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THE SOPHIAN

The Smith Chop: What’s in a Mane?

The ’Big Chop’. The ‘Buzz’. The ‘Young Leo’. The “I’m so tired of my wet hair freezing to my head in the dead of winter.” Whatever the motivation or inspiration, the ‘Smith chop’ — when Smithies dramatically change their hair sometime after enrolling — is a phenomenon that rests near and dear to the hearts of several generations of Smithies. Its possible origins are as fascinating and numerous as the reasons people get it. Even if it’s not listed in the glossy brochures next to Mountain Day, the chop serves as a memorable event for many who pass through our ivy-laced campus.

Unpacking the Changes in ResLife

If you’re a returning Smith student, you may have noticed some changes in the college’s Residence Life system. As students were informed in an email on August 26, the ResLife department has extensively restructured its staff and hierarchies in order to “better meet the needs of students and the communities they live in.” This notably involves a restructuring of student staff. Previously, traditional houses each had one Head Resident (HR) and one House Community Advisor (HCA). Now each house has two HCAs while HRs are in charge of several houses within each neighborhood. Additionally, the “areas of campus” have been shuffled and transformed into four “neighborhoods,” named for notable Smith features.

Unpacking the Changes in ResLife

If you’re a returning Smith student, you may have noticed some changes in the college’s Residence Life system. As students were informed in an email on August 26, the ResLife department has extensively restructured its staff and hierarchies in order to “better meet the needs of students and the communities they live in.” This notably involves a restructuring of student staff. Previously, traditional houses each had one Head Resident (HR) and one House Community Advisor (HCA). Now each house has two HCAs while HRs are in charge of several houses within each neighborhood. Additionally, the “areas of campus” have been shuffled and transformed into four “neighborhoods,” named for notable Smith features.

“Inclusion” After “Inclusion in Action”

With the beginning of a new year comes another chance to reevaluate Smith’s inclusion and diversity initiatives. However, before we discuss what is to come, we must revisit what came before. First, let me introduce myself: I’m Claudia. I wrote a piece about last year’s Inclusion in Action conference based on my experience on the planning committee. It seemed to me that the conference, in the end, all came down to data.

“Inclusion” After “Inclusion in Action”

With the beginning of a new year comes another chance to reevaluate Smith’s inclusion and diversity initiatives. However, before we discuss what is to come, we must revisit what came before. First, let me introduce myself: I’m Claudia. I wrote a piece about last year’s Inclusion in Action conference based on my experience on the planning committee. It seemed to me that the conference, in the end, all came down to data.

A Conversation with UMass’s Randall West: Hiccups and Hard Work

Despite being the most popular college sport nationally, the football program at UMass Amherst has struggled to find its footing in an increasingly competitive field. Between 2012 and 2016, the team didn’t pick up more than three wins in a single 12-game season. During the 2017 and 2018 seasons, the team did slightly better, earning 4-8 records both seasons.

Since the end of the 2018 season, two top quarterbacks have graduated — Ross Comis and Andrew Ford, along with top offensive talents like wide receiver Andy Isabella and running back Marquis Young. Their absence leaves gaping holes in the offense but also provides an opportunity for new talent to emerge — or for old talent to reemerge.

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