Parents and Families Resource Guide Amherst College

Parents and Families Resource Guide

2020-2021 ACADEMIC YEAR

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 1 Welcome Parents and Families!

An Amherst education is at once timeless and urgently needed. Amherst is not simply a preparation for professional life. It is a preparation for your student’s lifelong journey of learning— exhilarating and surprising, rewarding and vast. When students arrive at Amherst, they join a close-knit, thriving community devoted to excellence in the liberal arts. Parents and families are an integral part of our community.

This guide provides quick reference for the most commonly asked questions and topics of interest to families. We encourage you to visit the Amherst website at amherst.edu, which offers additional information about everything in this guide and more. A good place to begin is on the Amherst Parents & Families page, amherst.edu/parents.

We invite you to engage with the College through virtual and on- campus events, regional gatherings, social media and, most impor- tantly, by learning about life at Amherst from your own student.

Best wishes to you and your student for the upcoming academic year! We look forward to welcoming your family to the Amherst community.

“Parents are valued members of the Amherst community, and, to thrive, the College needs the active participation of all community members. Their support goes to the heart of the mission—teaching, learning, scholarship and an environment that allows all our students to succeed.”

President Biddy Martin

2 | AMHERST COLLEGE Stay in Touch

Stay connected to what’s happening on campus by visiting the College website at amherst.edu.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES WEBSITE Find information about your student’s life on campus as well as ways to get involved with the College through volunteering, attending events or charitable giving: amherst.edu/parents

AMHERST E-NEWS All families receive a biweekly e-mail with news and announcements from Amherst College, as well as information about faculty, students and alumni in the news.

AMHERST READS Enjoy an online book club that connects alumni, students, faculty members, parents and friends to the intellectual life of the College.

AMHERST MAGAZINE Our award-winning quarterly print magazine tells stories from campus and around the world.

LIVE FROM AMHERST! Web talks are held during the academic year and feature Amherst College professors and alumni discussing their areas of expertise and research.

AMHERST COLLEGE ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: facebook.com/amherstcollege Twitter: twitter.com/amherstcollege Flickr: flickr.com/photos/amherstcollege Instagram: instagram.com/amherstcollege YouTube: youtube.com/user/AmherstCollege LinkedIn: linkedin.com/edu/amherst-college-19914 President Biddy Martin on Twitter: twitter.com/Biddy_Martin

AMHERST ATHLETICS ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Website: athletics.amherst.edu Facebook: facebook.com/amherstmammoths Twitter: twitter.com/amherstmammoths Flickr: flickr.com/photos/143813385@N05 Instagram: instagram.com/amherstmammoths

ARTS AT AMHERST ON SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: facebook.com/AmherstArts Twitter: twitter.com/AmherstArts Instagram: instagram.com/amherstarts

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 3 EVENTS Participate In a typical year, we enjoy offering families the opportunity to visit campus. in the As we go to press with this handbook, however, it is not clear that gatherings like Family Weekend, Homecoming, athletic events, literary events or Amherst artistic performances will happen in their traditional form. We also typically Community offer in-person regional gatherings so that families can socialize with one another. While some of these might become virtual events, our plans are still unfolding at this time. As we begin to be able to welcome visitors back to campus and as group Parents and families of gatherings become possible once again or facilitated virtually, you will be Amherst students play an sure to hear from the College. important role in the College community. We welcome your active involvement with the College in many ways. For more information about any of these opportunities to get involved, please contact us at [email protected].

4 | AMHERST COLLEGE Connect & Share Your Expertise

We welcome parents as speakers at events such as Family Weekend, New Student Orientation and Homecoming.

THE LOEB CENTER FOR CAREER EXPLORATION AND PLANNING The Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning offers additional opportunities for families to support Amherst students in preparing for life after college. Your involvement might include offering an internship or job opportunity at your workplace, meeting with students during one of our industry-specific career treks, participating in a career panel or serving as a resource for students interested in pursuing a career in your field. amherst.edu/parents/connect.

REGIONAL EVENTS The Amherst College community includes thousands of alumni, parents and friends across the globe. We are pleased to offer many ways for Amherst parents and families to engage with the College and with other local families and alumni—wherever you may live. Regional events are held throughout the year and range from informal social gatherings to faculty lectures to receptions with the President of the College. They are commonly hosted by Amherst families or alumni. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, regional events may be limited this year, but we look forward to bringing Amherst to your area in years to come!

SUPPORT THE PARENTS’ FUND The Amherst of today is the fulfillment of the promise alumni, families and friends made to the institution through their philanthropic support across generations. Their love for Amherst—their confidence and investment in it—make your student’s education possible. Today, 60% of the College’s yearly budget is rooted in philanthropy. Your gift to the Parents’ Fund sustains academic excellence and ensures that students have the best experience that Amherst has to offer. Your family may choose to designate your Parents’ Fund gift to the area of the College that matters most to you and your student. The Parents’ Fund 1821 Society recognizes our most generous parents and families who contribute $1,821 or more annually. Leadership gifts to the Parents’ Fund and other purposes allow Amherst to invest in exceptional faculty, robust learning opportunities for students and a vibrant campus life. amherst.edu/parents/give

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 5 Frequently Asked Questions

Dean of New Students Rick Lopez has compiled a list of the most common questions the Office of Student Affairs receives from families of first-year students. Visit amherst.edu/parents/newfamilies for more questions and answers as well as a detailed guide for new students and information about policies, life at Amherst, academics and more. Specific questions related to new international students can be found at amherst.edu/mm/55329.

STUDENT LIFE HEALTH AND WELLNESS My student is not feeling well. What can I do to make certain that they will Is my student allowed to bring a car to My student reports being depressed. be cared for? Amherst College? What can I do to help? Advise your student to contact Health First-year students are not allowed to Advise your student to immediately Services for an evaluation. Ill students bring a car to campus. Amherst College make an appointment to see their class should inform their professors students can ride the local public bus dean, or someone in the Counseling and academic advisors, and get in system (known as the PVTA) simply Center. If your student seems contact with Dean Lopez to discuss by showing their ID card. The bus particularly distressed, they should call what academic support I can offer. provides transportation between the the Counseling Center, where a staff Roommates and friends also can Five Colleges, to area shopping centers member is available at any hour of the be great sources of support. When and even to area trailheads for hiking. day or night via phone at 413.542.2354. students are ill, it can be helpful for parents to check in regularly by phone I hear that most students at Amherst I’m worried that my student is feeling to make certain that they are taking College are well off financially, but we extremely lonely. What should I do proper care of themselves. are an economically modest household. to help? Will my student have difficulty fitting When students first arrive, they tend My student might have suffered a in? Will my student be excluded from to cling to a small group of new friends concussion. What should I do to help? any activities? that they may or may not remain close Advise your student to immediately Economically, there is no “typical” to over the coming weeks or months. be in touch with one of the athletic Amherst student. We attract the best As this initial friend group melts away, trainers and/or with Health Services and the brightest from every economic many students can feel lonely, isolated for an evaluation. Students should let background, and the majority of our or out of place. Assure your student professors and advisers know about students receive financial aid, with that this is a normal process, and help the injury, and make an appointment an average financial aid package think of strategies to reach out to more to see Dean Lopez so that I can help of around $50,000. Every extra- people in classes, dorms or student arrange academic and medical curricular activity enables all students organizations. Also encourage your support. to participate equally no matter student to speak with older students their economic situation. Moreover, who have already gone through such We are from a warm climate, but I hear students of different backgrounds offer experiences. The best place for a New England winters are very cold. What important insights during classroom student to start is with the student staff winter clothes should my student bring? discussions, in social interactions and in their dorm. You can also encourage If you live in a warm climate, resist in engagement with the world. We your student’s siblings, relatives and the temptation to stock up on winter hope all students will embrace their friends from home to write letters clothes before sending your student distinctive perspectives and help shape (students seem to appreciate old- off to college. Most winter clothes the character of our shared community. fashioned letters more than emails). available for purchase in warm

6 | AMHERST COLLEGE climates are not made for the colder should use the first year at Amherst of Orientation. The purpose of this conditions of Massachusetts. Instead College as a time to lay foundations meeting is to begin a discussion of buying winter clothes in advance, for potential majors while exploring about academic and personal goals we recommend that students wait the curriculum and discovering new at Amherst, including registering until mid-autumn and then seek interests. We offer no pre-professional for fall courses. Students are asked out advice from peers and staff at majors, and no major is inherently to fill out a Self-Assessment and Amherst College about what winter more useful than any other. The main Learning Goals questionnaire prior clothes to buy. skills your student will develop are to the meeting. Orientation Advisors the abilities to write well, approach will help your student narrow down ACADEMICS problems from creative angles, think course choices, answer questions critically and deeply and analyze large about major requirements and What should I do if my student amounts of information and data. placements and design a course experiences academic difficulty? Encourage your student to seek out schedule that best fits their academic Advise your student to go to courses across the curriculum that are interests. Later in the fall, some professors’ office hours, talk with an small and that prepare them to take students are switched from their academic adviser and take advantage advantage of research opportunities. Orientation Advisor to a different of the Moss Quantitative Center and They also should seek a good balance College Advisor, who will help the Writing Center. Your student between courses that play to their them explore the open curriculum. should make an appointment to talk strengths and those that offer new Ideally, the College Advisor will to Dean Lopez in order to devise challenges. Encourage your student continue to work with the student strategies for academic success, and to pursue their interests. Independent until the student declares a major access resources and support. exploration and personal commitment in sophomore year. Students to their chosen major contribute to select courses, discuss academic Can I find out my student’s grades or lifelong happiness and success in their difficulties and manage their major other details about what is going on in later careers. requirements with the help of their their life? advisor. Advisors also refer students Federal Law (the Family Educational My student was closed out of a course. to class deans or other resources Rights & Privacy Act, or FERPA) Is this a widespread problem, and will when necessary. prohibits us from disclosing it impact my student’s opportunity to information to you about grades, complete their major? How will my student register for courses, disciplinary actions or other Your student should speak to an classes? matters about which you will naturally academic adviser about broad Prior to the start of the semester, be very concerned. The intent of intellectual goals and about the students should identify three or FERPA is to make conversations about various kinds of courses that can more courses they are interested these issues become family decisions make progress toward those goals. in taking during the fall semester and not institutional ones. The best Very few courses are affected by over- using the Online Course Scheduler at way to get information from your enrollment, and I have never heard amherst.edu/academiclife/registrar/ student is to ask directly. Learn more of a single case in which a student AC_Course_Info_tools. Students about FERPA and its role in shaping was unable to complete a major will be sent detailed information communications between you and as a result of being closed out of a about how to use the Online Course the College at collegeparentcentral. particular course. However, if your Scheduler in August. During com/2009/06/what-ferpa-means-for- student is closed out of a course Orientation, students will review you-and-your-college-student/. required for his or her major, tell them their preliminary course selection to speak with the professor of the with their Orientation Advisor and I don’t know what my student will do course or with the department chair work together to build a final course with a liberal arts degree. Should I about receiving priority the next time schedule. All first-year students must encourage my student to pick a the course is taught. have their courses approved by their useful major? Advisor prior to registering. Students Most students become stressed out ADVISING AND REGISTRATION complete course registration during and anxious when family members Orientation week. All first-year pressure them about their potential Will my student have an advisor? students are assigned to a First-Year major or ask them what they plan to do New students will meet with their Seminar based on the ranked choices with a particular major. Your student Orientation Advisor during the week they provide early in the summer.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 7 Your Student’s Life Contents on Campus 9 Academic Class Deans

10 Academic Resources The Amherst experience cultivates independent habits and 11 Athletics & Recreation resourcefulness, both in the classroom and around campus. As your student navigates Amherst, it may be useful for you 12 Community/Campus Life to know about some of the key resources available. On the 13 Counseling Center following pages, we have included information from some of the most common areas of interest we hear from parents and 14 Diversity & Inclusion families. We encourage you to explore amherst.edu for much 15 Housing/Residential Life more in-depth information. 16 Keefe Health Center The Student Code of Conduct is available online at amherst.edu/offices/student-affairs/community-standards/ 17 Loeb Center for Career student-code-of-conduct. You may wish to review some of Exploration & Planning the handbook’s content to familiarize yourself with College 18 Tuition Statements life, resources available on campus and important policies and Billing that apply to all students. 19 Amherst Town Life

8 | AMHERST COLLEGE Academic Class Deans Contact us

amherst.edu/go/ Class deans and their staff serve as the front door for all matters classdeans related to helping students thrive academically, socially and 413.542.2337 emotionally at Amherst College. They are a resource for all members of the on-campus community: students, faculty and staff.

WHAT IS THE CLASS DEAN SYSTEM? Class deans offer academic and personal guidance, help students coordinate self- care, support students as they manage social transitions between home and school and facilitate communications between students, faculty and staff. They help identify the academic, social, mental health and financial support students need Rick Lopez to thrive intellectually and personally at Amherst College. Class deans also provide [email protected] academic tutors in most academic subjects. Dean of the Class of 2024 If students have ideas about how to enrich their own educational and social Professor of History and experience at Amherst College, or if they have questions about how to work toward Environmental Studies, Chair of Latinx and Latin American Studies certain goals, they should talk to their class dean. We are also eager to get to know students when they do not have any specific concerns but would just like to share their thoughts.

STUDENTS: WHY SHOULD YOU CONSULT WITH A CLASS DEAN? n You are worried about how you are doing in any of your courses. n Stress about home life, finances, friendships or mental or physical health is making it difficult forou y to focus on your studies. Jess Caldwell-O’Keefe n You are having self-doubt about your ability to succeed. [email protected] Dean of the Class of 2023 n You are wondering what kinds of academic support services might be available. Senior Associate Dean of Students n You are facing personal or emotional setbacks and want to learn what kind of support is available. n You have an idea for an opportunity or a program you would like to pursue. n You have a question about the rules of the College or how the rules might relate to your particular situation. n You would like to share news of your personal or collective accomplishments. n You are having difficulty connecting to peers. Charri Boykin-East [email protected] n You would like to discuss plans for majors, academic leaves, course schedules Dean of the Class of 2022 or intellectual and academic plans. Senior Associate Dean of Students n You want to discuss possible violations of your rights as a student. n You have any worry, question or idea of any kind and you are not sure where to start.

FAMILIES: WHY MIGHT A CLASS DEAN CONTACT YOUR STUDENT? n A professor, peer or staff member contacted the class dean out of concerns for the student’s academic or personal well-being. n The dean is excited about some good reports about the student and wants to get David Schneider to know the student. [email protected] Dean of the Class of 2021 n The dean has an idea for a campus program or initiative and wants to benefit Andrew W. Mellon Professor from the student’s input. of Music

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 9 Academic Resources

Students at Amherst College publish papers in major professional journals, present at national and international conferences and undertake research, internship, study and service projects at sites around the world. The faculty and staff want students to succeed and provide an array of supports to help students navigate the sometimes complex academic experience. Academic class deans offer direct personal attention to each student, helping them to develop educational goals and complete their graduation requirements, among other things. In addition, faculty advisors provide students with guidance as they shape their education, explore the liberal arts and take advantage of the intellectual freedom that Amherst offers. Beyond the academic advising system, Amherst offers a number of academic support resources:

THE WRITING CENTER vocabulary or the conventions of All writers need readers, and all North American academic writing, Contact us speakers need an audience. At the and our Advisor for Multilingual amherst.edu/academiclife/ Writing Center, professional writing Students collaborates with students support and speaking associates are eager to on creative projects that foster and listen to your ideas and help you share celebrate multilingual reading, them with greater ease and clarity. writing and translating. During the Students come to the Writing Center academic year, appointments are PEER TUTORING at all stages of their college careers, for available Sunday through Friday and Free peer tutoring is available to writing in a range of disciplines and are booked through a simple online any student concerned about their genres, and each is offered strategies calendar. Additional programming academic performance. Students and feedback to meet their distinct and events are advertised through the are advised to first discuss their goals as writers. We invite students College calendar. concerns with their professor. With to one-on-one conversations about the professor’s approval, students specific writing projects, such as class THE MOSS QUANTITATIVE CENTER can work with a tutor in a wide range assignments, application essays and More and more, the world needs of disciplines. A member of the creative-writing projects. We also offer people who can analyze data or Office of Student Affairs is available support to students writing Honors use mathematical tools to answer for short-term counseling sessions Theses, through both individual important questions. The Moss to help students address problems appointments and group workshops Quantitative Center, named after that impede academic progress, e.g., on strategies for getting started, longtime Associate Dean of Students procrastination, time mismanagement, revising and presenting it before a Onawumi Jean Moss, is here to help competing priorities (academic and public audience, and, additionally, we students develop these skills. We focus social) and related issues. organize both weekly and immersive on the following disciplines: biology thesis-writing retreats. Students and chemistry, computer science, RESEARCH SUPPORT may work with our Associate in economics, geology, mathematics, The Frost Library offers a range of Public Speaking to plan, revise and physics, psychology and statistics. support for research and resources rehearse a presentation. Our staff can Q Center staff offer a variety of to help students in all disciplines at also teach strategies for overcoming services for students, including drop- Amherst. In addition to online research obstacles to effective writing, for in hours and course-specific study guides for specific disciplines, the managing time and complex projects sessions; individual appointments; library has subject librarians who and for gaining the confidence to statistical consulting, especially for support individual departments speak up in class. Additionally, thesis writers; and workshops. by offering specialized research the Center supports multilingual instruction to classes and individuals, students through individual tutorials including through one-on-one on mastering aspects of grammar, research appointments with students.

10 | AMHERST COLLEGE VARSITY ATHLETICS and are open to all Amherst College Athletics & Amherst College has the oldest athletics students and members of the college Recreation program in the nation, dating back to community. The program is flexible, a compulsory physical fitness regimen robust and designed to meet the needs that was put in place for all students in and interests of individuals—it features 1860. Today, over a third of the student everything from spinning to yoga. The All students can take body participates in varsity sports with recreational program, which includes advantage of a variety 80 percent involved in intramural and skating, squash, swimming and tennis, of opportunities to club sports teams. The school has 27 is available to all members of the exercise and have fun intercollegiate sports teams. Amherst College community. These Amherst College student-athletes regardless of experience opportunities vary based on the season have successfully blended academics and specific facility hours. or skill level. and athletics for decades. In addition The state-of-the-art Wolff Fitness to capturing 13 NCAA Division III team Center is a two-level, fully air- championships—including 11 in the past Contact us conditioned facility complete with a full ten years—and 80 NCAA individual titles, range of cardiovascular, BodyMaster amherst.edu/campuslife/ Amherst has earned 37 Academic All- selectorized machines and free weight America selections, including 19 since equipment. health-safety-wellness/ 2010. recreation BEYOND CAMPUS athletics.amherst.edu CLUB SPORTS & INTRAMURALS The Valley’s outdoor life can’t be Amherst offers a dozen Club Sports— beat—hiking trails, fishing streams, 413.542.2274 everything from an equestrian team to the Connecticut River (a favorite for rugby to wrestling. Intramurals provide boating), a rail-trail that connects athletic opportunities to all students on Amherst and Northampton, plus the campus regardless of experience or skill College’s 500-acre Wildlife Sanctuary. level. All students are invited to try out If bicycling (or jogging or cross-country new sports, exercise, relax and have fun! skiing) is your thing, on our east edge lies the 11-mile Norwottuck Rail Trail. WELLNESS & LIFETIME FITNESS This paved trail cuts through the Wellness and Lifetime Fitness classes are Sanctuary and connects to Hadley and provided by the Department of Athletics Northampton.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 11 Community/ BOOK & PLOW FARM Originating in the creative minds of our students, Amherst’s own Book & Plow Farm Campus Life has grown tremendously since its inaugural 2013–14 season. As of last year, Val dining hall purchased 40 tons of produce from our farm. Every semester, Book & Plow Farm invites Amherst College students to help operate the farm. Students are involved in Amherst has a vibrant all aspects of vegetable production including but not limited to greenhouse seeding, community that offers transplanting, cultivation, harvesting, washing, packing, deliveries and more. Book & Plow Farm works with student groups, campus departments and Amherst faculty something for everyone. to create meaningful experiences based in community, wellness, sustainability and Dozens of student clubs and academic enrichment. organizations, exciting arts and nightlife, a variety of ENTERTAINMENT & NIGHTLIFE The Powerhouse is a renovated steam plant turned student nightclub, right on opportunities for physical campus. This student-run venue is a safe and fun location for performances, movie recreation and several screenings, pub nights and more. The Office of Student Life works in collaboration community centers all serve with students to organize social, cultural and educational programs, including weekly to create an inclusive and fun social activities through the Powerhouse Committee and the Campus Activities Board. A wide variety of student groups, including theater, a cappella, improv and campus environment. music ensembles, put on performances throughout the year.

Contact us MUSEUMS & ARTS Amherst’s on-campus museums and galleries showcase an impressive array of amherst.edu/campuslife/ historical, artistic and contemporary items. The College also boasts a variety of our-community performance venues for theater and musical events that create a dynamic and enriching arts environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors alike. Archives and Special Collections: rare books and other materials documenting the College’s history amherst.edu/library/archives Beneski Museum of Natural History: paleontology, minerals and geologic specimens, including a world-class dinosaur tracks collection amherst.edu/museums/naturalhistory Emily Dickinson Museum: the poet’s home, featuring exhibits about her life and creative work emilydickinsonmuseum.org Mead Art Museum: historical and modern art from across the globe amherst.edu/museums/mead

RELIGIOUS & SPIRITUAL LIFE The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life serves the religious, spiritual and value- based lives of the Amherst College community. We seek to cultivate understanding and appreciation across diversities of belief and identity, and to mobilize these connections toward bettering our world. Some of our activities include weekly faith- group meetings, guided mindfulness meditations, overnight interfaith retreats and one-on-one spiritual counseling.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) represents the student body. It makes recommendations to the administration based on student input, supports student programming through registered student organizations in conjunction with the Office of Student Activities, funds student initiatives and events and collaborates across all student groups. The AAS Senate is a 32-member elected body comprised of eight senators from each class at Amherst, each serving one-year terms. AAS members serve on a wide variety of student/faculty committees, share student perspectives with faculty members and effect major change at Amherst College.

12 | AMHERST COLLEGE Counseling Center

The Counseling Center offers a variety of consultation services to help enhance your student’s education and well-being while here at Amherst. All members of the community, including parents, may call the Counseling Center for help in understanding both how to make sense of what is happening with a student and how best to respond to a mental health or related concern.

COUNSELING SERVICES Our counseling services are Contact us n Brief individual counseling confidential and free, and most students work with us on a short- n Support groups term basis, on average about seven amherst.edu/go/counseling n Psychiatric support for medication appointments per year. Students 413.542.2354 management who need long-term counseling are n referred to mental health providers in Case management for students Jacqueline Alvarez, Ph.D., L.P. needing multiple supports: the community and may utilize the [email protected] on-campus or off-campus care Amherst student health insurance Director of Counseling Center plan, which provides excellent n Classes to help students develop coverage for mental health care. (For skills to manage emotions like more information about insurance anxiety, symptoms that occur with central to the Counseling Center, the plans, please see amherst.edu/ depression, develop resilience and work we do to promote individual and campuslife/health-safety-wellness.) If grit, etc. community health and well-being your student has received counseling is equally important. Whether we’re n Consultation for concerned parents in the past and plans to continue while engaged in the work of helping people n Referrals to mental health resources in college, we strongly encourage reach their peak performance by that are outside the scope of our contacting the previous provider identifying their strengths, teaching service (e.g. specialty care, long- and having their records sent to the mindfulness meditation, holding a term therapy) Counseling Center or a local provider workshop on stress management or of your choice. building relationships with Amherst’s While providing outstanding Cultural Resource Centers, our counseling support to students who staff works to share its abundant struggle personally or emotionally is knowledge regarding prevention and health promotion. At the Counseling Center, we are privileged to work with students who engage in the challenge of becoming purposeful, thriving individuals. When students are mentally healthy and balanced, they are able to engage in the work of active, effective learning. They then go into the world to lead and serve. We find there’s nothing better than to be a part of that kind of growth, and it gives us great satisfaction to know that we’re making a difference in people’s lives. Parents are valued members of the Amherst community, and we hope you will contact us if you are ever concerned about your student.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 13 Diversity & Inclusion CULTURAL RESOURCE CENTERS Multicultural Resource Center (MRC) The MRC supports students who identify as people of color and At Amherst, the Office of Student Affairs offers campus-wide educational programming and resources and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion dedicated to the exploration of racialized identities and support students as they celebrate promotion of racially just communities. amherst.edu/campuslife/our-community/multicultural- and develop their identities and create resource-center inclusive communities that enrich their Amherst College experience. Through Queer Resource Center (QRC) our various Resource Centers and offices, The QRC provides support for LGBTQ+ students and furthers nuanced understandings and conversations around sexuality, we offer dynamic community-based gender, intersectionality and social justice through various programming, resources and support programs and resources that affirm and uplift LGBTQ+ people. services that provide opportunities for amherst.edu/campuslife/our-community/queer-resource-center your student’s personal and professional growth. We affirm the many identities Women’s & Gender Center (WGC) The WGC provides support services for women and nonbinary that your student holds and work to foster people, as well as offering campus-wide programming and a community of belonging so that your resources dedicated to the exploration of gender and gender student may thrive throughout their identity, intersectional feminism and gender justice. Amherst College experience. amherst.edu/campuslife/our-community/wgc

Center For International Student Engagement (CISE) In anchoring global realities, the CISE supports students of Contact us international experience through advocacy, centralized resources and space for community building and critical reflection. amherst.edu/amherst-story/diversity/ amherst.edu/campuslife/our-community/international office-of-diversity-inclusion Campus Diversity & Student Leadership Office (CDSL) 413.542.5822 The CDSL works directly to provide support services, Angie Tissi-Gassoway programming and resources for our first-generation, low-income [email protected] | 413.542.5114 transfer, veteran and undocumented/DACA students. In addition, Associate Dean for Diversity & Inclusion the office creates and implements dynamic and engaging student Office of Student Affairs | Resource Centers Team leadership development opportunities. amherst.edu/amherst-story/diversity/office-of- Norm J. Jones diversity-inclusion [email protected] | 413.542.5822 Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer

14 | AMHERST COLLEGE Housing/Residential Life

We guarantee housing for all students, and, historically, almost all of our students live on campus. Our students eat meals with friends in Valentine Dining Hall, which offers delicious dietary options, with food sourced from local farms, including our very own Book & Plow Farm. There are also additional to-go meal options in the Frost Library, Keefe Campus Center and Science Center Cafés. Amherst’s 34 residence halls host students of all gender expressions. Incoming first-year students may request to live in single- gender communities. There are also three all-women floor communities in returning student housing. Sophomores, juniors and seniors choose where they live, and housing for them is available in various configurations, including Theme Houses. The occupancy of our halls ranges from 10 to 125+.

NEW STUDENT HOUSING WHAT TO BRING If students are able to resume on- Rooms are equipped with a bed, Contact us campus life this fall, your student mattress, desk, chair, bureau, wall will receive a housing and roommate mirror, wardrobe/closet, small Housing: assignment by early August. All first- bookcase or shelf, ceiling light, trash/ amherst.edu/go/housing year students live in residence halls on recycle bin, computer port outlet 413.542.2161 our first-year quad, right in the heart and window shades. Students are of campus. New students are assigned NOT allowed to use nails or screws Office Residential Life: housing based upon the preferences for hanging items. All College- amherst.edu/campuslife/ they indicate in the New Student owned furniture must remain in its housing-dining/residential-life Housing Questionnaire. assigned space unless express written permission has been granted by the 413.542.8448 HOUSING CONCERNS Office of Accessibility Services. Our residential communities are n Bed size: 36”x80” (x-long twin size) [email protected] supported by professional and Clearance underbed: 6”. (The College student staff members. If any cannot store or remove any College concerns arise with a roommate or furniture from student bedrooms unless WHAT NOT TO BRING approved by a housing accommodation (Not a complete list) floor dynamics, the student should from the Office of Accessibility Services.) n Microwave ovens contact a student staff member for n Scatter rugs: 6’x9’ or less support. A student staff member n Personal bed or mattress (except those n Foot locker/storage crates may consult with the Community that have received permission from the n Clothes hangers College’s Office of Accessibility) Development Coordinator who n Surge protectors/power strips n Toaster ovens supervises the residence hall. The n Fish tanks less than 10 gallons n Candles/incense Director of Residential Life welcomes (commercial manufactured only) n Hot plates the opportunity to meet students Appliances Allowed in Rooms: n Toasters and support the staff with concerns. n Clocks, radios n Waffle irons To schedule an appointment, please n Stereo systems n contact the Office of Residential Life at Woks n Electric blankets n Halogen lamps [email protected] or 413.542.2161. n Irons n We also welcome students to stop in Cinderblock bed risers. (Only purchased n Televisions bed risers are permitted. No higher than at Keefe Campus Center, office 011, to n Lamps (desk or floor – no halogens) 6 inches. Stacking risers not permitted.) schedule in person. n Fans n Air conditioners (unless registered n Grooming aids with the Office of Accessibility Services) n Humidifiers n Animals/pets (unless registered with the Office of Accessibility Services) n Hot-air corn poppers n Coffee makers with automatic shut-off n Under 4.5 cubic feet refrigerators

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 15 Keefe Health Center

We are committed to promoting health and preventing or treating disease and illness in a caring, confidential and competent manner, including direct patient care and health education, for all Amherst College students. We SERVICES COVERED BY TUITION n Emergency contraception encourage students to be Health care provided by the Keefe n Gynecologic exams active participants in their Health Center staff: (including pap smears) health care. n Medical healthcare n Immunizations (including flu shots) n Mental healthcare n Men’s health concerns n Injections for allergies & medications n Nutrition counseling Contact us n Nutrition consultations n Prescriptions n Health education programs n Pregnancy testing (options & amherst.edu/go/healthservice n STI related labs counseling) n STI testing and treatment 413.542.2267 SERVICES NOT COVERED BY TUITION n Study abroad medical forms Health care that CANNOT be provided n Suturing [email protected] by the Keefe Health Center staff: n Travel medication and vaccinations n Hospital Emergency Room care n Women’s health concerns Hours (academic year) n Most surgical procedures Mon., Tues., Thurs. & Fri. n Specialty outside consultations SERVICES OFFERED IN CONJUNCTION n Ambulance transportation 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last appt. 4:30) WITH UMASS HEALTH SERVICES n Dental care (referral may be required) Wed.: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. (last appt. 4:30) n Physical therapy n Eye health services n X-rays, ultrasounds, MRI and n Laboratory tests CAT scans n Physical therapy When the Keefe Health Center n Laboratory test (not STI related) n Radiology (x-rays) is closed, outpatient walk-in n Travel immunizations care is available at University of SERVICES OFFERED AT KEEFE Massachusetts Health Services. HEALTH CENTER IMPORTANT THINGS FOR YOUR Please visit umass.edu/uhs for current n Acne treatment (including STUDENT TO KNOW hours of operation. After-hours isotretinoin) n Students must be 21 or older to have transportation to University Health n Acute illness a pap smear. Services is provided by Amherst n Acute injury care n Medical records are available College Emergency Medical Services n Athletic clearance exams for seven years after your date (ACEMS) and may be accessed by n Athletic injury care of graduation. calling Amherst College Police at n Allergy shots n Non-urgent appointments must be 413.542.2111. n Chronic illness care scheduled in advance. n Contraception info & prescriptions n If you are more than ten minutes late n Diabetes care for your appointment, it may need n Drug and alcohol counseling to be rescheduled. n Eating disorder care

16 | AMHERST COLLEGE Loeb Center for Career Exploration & Planning

The Loeb Center for Career Exploration and Planning creates opportunities for students to think intentionally about how their liberal arts education, interests, values and skills all combine to formulate their individual career paths. We encourage students to engage with us as early as possible so that they feel well-prepared to pursue summer and post-graduation opportunities.

ADVISING AND CAREER EDUCATION students receive dedicated career advising The Loeb Center provides one-on-one as well as myriad other supports through Contact us advising and a range of programs to support peer-to-peer relationships, leadership all students, wherever they are in their development opportunities and guaranteed amherst.edu/go/careers career planning process. We offer special funding for professional summer exploratory advising appointments and experiences. 413.542.2265 assessments for students who are curious about a broad range of post-graduate Experiential Learning Programs Emily Griffen options and are still exploring their interests We believe an extended summer experience [email protected] and skills. We also provide students with in the field is an unparalleled source of Director of the Loeb Center opportunities to dive deeply into specific information and skill-building as well as the areas of interest through our signature best way to build essential social capital. career exploration advising model. Through The Loeb Center has dedicated staff to help Center also organizes alumni networking career exploration programs, students students discover and prepare for summer receptions in each city, allowing students receive expert advising from industry- experiential learning opportunities. to practice networking and build valuable specific career advisors, opportunities Launched in Fall 2019, the Charles connections. to connect with alumni in the field and Hamilton Houston Internship Program insight into what they can expect during the supports an innovative and equitable Employer and Graduate School recruiting process. structure for students to explore and plan Recruitment The career exploration programs are: for meaningful careers through off-campus Our cutting-edge online platform, n Arts and Communication summer experiences. Houston internships Handshake, provides access to over n Business and Finance are available across a broad range of fields 20,000+ job/internship listings per year, n Education Professions and areas of interest, including healthcare and we work with more than 8,500 n Government, Nonprofit, and Law settings, arts administration, technology, employers worldwide to ensure Amherst n Health Professions science research, business, government, students have access to a variety of n Science and Technology policy and education. The program opportunities. We run a robust on-campus Additionally, throughout the year we host offers students 360° support throughout recruiting program through which a number of events and programs for all the entire internship cycle including employers and graduate schools come to students. We conduct regular workshops on preparatory advising, professional skill Amherst to present their organizations/ internship and job search strategy, resume development and assistance throughout schools to students, as well as offering and cover letter writing, as well as special their summer experience. internship/full-time job interviews events such as alumni panel discussions The Loeb Center offers career treks that and informational “office hours” and roundtable lunches with alumni. We provide hands-on, deep-dive explorations appointments, information sessions, often partner with other departments, of a range of career fields. Selected students campus center information tables and student groups and faculty throughout the travel to cities such as Annapolis, Boston, recruiter-led workshops. year to highlight topical areas of interest for Chicago, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New particular groups of students. York or San Francisco during school breaks How can your student connect with the to explore professional “ecosystems,” Loeb Center? Meiklejohn Fellows Program including tech, philanthropy, arts All students have access to Handshake, The Loeb Center prioritizes creating an administration, government, finance and amherst.joinhandshake.com, which affirming space where first-generation others. Each trek consists of site visits to a hosts our event calendar, internship and and/or low-income students can access diverse range of organizations over several job postings, appointment requests and and capitalize on the College’s resources, days. Major employers represented on career-related resources. Handshake is an gain exposure to valuable networks and past treks include Google, JP Morgan, U.S. easy, single point of contact for students opportunities and translate their skills Department of Education, Metropolitan to connect with us when they arrive on into professional contexts. As part of the Museum of Art, LinkedIn, Planned campus. Students will be emailed in early College’s Meiklejohn Fellows Program, these Parenthood and the Red Cross. The Loeb September to activate their account.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 17 Tuition Amherst College generates an electronic tuition statement each semester. The fall term bill will be available by July 15 Statements and payment is due to the College the first week in August. The and Billing spring term bill will be available by December 15 and payment is due to the College the first week in January. The student’s account statement is available to be viewed online at all times Contact us via AC Data at acdata.amherst.edu. Throughout the semester, amherst.edu/go/ additional billing (which includes any other miscellaneous studentaccounts charges, fees, fines or credits) is posted to the student’s account as billing is received by our office. 413.542.2817/2811 [email protected] BILLING INFORMATION Current students can access their billing information via AC Data at acdata.amherst.edu. Students may also designate “Family and Friends” as Authorized Users to view this information; instructions can be found at amherst.edu/go/studentaccounts, menu option Billing Statement Access. Email notifications will be sent to students and their Authorized Users each time a new billing deadline occurs. The total balance due must be settled before a student will be cleared for course registration and/or room draw. Students may also be required to visit the Financial Aid Office or the Controller’s Office prior to registration in order to finalize paperwork, sign loan notes or to clear any remaining unpaid balance. Please visit our website amherst.edu/go/studentaccounts for answers to other questions you may have concerning tuition billing details, the refund policy, accepted payment methods, student health and tuition insurance and other general questions.

18 | AMHERST COLLEGE Amherst Town Life

More than 30,000 college students call the town of Amherst home during the academic year. Hampshire College and the University of Massachusetts Amherst are the College’s neighbors, and Smith and Mount Holyoke Colleges are a short bus ride away. Along with Amherst College, these schools form the Five College Consortium.

A QUICK WALK TO TOWN There is a lot to enjoy here, and most of it is within walking distance of the College. In a typical year, the influx of students (and faculty, staff and their families) means plenty of concerts, festivals, lectures, conferences, exhibitions and museums (including our own Emily Dickinson Museum, Beneski Museum of Natural History and Mead Art Museum). Galleries can be found in both Amherst and Northampton, and families will love the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. There’s music for every taste, from classical to funk, from orchestras to chamber music. The Pioneer Valley is a major stop on the concert trail. Concert halls in Amherst and Northampton mean that, during ordinary times, you can see live music pretty much every night. And sure, every college town has pizza places, but there’s so much more, from French to Mexican to Italian to delicious delis. The Valley is also home to many small, organic farms offering fresh produce throughout the growing season. Many locals join students and faculty at coffee shops including the Frost Library’s café. Small-batch beer flows in brew pubs throughout the area. You can find some of the tastiest beer in the region in the Amherst and Northampton areas. Small-batch wines are also available in Valley wineries. For more information on local restaurants, shops and more, visit visithampshirecounty.com.

PARENTS AND FAMILIES RESOURCE GUIDE | 19 Amherst AMHERST COLLEGE 220 South Pleasant Street, Amherst, MA 01002 College 413.542.2000 amherst.edu

OFFICE OF ALUMNI AND PARENT PROGRAMS [email protected] 413.542.2313 amherst.edu/parents

20 | AMHERST COLLEGE