College Life
Across the World, Harvard Students Log onto Zoom for First Day of Spring Semester
Despite being scattered across the globe, all enrolled Harvard students faced the same experience Monday — the start of the spring semester.
The New 'Normal': Students Move Back In to Covid-Modified Dorms For Spring Semester
Students invited to live in residence this semester will encounter a far-from-normal campus experience, which began for many this week with a move-in process modified for the pandemic era.
What I Wish I Knew Before Living on Campus During a Pandemic
It’s undeniable that last semester was a roller coaster ride for most of us, but what semester of college isn’t? Except this time, we’re all wearing masks, sitting a few seats away from each other, and generally having the weirdest year possible. Check out our reflections on the ~unprecedented~ college experience!
Will Joe Biden Deliver on His Promises to Alleviate Student Loan Debt?
President-elect Joe Biden pledged multiple times on the campaign trail to alleviate debt. Many of Biden’s supporters, however, remain skeptical as to whether the incoming administration will deliver on its promise to alleviate the financial anxiety facing millions of Americans.
Ivy League: Competition Will Not Take Place Without ‘Significant Changes' in Pandemic
As the United States enters the most dire stage of the coronavirus pandemic yet, the Ivy League told student-athletes and coaches in a Thursday email that it has yet to determine whether the spring sports season will occur.
‘A Sense of Security’: First Harvard Undergrads Receive Covid-19 Vaccine
Since the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization in December for two coronavirus vaccines — one produced jointly by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech and one produced by Moderna Therapeutics — several million Americans have been vaccinated against Covid-19, while the rest await their turn.
College Moves Forward with Spring Semester Plans Despite Covid-19 Surge
Amid skyrocketing nationwide case counts of Covid-19, Harvard administrators announced Monday that the College is cautiously moving forward with welcoming increased numbers of students back to campus for the spring semester.
More than 200 Students Violated Harvard’s Covid-19 Rules During Fall Semester, Report Says
More than 200 students violated Harvard College’s community compact throughout the fall semester, according to an interim report released by the Dean of Students Office Thursday.
UC Decreases the Career Opportunity Fund Due to High Demand
Harvard’s Undergraduate Council reduced the maximum allocation per student under its Career Opportunity Fund to $200 due to higher demand from students than anticipated, according to a UC Finance Committee statement.
‘So Deeply Wrong’: Undergraduates in D.C. React To Capitol Hill Riot
Undergraduates living in Washington, D.C. said they felt shock, frustration, and worry as a mob waving Trump flags violently stormed the Capitol building during the Electoral College vote certification process on Wednesday.
Students Admitted Early to Class of 2025 React with Surprise, Elation
Early admits to Harvard College's Class of 2025 said they reacted with surprise and gratitude at receiving their acceptance letters.
Undergraduate Council Petition Urges College to Strengthen Support for International Students
Harvard’s Undergraduate Council launched a petition Tuesday calling on the College to strengthen support for international students during the spring semester.
HMS Study Finds Mask-Wearing, Social Distancing Reduce Covid-19 Infections by 87% on College Campuses
Harvard Medical School researchers found that a combination of wearing masks and practicing social distancing can reduce student and faculty Covid-19 infections on college campuses by roughly 87 percent, according to a peer-reviewed study published last week.
Students Living on Campus During Winter Recess Confront Logistical Hurdles
Students living in Harvard housing during winter recess, which officially began Monday, reported challenges adjusting to their temporary accommodations, such as moving dorms during a snowstorm.
Nine Harvard Affiliates Named 2022 Schwarzman Scholars
Nine Harvard affiliates, including four seniors at the College, were earlier this month named Schwarzman Scholars, an academic honor awarded to individuals interested in studying China and its relationship with the world.
The Good, The Bad, and The Awkward: Faculty and Students Reflect on a Virtual Fall Semester
While the University’s decision to abruptly de-densify its campus in the spring gave little time to shift to virtual learning, faculty spent the summer making numerous adaptations to their courses, some of which clicked with students and others of which were met with less enthusiasm.
Virtual Semester Reflections Graphic
Harvard's first full virtual semester, which concluded Dec. 20, drew mixed reviews from students and faculty.
Adams House Faculty Deans Announce Retirement
Adams House faculty deans Judith S. Palfrey ’67 and John G. “Sean” Palfrey ’67 will retire from their positions at the end of the academic year, they announced in a Wednesday email sent to Adams House affiliates.
79% of Undergraduates Will Enroll in Spring Semester, Survey Projects
Seventy-nine percent of Harvard students plan to enroll for the remote spring semester, marking a small increase from the 77 percent who enrolled this fall, the Harvard College Open Data Project predicted in a report published Wednesday.
Student-Athletes Navigate Life without Sports
The cancellation of Ivy League athletics due to the coronavirus has provided a respite for some of Harvard’s student-athletes, while causing others to lose their sense of purpose, they said.
Harvard Will Not Permit Athletes Living Off-Campus To Train On Campus in the Spring
Harvard announced Friday that it will not allow student-athletes living off campus to participate in athletics training on-campus next semester, marking the University’s latest effort to regulate life on campus during the coronavirus crisis.
Advising from Afar: Tutors Adapt to a Virtual Year
As the pandemic scattered Harvard students across the world this semester, resident and non-resident tutors alike have endeavored to preserve a sense of community that has long defined Harvard residential life.
After a Socially Distant Fall, Freshmen Will Face Blocking Process Next Semester
Despite their unusual introduction to classmates this fall, Harvard freshmen will face the process of blocking — choosing students with whom they will share an upperclassman House — this spring, administrators explained at a virtual panel Wednesday.
Mind the Gap: Harvard Students Pursue New Adventures Away from Campus
Challenged to create a meaningful gap year experience despite the pandemic, students pursued professional opportunities, explored the world around them, and focused on personal growth.
Ed. School Team Presents Report Recommending Comp Reform to Committee on Student Life
A Harvard Graduate School of Education team completed a report to the Committee on Student Life examining Harvard’s comps.