FAQ – REUNION 2009

Registration

Q: Why should I register?

A: Registration is a must! Your registration helps us know how many people are coming to Reunion so we can plan for meals, reserve the correct size rooms for events, and choose a headquarters dorm to match the needs of your class. It also allows us to provide you with important information you need for the weekend.

Q: How do I register?

A: Register online or download and mail a registration form.

Q: What is the deadline to register?

A: Registrations must be postmarked or received online by the registration deadline of April 17, 2009. Registrations received after the deadline will be assessed a $25 fee.

Q: Whom do I contact if I have questions about my registration?

A: If you have questions about your registration, need to make changes, or plan to check in after 10 pm, please email the Reunion Reservation Coordinator or call (413) 538-2201.

Q: What do I do when I arrive on campus?

A: Go directly to Mary E. Woolley Hall, reunion headquarters, to pick up your registration packet and weekend schedule. There you will receive a final schedule, meal tickets, and other important information that will help you navigate through the weekend. Temporary parking is available in front of the building.

Q: Why should I check in if I’ve registered in advance?

A: The schedule of events you received in your reunion mailing is preliminary. It is subject to change and does not include event locations. Everyone should check in to receive the final weekend schedule (with updates and event locations), meal tickets, and other essential information, at Mary Woolley Hall.

Q: What happens if I need a refund of my registration fees?

A: A full refund applies for reservations canceled 14 days prior to an event. A partial refund will apply for reservations canceled less than 14 days prior to an event. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations made after an event.

Q: Why do I have to pay a registration fee?

A: The registration fee applies to alumnae and their adult (over 18) guests. This fee helps to defray the costs associated with the weekend’s overhead costs, including parade, transportation, tours, loyalty classes, receptions, family events, etc.

Q: How do Mount Holyoke’s fees compare to those charged by other colleges?

A: A cost comparison with peer colleges showed that Mount Holyoke fees are standard. A few institutions charge slightly less and many charge more. Our comparisons also revealed that Mount Holyoke offers a much more comprehensive program than many other colleges.

Q: What is the Class Fee?

A: This required fee applies to alumnae and their adult (over 18) guests. It is set by the class Reunion committee and helps your class fund the cost of its Reunion program (i.e. receptions, honorary guests, programming, gifts to officers, flowers and decorations, name tags, signs, etc.).

Q: Can I pay at the door?

A: We strongly encourage registering in advance, even if you are unsure about attending. If you need to cancel, you may do so 14 days before Reunion and receive a full refund. Please note: After April 17, meal reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only.

Q: Will I receive confirmation?

A: You will receive an e-mailed confirmation if you provide a valid e-mail address. If sending in a reservation form, please remember to include your e-mail address. Otherwise, you will receive a mailed confirmation by May 1st. If you do not receive a confirmation, please e-mail the Reunion Reservation Coordinator or call 413-538-2201.
Housing & Class Headquarters

Q: Where will I be housed?

A: On-Campus Housing: Alumnae and guests are housed in the residence halls. Due to space constraints, most classes are housed in two or more residence halls, with one designated as the class headquarters. Alumnae and guests share the residence halls with seniors during the Reunion 1 weekend. Accommodations in the residence halls are not equal to hotels or motels. They are not air-conditioned and only some have elevators. Rooms will have basic conveniences—a single bed, sheets, one pillow, one blanket, one towel, one washcloth, and soap. We suggest flip-flops or slippers for going to and from the bathroom. Anything else you might require should be brought from home. Other desired amenities such as lamps, nightlights, clothes hangers, and heavy blankets must be brought with you. On-campus housing must be pre-reserved. Children may stay in a parent’s room at no extra charge; however, sleeping bags, porta-cribs, and linens should be brought from home.

Smoking is prohibited in all College buildings. No pets are allowed in campus buildings. You will not have access to a refrigerator or kitchen facilities.

Off-Campus Housing: If roughing it in campus housing is not for you, you may prefer to stay in a hotel, motel, or B&B in the area. For information regarding area accommodations, visit the list of local accommodations on our Web site.

A block of rooms at the Hampton Inn Chicopee has been made. Reservations are based on a 3-night minimum. To make a reservation, contact the Hampton Inn at 413-593-1500; refer to Group Code MHG for Reunion 1 reservations and Group Code SMT for Reunion 2 reservations.

Q: Where can I find my classmates when I arrive on campus?

A: Have some downtime over the weekend? Need a place to meet up with your classmates? Each class will have a designated "class headquarters" to use throughout the weekend. These will be published online and in the Reunion brochure, and posted throughout campus during Reunion.

Transportation & Parking

Q: How do I get to South Hadley?

A: Click here for directions to the college and shuttle services recommended by the Alumnae Association. Everyone is responsible to make their own travel arrangements.

Q: If we bring a car to campus, where can we park?

A: Please do not park on Rt. 116—you will be ticketed. To register, you may temporarily park on the access road adjacent to Mary E. Woolley Hall. Parking on campus will be for loading and unloading only. Central campus roads are closed to through traffic, unless you have specific permission due to deliveries or special access needs. After unloading, please park your car in a designated lot (list available at registration or you can view the campus map by going to insert link here).

Q: Will there be any shuttles on campus available to alumnae?

A: Campus shuttles are available throughout the weekend to transport alumnae and guests with special needs around the Mount Holyoke campus. Call the Alumnae Association 413-538-2300 during Reunion to make arrangements for pick-up and drop-off.

Miscellaneous Questions

Q: How Can My Family Contact Me In Case Of An Emergency?

A: Families can contact the Alumnae Association by calling 413-538-2300 during open hours. After hours they should call the Office of Public Safety at 413-538-2204.

Q: What if an emergency occurs while I’m on campus?

A: Contact Public Safety immediately. From a campus phone – 1911; from your cell phone – 413-538-2404.

Q: What type of clothing should I pack for the weekend?

A: We recommend that you bring casual clothing for Reunion and that you pack layers since New England weather can be unpredictable. Remember to wear white for the parade. Contact your Reunion Chair for further direction on attire for Saturday Dinner, if you’ve reserved that meal.

Q: Is computer access available to alumnae?

A: Library, Information, and Technology Services (LITS) offers wireless internet connections to the Mount Holyoke College community and our guests. Wireless access is available throughout the LITS complex, Kendade, Blanchard, all Residence Halls, and various administrative buildings. If you own a laptop with wireless, you can enjoy searching the Web from a comfortable chair in the library or check e-mail from a quiet study area. If you do not own a laptop the use of the computer labs in each residence hall is available throughout the weekend.

Q: Where to I report lost and found items?

A: Articles found on campus will be kept at the Alumnae Association office. Following Reunion, unclaimed items will be held for 30 days. Call 413-538-2300 for inquiry.

MORE QUESTIONS???

For all Reunion questions please contact the Alumnae Association or call (413) 538-2159.