Strict Attendance Policies Do More Harm Than Good

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 argues that participation grades are a more comprehensive and equitable alternative to rigid attendance requirements for encouraging class engagement.

Defamiliarizing Discourse

The Editorial Board calls for more diverse on-campus speakers and considers how to draw the line between challenging and violent speech, arguing that speaker events must be opportunities to engage in thoughtful discourse rather than internalize uncontested ideas.

Rant vs. Rave: Walking Around Campus

A Texan editor-in-chief meanders through campus and strikes the ire of a Queens-born editor who just wants to get to class on time.

Litterbug: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Litterbug Cartoonist Quinn Nelson ’25 juxtaposes road signs from around the Pioneer Valley.

Big Stick Energy — Engineered Excuse: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

With this comic “Engineered Excuse,” Cartoonist Miles Garcia ’25 launches his new series “Big Stick Energy.”

The American Punch Bowl — Dream Journal: Wednesday, March 29, 2023

Alice Burg ’23 reveals the astral dimension of her cartoon universe.

A Humanities Haven?

The Editorial Board considers Amherst’s relationship to and role within the current crisis of the humanities.

Tapti Talks: Name Pronunciation Matters

In the inaugural issue of “Tapti Talks,” Managing Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ’25 reflects on the alienation of having her “foreign” name fumbled, and urges people to take pronunciation more seriously.

Chromatic Chaos: Like a Rainbow, Noises Can Be Colorful

Find white noise more irritating than soothing? Staff Writer Pho Vu ’23 breaks down the ambient noise spectrum and each hue’s benefits for sleep, wellness, and productivity.

Amherst Needs to Pay Up

Staff Writer Zane Khiry ’25 argues that Amherst’s failure to live up to its mission of public service obligates the college to contribute more money to the town.

Having Cancer at Amherst College

Contributing Writer Spencer Williams ’24 recounts his experience receiving a rare brain cancer diagnosis in 2021.

Myth-Busting the Starving Artist: Reflections from AHA Program

Contributing Writer Morry Ajao ’26 recounts her experience in the Arts and Humanities in Action program, which raised her hopes for a career in the arts amidst a society preoccupied with financial security.

Litterbug: Wednesday, Mar. 8, 2023

Litterbug Cartoonist Quinn Nelson ’25 digests a pair of buildings in her own peculiar way.

The American Punch Bowl — Walk: Wednesday, March 8, 2023

Cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 downsizes to one masterfully enigmatic panel for this special edition of American Punch Bowl.

The Open Curriculum Isn’t Dead: In Defense of the New Latin Honors Policy

Contributing Writer Zane Khiry ’25 defends the new Latin honors policy, contending that some students’ concerns are exaggerated.

Fizz Should Go Flat

The Editorial Board emphasizes the dangers of Fizz — a new, anonymous social app — underscoring its questionable policies and the way it detracts from productive discourse on campus.

Celebrating International Writers’ Day: Editors Deserve A Day for Themselves

Looking forward to International Writers’ Day on March 3, Staff Writer Pho Vu ’23 urges us to not forget about the editors in our lives, who bring out the expressive potential of our writing.

AHA! The Not-So-Shocking Truth That Every Arts and Humanities Major Wishes You Knew

Managing Photo Editor Claire Beougher ’26 reflects on her experience at the new J-Term program, Arts and Humanities in Action, which seeks to dispel the myth that these majors are unprofitable.

Litterbug: Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2023

Cartoonist Quinn Nelson ’25 returns from a mid-semester bicycle expedition with quite the wintertime tale.

Why I Don’t Wear Seatbelts

Managing Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ’25 reflects on her indifference to seatbelts, and its unexpected role in preserving her cultural identity as a Bangladeshi in America.

New Latin Honors Breadth Requirements are an Inadequate Spring Cleaning

Contributing writer Henry Bontempo ’26 asserts that the new Latin honors policy is self-defeating in its mission to encourage diverse courseloads.

Certificates Consulting 101: Which One to Have?

Staff writer Pho Vu ’23 provides a helpful guide to certification programs available to Amherst students.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

American Punch Bowl cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 has scribbled out another cryptic quartet of cards!

Litterbug: Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023

Cartoonist Quinn Nelson ’25 debuts “Litterbug,” a graphic documentation of the friendly faces and charming sideshows along Norwottuck Rail Trail.

The Quiet Death of the Open Curriculum

In response to the new Latin honors policy, Contributing Writer Sophie Durbin ’25 argues that the breadth requirement will undermine the strengths of the open curriculum.

Under the Rubble: A Tragedy Reveals Cultural Bias

Managing Arts & Living Editor Noor Rahman ’25 expresses anger and disappointment at the campus’ failure to acknowledge the humanitarian crisis caused by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria, arguing that it reveals Amherst’s implicit bias.

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.

To Honor the Open Curriculum

While recognizing the importance of an interdisciplinary education, The Editorial Board believes the breadth requirements in the new Latin honors policy will cause more harm than good to Amherst’s academic environment.

Val for Pal: How To Maintain Your Long-distance Friendship

This Valentine’s Day, Staff Writer Pho Vu ’23 offers advice on cultivating worldwide friendships based on her experience as an international student.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

American Punch Bowl cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 follows up with a new set of trading cards, hot off the press!

Add/Flop

Cartoonist and Staff Podcaster Miles Garcia ’25 reminisces on the difficulties of juggling classes during the Add-Drop period.

The Market Logic of Mental Health

Contributing writer Gabe Proia ’25 draws from his own experiences to explain how the capitalistic ethic of productivity perpetuates today’s mental health crises.

Where Does Your Amherst Sweatshirt Come From?

Contributing writer Nora Lowe ’26 investigates the sourcing of Amherst merchandise and its degree of sustainability, suggesting that school spirit can be expressed without reliance on material items.

The AAS Is Changing for the Better — Will Students?

The Editorial Board calls on students to match the productive changes the AAS is making with democratic enthusiasm, in order to make this spring a fresh start for student government.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2023

The American Punch Bowl cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 kicks off the semester with a fresh set of absurd trading cards, hot off the presses!

Exit Letter: An Unforgettable Journey

For her last issue serving as editor-in-chief of The Student, Yee-Lynn Lee ’23 walks through the two and a half years she’s spent on the paper, and the meaning that it has had for her at each step.

Exit Letter: Theo Says Thank You

Senior Managing Editor Theo Hamilton ’23 reflects on his time with the Editorial Board as he says goodbye to The Student.

Where Was the Constitution in the Impeachment Trial?

Staff writer Tylar Matsuo ’24 reacts to the AAS’ presidential impeachment hearing, expressing his frustration with the Senate’s seeming preoccupation with personal conflicts between senators at the expense of actually considering the body’s constitution.

Experiencing Ableism in Amherst’s Infrastructure

Willow Delp ’26 explores the difficulty of movement around campus, detailing experiences of disabled students as they face an institution characterized by physical and rhetorical hostility toward accessibility.

In Praise of the Jones Library

2021-22 Language Assistant Valentin Guergueb recalls falling in love with the Jones Library at 43 Amity Street.

We Have a Problem With Paying Attention

Managing Podcast Editor Andrew Rosin ’25 uses the ongoing World Cup games as an entry point to interrogate students’ difficulties with paying attention in class.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Giving Thanks Away From Amherst

Staff writer Pho Vu ’23 recounts her Thanksgiving trip to St. Paul, Minnesota, and Chicago, a trip that allowed her to learn the joys and challenges of navigating unfamiliar places alone.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Languages as a Catalyst for Growth

Staff writer Pho Vu ’23 untangles how learning different languages has shaped her life experiences.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 returns this week with yet another new set of trading cards, at least lukewarm off the press!

People Like You More Than You Think

Isaiah Doble ’25 presents a toolkit for a friendlier campus environment, combating campus loneliness with strategies from enthusiastic greetings to sprinklings of compliments.

Kayah’s Korner: A Low-income Student’s Guide to Navigating “Success”

Kayah’s Korner columnist Mikayah Parsons ’24 advises that students expand their interpretation of “success” beyond quantifiable products.

What Does Amherst Owe Democracy?

Those elite institutions that send their alumni into leadership positions in our country have a responsibility to educate truly civic-minded leaders, Zane Khiry ’25 argues.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Adulting at and After Amherst

Pho Vu ’23 offers up her weekly dose of wisdom this week with advice about how to tackle that most difficult task left to Amherst students once they graduate: being a real adult.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 presents a brand new set of four new trading cards, hot off the press (again)!

A Columbus Conundrum: Experiencing el Día de la Hispanidad

Studying abroad in Spain, contributing writer Maddie Hahm ’24 reconsiders the complex legacy of colonialism in el Día de la Hispanidad, arguing that normative judgments on Spain’s National Day are always culturally situated.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck cartoonist Alice Burg ’23 offers up four new trading cards, hot off the press!

Vandalize College Row!

The Editorial Board calls for more displays of student art on campus, arguing that our educational environment should reflect the vivacity of its student life.

My Fellow Freshmen, You Are Not Alone

Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 reminds his fellow first-years to take care of themselves as the semester gets tough.

The Elite Student’s Struggle for Integrity

Taking inspiration from James Baldwin’s 1963 talk “The Artist's Struggle for Integrity,” contributing writer Zane Khiry ’25 urges students to pursue fulfillment amid the pull of conventional notions of success.

The Global Importance of Brazilian Democracy

Contributing writer Oliver Polachini ’26 reflects on the global importance of Brazilian democracy in light of the nation’s recent presidential elections.

The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck: Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022

Alice Burg ’23 introduces the first installment of “The American Punch Bowl Trade Deck,” a weekly comic strip of four trading cards.

Restore the Student Activities Fee

In light of the Association of Amherst Students’ ongoing budget crisis, The Editorial Board argues for a raised student activities fee.

Kayah’s Korner: A Guide To Navigating Coursework

Kayah’s Korner columnist Mikayah Parsons ’24 offers sage advice on managing a large academic load given her experience as a quadruple-major at Amherst.

Let’s Talk About Israel and Palestine

Mason Quintero ’23 makes the argument that peace and mutual understanding are necessary to even begin conversations about the conflict in Israel and Palestine, emphasizing the necessity of “a nation for both peoples.”

Mass. Insider: On the Ballot

In preparation for next week’s elections, Mass. Insider columnist Shane Dillon ’26 provides a quick rundown of this year’s ballot.

Red Herring: Wisdom Teeth Recovery

Red Herring cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 gives some presumably hard-earned advice on the subject of wisdom tooth surgery.

Editorial: Making J-Term Work

The Editorial Board reacts to the college's decision not to hold J-Term this winter by weighing the difficulties posed to staff against the value of winter programming for campus life.

Kayah’s Korner: How To Navigate Office Hours

Mikayah Parsons ’24 debuts a new advice column aimed at helping first-generation, low-income students survive the Amherst experience with her first entry, which provides recommendations for navigating office hours.

A Tribute to My Dear Friend, Franklin Odo

Associate Professor of American Studies Robert Hayashi reflects on the legacy of the late Professor Franklin Odo and his incredible contributions to the Amherst community.

The Case for Mask-optional Classrooms at Amherst

Poler Family Professor of Psychology Catherine A. Sanderson argues that the college’s current mask policy for classes makes little scientific sense and calls for in-class masking requirements to end.

What I Wish I Knew About Studying Abroad

Contributing writer Maddie Hahm ’24 discusses her current experience studying abroad and what she wished she knew before going.

Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness: Clean Up Your Drive Storage!

In the debut article of Mammoth Mind-Pho-ness, columnist Pho Vu ’23 uses the occasion of a policy change in Google’s Drive plans for higher education to remind students of the value of minimizing their storage use.

Toward a Cuisine of Cultural Representation

Contributing writer Pho Vu ’23 recounts her experience tasting Val’s take on the Vietnamese pho dish, asserting that accurate representation of ethnic cuisines is a crucial step toward cultural inclusivity in the dining hall.

Say Yay to Mountain Day

In light of the cancellation of Farm Fest, The Editorial Board implores that the administration consider implementing a tradition that is longstanding among the college’s closest peers.

The Case for Five Class Slots

Managing Opinion Editor Tapti Sen ’25 argues for an expansion from four to five class slots each semester — and a slimming-down of average workloads to facilitate the change.

UMass Dining: A Comprehensive Review

Assistant Podcast Editor Andrew Rosin ’25 offers an inside look at UMass Amherst’s Berkshire Dining Commons, asking for himself the eternal question: “How good is it, really?”

Mass. Insider: Will Kim Driscoll Remember Western Massachusetts?

Mass. Insider columnist Shane Dillon ’26 advocates for the western side of the state, making the case that the political clout of non-Boston areas of Massachusetts is vital for politicians running for higher office.

Mass. Insider: We Desperately Need West-East Rail

Mass. Insider Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 reviews the statewide struggle for a high-speed rail line running from the east to the west in Massachusetts.

Rants and Raves: Peering Out of the Fishbowl

Prospective student tours are a more than slightly annoying disruption to campus life, rants Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24.

I Delete Emails Every Day

Contributing writer Pho Vu ’23 reflects on the necessary inconvenience of deleting your emails.

Red Herring: Marriage Pact Statistics

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 pokes fun at unsurprising similarities among the Amherst student body.

Fall in Love With the Pioneer Valley

The Editorial Board offers suggestions on fun fall-themed activities and places to visit in the Pioneer Valley.

The Problem With the Bruce Bogtrotter Competition

In light of the cancellation of the women’s sports teams’ annual Bruce Bogtrotter cake-eating competition, contributing writers Nina Krasnoff ’23 and Emma Strawbridge ’25 call for public recognition of how the competition dangerously promotes disordered eating behaviors.

Mass. Insider: Our Politics Are Weird, But Changing

Mass. Insider Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 attempts to make sense of a central paradox of Massachusetts politics.

Rants and Raves: Frost Findings

Managing Arts and Living Editor Madeline Lawson ’25 raves about the abundance of resources at Frost Library.

Three Stories Down: Reflections From the Catacombs

Senior Managing Editor Liam Archacki ’24 shares a piece he wrote during one of his long study sessions in the bottom level of Frost, which makes the case for C-level as, improbably, the best place to work on campus.

Mass. Insider: Maura Healey’s Bid For Governor

Columnist Shane Dillon ’26 begins his new column with a discussion of upcoming Massachusetts general election and the Democratic nominee Maura Healey, who, unusually for a Democratic candidate, may be poised to win.

Caring About the Queen Is Fun: A Hong Kong Story

Contributing Writer Priscilla Lee ’25 reflects on the cultural impact the royal family has had both in her life and in her hometown of Hong Kong in the aftermath of Elizabeth II’s death.

Red Herring: You’ve Got Mail!

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Streiff ’24 implores the student body to check their mailboxes more frequently.

“The Spread of Covid-Lite”

Cartoonist Miles Garcia ’25 illustrates the precautions taken by many students when it comes to ensuring the health and safety of the campus at large.

The First-year’s Survival Guide

The Editorial Board offers the Class of 2026 advice on how to navigate Amherst.

Meet Jules: Trailblazer, Educator, and Val Worker

Contributing writer Jeanyna Garcia ’23 profiles a Val worker, documenting their life and challenges, and reflects upon her time in the Amherst Labor Alliance.

Tractor Drivin’ Man Experiences Book & Plow

Managing Opinion Editor Dustin Copeland '25 reflects on a summer spent as a simple farm-hand at Amherst's own Book and Plow.

A Duty to Reproductive Justice

The Editorial Board calls for the college to make a statement on the possible overturn of Roe v. Wade, asserting that abortion rights is an issue of education access and must therefore be considered pertinent to colleges.

Who’s Really Running Amherst College?

Contributing writer Phoebe Neilsen ’25 argues that the Board of Trustees is ill-equipped to make decisions on campus, calling for abolition of the board.

Seeing Double: Who Won?

Seeing Double Columnists Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 and Thomas Brodey ’22 close out their long-running column with a debate of who is the better fledgling columnist.

Red Herring: Bigfoot Sighting

Red Herring Cartoonist Isaac Strieff ’24 reacts to the recent UMass Amherst Alert of a suspicious firearm-carrying individual.

Standing Against AAPI Erasure

Contributing writers Karen Lee ’25 and Eleanor Lee ’25 call for solidarity in the fight for A/P/A studies and against the erasure of the work of AAPI student activists.

Title IX Blind: How Amherst Mishandles Sexual Misconduct

Contributing writer Jared Kim ’23 protests the college’s attitude toward sexual misconduct on campus, urging the college to stop its over-reliance on the Title IX office and create a true culture of care for survivors.

Go Plant-based: For Yourself, for the Environment, for the Animals

Contributing writer Tim Carroll ’25 outlines the tangible reasons and ethical philosophies of why we should convert to plant-based diets.

Seeing Double: Tradition, Tradition!

Seeing Double Columnist Cole Graber-Mitchell ’22 reflects on his four years at Amherst, concluding his last solo column with a claim that the college is in need of more student traditions.

Rants and Raves: Stop Whining About Amherst Dining

Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 claims that Amherst students should discard their privileged complaints about Val food in favor of more substantial topics of conversation.

In Students We Trust

The Editorial Board questions the Board of Trustees’ authority in the recent campus safety decision, calling for the prioritization of student experience and a more collaborative process for making decisions regarding campus life.

Seeing Double: Escaping the Rat Race

Seeing Double Columnist Thomas Brodey ’22 discusses pressure for career advancement, noting that it is in fact possible to romanticize the mundane.

The Amherst to Wall Street Pipeline

Staff writer Andrew Rosin ’25 addresses the culture of selling out into finance, reminding students of their potential to bring Amherst’s interdisciplinary principles to Wall Street.