Historically Black College/University?
No
Out-of-State Students
84%
Common States of Residence
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Foreign countries
- New York
Student Age Breakdown
Under 18:
2%18-19:
41%20-21:
43%22-24:
10%25+:
4%Faculty Diversity
African American:
8%Asian American:
11%Hispanic:
3%International:
3%Native American:
0%White:
75%Unknown:
0%Gay Pride
There are numerous â_oout and proudâ__ 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.
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.
Economic 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.
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.
Minority Clubs on Campus
There is a wide variety of cultural organizations on campus, ranging from AASIA (Asian American Sisters in Action) to the Bulgarian Club to the Hawaiâ_Ti 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.