Hi all –

Last week, the Board of Trustees voted to clarify Wellesley’s admissions policy, explicitly extending consideration for admission to all persons who identify as women. It can be hard to recognize history as it happens, but those of us on campus right now must surely recognize how exceptional it is to be at Wellesley at this moment in time. Not only are we at Wellesley now, we’re an integral part of shaping the Wellesley of the present and future. There are a lot of questions floating around, but just as students had a role in recommending a policy, students will have a role in the implementation stages to come. College Government will publicize these opportunities as they come along and in the meantime would encourage all students with particular thoughts or concerns to come share them at Senate.

On Wednesday, Mar. 11, College Government, House Presidents, and mental health groups on campus are coming together to spark a community conversation about the impostor syndrome. We’ve all had moments where we doubt ourselves. This is an opportunity to learn more about why we may do so and to have a frank, open discussion about the pervasive myth of perfection on campus. Professor Julie Norem from Psychology will give a lunch lecture at 12:30 p.m. in Tishman Commons, and Dower, Shafer, Claflin, and Stone-Davis will host discussions during evening tea-time. You do not have to attend the lecture to attend the discussions, or attend to the discussions to attend the lecture —- we’d be happy to see you at both or either event.

There is much to say about College Government elections, which are fast approaching. If you are interested (or potentially interested) in running for a Cabinet position, you must attend one of two info sessions to be eligible. The first is Thursday, Mar. 12 at 6 p.m.; the second is Monday, Mar. 16 at 9 p.m.. Both info sessions are in SCI 277. I would encourage anyone interested in real-time updates to “like” Wellesley College Elections Committee on Facebook. Additionally, Monday, Mar. 16 will be the last opportunity to present a ballot initiative to Senate. Ballot initiatives must present at Senate in order to be eligible for inclusion on the ballot. The winning ballot initiative will receive two percent of the Student Activities Fee (approximately $11,000) to fund an issue of their choice. Any student can present a ballot initiative, as long as the project serves the entire student body and is achievable on-campus within one year.

A few ending notes:

-SBOG is hosting its open meeting this Sunday, Mar. 15 at 5 p.m. in LWC 413.

-CPLA will be hosting a political lunch table in the couches by the bookstore every other Tuesday, beginning Mar. 10.

-The Bursar’s Office will close Wednesday, Mar. 18 for Spring Break and reopens Monday, Mar. 30. There will be limited availability during spring break.

I will not have office hours this week but am available by email if you have any questions or concerns at [email protected].

Very best,

Hana