Blue skies and sunshine returned for the last wave of students arriving on campus Thursday, rounding out the move-in portion of Opening Days. In total, 611 students are currently enrolled at Hotchkiss, including 27 day students and 63 remote students.
Director of International Programs David Thompson led a Zoom session for students in the Remote Learning Cohort (RLC) Thursday evening. Those students will be able to access schedules, club activities, and health, wellness, and academic support by using the newly launched Hotchkiss Hub student website. Jennifer Rinehart, instructor in environmental science, will be working with Thompson to ensure that remote learners are connected to the Hotchkiss experience by providing links to virtual activities, connecting students with clubs and affinity groups on campus, organizing contests and activities exclusively for RLC students, and ensuring students are communicating about their academic and social experience.
"Currently, we have 21 students mentors in four states and seven countries and territories working with the other 42 members of RLC, who are in eight states and nine countries and territories abroad," Thompson said.
Yesterday also marked the finale of the ball-toss tournament between the Olympians and Pythians. Since Monday, the competition has been fierce, but friendly. Olympians clinched the lead earning 10,985 points to beat the Pythians tally of 10,785. Besides bragging rights, the Olympians had the honor of raising their flag on Main Circle's central pole.
The evening's schedule included the initial slate of student club Zoom introductions; more club events will be held on Friday and Sunday. Later, pod groups had the opportunity to bond at their respective dorm fire pits.
During the week, lively group discussions took place in orientation sessions. On Wednesday, Madeline Chang '22 noted her group had a very productive discussion about diversity and inclusion. "It was really great to see how well the students already recognized their implicit biases and how open they were to learn more about other cultures and identities here at Hotchkiss," she said.
Students will attend their first All-School Meeting today, and the Convocation ceremony on Sunday. Both events will be held via Zoom.
Look for more postcards from campus in the coming days!
