<p>Regarding the commonread: I am assuming that all new students have received the "Caucasia" book. We are expected to read it, but what is the purpose of this? Is there going to be a discussion, or a critical thinking exam based on the book? Or is it just for pleasure and a common thing to make the transition and meeting new people easier?
For transfer students: are we (transfers) going to take placement exams? I have completed all the science, language and other requirements, but I have not completed a Math class (which I think we have to take a class for the BA). Any information regarding these would be greatly appreciated.
Now, what about those ghost stories? I have heard that Mt.Holyoke is haunted. Which of the halls is the most haunted (according to the legends)? I can not wait to meet you all there!</p>
<p>As a transfer, you will be incorporated into fall orientation in late August. If you have questions about the common read, then you can ask your orientation leaders. Besides that: there's no need to read it. The writer will be coming to the school in the fall to speak about the book, and she will stay for a book signing. If you're interested, then definitely read it! It's to make the transition easier. You got a much better common read than 2010 and '09 got. We had "Mountains Beyond Mountains" and "My Year of Meats" respectively. </p>
<p>If you don't like math, then don't take the math placement exam. I took an astronomy class w/o lab as my math class. You can also take a computer science class for your math credit (100-level computer science might just be the easiest A you will ever get at MHC). </p>
<p>Wilder is the infamous one for its ghost stories :). Welcome to MHC! :)</p>
<p>Actually, my daughter is going to be an orientation leader...she says that
there are going to be orientation discussions regarding the book. She has read the book and reports that it is a good book.</p>
<p>I have been an orientation leader before (great experience--your daughter will love it) and there are never discussions in the groups because a lot of the people don't read it.</p>
<p>chihuahua is right; there is no discussion about the common read. The orientation leaders get it as a nice gesture, so that <em>IF</em> they decide to read it, the firsties have something to talk to them about. I've been a leader and we never discussed the common read. Orientation is for getting-to-know-each other stuff, not to have people worry about a book... I recommend Caucasia, though.</p>
<p>Sorry to revive an old thread, but...</p>
<p>Yes, there is a discussion. There is a special panel towards the end of orientation where new students come together with faculty to discuss it. The event is not mandatory, however, so that might be what the above people are talking about. And I know that for my orientation, my group did talk about the book from time to time.</p>