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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AAS Revises Club Funding Policies Amid Budget Crisis

The AAS Budgetary Committee on Oct. 23 announced stricter funding policies around food for events, club travel, and emergency funding. The policies are in response to budget constraints the AAS is facing due to a reduced student activities fee relative to before Covid.

Student Activities Sees Upswing in Campus RSOs

Following a drop in approved RSOs due to the pandemic, this semester has seen a significant rise in new affinity groups and organizations sponsored by academic departments. The Student spoke with leaders of four new RSOs to learn about the clubs’ origins and goals.

College Hosts Political Anthropologist Negar Razavi To Discuss Iran Protests

Political anthropologist Negar Razavi spoke to community members on Friday, Oct. 21, as part of the college’s response to an alumni petition for Amherst’s formal support of students in Iran amid ongoing protests.

Human Rights Leader Speaks on Israeli Treatment of Palestinians

On Oct. 19, international human rights attorney Omar Shakir, the Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch (HRW), gave a talk in Stirn Auditorium on the organization’s 2021 report that found the Israeli government guilty of apartheid against its Palestinian population.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Oct. 19 to Nov. 1

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: Amherst Labor Alliance calls on alumni to halt donations, the administration mandates emergency preparedness training, and more.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 18 to Oct. 31

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 18 to Oct. 31, can be found here.

College Condemns Attacks on Iranian Student Protesters Following Alumni Petition

President Michael Elliott sent out a schoolwide letter on Oct. 12 condemning the ongoing attacks by the Islamic Republic on Iranian student protesters. The letter followed a petition signed by over 100 students and alumni that called on Elliott to stand with Iranian students.

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.

Loeb Center Hosts Workshop as Part of Social Impact Initiative

On Thursday, Oct. 13, the Loeb Center hosted a workshop providing students with guidance on how to begin pursuing a socially impactful career. The workshop was part of a broader push toward increasing resources for students interested in public service or nonprofit work.

College Opts Not To Approve J-Term for January 2023

No for-credit classes will be offered in January 2023, Provost and Dean of the Faculty Catherine Epstein told The Student. The decision follows the recommendation made by the Ad Hoc Committee to Evaluate the January Term, which identified a number of logistical and staffing issues with J-Term.

Campus Police Log: Oct. 4 to Oct. 11

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Oct. 4 to Oct. 11, can be found here.

Due to Budget Deficits, AAS Faces Depletion of Funds

The Association of Amherst Students is facing a significant depletion in its funds, due to reductions in the student activities fee — its only source of income — during the pandemic. The Budgetary Committee is considering stricter guidelines on discretionary spending to curtail the depletion.

Community Honors Memory and Legacy of Professor Franklin Odo

John Woodruff Simpson Lecturer Franklin Odo passed away on Sept. 28. A renowned scholar and inspiring teacher, he left his mark on both the field of Asian American studies and the lives of many students.

Schwemm’s Set To Become Merch Store Before Plans Put On Hold

This past week, the Schwemm’s Mammoth Market began to be converted into a merchandise shop, with hot food offerings eliminated. Plans to make the transition, which were met with concerns from workers, were suddenly canceled, however, with a final decision on the changes delayed until later.

Access to Amherst Makes Successful Return in Person Following Scramble for Hosts

Access to Amherst, a free fly-in program which introduces prospective applicants to the college’s campus, student body, faculty, and classes, took place in person for the first time since fall 2019 this past weekend, despite challenges in recruiting student hosts to accommodate the attendees.

Students Targeted by Phishing Attacks Impersonating President

Up until about two weeks ago, a handful of students and faculty members received text messages soliciting personal information from a sender claiming to be President Michael Elliott. The phishing attempts are part of a nationwide increase in cyber attacks against institutions of higher education.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Sept. 28 to Oct. 4

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 releases new masking policy for classrooms, President Michael Elliott debuts on WAMH, and more.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 27 to Oct. 3

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 27 to Oct. 3, can be found here.

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.

ACEMS Redoubles Efforts To Diversify Membership

In an effort to diversify its membership, the Amherst College Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS) has made a number of changes to its recruitment and application process this semester, including expanded advertising and a reworking of its application.

McCaffrey Room To Transition From Meeting Space to Student Affairs Hub

Starting this semester, the McCaffrey Room is no longer available for use by students, as it will soon transition to being used by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) to provide a number of practical and informational services to students.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Sept. 21 to Sept. 27

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 releases dates for the upcoming Covid-19 booster clinic, and the Association of Amherst Students releases its Career Exploration Database.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 20 to Sept. 26

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 20 to Sept. 26, can be found here.

Counseling Center Changes Name, Expands Staff and Services

The Counseling Center — now the Center for Counseling and Mental Health — has added seven new counselors to its team this semester. The center has also launched a new online scheduling tool and expanded its group therapy offerings.

Town of Amherst Block Party Draws Thousands

An estimated 6,000 people, including many Amherst students, enjoyed live music, local food, and acrobatic performances at the annual Amherst block party on Thursday, Sept. 15. It was the first time the event had been held since 2019.

College Highlights Latinx History in La Causa, LLAS Anniversary Celebration

An all-day event celebrating the 50th anniversary of La Causa and the fifth anniversary of the Latinx and Latin American studies department was held in the Eighty Powerhouse on Thursday, Sept. 15. The event featured a host of alumni panelists, whose class years ranged from 1974 to 2020.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Sept. 14 to Sept. 20

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that has occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: college announces Covid vaccine booster clinic, the Marriage Pact opens for the new year, and more.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 13 to Sept. 19

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 13 to Sept. 19, can be found here.

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.

New Covid Bathroom Policy Reversed Before Implemented

After announcing a plan for integrated residence hall bathroom use between Covid-positive and uninfected students, the college reversed its decision just hours later upon receiving substantial student backlash.

College Relaxes Covid Protocols Amid Uptick in Cases

Despite an increase in cases, the college has relaxed some of its Covid restrictions and opted not to reinstate surveillance testing at this time. The decision reflects a shift away from institutional management of community health to a reliance on personal responsibility, a Sept. 8 email stated.

The Emily Dickinson Museum Reopens After Two Years

Following more than two years of closure, the newly refurbished Emily Dickinson Museum, transformed through a recent restoration project, reopened its doors on Aug. 16.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: Sept. 7 to Sept. 13

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred since the last issue. In this week’s installment: Mocha Joe’s coffee, Late Night Dining, and an AAS town hall.

Campus Police Log: Sept. 6 to Sept. 12

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Sept. 6 to Sept. 12, can be found here.

False Active Shooter Alerts Disrupt First Day of Orientation

Multiple false AC Alerts warning of a possible active shooter on campus were sent out early Friday afternoon, inciting panic across the college community. The false alerts were due to a technical error on the part of one of the software companies that support the alert system.

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.

College Announces Changes to Covid Protocols Amid Rising Cases

Over a series of emails throughout the past week, the college announced heightened Covid protocols following a sharp uptick in cases. Changes include more restrictive masking policies and the implementation of in-place isolation.

Classes of 2022 and 2020 To Celebrate Commencement on Campus

Commencement will be held for the Class of 2022 on Sunday, May 29, following two years of drastically altered celebrations due to Covid. Members of the Class of 2020, originally only able to attend a virtual graduation ceremony, will also have an on-campus Commencement on Saturday, June 11.

From the Red Room: May 9 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, May 9, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) held their 13th and final meeting of the semester. They discussed Workday Student, campus safety, and committee elections.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: May 3 to May 10

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: the Committee of Six splits into two, the Housing Innovation Project calls on the college to donate land, and architecture students call for change.

Campus Police Log: May 3 to May 9

The latest installment of the Police Log, from May 3 to May 9, can be found here.

College To Hire 3 New A/P/A Studies Professors

The Committee on Educational Policy recently approved the hiring of three tenure-track professors with backgrounds and expertise in Asian American studies to the college. The new faculty are expected to arrive for the 2023-2024 academic year.

College Purchases 46 Sunset Avenue for New President’s House

The college has purchased a new house to serve as the President’s House. The new house, located at 46 Sunset Avenue, is expected to be ready for the new president by late 2022.

College Raises Wages, Employees Reflect

On April 1, a compensation increase took effect for all college employees making under $85,000 a year. The Student calculated current costs of living and spoke with dining hall employees to better understand the impacts of the raise.

Student Letter Calls for Transparency in Hiring Practices

On April 22, students delivered a letter to the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion calling for transparency in the college’s faculty hiring process. The letter, which describes current hiring practices as “performative,” garnered 117 signatures from students and alumni.

Community “Rewilds” Merrill Green With Native Plants

On April 29, a group of student and faculty volunteers planted native Western Massachusetts plants on the green between the Merrill Apartments and the tennis courts. The native pollinator garden project aims to bring native species back to campus.

College Provides Updates on Anti-racism Action Plan

In an email sent on April 26, President Biddy Martin provided an update on the college’s 2020 Anti-Racism Plan. The email detailed initiatives in a multitude of areas, including research on Amherst’s racial history, admissions, and faculty and staff diversity and development.

From the Red Room: May 2 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, May 2, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the 12th time this semester. Agenda items included the induction of new AAS officials, a potential bylaw to mandate senator attendance, and a discussion of reparations.

AAS Delays Bylaw Paying AAS Officials

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) voted on Monday to delay the bylaw establishing salaries for AAS officials from taking effect until at least the next academic year, after senators learned from the administration about certain obstacles to implementing the bylaw.

Safety Committee Members Reflect on Report’s Impact

Last week, President Biddy Martin announced the Board of Trustees’ decision to keep ACPD armed after consulting a report from the Campus Safety Advisory Committee (CSAC). The Student spoke with CSAC members to better understand the report’s creation and its relation to the trustees’ decision.

SuperFan App Aims To Boost Student Engagement

SuperFan, a new app brought to Amherst’s campus, was launched on April 16 with the aim to boost engagement with campus events by rewarding students for their participation. The app was funded by the AAS, the athletics department, and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

College Observes Sexual Assault Awareness Month

All April, the Peer Advocates for Sexual Respect have held a series of events to promote prevention and awareness of sexual assault. They aim to actively address root causes of sexual violence’s harm, build skills around sexual violence prevention, and provide solidarity and support to survivors.

2022-2023 AAS Senate and Judiciary Council Candidate Statements

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) will hold elections for senators and at-large Judiciary Council members on Thursday, April 28. The students below have announced their candidacies for these elections.

From the Red Room: April 25 AAS Meeting Updates

On Monday, April 25, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the 11th time this semester. The meeting’s topics included a new Budgetary Committee (BC) policy, a motion to delay the recent bylaw to compensate AAS officials, and the recently released campus safety report.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 19 to April 26

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: a prom, Day of Giving, and more.

Board of Trustees Votes To Keep ACPD Armed

The board of trustees has voted to keep the Amherst College Police Department armed, President Biddy Martin announced on Monday, April 18. The announcement came after the release of the final report from the Campus Safety Advisory Committee.

Nearly 200 Rising Sophomores Waitlisted for Fall Housing

One hundred seventy-eight rising sophomores were not able to select housing as planned on April 14, as rooms ran out just over a couple hours into the designated five-hour selection block. Students expressed frustration at the lack of communication about the situation from the college.

“Nuestras Voces” Event Uplifts Bilingual Voices

On Wednesday, April 13, 16 students presented poetry, videos, and art for the inaugural “Nuestras Voces” (“Our Voices”) event. In both English and Spanish, students spoke about topics including connection to home, the value of names, and gentrification of neighborhoods.

Indigenous Art Exhibit “Boundless” To Open Fall 2023

A new exhibition, “Boundless,” is set to debut in Fall 2023, focusing on American art and literature and centering Indigenous and Native perspectives. The exhibition is a collaboration between Frost Library and the Mead Art Museum.

From the Red Room: April 18 AAS Meeting Updates

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the 10th time this semester on April 18. The meeting covered funding requests, a public comment, and numerous AAS updates.

AAS Passes Bylaw to Pay AAS Officials

Aiming to boost participation in the AAS and make it more accessible, the Senate has voted to establish salaries for officials following the upcoming election cycle. Some AAS members expressed support for the change, while others hold reservations about its ultimate function.

Altered Housing Selection Process Elicits Student Concerns

The return to a pre-pandemic general housing selection process, taking place this week, has come with one notable change: students can no longer receive a selection time as a group. The change has elicited concerns from some students who wish to live in close proximity to their friends.

College Hosts Annual City Streets Festival, Students Protest for Labor Justice

This Sunday, April 10, the college hosted its annual City Streets festival, serving food from eight different global regions and flying 145 different flags. At the event, the Amherst Labor Alliance flew banners calling for labor justice.

Presidents Biddy Martin and Angelina Han ’22 Deliver State of the College Address

On Monday, April 11, President Biddy Martin and Association of Amherst Students President Angelina Han ’22 hosted the college’s annual State of the College Address. Han and Martin discussed “a year of transition” for the college and shared their hopes for the coming years.

Lily Fang ’18 Discusses Fast Fashion, Sustainable Alternatives

On Friday, April 8, Lily Fang ’18 spoke to Amherst students about fast fashion and sustainable alternatives. The event was hosted by the Class and Access Resource Center (CARC).

From the Red Room: April 11 AAS Meeting Updates

The Association of Amherst Students (AAS) met for the ninth time this semester on Monday, April 11. The meeting agenda included swearing in the newly elected executive board, a public comment, and a lengthy discussion of next steps after the April 4 bylaw that instituted salaries for AAS officials.

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: April 6 to April 12

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week's installment: admitted students day and AAS election results.

College Loosens Testing, Masking Protocols

On Monday, April 4, the college’s newest Covid protocols went into effect. Community members can now choose whether to wear a mask in a number of spaces that previously required it, and testing has been reduced to once a week.

ACPD Responds About Vehicle Unmarking, Community Reacts

In an April 1 email, Chief of Police John Carter responded to criticism over the decision to unmark all ACPD vehicles, expressing regret and requesting input. Students expressed frustration with his response, linking it to the broader trend of the department’s response to calls for change.

Following Petition, College Grants Fulbright Language Assistants’ Request for Compensation

The college has agreed to compensate three Spanish Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) with room and board for the remote semesters of the 2020-2021 academic year. The decision comes after the three sent a petition to the administration last Wednesday requesting the payment.

Fulbright Language Assistants Petition for Pandemic Compensation

This morning, March 30, three Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistants (FLTA) for the Spanish Department sent a petition with over 400 signatures to the administration, requesting room and board compensation for the 2020-2021 academic year.

ACPD Unmarks Vehicles, Prompting Student Concern

The Amherst College Police Department (ACPD) recently made its fleet of five vehicles entirely unmarked. While the department states that this choice was an attempt to reduce police presence on campus, students report feeling increased fear and uncertainty from the change.

Town Hall Covers Updates to Climate Action Plan

On March 21, the college held a virtual town hall to discuss its most recent updates to the Climate Action Plan. The meeting covered the college’s commitment to pursuing climate action by overhauling its entire campus energy system to move to a low-carbon and eventually carbon-neutral system.

Glee Club Expands Range to All Voices

The Amherst College Glee Club has merged with Chorus in an effort to boost membership and retention, as well as promote inclusivity. Comprised solely of tenor and bass vocalists since its founding in 1865, the group is now open to singers in all vocal ranges.

College Admits 7 Percent of Applicants for the Class of 2026

The college released its regular admissions decisions for the Class of 2026 on March 18, leading to a total 7 percent acceptance rate of a record-breaking 14,800 applicants.

Following AAS Proposal, Free Laundry Detergent Sheets Now Available

A newly approved proposal by AAS Senator Sirus Wheaton '23 will provide free zero-waste laundry detergent sheets to all students. The initiative aims to reduce Amherst’s carbon footprint while also easing the financial burden of buying hygiene products for low-income students.

Food Justice Alliance Puts Extra Val Food to Use

The Food Justice Alliance instituted a new program relying on student volunteers to reduce food waste. The extra food from Val is donated to Craig’s Doors, a local homeless shelter in the town of Amherst.

Collectivize Amherst Builds Mutual Aid Networks

Founded by three first-year students, the independent organization Collectivize Amherst is assisting Amherst students and community members enduring financial hardship through mutual aid funding. Central to the group’s philosophy is the concept of “give what you can, take what you need.”

Mammoth Moments in Miniature: March 9 to March 22

Mammoth Moments in Miniature provides quick updates on notable campus news that occurred during the week. In this week’s installment: the housing selection process, tuition increase, and more.