Town Community Approves Construction of New Elementary School

The town of Amherst’s citizens voted on May 2 to fund the creation of a new public elementary school, with construction beginning in 2024. The decision comes in the wake of deteriorating physical conditions and declining enrollment in the district.

Seniors Compete in Three-Minute Thesis Competition

The college held its annual Three-Minute Thesis Competition on May 4. Topics ranged from the role of zinc in space travel-related aging to the unfulfilled promises of America's founding, and awards were given for first place, runner-up, and people’s choice.

Researcher Maps “The Radical City”

Graduate student Esther Isaac ’19 on May 2 shared the results of her dissertation research into the relationship between urban spaces and revolutionary class movements. The talk, held in Pruyne Lecture Hall, referred to Chicago’s 1886 Haymarket Riot as a frequent example.

Interdisciplinary Artist Discusses Integrating Art and Science

Artist Janani Balasubramanian spoke to a group of students and staff about their work crafting large-scale, immersive exhibitions that integrate art and science on Thursday, May 4.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: May 2 to May 9

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: The college opens up applications for Orientation Leaders, ACEMS pauses service, and more.

Campus Police Log: May 3 to May 8

The latest installment of the Police Log, from May 3 to May 8, can be found here.

College To Discontinue To-go Containers in Val

The college announced on May 1 that to-go containers will no longer be provided in Val beginning this summer, citing budgetary and sustainability concerns.

Students Lose Free Access to Amherst Cinema

The college ended its agreement with Amherst Cinema to provide students with free movie tickets amid college-wide budget cuts.

Faculty Discuss Meeting Time, Budget Cuts, Athletics, Anthem

The faculty assembled in the Red Room on the evening of Tuesday, May 2, for its last and perhaps shortest meeting of the semester to discuss budget cuts, vote on a change to its long-standing meeting time, and more.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 27 to May 3

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: Val and the Chemistry Department host a food festival, the Loeb Center extends the Houston Program application deadline, and more.

Campus Police Log: April 26 to May 2

The latest installment of the Police Log, from April 26 to May 2, can be found here.

College Ends PCR Testing Program, Vaccine Mandate

On April 12, the college announced that, in addition to ending its Covid vaccine mandate, the Testing Center will be closing its doors, marking the end of a long-standing policy of on-campus, on-demand PCR testing.

Saucy Santana To Headline Spring Concert

The Office of Student Affairs announced in a message to The Student that the Spring Concert will be headlined by “Material Girl” rapper Saucy Santana.

Panel Discusses Corporate Abuses in Latin America

On April 19, the Political Science and Economics Department hosted the annual Vogel Lecture. This year's lecture, which featured researchers from Harvard and the University of Denver, focused on corporate wrongdoing and redress in Latin America.

New Members of AAS E-Board Envision Year Ahead

The Student sat down with newly-elected members of the Association of Amherst Students’ executive board to ask them about their plans and hopes for the upcoming semester.

AAS Candidate Statements for 2023-2024 Senators

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for eight senators for the class of 2024, 2025, and 2026, and four at-large members of the Judiciary Council on Thursday, Sept. 29, from 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The students listed have announced their candidacies for these elections.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 19 to April 26

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: The college plans an Arbor Day celebration, and the philosophy department prepares for a lecture on restorative justice.

Campus Police Log: April 19 to April 25

The latest installment of the Police Log, from April 19 to April 25, can be found here.

Harvard Economist Reveals Impact of Guaranteeing Free College Tuition

Participants in a University of Michigan program that guarantees low-income students free tuition upon acceptance applied to and enrolled in college at higher rates. At an April 11 event, Susan Dynarski presented these findings, raising questions about how Amherst could implement similar programs.

Researchers Lay Out Amherst History of Racial Exploitation, Slaveholding

At a panel event on April 11, four researchers shared insights into Amherst's racially exploitative past. Topics of discussion included the college's connections to slavery, the town of Amherst's reparations, and the generational impact on descendants of Black ancestors.

Mount Holyoke College To Phase Out German, Russian Majors

The Academic Priorities Committee at Mount Holyoke has motioned to discontinue the college’s German and Russian language programs, citing material constraints. Students have mobilized against the proposal, and Amherst German and Russian faculty also worry that foreign language is being devalued.

Campus Police Log: April 11 to April 17

The latest installment of the Police Log, from April 11 to April 17, can be found here.

Presidential Scholar Hartman Satirizes Institutional Antiracism

Professor Saidiya Hartman, a prominent interdisciplinary scholar of Black history, spoke at Johnson Chapel Thursday, April 6 as part of the President's Colloquium on Race and Racism, where she previewed a piece of fiction that pokes fun at performative political speech.

Housing Selection Resurfaces Familiar Concerns

This year’s housing selection process, which began on April 11 and will run through April 13, resurfaced perennial concerns around securing a desirable living space. The Student spoke with members of the campus community to better understand the specific policies responsible for these uncertainties.

Faculty Discuss Budget Cuts, Student Mental Health

In a faculty meeting held on Tuesday, April 4, President Michael Elliott and Dean and Provost of Faculty Catherine Epstein led discussions surrounding impending budget cuts, staff-faculty relations, and student mental health.

AAS Candidate Statements for 2023-2024 E-Board

On Thursday, April 13, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and Judiciary Council chair. A speech night will be held on Wednesday, April 12. The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 6 to April 12

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: the college offers free music lessons for the upcoming academic year, the administration hosts the Walker Problem-Solving Competition and more.

Campus Police Log: April 4 to April 10

The latest installment of the Police Log, from April 4 to April 10, can be found here.

Elliott Outlines Priorities, Wheaton Reflects on Tenure at State of College

College President Michael Elliott and the Association of Amherst Students President Sirus Wheaton ’23 delivered “State of the College” addresses on Sunday, April 2. Wheaton reflected on his impeachment, and Elliott emphasized labor reform, community-building, and civic duty as college priorities.

Speaker Outlines Difficulties of Defining Antisemitism

Kenneth S. Stern, a lawyer and expert on hatred and antisemitism, spoke at the college on Wednesday, March 29. Stern discussed the relationship between antisemitism and hate in general, conspiratorial thinking, and the problem of defining antisemitism.

CS Majors Troubled By Tech Layoffs

Companies such as Amazon, Twitter, and Microsoft — popular targets for students interested in a programming career — have heavily downsized this year. The Student spoke with computer science majors and Loeb Center staff to document how the campus is adapting to big tech cuts.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 30 to April 5

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: housing selection dates are announced, AAS solicits nominations for its Distinguished Teaching award, and more.

Campus Police Log: March 28 to April 3

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 28 to April 3, can be found here.

Researchers Discuss Novel Approach to Sexual Assault Prevention

Shamus Khan, a professor of sociology at Princeton, alongside Jennifer Hirsch, a professor of sociomedical sciences at Columbia, discussed their research into sexual assault on college campuses, as published in their 2020 book “Sexual Citizens: Sex, Power, and Assault on Campus.”

AAS Major Fair Highlights Academic Offerings

The second annual major fair, the culmination of an Association of Amherst Students (AAS) Senate project seeking to build academic support and resource-sharing networks among students, took place last Saturday afternoon.

Jones Library Moves Ahead With Major Expansion

At a meeting on March 15, the Town of Amherst’s Jones Library trustees unanimously reaffirmed their support for the library’s renovation project. The expansion will create more space for special collections and enhance the accessibility of the library’s services.

Secretary Lhamon Discusses Enforcement, Future of Civil Rights in Education

Students and faculty gathered for an event on the future of civil rights in education with Catherine Lhamon ’93, the assistant secretary for civil rights at the United States Department of Education, on Thursday, March 23.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 22 to March 29

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s edition: the college brings back the Five College Film Festival, Morris Pratt Loses SHEP Status, and more.

Police Log: March 21 to March 27

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 21 to March 27, can be found here.

Climate Action Plan Construction Begins

On March 13, construction began on the college’s project to transition all buildings to carbon-free heating and cooling systems. The construction represents the next stage of the college’s sweeping Climate Action Plan (CAP), which commits Amherst to full decarbonization by 2030.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 8 to March 21

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: Angie Tissi-Gassoway becomes the new Chief and Dean of Students, Take Your Professor Out returns, and more.

Amherst Admits 9 Percent of Applicants to Class of 2027

The college admitted 9 percent of 12,700 applicants to the class of 2027. A slight drop in application numbers consistent with peer institutions accounts for a 2 percent increase from last year’s acceptance rate, while diversity metrics remained largely unchanged.

Hampshire College Opens Its Doors to Florida Students

Hampshire College is immediately accepting all transfers from New College of Florida, a school with a similarly exploratory approach to education, after Governor Ron DeSantis upended the school’s leadership.

Campus Police Log: March 7 to March 20

The latest installment of the Police Log, from March 7 to March 20, can be found here.

College Anticipates 15 Percent Budget Cut

All college departments and divisions have been asked to cut their budgets by 15 percent for the 2024 fiscal year in the wake of a decrease in the college’s endowment.

Panel Reflects on Future of Race in Admissions

The college hosted a panel discussion on race in admissions on Thursday, March 2. Speakers included Ryan Park ’05 — who argued on behalf of the UNC’s admissions policy in one of the cases before the Supreme Court — and Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Matthew McGann.

AAS Hears Findings on College’s Connections to Slavery

A researcher hired by the college to examine Amherst’s racial history and economic ties to slavery up to and through the 1860s, Mike Jirik, outlined highlights of his findings thus far at the regular meeting of The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) on Feb. 27.

AAS Candidate Statements for Special Elections Spring 2023

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for one senator for the class of 2023, one senator for the class of 2024, and one senator for transfer students this Thursday, March 9. The students listed have announced their candidacies for these elections.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 1 to March 7

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: the demise of AmherstBussin, updates to the Mammoth Meals app, and more.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 28 to March 6

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 28 to March 6, can be found here.

Fizz Captures Attention, Draws Criticism

The arrival of Fizz, a college-oriented and anonymous social-media app, has garnered praise for its community-building potential, but some are concerned by its failure to moderate objectionable content.

Speakers, Booksignings, Gallery Openings: College Celebrates 8th LitFest

This weekend, the college hosted the eighth annual LitFest, a literary festival featuring award-winning writers and opportunities for students to share and cultivate their writing.

Trustees Begin Publishing Meeting Summaries

Summaries of the Board of Trustees’ meetings will be publicly available from this point forward. The change comes as a compromise amid a push to elect a student representative to the board.

Notes from the Newsroom: The Snow Day That Wasn't

We asked the newsroom to reflect on the crushed hopes and tumbles of Tuesday, Feb. 28 —the snow day that wasn't.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Feb. 21 to Feb. 28

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: student-firefighters, AAS shuttles, and more.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 21 to Feb. 28

The latest installment of the police log, from Feb. 21 to Feb. 28, can be found here.

Students Respond to Earthquake in Turkey and Syria

Following an earthquake that has caused nearly 50,000 deaths in Turkey and Syria, The Student spoke with students from the affected region about their experiences in the aftermath of the tragedy, the college’s response, and efforts to raise relief funds.

Latin Honors Requirement Change Prompts Campus Debate

Community reactions to the recent change in the college's Latin honors policy — especially the introduction of a breadth requirement — have revealed points of disagreement about the open curriculum and the symbolic value of Latin honors.

Alumni Panel Looks Back at Amherst Uprising

A group of alumni who were present for the 2015 Amherst Uprising, which shed light on the difficulties faced by students of color on campus, returned for a panel in the Powerhouse on Feb. 16 to discuss the lessons they drew from the Uprising and give advice to current students.

Police Log: Feb. 14 to Feb. 20

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 14 to Feb. 20, can be found here.

Faculty Approve Changes to Latin Honors Policy

The faculty voted to approve new criteria for the college-level determination of Latin honors, in a meeting on Feb. 7. The new criteria, which are based on a student’s median grade and the fulfillment of a breadth requirement, replace the previous criterion that awarded honors based on class rank.

Panel, Exhibitions, Dinners Highlight Black History Month

This February, students, faculty, and staff have collaborated on events ranging from keynote speakers to art festivals, all with the common goal of celebrating Amherst’s Black community.

AAS Aims To Leave Behind Turmoil, Focus on Future Projects

Following the turmoil of the fall semester, The Student spoke with senators and E-board members alike to learn what their hopes are for the coming months, and what efforts they are taking to right the course of student governance at the college.

Notes From the Newsroom: Valentine’s Day Vignettes

To commemorate Valentine's Day, members of the newsroom share some of the joys and perils of the holiday of love at Amherst.

Panel Sheds Light on Refugees in Western Mass.

On Feb. 7, the college hosted an event titled "Refugee Settlement in the Pioneer Valley." Panelists spoke on the global refugee crisis and explained the process of resettlement in the Pioneer Valley.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Feb. 8 to Feb. 14

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: an Office of Student Affairs meet-and-greet, LitFest workshops, and more.

Campus Police Log: Feb. 8 to Feb. 13

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Feb. 8 to Feb. 13, can be found here.

Students Mourn Loss of Professor Tanya Leise

Tanya Leise, Brian E. Boyle professor in mathematics and computer science and the first woman mathematician tenured at the college, died on Jan. 18 after persevering through a cancer diagnosis. Several students shared remembrances of her impact at the college and in their own lives.

Liz Agosto, Head of Student Affairs, Dean of Students, Steps Down

On Jan. 31, Liz Agosto, dean of students and chief student affairs officer, officially stepped down from her posts at the college. Interim Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer Angie Tissi-Gassoway was named by President Michael Elliott as interim chief student affairs officer.

AAS Shakes Up Budget Process Amid Fiscal Uncertainty

Amid an ongoing budget deficit and lack of clarity over fiscal figures, the Association of Amherst Students Budgetary Committee has not yet allocated club budgets for this semester, and has adopted a new standard of “urgency” for evaluating budget requests.

Schwemm’s Transformed into Merchandise Store

The Mammoth Market at Schwemm's was transformed over winter break. It no longer offers hot food and is in the process of being converted into the college's official apparel store. To compensate, the Science Center Cafe will become the sole option for late-night dining.

Mead Art Museum Reopens After Steeple Repairs

On Tuesday, Jan. 31, under the leadership of its new director Siddhartha V. Shah, the Mead Art Museum opened its doors to the general public for the first time in nearly three years. In addition to Covid shutdowns, the Mead was forced to close again in March 2022 for repairs to the Stearns Steeple.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Dec. 7 to Feb. 7

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: the college announces its new CFAO, the AAS inaugurates a new vice president, and more.

Police Log: Dec. 6 to Feb. 7

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Dec. 6 to Feb. 7, can be found here.

AAS Senate Votes Not To Impeach President

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) held an impeachment trial of AAS President Sirus Wheaton ’23 on Monday night. The Senate voted not to impeach Wheaton by a 19-12 vote. The hearing drew a massive student turnout and laid bare the tensions within AAS.

Ankit Sayed ’24 To Become AAS VP After Challenge Petition Ruled Invalid

Having won the special election held on Dec. 1, Ankit Sayed ’24 will be inaugurated as AAS vice president next semester. The election encountered a number of problems, including balloting failures, the release of incorrect results, and a petition challenging the results that was deemed invalid.

Class of ’23E Looks Back on Unusual College Experience

The graduation ceremony for the Class of 2023E will be held in Johnson Chapel on Sunday, Dec. 11. Members of the abnormally large class reminisce on their college experience, reflecting on their first years, the pandemic, and favorite professors.

Endowment Declines 10 Percent Amid Nationwide Inflation

The college’s endowment declined 10 percent over the 2022 fiscal year due to high inflation, which is also increasing the college’s operating costs. The administration indicated that they expect to have to make cuts in the next few years as a result.

As Enrollment Recovers, Hampshire Students Reflect

After sizable decreases in enrollment resulting from financial implosion in 2019, Hampshire College enrolled a class of 275 first years this fall — the largest since 2018. The Student spoke to some Hampshire students about their recent experiences, and their cautious optimism about the future.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Nov. 30 to Dec. 6

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: the Writing Center requests feedback from the student body, the administration releases an update to the Climate Action Plan, and more.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 29 to Dec. 5

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, can be found here.

Newport Living Conditions Draw Complaints

President Elliott recently toured Newport House to survey issues residents have with its living conditions, including mold and infestation. Residents say that the problems with the dorm, which serves as the Spanish language and Latinx theme house, have hindered Latinx community-building on campus.

John Mikhail ’91 Discusses Constitution’s Relationship to Slavery

On Nov. 17, professor of jurisprudence, author, and alumnus John Mikhail ’91 spoke at the Amherst Political Union’s first talk of the year, entitled “Was Frederick Douglass Right?” Mikhail discussed the “federal consensus,” arguing that the original constitution allowed for the abolition of slavery.

Special Election: AAS Vice President Candidate Statements

On Thursday, Dec. 1, the Association of Amherst Students will hold a special election for vice president following the former vice president’s resignation on Nov. 7. The students listed have announced their candidacies for the election.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Nov. 16 to Nov. 29

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: bias-related vandalism at Book and Plow Farm, the Office of Sustainability launches a new Green Living Certification program, and more.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 15 to Nov. 28

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 15 to Nov. 28, can be found here.

Plimpton Basement Destroyed During Saturday Night Party

Plimpton House was left trashed with its basement destroyed after a large party on the night of Saturday, Nov. 12. The damage was “an extreme act of vandalism” according to Chief of Police John Carter, who added that the repairs are estimated to cost more than $5,000.

Siddhartha V. Shah Begins Tenure as New Mead Director

Siddhartha V. Shah assumed the position of John Wieland 1958 director of the Mead Art Museum on Tuesday, Nov. 15. In addition to overseeing the typical duties of a museum director, Shah hopes to create a welcoming and diverse space that reflects the community it serves.

On Veterans Day, Former Service Members Reflect on Amherst Experience

Friday, Nov. 11, was Veterans Day, a federal holiday that usually receives little attention on campus. For Amherst’s veterans, though, the holiday provides an important moment of recognition. The Student spoke to four students about how being a veteran impacts their experience at the college.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Nov. 9 to Nov. 15

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: the administration announces an updated masking policy, the Take Your Professor/Staff Out program returns, and more.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 8 to Nov. 14

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 14, can be found here.

AAS Vice-President Resigns, Citing Discontent

On Monday, Nov. 7, AAS Vice-President Jaden Richards ’25 resigned from his office, citing frustrations with AAS President Sirus Wheaton ’23 and the dysfunction of AAS. A special election for a new vice-president will be held on Dec. 1.

Pro-democracy Initiatives Seek To Engage Apathetic Student Body

With democracy on the ballot in Tuesday’s midterms, The Student interviewed community members on the state of political engagement on campus. Although several reported a concerning level of apathy and detachment, community leaders also spoke about efforts to renew engagement and faith in democracy.

College Community Anticipates Likely End of Affirmative Action

On Oct. 31, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in two cases concerning race-conscious admissions. Community members spoke about the potential impact that the court’s decision, which is expected to overturn precedent, would have on the college’s efforts to promote diversity. 

College Hosts Journalist George Packer in Point/Counterpoint Lecture Series

Award-winning journalist, novelist, and playwright George Packer spoke to the campus community on Thursday, Nov. 3, as part of the college’s Point/Counterpoint series. In addition to describing his concept of “four Americas,” Packer laid out his fears and hopes for American democracy.

Brazilian Students Celebrate Reelection of Former President Lula da Silva

Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was reelected by the Brazilian people on Oct. 30, ousting incumbent Jair Bolsonaro. Brazilian students on campus celebrated Bolsonaro’s ouster and reflected on what da Silva’s reelection means for the country.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Nov. 2 to Nov. 8

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: the college tests its emergency alert system, results of the masking survey are released, and more.

Campus Police Log: Nov. 1 to Nov. 7

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, can be found here.

Contra Article “In Defense of Hamas” Draws Criticism

During the week of Oct. 16, The Amherst Contra sparked controversy with a piece titled “In Defense of Hamas.” The article was shared widely online, and prompted responses from students and administration alike.

College Community Celebrates Inauguration of Michael Elliott ’92 as 20th President

On Oct. 28, students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the college community gathered to watch the inauguration of Michael Elliott ’92 as the 20th president of the college.