Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
At some point in their student careers, most Swatties will hop on the blue bus to catch the occasional event or meal over at Haverford or Bryn Mawr. But how many actually take classes at our two sibling institutions? College Registrar Martin Warner says that “Swarthmore sends pretty close to 40 students per semester to Bryn Mawr and Haverford total.” This semester specifically, around 19 students are taking classes at Bryn Mawr while 16 attend Haverford, a typical amount. On the other hand, close to 80 students from Haverford and Bryn Mawr combined register for classes at Swarthmore.
Sophomore Elizabeth Comuzzi said she “never expected to take a class [in the TriCo].” After somehow stumbling upon Haverford course offerings one night, Comuzzi happened to find an class that really intrigued her, “I took an English class at Haverford called Legends of Arthur…We read medieval Arthurian texts and also looked at the ways that Arthurian themes have been reinterpreted in contemporary works.” Comuzzi enjoyed the class and didn’t really notice any difference between how courses were run at Haverford as opposed to Swarthmore.
Vanessa Wanjeri ’11 experienced a subtle difference between Swarthmore classes and her BMC course. “I took Themes in Modern African History over at Bryn Mawr. The class dynamic was definitely a little different. I don’t know how exactly; maybe the all-women environment? Otherwise, the classes here and there are very similar.” Both Wanjeri and Comuzzi experienced trouble with scheduling. “The shuttles just aren’t very convenient,” Wanjeri explained, “Haverford and Bryn Mawr also run different class times. Their M/W are like our T/Th.” All things considered, however, both students recommend taking at least one class outside of Swarthmore.
Curious about other ventures outside the bubble? Ask the Gazette!