Dear Wellesley Students,
Welcome back to campus for the ’24-’25 academic year! It was a joy during orientation to see the red butterflies of the class of 2028 who have joined us with the theme of Courage to Grow. Many thanks to our OC’s and OM’s who made sure our orientation was full of energy and enthusiasm as well as our RA’s, HP’s, and other student leaders who provided a great Wellesley welcome. A special welcome back to our seniors, the green class of 2025, the purple class of 2026 and the yellow class of 2027! I look forward to seeing some of you at welcome week activities.
I hope that this year brings engagement and builds genuine relationships amongst students and with administrators and faculty. We can learn from each other if we spend time together—and listen to each other. In an effort to get this started, I plan to start the “Dinner with the Deans” program in late September. The dates will be outlined next week, and you will be able to sign up to join a small group of students and two deans for dinner and discussion on a topic of your choice.
This letter will serve as the first bi-weekly newsletter with important information for your experience here at Wellesley.
Let’s begin with a health and wellness moment: COVID-19 still exists and precautions are appropriate in large groups that are inside. Wellesley’s COVID-19 policies have not changed and follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control. That said, for prevention, healthy habits of handwashing are always helpful as well as making sure that you get enough sleep and eat well. Check out the newsletter from the Office of Student Wellness for tips on starting the year feeling great.
Let’s welcome the new staff on Campus:
Kristine Din, Ph.D., is the new director of the Office of Student Involvement. Kristine came to us from Stonehill College where she served as director of Intercultural Affairs. Kristine has a background in residence life and extensive experience in student affairs. Kristine will work with the College Government and oversee clubs and organizations at Wellesley. Stop by to say hello in the Lulu Chow Wang Campus Center, 3rd floor.
Lisa Youngling Howard, M.D., is the new associate dean and director of the Stone Center Counseling Services. Lisa comes to us from Smith College where she was the interim director of Counseling Services. Lisa has over 20 years experience as a psychiatrist and in college mental health. Also new in the Stone Center is Ivylee Martinez, the new office manager, who is joined by several new interns. You can see their bios on the Stone Center website. We are hiring one more psychologist to replace Jan Park, who retired in June.
Ken Ferguson will soon join Wellesley as the deputy chief in Public Safety. Ken comes to us from Brandeis University and has previously served as deputy chief and chief of police in Framingham, Mass.
Courtney Mulligan, M.P.A., will soon join Wellesley as our new director of Accessibility and Disability Resources. Courtney will start in mid-September. Courtney comes to us from Regis College where she has been the director of Student Accessibility Services.
Policy Updates:
The Policy on free expression and demonstrations is available on Wellesley’s website and was sent to the community on Monday in an email from President Johnson, Provost Courtney Coile and myself. Please work with the student leader, the COIL, in the College Government if you have any questions on how to successfully plan a demonstration on Wellesley’s campus or feel free to reach out to me directly.
Wellesley College’s Religious observance policy and the multifaith religious observance calendar are available on ORSL’s website. Students must use the Religious Observance Notification Form to inform faculty that they will be missing class during religious holidays. This form does not take the place of students following up with their instructors to make arrangements for any work they may miss during their observance. The deadline for fall semester is September 18, and spring semester is February 5. Please fill out the form and speak with each instructor in advance of any missed class. For questions or concerns, please contact Dean Jackie Marquez in the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.
Announcements and Programs:
From Student Involvement:
Headphone Disco will be held on Friday night on the Campus Center lawn, and the Orgs Fair will be held on Saturday afternoon at Sev Green.
From Slater and international Emergency Committee:
When domestic and international incidents occur that are close to home for many in our community, we recognize how challenging it can be. We hope this weekly email can also serve as a constant reminder of the support services available to you here at Wellesley. You are not alone, and we hope you will reach out to the Stone Counseling Services, your cultural advisors, and the Slater International Center, for support.
From the Office of Student Success:
If you are the first in your family to attend a four-year college, you are considered “first gen and fabulous.” The first-gen welcome dinner for first-gen students and allies will be held on September 12, 2024 at 5:30 PM. Check out their website to RSVP.
From LGBTQ+ Programs & Services:
We are launching a new gender-affirming gear program for students with financial need so they can access supplies to support their gender euphoria. Any student who is trans, nonbinary, gender non-conforming, questioning, or exploring their gender will be able to apply for a range of products, garments, and resources. If you have any questions, contact Dr. Todd Nordgren, director of LGBTQ+ Programs and Services.
As we begin the year, the Dean of Students Office is accepting applications for the Student Life Advisory Group. This is a group of students who serve as advisors to the Dean of Students and other senior leaders at Wellesley. It is a small group that provides valuable ideas and suggestions in a confidential safe space to help the College make important decisions that affect student life. If you are interested, please email the deanofstudentsoffice@wellesley.edu.
Have a wonderful and safe first weekend,
Sheilah Shaw Horton
Vice President and Dean of Students
