Elliott and Tissi-Gassoway Field AAS Questions on Preparations for Trump’s Term

At the AAS’ weekly meeting, Elliott and Tissi-Gassoway answered senators’ questions about the College’s positioning for potential new policies under the Trump administration.

Anxious Campus Awaits Consequential Election Day

Students and faculty expressed deep anxiety about the result of Tuesday’s contest. Many also spoke to a sense that the problems facing American democracy will persist, no matter who wins.

College to Open Dorm Above Amherst College Store

The new dorm will include suites and in-unit kitchens and bathrooms, exciting students. But some town residents say it violates town zoning codes.

On Oct. 7, SJP Marks One Year of “Zionist Escalation” and Palestinian Resistance

Amherst Students for Justice in Palestine rallied on the quad on Monday, marking the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in Southern Israel and an Israeli military campaign that has killed more than 40,000 in Gaza.

Get to Know the Class of 2028: Results from The Student’s First-year Survey

The first-year class has made headlines for its demographic makeup, but we wanted to learn more about the 480 Mammoths new to campus this fall.

The Year in Sports

To celebrate the end of the academic year, The Student rounds up highlights from the end-of-year news in sports.

Lori Alarcon: The Search for “Busyness”

As the AAS president, Lori Alarcon helped the AAS move past an era of controversy and rebuild its community. In student government and all her other endeavors, the biology major and aspiring doctor is driven by a deep concern for others.

AAS Calls on Trustees to Divest from Israel’s War and Occupation

The resolution proposes creating a committee that would determine the list of companies to divest from. Its passage came amid nationwide student protests over colleges and universities’ financial ties to Israel’s war in Gaza.

College Observes Near-total Solar Eclipse

Community members and admitted students packed the quad and donned goggles to watch the eclipse, North America’s last for more than 20 years. Others made the three-hour drive north into the path of totality.

Resource Center Staff Protest Israel/Palestine Censorship

After the Women’s and Gender Center didn't publish a student employee’s column about reproductive health in Gaza, employees staged a walkout condemning censorship and demanding that the college investigate its financial ties to Israel and call for a ceasefire.

Russian Scholars Evaluate Opposition Leader Alexei Navalny’s Life and Legacy

Panelists at a Feb. 26 roundtable analyzed the late opposition leader’s unique appeal and discussed what his life and death indicate about the political realities of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

The AAS Begins Charging for Break Shuttles, Expands Services

Shuttles to Logan Airport, Boston, and New York will now cost $15, $20, and $35, respectively. The revenue will allow the committee to increase the shuttles’ capacity and offer services at the beginning and end of summer break for the first time.

Remembering the Life of Spencer Williams ’24

Spencer Williams ’24 made his mark on the college as a friend, a student, and a writer. Amid lengthy cancer treatments, Williams found solace in connections with others.

Loeb Center Hosts Inaugural Sophomore Summit

More than 100 sophomores participated in the program, which is designed to help students build fundamental career skills. It will be required for all sophomores beginning next year.

Columnist Bret Stephens Defines Terms, Discusses Israel-Palestine Conflict

Last Wednesday, conservative columnist Bret Stephens spoke about Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, the ensuing violence in Gaza, and the overlap between anti-Israel sentiments and antisemitism. His presence sparked controversy and the organization of counter-programming.

College to Cover Costs of Course Materials at New Bookstore

A new initiative providing all course materials to students at no up-front cost was announced to the faculty on Nov. 7. The materials will be distributed out of the former A.J. Hastings storefront, which the college plans to lease.

From Milliken Dorm to the Tribune Tower — Alumni Profile, Blair Kamin ’79

For 28 years as The Chicago Tribune’s architecture critic, Blair Kamin ’79 examined the “forces that shape the built world.” Known on campus as the author of Amherst‘s architecture tour guide, his columns earned him a Pulitzer Prize and once ignited a feud with Donald Trump.

Students Stage Walkout for Palestine, Call for Admin Action

During a walkout last Wednesday, students demanded the college divest from weapons companies doing business with Israel, cut a study abroad tie to Haifa University, and issue an administrative statement condemning Israeli violence.

President Elliott Speaks on College Response to Israel/Gaza Conflict

President Michael Elliott discussed takeaways from students, outlined administrative steps to support them, and provided advice to navigate the Israel/Palestine conflict at a weekly meeting before the Association of Amherst Students.

Students React to Violence in Israel and Palestine

As the second week of war in Israel and Palestine begins, students express grief about the violence and fear for both their own safety and the consequences of speech on campus. Students were able to find ways to come together in community despite dread about the future of the conflict.

Men’s, Women’s Soccer Sweep Bates and Colby

Men’s and women’s soccer sit at third and ninth in national rankings, respectively, after a superb weekend for both teams.

Moroccan Community Responds to Earthquake

Following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Morocco that left nearly 3,000 people dead, Moroccans at Amherst and in the broader Western Massachusetts community are grappling with the earthquake’s lasting impact.

Robert Morgenthau at Amherst: Going Out with an Epoch

Managing News Editor Leo Kamin ’25 explores the fraught and foreboding college life of legendary alum Robert Morgenthau ’41, a Jewish student who went on to serve as Manhattan’s longest-serving district attorney.

Budget Cuts Take Effect Across Campus

Reductions initiated last spring have forced departments across campus to find room in their budgets. Notable changes include scaled-back orientation activities and the end of the college’s contract with Xfinity on Campus.

Haoran Tong: Amherst’s Resident Polymath

Described by his thesis advisor as a “dodecahedron,” Haoran Tong is universally-known for his boundless intellectual energy, many creative pursuits, and the mentorship he provides to so many in the community.

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.

Around the Herd: April 26 to May 2 in Athletics

In this week’s Around the Herd: Softball claims Little Three title; men’s and women’s track win titles; and men’s lacrosse advances to NESCAC semifinals.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“Turn Every Page” Fills Every Seat

On Monday, Amherst Cinema screened “Turn Every Page,” a documentary about the long-running professional relationship between editor Robert Gottlieb and writer Robert Caro. Managing News Editor Leo Kamin ’25 recaps the event, which included a discussion with director Lizzie Gottlieb ’93.

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.

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.

No. 8 Women’s Soccer Loses in NCAA Third Round

Women’s soccer finished their season with a 2-1 loss in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen to the William Smith College Herons.

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.

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.

Women’s Soccer Wins Championship on Home Turf

The women’s soccer team won their second NESCAC tournament title in three seasons this past weekend, taking down No. 22 Tufts and Little Three rival Wesleyan on the way to the title.

Life as a Juvenile Public Defender — Alumni Profile, Stacey Kennard ’03

Intellectually curious and social-justice-oriented, Stacey Kennard ’03 has found the right balance as a public defender for juveniles charged as adults.

Women’s Soccer Wins NESCAC Regular Season Title

The No. 10-ranked women’s soccer team extended their winning streak to seven with victories over Hamilton and No. 23 Trinity this week to clinch the NESCAC regular season title for the second year in a row.

Congressman Jamie Raskin Speaks on State of American Democracy, Jan. 6 Insurrection

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, Congressman Jamie Raskin spoke on campus as part of the Point/Counterpoint series “Democracy at a Cross Roads.” The talk discussed the threats facing American democracy and Raskin’s role on the January 6 committee.

Women’s Soccer Crushes Cardinals, Punishes Polar Bears in 2-0 Weekend

The women’s soccer team beat Wesleyan 3-0 and Bowdoin 2-1 on Senior Day, to bring their overall record to 9-2 — currently the best in the NESCAC. They have just four regular season games remaining.

Contract Dispute Halts AAS-sponsored Free Detergent Program

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS)-sponsored program to provide a free, sustainable laundry detergent alternative to students has ceased to operate this year due to contract issues between the college and service provider Generation Conscious.

Super League, LIV: How (Not) To Resist Big Money in Sports

As enormous sums of money continue to flow into the world of sports, Managing News Editor Leo Kamin ’25 compares the failed European Super League and the rise of LIV Golf, drawing lessons from their diverging fates.

Amherst Labor Alliance Stages Protest at Trustee Dinner

Just over a dozen members of the Amherst Labor Alliance gathered on Thursday, Sept. 8, to protest staff working conditions at a “Pizza with the Trustees” event behind the Inn at Boltwood, which hosted board members, President Michael Elliott, and specially-invited students.

Students Offer Advice to President Elliott

As President Michael Elliott begins his first semester at the college, The Student surveyed students to gather their advice for the new president. Responses ranged from demands for greater transparency to suggestions regarding specific campus issues.

No. 2 Men’s Soccer Ties Midd, Demolishes Thomas College

After opening NESCAC play with an exciting tie against the always-formidable Middlebury, the men’s soccer team dismantled Thomas College 10-0. Three games in, the Mammoths possess a record of 2-0-1.

Class of 2026 Arrives on Campus

The class of 2026, Amherst's 204th class, arrived on campus last week. Despite a false active shooter alert and some continued Covid restrictions, this year's orientation was the most normal since the fall of 2019.

False Active Shooter Alerts Rattle Campus on First-year Move-in Day

False AC Alerts warning of a possible active shooter on campus were sent out on the afternoon of Aug. 26, first-year move-in day, inciting panic across the college community. The incident was caused by one of the college’s software vendors conducting maintenance on their system.

Jiajia Zhang: Teaching, Telling, Painting Asian American History

While Jiajia Zhang is on her way to becoming an Asian American studies scholar, her life has encompassed so much more: art, activism, and even social media management for a Belarusian rock band.

Students Rally for Reproductive Justice Following Leaked Supreme Court Opinion

At 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 5, approximately 400 Amherst college students participated in a class walkout and protest on the Amherst Town Common in response to a leaked Supreme Court draft opinion poised to overturn the 1973 landmark decision Roe v. Wade.

Men’s, Women’s Tennis Fall in NESCAC Semifinals

Playing at home in the first round of the NESCAC tournament, the men’s and women’s tennis teams advanced to the semifinals with victories over No. 9 Bowdoin and No. 13 Williams, respectively. In the second round the women lost a close match to Wesleyan while the men were routed 5-0.

Women’s Golf Wins NESCAC Championship, Men Fifth

Playing at their home course, the Amherst women’s golf team won their first-ever NESCAC Championship this past weekend. Dominant play over two rounds earned an emphatic 11-shot victory and a trip to the Division III National Championship in Houston, Texas. The men’s team finished fifth of 10.

Men 1-1, Women 2-1 in Last Week of Regular Season

After five combined matches this past weekend, the men’s and women’s tennis teams have completed their regular season. In conference play, both teams swept Bates but lost to Tufts. The women’s team also lost a tough match to MIT.

Stellar Rounds Highlight Golf Teams’ NESCACs Prep

The men’s and women’s golf teams played in two-day tournaments this past weekend. The women hosted the Leaman Invitational, while the Men headed to Williamstown for the Williams Invite. The women finished third of 10 teams, the men finished sixth of nine.

Dominant Wins Propel Tennis Teams to 2-0 Weekend

The men’s and women’s tennis teams took on NESCAC foes Trinity and Hamilton this past week, with both teams notching impressive wins over their two opponents. With two wins under their belt, the teams head into their decisive final slate of regular season matches.

Ramadan at Amherst: Close Community, Unique Challenges

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan began on April 1, opening 30 days of fasting, prayers, and close community for Muslim students. Students expressed appreciation for the opportunity to come together in religious reflection but cited ways the college can improve their experience.

Women’s Tennis Beats No. 4 Emory, Men Best Skidmore

The men’s and women’s tennis teams took a break from NESCAC play this past weekend. The women secured their biggest win of the season, beating Emory, the No. 4 team in the nation, 6-3. The men were clutch when they needed to be to beat Skidmore 5-4.

Men 0-2, Women 1-1 in Tennis’ NESCAC Play

The men’s tennis team suffered lopsided defeats against Middlebury and Williams this past weekend. The women’s team lost a close match against the Panthers before besting the Ephs in a 5-4 thriller.

Men Split, Women Sweep in Tennis’ Trip to Maine

In their second week of NESCAC competition, the men’s and women’s tennis teams played away matches against Bowdoin and Colby. The men’s team defeated Colby but lost to Bowdoin, while the women’s team achieved convincing victories in both matches.

March Madness Update: The Final Countdown

After the stunning conclusions to both the 2022 Men's and Women's NCAA Tournaments this past weekend, the sports editors provide their final update on the Madness and The Student's bracket challenges.

Fresh Faculty: Stefan Bradley

Stefan Bradley is a professor of Black studies and history. He received his B.A. from Gonzaga University, his M.A. from Washington State University at Pullman, and his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri at Columbia.

Bracket Challenge Update: Standings Going Into Final Four

Upsets abounded in the most recent two rounds of March Madness. And with the Final Four imminent, the sports editors detail the latest resounding triumphs and catastrophic collapses of The Student’s bracket pool.

Tennis Faces Tough Spring Break Slate

Both men’s and women’s tennis faced a series of tough matches against some of the best teams in the country during a spring break trip to California. Despite strong individual performances, both teams saw up-and-down results.

Indoor Track and Field Athletes Compete Well at Nationals

Nine track athletes competed at the Division III National Championships during the first weekend of spring break, representing their school across a diverse set of events.

Bracket Challenge Update: How Students are Faring After Chaotic First Weekend

March Madness is back. After a wild first weekend of the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments, the sports editors provide an update on The Student’s bracket pools.

March Madness 2022: (Too) Early Predictions

The managing sports editors introduce a community-wide ESPN Bracket Challenge and present their contenders, pretenders, dark horses, and sleepers. The group name to join is Amherst Student 2022!

Women’s Lacrosse Splits Season Openers After Years Off

Amherst women’s lacrosse had an up-and-down start to the season, falling in an away game at Hamilton in NESCAC play before blowing out Springfield College on home turf.

Women’s Basketball Win Streak Snapped in NESCAC Finals

After winning 11 straight games and cruising to the finals of the NESCAC championship, Amherst women’s basketball fell short in a low-scoring defensive slugfest against Bates.

Wordle, BeReal and The Beautiful Game

Simplicity is in style these days. We’re decluttering our online lives with apps like BeReal and games like Wordle. If you want to simplify your sports-watching life, you should be watching soccer, argues Leo Kamin '25.

Track and Field Finds Success Early in Season

Amherst track and field won the Middlebury Winterfell, qualified athletes for the New England Championships, and watched school records fall in their first three meets of the indoor season.

Men's Soccer Faces Heartbreak in NCAA Championship Game

The Mammoths came tantalizingly close to becoming national champions this past weekend, falling to Connecticut College on penalties on Saturday, Dec. 4 after a last-minute victory over the University of Chicago on Friday, Dec. 3, Leo Kamin '25 writes.

Men's Soccer Reaches National Semifinals

Men’s soccer continued its hot streak with wins over SUNY Cortland and Middlebury, landing the team a spot in the NCAA Division III Final Four for the second straight year. Key forward German Giammattei ’22 led the way, scoring four goals for the Mammoths.

Men's Soccer Returns to Winning Ways, Rolls to Sweet 16

In a pair of NCAA tournament games this past weekend, men’s soccer kept up their defensive dominance while showcasing their depth and a newfound offensive prowess. The Mammoths scored eight goals and conceded none, advancing to their 11th-straight sweet sixteen.

Men’s Soccer Suffers Shocking Penalty-Kick Defeat

The number-two seeded Mammoths fell to the number-seven seeded Colby Mules on penalties this past Saturday, in the first round of the NESCAC tournament. The teams played to a scoreless draw across 110 minutes.

Three Matches, Three Wins: Men's Soccer Cruises Past WPI, Colby and Trinity

Over the past week, men's soccer topped Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Colby College and Trinity College to finish its regular season in dominant fashion. The Mammoths earned a number-two NESCAC playoff seeding in the process.

Men's Soccer Falls in NESCAC Overtime Thriller

Men’s soccer barely fell short in its toughest test of the season so far, losing 2-1 to No. 3 Tufts on Saturday, Oct. 16 on a set-piece goal in the third-to-last minute of double overtime.

Men’s Soccer Picks Up Statement Wins Against Williams and Middlebury

Competing in a pair of weekend matchups, men’s soccer earned a 2-1 home victory over dire rival Williams College on Oct. 2, before defeating previously unbeaten Middlebury College 1-0 the following day.

Full Student Return Provides Major Boost to Town Economy

The return of students to fully in-person semesters at UMass Amherst and Amherst College has provided a major boost to the town economy. Even so, business is still not back to pre-pandemic levels, and concerns remain among business owners over safety risks posed by the Delta variant.

Men's Soccer Continues Hot Streak With Pair of Close Wins

The men's soccer team tallied two shut-outs this week, beating Connecticut College 2-0 before picking up a 1-0 win against Stevens Institute of Technology, writes Leo Kamin '25.

Abbey Kays '25 Leads Way in 3-1 Victory Over Hamilton

Behind a stellar performance from midfielder Abbey Kays ’25, the field hockey team extended its perfect streak to begin the season with a 3-1 win over Hamilton College on Sept. 19.