Exit Letter: Sam Says So Long

In their last issue as editor-in-chief of The Student, Sam Spratford ’24 reflects on their time on the paper and how she fell in love with journalism.

Foreign Currents: In Response to Bret Stephens

Foreign Currents columnist Cole Warren ’24 is joined by Editor-in-Chief Sam Spratford ’24 to problematize the “Manichean worldview” voiced by Bret Stephens at last week’s talk.

Editor’s Note: Clarifying Nov. 15 Statement on Israel-Palestine Op-Eds

The opinion section editors and editor-in-chief retract their decision to implement a new policy regarding Israel-Palestine op-eds but reiterate their commitment to use their power to prevent the further mass death of Palestinians.

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.

Seeing the Human in the Ecosystem — Alumni Profile, Pedro Marques ’99

As Executive Director of the Big Hole Watershed Committee, Pedro Marques ’99 is building coalitions — and getting his hands dirty — to coax the Montana river valley back to life. 

A Systematic Exclusion: How We’re Taught to Discount Palestinians

Managing News Editor Noor Rahman ’25, Editor-in-Chief Sam Spratford ’24, Contributing Writer Caden Stockwell ’25, and Staff Writer Cole Warren ’24 peel back the layers of silencing and dehumanization that have enabled Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

Amherst on the Picket Line: Alumni Writer’s Guild Members Reflect on Strike

The Writer's Guild of America's second longest strike ended after 148 days in late September. Editor-in-Chief Sam Spratford spoke to strike leader Claire Kiechel '09 and other Amherst alumni on why they picketed, what it accomplished, and what's next.

Val Relocates, Reduces Supply of Disposable Cups

Val has made to-go cups less accessible in the hopes of reducing unnecessary waste. Some staff say it is part of a larger plan to phase out all plastic and paper materials.

College-Sponsored Block Party Takes over North Pleasant

The Downtown Amherst Block Party returned for its tenth anniversary, this time with the college as a major sponsor. The Student spoke with the organizers, vendors, and attendees who made this year's party the best-attended yet.

Faculty Vote To Release, Discuss Data on Athletic Recruitment Policies

In response to the Supreme Court’s overruling of affirmative action, faculty urges for more transparency around athletic admissions.

Kelechi Eziri: A Devoted Teammate and Community-Builder

Anchored in the “familial” nature of the track and field team, Kelechi Eziri built power among student-athletes of color, linking his Black studies and psychology coursework with his leadership ethic.

College Grapples with Implications of ChatGPT

As ChatGPT grows in both national prominence and sophistication, students and faculty grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence for Amherst, from simple cheating to existential worries.

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.

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.

ChatGPT’s Apocalypse Already Happened

Amidst the national frenzy around the generative AI ChatGPT, Editor-in-Chief Sam Spratford ’24 argues that the panic in popular media is misdirected.

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.

Terras Irradient: The Long Road to Unionization

Despite a long tradition of labor organizing, Amherst is not unionized in any capacity. Juli Keiper ’26 Sam Spratford ’24 talk to key organizers to tease out the past challenges and future plans of the college's labor movements.

Anchored in Education and Community — Alumni Profile, Jillian Stockmo Chapman ’13

Confronting systemic racism in Minnesota public schools, Jillian Stockmo Chapman ’13 is guided by the twin values of nuance and authenticity.

The Indicator x The Student: “the breakfast date (break, fast!)”

Sam Spratford ’24 reflects on love, adolescence, and lost hopes in “the breakfast date (break, fast!),” a poem originally published in the Spring 2022 issue of The Indicator.

Jukebox: “Bolt” (2008)

On this pilot episode of our newest podcast, Miles Garcia ’25 and Tim Carroll ’25 discuss Disney’s 2008 animated film “Bolt” while spoofing the YouTuber-podcaster genre.

Schrett’s Takes x The Student: Women’s Volleyball Lizzie Papalia ’25

Mike Schretter ’23 sits down with Lizzie Papalia ’25 of the women’s volleyball team to reflect on the value of leadership and the lessons learned from their recent NYU tournament.

Schrett’s Takes x The Student: DIII NIL Ambassador Jack Betts ’24E

Mike Schretter ’23 talks with Amherst Wide Receiver Jack Betts ’24E about his success in making 35 NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals within the past year. Betts is working to expose more DIII athletes to the NIL business and, of course, preparing for his final season with Amherst.

Terras Irradient: Community, Prestige, and the Problem of Public Service

What exactly does a career in public service entail? How and why do Amherst grads fail or succeed in entering the field? All these questions, and more, on this semester opener.

Cole Graber-Mitchell: Making His Voice Heard

Cole Graber-Mitchell is committed to civic engagement, whether it be as an AAS senator or an opinion columnist. The Marshall Scholar’s world revolves around three principles: persistence, community, and joy.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, May 11, 2022

In 1821, Amherst College was founded with the mission to educate “indigent [poor] young men of piety and talents for the Christian ministry.” In the past 200 years, how has this mission been delivered, and how has it evolved? Managing news editors Caelen McQuilkin and Sonia Chajet-Wides pose us this question, and, in a two-part investigative series entitled “Accessing Amherst,” they deliver us an answer. It's a worthy achievement that Amherst is the second-most-diverse LAC in the nation, accordi

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, May 4, 2022

This week, we talk about the most recent development in a 50-year movement to establish an Asian Pacific American Studies department on campus, and what a recent wage increase reveals about labor dynamics at the college. Audio engineering by Sebastian Son '22.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, April 27, 2022

On today's special edition of "The Student Sums it Up," we recap our exit interview with President Biddy Martin to learn about the unconventional path she took to Amherst and her personal evaluations of her tenure. Produced by Sam Spratford '24. Audio engineering by Sebastian Son '22.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, April 20, 2022

This week, we discuss students' Ramadan experiences, an Indigenous art exhibition at the Mead, and interviews with the newly-elected AAS Executive Board. Audio Engineering by Sebastian Son '22.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Maggie and Sam talk about a new (and controversial) AAS bylaw and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). We also hear from Arts & Living about the new film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. Produced and Edited by Sam Spratford '24

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, April 6, 2022

Today, we discuss the scaling-back of testing and masking policies on campus, a new affordable housing project in the Town of Amherst, and an alumnus working in the energy consulting industry. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sebastian Son '22.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Today, Maggie and Sam talk about the college's Climate Action Plan, the fifth annual Black Arts Matter festival, "Fresh Faculty" Professor Stefan Bradley, and ACPD's decision to unmark all of their vehicles. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Rethinking the Open Curriculum

Managing Podcast Editor Sam Spratford ’24 points out the flaws of the open curriculum and argues for more distribution requirements.

Schrett's Takes: Gwen Allen and Jackie Kortekaas

Mike talks to Jackie and Gwen about their off-season training this spring and how their experience as Amherst athletes has been impacted by Covid-19. Produced by Mike Schretter '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

Schrett's Takes: Jack Trent

On this episode, Mike sits down with Jack to reflect on his experience at nationals with Amherst Track and Field. Produced by Mike Schretter '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Today, we discuss two student-led initiatives to redistribute Amherst's resources more equitably among the community and Glee Club's transition to co-ed participation. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 9, 2022

Today, we reflect on whether Amherst’s language assistants have been fairly compensated, Covid-19’s two-year legacy, and how the Center for Restorative Practices is helping campus to reimagine justice. Produced by Sam Spratford ’24 and Maggie McNamara ’23; edited by Spencer Michaels ’24 and Sam Spratford ’24.

The Center for Restorative Practices: Reimagining Justice

Founded in 2021, the Center for Restorative Practices is drawing from long-established Indigenous practices to create a contemporary space for redressing community divides, repairing relationships, and reflecting on Amherst’s model of punitive justice.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, March 2, 2022

Today, we review LitFest 2022, a new student publication spurring debate about free speech, and how the war in Ukraine is personally affecting Amherst students. Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Today, we discuss the uncertainty plaguing student-athletes, the status of benefits among "casual employees," and a new faculty member whose focus on premodern South Asia can decolonize our conception of history. Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Nicole Richards '23.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 16, 2022

This week, we discuss student dancers' latest grievance with the administration, reparations activism in the Town of Amherst, and a significant change in UMASS Amherst's reproductive health services. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Nicole Richards '23.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, February 9, 2022

This week, we talk about the Instagram account @amherstshareyourstory, some developments in Amherst's presidential search process, and recent student housing errors.

The Student Sums it Up: Thursday, December 9, 2021

This week, we talk about Val's changemaker pastry chef Carl Charette, the college's update to their climate action plan, and an AAS debate that unexpectedly reveals the state of democratic practice among students. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24. Correction: At 1:11, we mistakenly stated that Mr. Charette has been working at Amherst for five years — he has been on the Val staff for six years.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Today, we discuss the student quarantine experience and the unfolding debate over whether or not the college should maintain a remote learning option. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

The Art of The Archive: Feeling Histories — Alumni Profile, Siobhan McKissic ’12

Siobhan McKissic ‘12 is guided by endless curiosity for the past and the present, and brings others in touch with the intimate histories surrounding them.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, November 3, 2021

This week, we discuss Val-induced food anxieties, Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah's philosophical perspective on "race", and student concerns with Amherst's Bicentennial budget. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

The Indicator × The Student: Five Til Noon

Originally published in The Indicator's 2021 issue Ecologies of Care, "Five Til Noon" by Sam Spratford '24 is reprinted here as part of a collaboration between The Student's Arts and Living Sections and The Indicator.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Today, we discuss Amherst's updated Covid-19 protocols, the resurgence of party-related vandalism and the college's decision to end the legacy preference in admissions. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Cole Richards '23.

Tusk Talks: Counseling Center

In this episode, we sit down with Counseling Center psychologist Jordan Barnard and two panels of students to investigate recent tensions between Amherst's Counseling Center and the student body. After touching on wait times and inaccessibility, we talk about the structural and cultural changes that could be made to aid students in their mental health and wellbeing. Episode Notes: "Elevated Demand for Mental Health Services Strains Counseling Center" [https://amherststudent.com/article/elevate

Tusk Talks: Amherst Community Connections

The Town of Amherst, like most of the country, is experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. To supplement The Student's coverage of the Town's policy response, we sat down with Sophia Harrison '22 and Julia Zabinska '22 to talk about their work for Amherst Community Connections — a local resource hub for those experiencing housing instability. Harrison and Zabinska detailed the nature of their work, expressed their own visions for change and emphasized the need for institutions — including

Terras Irradient: Democratizing Justice

"Terras Irradient" is dedicated to telling the stories of Amherst's shortcomings and the unkept promises of the Amherst experience. In this debut episode, we discuss the enforcement and punishment processes of Covid-19 restrictions and other regulations placed on the student body. To shine a light on alternative judicial models, we interviewed a Reed College student. Should Amherst adopt these principles of justice to give the student body more autonomy? Hosted by Conner Glynn '24 and Karen Le

The Student Sums It Up: Wednesday, October 6, 2021

In this episode, we discuss the student experience at the Boston Women's March and the common cold that has been spreading throughout the student body. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 29, 2021

This week, we discuss the effect of the return of students on the local economy, Amherst’s fall break travel recommendations, and an inefficiency in paycheck distribution that sheds light on student frustration with administrative transparency. Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Cole Richards '23.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 22, 2021

This week, we discuss the recent surge in Covid-19 cases at UMASS Amherst, student experiences with Five College courses, and a staff writer’s first installment in an investigative series about “class struggle” at the college. Produced by Maggie McNamara ‘23 and Sam Spratford ‘24; edited by Cole Richards ‘23.

The Student Sums it Up: Wednesday, September 15, 2021

This week, we discuss student concerns about dining accessibility, the updated COVID protocols and the role of the new Community Safety Ambassadors (CSAs) in campus security. Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Cole Richards '23 EDIT: Ella Peterson did not investigate student opinions about the CSAs; the article was written by staff writer Ella Steciuk '23.

Jeremy Thomas: “It’s A Beautiful Time for Change”

Thomas has spent college giving back to the Amherst community and has a future of change-making ahead. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Thomas ’21.Even before interviewing him over Zoom, the face of Jeremy Thomas ’21 was already familiar to me. Out of all the political science lectures and panels I’d attended, it was rare if I didn’t see Thomas’s name somewhere on the screen. Most of the time, in fact, his name was front and center. Effortlessly put together in a jewel-toned polo shirt and black-rimmed

College Hosts Moderna President Stephen Hoge '98 in Virtual Event

The college hosted President of Moderna Stephen Hoge ’98 on Friday, April 23 as a part of the virtual Stories in STEM event series. The Cambridge-based biotechnology company has experienced tremendous growth since the pandemic began, as it has developed one of the world’s most effective vaccines against Covid-19. With the vaccine becoming widely available across the country, Hoge spoke to students about his journey through STEM and discussed the work that Moderna is doing to vaccinate Americans.

New Education Studies Department Holds First Open House

Five minutes into the open house, Lewis-Sebring Visiting Professor in Education Studies Kristen Luschen cheered: “This moment has been a long time in coming. Welcome to the first Education Studies Open House!” Luschen, the host of the event, was not exaggerating. She elaborated that “the study of education has been a consistent presence at Amherst since its founding. But it has not been a formalized program until now.” Students will be able to officially declare an education studies major in t

Thoughts on Theses: Yusrah Kaudeer

Yusrah Kaudeer ’21 is a chemistry and math double major from Mauritius. Her thesis investigates alpha-crystallin: a protein in the eye whose malfunctioning causes cataracts. Kaudeer has investigated this protein since her first year at the college and is advised by Amanda and Lisa Cross Professor of Chemistry Patricia B. O’Hara. Kaudeer will be continuing her research in graduate school at CalTech. Q: Can you give me a timeline of your academic journey thus far? A: For my freshman and sophomor

Students Reflect on Covid Protocols: Balancing Safety and Enjoyment

As the college approaches the halfway point of the spring semester, students on campus now have over five weeks of experience with the college’s Covid-19 safety regulations, leaving many to reflect on the restrictions so far. In particular, students have expressed ongoing displeasure with the administration’s lack of transparency, continued escalation in Covid surveillance and patrolling, food delivery and student socialization guidelines. Grievances among students mainly revolve around the pur