College Concerned Over Potential Erasure of Education Department

Members of the Amherst administration expressed concern over the news of President Donald Trump’s potential elimination of the Education Department. Even if the department remains intact, widespread staffing cuts could be dangerous, college officials warned.

Fridge and Microwave Policy Change Causes Uproar

Beginning next fall, students will have to buy their own fridges and will not be allowed to have microwaves in their rooms. The changes have caused an uproar among students, spawning a Change.org petition with more than 450 upvotes.

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.

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.

The Arts Are Instrumental

The Editorial Board calls for a considered and consistent consideration of the arts on campus when it comes to the allocation of extracurricular space.

College Converts Casual Staff to Benefited Positions

President Biddy Martin announced on Nov. 17 that the college will be converting some of its casual staff positions to benefited positions, an initiative that has been under discussion throughout the year. The announcement followed a student-led demonstration demanding for better pay for Val workers.

Continuing Covid Restrictions Frustrate Student Musicians

Covid safety protocols have caused music students to report difficulty with the bureaucratic process of reserving practice space in the Music Department. The department is planning to change its protocols for the spring semester in hopes of better accommodation.

Racial Epithet Discovered in Valentine Hall

On May 13, Dean of Students Liz Agosto sent an email announcing the discovery of the n-word scratched into a chalkboard in Valentine Hall. An individual found the racial epithet on the second floor near the balcony door and reported it to the Amherst College Police Department. The circumstances regarding its appearance are unknown at this time. In her message, Agosto asked students for assistance in gathering more information about the vandalism. She encouraged students to come forward with any

College Announces Modifications to Fall Housing Due to Over-Enrollment

On Thursday, May 6, the college updated students on housing plans for the fall semester. Because the administration anticipates an over-enrollment of 170 students this fall, it is planning to make significant modifications to housing stock. The increased enrollment is due to the return of students who elected to take a gap year or leave of absence during the 2020-2021 academic year due to the pandemic or other circumstances. To provide housing for the over-abundance of returning Mammoths, the c

BSU Members Say College’s Response to #BlackMindsMatter Protest is “Reactionary and Performative”

On Saturday, April 17, the President’s Office released a statement in response to the #BlackMindsMatter protest [https://www.amherststudent.com/article/students-walk-out-in-protest-after-police-killing-of-daunte-wright-aas-and-bsu-demand-abolition-of-acpd] organized by the Black Student Union (BSU). In an email to all students, President Biddy Martin responded to the BSU demands by urging professors to be lenient with extensions and absences, announcing the hiring of an additional counselor (wh

College Announces Much-Anticipated Vaccination Policies

The college “is exploring transportation options” for students to receive vaccinations at off-campus locations, Dean of Students Liz Agosto informed students in an April 8 email. Agosto stated that the college will not be able to administer vaccines on campus as it has not been allocated any vaccines by the state, and it cannot make arrangements with local distribution sites due to state policies. As of Monday morning, April 12, over 120 additional students have completed the form seeking approv