “bubble” and not what the real world will be like. Liberal-leaning students find this to be a relief—that for a change, their opinions are in the majority, although this same atmosphere can cause more conservative students to feel alienated. In spite of this, those who need to speak up about their views will find they have the space to do so. It’s up to the students whether or not they will be heard. Students Speak Out
Love your school more than free food? Hate your school more than term papers?
Somewhere in between? Show the world what YOU think of YOUR school:
MHCMB says: Mount Holyoke College 2013 Biological and Biomedical Sciences  |
MHC is fairly diverse racially,...
MHC is fairly diverse racially, religiously, ethnically, and in terms of sexuality. However, we are not very politically diverse—most of the campus is fairly liberal. Also, the College is not very diverse socioeconomically and has become less so throughout my time here. It seems as though the majority of the student population is upper-middle to upper class.
Diversity: March 05, 2009
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MHCAM says: Mount Holyoke College 2013 English Language and Literature |
Mount Holyoke takes great care to...
Mount Holyoke takes great care to fill quotas, so, on paper, it is very diverse. However, political, ideological, and sexual diversity is militantly hammered out of existence. There is definitely a Mount Holyoke type.
Diversity: March 02, 2009
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Anonymous says: |
In some ways it isn’t diverse...
In some ways it isn’t diverse here. There are no men, few druggies, few renegades, and lower-class students. However, it is an ethnic, sexual orientation, and religious melting pot. No one thinks twice about seeing a gay Catholic having lunch with a white Buddhist from Michigan. |
Anonymous says: |
The campus is really diverse, and...
The campus is really diverse, and diversity is highly encouraged by Admissions. The campus hosts a variety of cultural festivals, features cultural houses, and the students range widely on interests and politics. |
Anonymous says: |
The campus is quite diverse. There...
The campus is quite diverse. There are students of all ages, since we’ve got a great program for students above the traditional age. There are a lot of international students, and the racial diversity is pretty good. People come from all over the country, from all different backgrounds, all different religions. The best part about this diversity, though, is that it’s such a sharing kind of place, so that you actually hear about this diversity, first-hand. People want to share and celebrate their differences here, and I love that about MHC. |
FactsEconomic Status
One's economic class is generally not talked about. There is a whole range of students at Mount Holyoke, from those who are paying their own way, to those whose full tuition is paid by their parents. Most people don't think about class, which can lead some for whom class issues are very important to feel like a silenced minority.
Gay Pride
There are numerous “out and proud†lesbians on campus, though by no means is the college comprised solely of lesbians. The Jeannette Marks house, located across the street near Dickinson Hall, is the designated safe space and community center for LGBTQQA (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and allied) students. Its events are open to everyone. True Colors is the student organization allied to the House. In general, there is open acceptance of all forms of sexuality on campus.
Minority Clubs
There is a wide variety of cultural organizations on campus, ranging from AASIA (Asian American Sisters in Action) to the Bulgarian Club to the Hawai’i Club to Liga Filipina (Philippine students) to MHACASA (Mount Holyoke African and Caribbean Student Association), with many more besides. These clubs are quite active, and some are also attached to cultural houses that provide a safe space for groups to get together. The Betty Shabazz House is cultural space for those of African descent; the Eliana Ortega House is space for students of Latin heritage; the Zowie Banteah Center, on the top floor of the Ortega House, is space for students with Native American ancestry; the Asian Center for Empowerment, otherwise known as the ACE House, serves the needs of those who are Asian or Asian American. All are open and welcoming to those who are not of that particular heritage, provided they want to learn and are respectful.
Most Common Religions
Catholicism boasts the highest representation on campus, but campus religious life has a distinctly multifaith flavor. Those who don’t prefer this atmosphere (and there are definitely some who don’t) can select from many area churches and religious groups. Those who do prefer it will quickly find themselves involved with Eliot House, the center of campus religious life. From weekly interfaith prayer lunches to services in Abbey Interfaith Sanctuary, most campus religious activities, if they don’t already include an offering from each of the nine active faith groups, are open to anyone who’s curious, even if they have never experienced that tradition before. Those who join the “Eliot House community” often remain loyal for all four years, citing the warmth and support as reasons for coming back.
Political Activity
Mount Holyoke is well known as a liberal campus, although there is also a vocal minority of conservative groups. There are regular rallies held on the steps of Blanchard for such causes as solidarity with labor issues and anti-war speak-outs. The Student Coalition for Action, among other liberal groups, is quite vocal, often running information campaigns that include placing flyers in bathroom stalls or on tables in Blanchard and sometimes other more theatrical displays.
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