LEFT BEHIND. Rozhan Rasti was overjoyed when she was admitted to Harvard’s Class of 2029. But Rasti, an Iranian citizen, has been stranded by Donald Trump’s 12-country travel ban — with no easy paths to Harvard.
Living With Freshman Roommates: How to Survive and Thrive in a Suite of Strangers
No matter their hometown, high school, or hopes for the future, all Harvard freshmen will experience the same adventure of living with a random roommate. From icebreakers during orientation to late-night runs to Felipe’s during finals, your roommate will be your constant companion throughout your first year. Here’s how to keep the peace — and deepen your friendship — with your roommates.
Room Layouts and Dynamics
From six-person suites in Wigglesworth
Hall to luxurious single suites in Apley Court, Harvard’s freshman housing contains a wide variety of room setups.
Most freshman dorms consist of a common room and a mixture of single and
double bedrooms, and utilize a hallway bathroom.
That leaves a wide variety of roommate and room setups, with some students enjoying a room to themselves and in-suite bathrooms, while others have five suitemates sharing three doubles and a hallway bathroom with the rest of their entryway. This can often lead to quarrels over who lives in what room, or who gets the single in a suite. Students sometimes resolve the quandary by turning their common room into another bedroom — though others prefer to share a bedroom in order to preserve a common space. Every student’s living preferences are different, so it’s important to talk with your roommates and suitemates to find the best arrangement for the group. Even if your rooming situation is less-than-ideal as a freshman, it only goes up from here. For the next three years, you’ll live in one of the twelve
upperclassmen Houses, with greater say in both your room layout and roommates.
Communication
Communicating with your roommates is not optional. As intelligent as we expect Harvard students to be, no one is a mind reader. Regardless of the lies you told on the housing questionnaire, now is the time to ’fess up to the 3 a.m. study sessions and constantly snoozing your alarms.
Proper communication is key to a harmonious living situation, or at least one where your voice is heard.
Yerosen K. Daba ’28, a former tenant of a six-person suite in Greenough Hall, said that he pleaded his case for a single in a call with three of his suitemates, and “since the other two guys just didn’t join, they’ll also get the double.” Make sure to join every conversation, even if it’s just to ensure you don’t get the short
end of the stick.
Consistent communication makes tough conversations easier. Ariadna Cinco ’28, a former Canaday A resident, said she organized “family dinners” with her roommates every Sunday. “It just created a good environment where we were friends, but we’re also good at communicating what we needed,” she said.
Navigating Conflict
No matter how much you deny it during orientation, you and your roommates will get into some sort of conflict during your year together — whether it be something as simple as forgetting to take the trash out or as extreme as threatening to find a new roommate because they snore. Most often, a conversation or even a well-worded text is all that is needed to
When you arrive on campus as a freshman, you’ll get to know Harvard professors for delivering lectures and grading problem sets. But beyond the classroom, many are conducting groundbreaking research — from writing Pulitzer Prize-winning literary analysis to mining the biology of axolotl salamanders for insights that could one day inform limb regeneration treatments for humans. Research at Harvard has been hit hard by the Trump administration’s multi-billion dollar cuts to federal funding this year. But where funds are still available, faculty members are forging ahead with their work. Here are five professors from across disciplines on their latest research.
Steven A. Pinker
What do romantic relationships, the war in Ukraine, and financial markets all have in common? They all rely on “common knowledge,” according to Psychology professor Steven Pinker, the au -
thor of bestselling books that have tried to explain everything from the decline of global violence to rationality.
Common knowledge can be difficult to wrap your head around. It’s “the state in which I know something, you know it, I know that you know it, you know that
that the other knows it. The same goes for financial booms: if everyone believes everyone else believes the economy is thriving, they invest. Even Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Pinker suggests, was an attempt to establish new common knowledge — that it could dominate its neighbor.
Common knowledge is the focus of Pinker’s forthcoming book, “When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows…”
Peter R. Girguis
When you imagine where Harvard research happens, you might envision sterile laboratories buried in the basement of Northwest Labs or stuffy cubicles in the stacks of Widener Library. But for Organismic and Evolutionary Biology professor Peter R. Girguis, many discoveries happen at sea.
I know you know it — ad infinitum,” as Pinker puts it. “It sounds impossible, because our heads start to spin, even with two levels of thoughts about thoughts, let alone an infinite number,” Pinker says. But he argues that common knowledge is everywhere, from social interactions to politics to economics. People are lovers when both people not only know it, but also each knows
Girguis is a marine biologist who studies the ocean by venturing into the depths himself. Sitting in a compact submarine, he will dive multiple kilometers into the abyss to observe the otherworldly creatures living at sea and the unique environment that sustains them.
“It’s a very different world than ours,” Girguis says. “So in a very basic sense, we just learn a lot about the different
possible ways life has evolved to eke out a living.”
Girguis studies how marine organisms survive in the ocean — often under heat and pressure that are so extreme that NASA researchers use his work to understand conditions on other planets. But for him, the ocean is also essential for understanding the Earth and humanity. Marine organisms release oxygen into the atmosphere and contribute 25 percent of the protein eaten by humans. Understanding the ocean can help us preserve the habitability of our planet, Girguis believes.
Stephen J. Greenblatt
If you want to learn about William Shakespeare, the Renaissance, or literary theory, there are few scholars at Harvard — much less in the world — who would be better to turn to than Stephen J. Greenblatt. Greenblatt, an English professor and Pulitzer Prize winner, is an acclaimed literary theorist and critic. He is considered one of the preeminent scholars on Shakespeare and Renaissance literature.
Class of 2029 Orientation Events
F or freshmen who are hesitant to jump into the Charles River or venture deep into the stacks, don’t worry. There are a host of Harvard traditions – both school-sponsored and student organized — to enjoy throughout the year.
From cheering on the Crimson to running along the river, there are so many more than the three classic traditions to try this year.
Harvard-Yale
As midterms pile up and the New England weather goes from chilly to miserably cold,
Harvard students emerge from libraries for a few hours to cheer the Harvard Crimson football team in its annual bid against their longstanding rival. While the Yale Bulldogs have consistently beat the Crimson over the past three years, students are hoping this is the season for a comeback.
Harvard-Yale can be a new experience — especially if you don’t come from a high school with a strong football culture.
“Football is not that big back home,” said Ariadna Cinco ’28. “It was so crazy, just seeing the tailgate.”
Cinco added that The Game also gave her the opportunity to connect with students outside the Harvard bubble. “Some of the Mexicans from Yale came over, so I got to become friends with them,” she said. “It’s a cool experience. And I know it’s competitive and everything, but no one was rude.” This year, The Game will take place in New Haven on
Nov. 22.
River Run & Housing Day
On the Wednesday evening before Spring Break, many freshmen will participate in “River Run”: a pilgrimage to each of the nine Houses along the Charles River. Students complete the tour in hopes of upping their chances of escaping the three houses in the old Radcliffe Quad — a fifteen-minute walk away from the rest of campus — when they are sorted into one of the twelve upperclassman Houses on “Housing Day.”
“River run was definitely the biggest thing,” said Yerosen K. Daba ’28. “That was probably the most fun I’ve had over a single night.”
Early the next morning, upperclassmen will “storm” the freshman dorms to welcome the newest members of their Houses. The rest of the day is filled with dinners, celebrations, and other events to wel -
come students to their new homes on campus.
Daba recalled “waking up in the morning, off three hours, two hours of sleep, half awake, 7:30, 8:30 a.m” on Housing Day.
“Getting our house and then going outside and celebrating with everyone, getting that nice dinner, repping your house merch, like that was really, really sick and it was a really good sense of community,” Daba added.
Crimson Jam & Yardfest
Harvard holds two concerts for its students every year — Crimson Jam, at the end of the first week of classes, and YardFest, in the spring. Each concert features a handful of performances by student bands, and a headliner brought in by the College. Past headliners include Natasha Bedingfield, Daya, and Tinashe. Daba remembers past Crim -
son Jams fondly, and said it is a great opportunity to get to know more students early on in the semester. “You’ll be with like, two guys, and then one of them knows someone who knows another group, and then, boom, you meet a couple people,” Daba said. “It’s a nice, fun way to comfortably ease your way into, you know, socializing, having fun and stuff.” From attending concerts in the Yard to traveling to New Haven, there is no shortage of exciting traditions to participate in throughout the year. But Cinco said that it’s the
The Lawsuits, Explained
BY WILLIAM MAO CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
Two lawsuits. Billions in frozen federal dollars. A presidential proclamation banning international students. The Trump administration has relentlessly attacked Harvard this year, and the University has been playing defense in court.
With so many lawsuits and threats at play, keeping track of everything can be difficult. Below, The Crimson breaks down what Harvard is challenging with its lawsuits — and what could be next in its sprawling legal clash with the White House.
Why did Harvard sue?
Harvard has filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration: one challenging the administration’s freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research funding, and another contesting a series of threats to its international students.
The funding dispute began in April, when the Trump administration sent a letter demanding that Harvard implement sweeping changes, including admissions reforms, the dismantling of diversity programs, and third-party oversight of faculty hiring and academic programs.
University President Alan M. Garber ’76 rejected the demands in an open letter, blasting them as government overreach and an affront to academic freedom. His defiance earned Harvard accolades from supporters — but ire from Donald Trump.
Hours after Garber’s letter landed, the Trump administration froze $2.2 billion in federal funding to the University over what it said was Harvard’s refusal to combat
antisemitism on campus.
Harvard sued the Trump administration one day later on First Amendment grounds, arguing that the cuts were “viewpoint-based conditions” on funding meant to unlawfully pressure the University into restructuring its governance and academic programs. Harvard also accused the administration of failing to follow the proper procedures for freezing funding under both Title VI of the Civil Rights Law and the Administrative Procedure Act, which governs how federal agencies operate. Since April, the Trump administration has slashed more funding and vowed to cut Harvard off from federal dollars moving forward. The freezes have hit the University hard — with especially stark impacts at Harvard Medical School and the School of Public Health — and Harvard has demanded in court that the research funding be returned.
Meanwhile, the White House has also targeted international students. The Department of Homeland Security first demanded that Harvard hand over extensive records on international students, including disciplinary records and documentation of their participation in protests. The University turned over some information, but the DHS said that it wasn’t enough — and revoked in May Harvard’s ability to enroll international students under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Trump followed that up with a proclamation on June 4 that banned Harvard’s foreign students from entering the country.
Harvard sued again after the SEVP revocation, describing the threats to international students as politically motivated retaliation executed “without process or cause,” and later added the proclamation to its complaint. The University also said the attacks violated the First Amendment.
What is the status of Harvard’s lawsuits?
Harvard appears to have strong cases in both lawsuits. Neither has been resolved yet – either through a court decision or out of court settlement – but both have been placed on expedited tracks.
In the funding lawsuit, Harvard asked for summary judgment, a process that allows a judge to rule without a full trial. The University requested a decision before Sept. 3, the deadline the Trump administration set for Harvard to close out any financial obligations under canceled grants. After that date, Harvard said, the government could argue that restoring funds would be impossible.
The administration responded in kind by asking for summary judgment in its favor. Government lawyers argued that the case should be moved to the Federal Court of Claims, which deals with monetary claims against the government, because “Harvard only demands money.”
They also contested Harvard’s First Amendment and procedural arguments, saying that the cuts were a legitimate response to antisemitism on campus and that the grants were not terminated using Title VI.
U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs, who is presiding over both cases, appeared skeptical in court of the Trump administration’s arguments defending the funding cuts. But Burroughs has yet to make a ruling.
For the case over international student enrollment, Harvard requested preliminary injunctions to block the entry ban and the revoking of its SEVP certification until courts can determine their legality. Burroughs granted the University preliminary injunctions in both cases.
Still, those early victories have
not ended the legal battle over Harvard’s international students, and a final decision has not been made in the case. The Trump administration appealed the preliminary injunction for the entry ban to the First Circuit Court of Appeals. Lawyers for the federal government have argued that the president has broad authority to control U.S. borders to protect national security.
What could be next?
The White House’s appeal to the First Circuit is a good indication of where these legal disputes are heading: up the ladder of courts to the highest of them all, the Supreme Court. The Trump administration is likely not expecting wins in the lower courts, especially given that both are being overseen by Burroughs, who has already shown sympathy for Harvard in the DHS case and previously ruled in favor of the University when it was defending affirmative action in 2019.
But what happens if the cases reach the Supreme Court is an open question. Recently, the court has issued multiple rulings that cleared the way for Trump’s overhaul of the federal government, from allowing him to effectively dismantle the U.S. Department of Education to barring lower courts from ordering nationwide injunctions that had been used to block some of his more aggressive policy changes.
The lawsuits also might never reach their conclusions. Harvard and the White House reentered negotiations this summer, and they are reported to be nearing a settlement that could cost the University as much as $500 million. A deal would almost certainly involve Harvard ending its legal resistance against the White House.
william.mao@thecrimson.com
He also helped pioneer a new method of literary analysis, New Historicism. That approach broke from formalism, a common method of literary analysis that involves interpreting texts by themselves, without any view of the context in which they were written. New Historicism instead considers the lives of authors and the cultural and historical contexts in which works of art were produced.
To Greenblatt, New Historicism doesn’t involve giving up examination of texts and their form, but it does mean thinking about the world that gave rise to them, he says.
Greenblatt’s most recent work is “Second Chances: Shakespeare and Freud,” which uncovers how Shakespeare and psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud both drew deeply from the second chance as a narrative device. He is currently writing “Dark Renaissance,” which centers on Christopher Marlowe, Shakespeare’s contemporary and greatest rival.
Melani C. Cammett
Civil conflicts between ethnic or religious groups often leave behind social divisions that persist for decades. While scholars have extensively studied how these divides become politicized, far less attention has been paid to what happens once the fighting stops. How can people mend divisions? And why do some societies see relations improve more quickly than others?
These are the questions that animate Government professor Melani C. Cammett’s latest research. Through field work in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Lebanon, and Northern Ireland — three countries marked by past ethnic or sectarian conflict — Cammett is studying how people live together after inter-group conflict. Her book is still in progress, but
Cammett already has a key finding: political elites play an outsized role in shaping inter-group relations. By setting the tone through rhetoric, policies, or what behaviors they sanction, elites help determine whether ethnic or religious infighting is acceptable — or against social norms. This finding can inform strategies for reducing ethnic or religious division, Cammett says. Establishing political and economic incentives — for example, by tying international aid to inter-ethnic collaboration — could push elites to promote cooperation.
Jessica L. Whited
In the lab of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology professor Jessica L. Whited, pale pink axolotl salamanders float through glass tanks, their feathery gills fanning outwards. These creatures are special not just for their unique appearance but a biological superpower of sorts: they can regenerate their limbs.
Whited has studied axolotls for years trying to uncover the biological mechanisms behind this ability. Her lab has specifically focused on determining how axolotl cells across the body receive a signal to begin regenerating after the creature loses a limb, and what tissues regulate this process. The hope is that one day, Whited’s work could provide crucial information to design regeneration treatments for human limbs. Such medical solutions could improve livelihoods for tens of millions. “There are almost two and a half million people living in the United States as amputees, and it’s 60 million people worldwide,” Whited said. “This is a huge unmet medical need.”
Using Big Data to Solve Economic and Social Problems
SPRING 2026, MONDAY / WEDNESDAY, 1:30-2:45 PM
Professor Raj Chetty
"This is one of the best courses I have taken at Harvard. I hadn't been interested in taking economics before, but the fact that this class started with issues I care about and taught the rest through them made it awesome."
Econ 50 shows how big data can be used to understand and address some of the most important social and economic problems of our time, such as creating equality of opportunity, improving our education system, and addressing climate change
In the context of these topics, you’ll learn core data science skills and economic concepts that are broadly applicable in many fields.
This class has no prerequisites, satisfies the QRD Gen Ed requirement, and counts towards concentrations including Econ, Stats, Social Studies, and Applied Math-Econ. We hope to see you in Spring 2026!
"If you're gonna take a single Economics class at Harvard, it's got to be this one. With no prereqs and a strategy of approach-ability, the high enrollment numbers justify themselves easily..."
Visit the Canvas page or opportunityinsights.org/course for more information
"Lecture really broadened my perspective on some of the biggest issues in the world"
"I am constantly bringing up things I learned in class in conversations with friends."
Biggest Stories of the Summer
BY VERONICA H. PAULUS — CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
Trump Admin Rains Down Punishments As It Seeks a Deal
The deals stoked fear among Harvard affiliates that the University would join its peers and go back on its pledge to resist Trump’s demands and remain independent. Faculty, alumni, and students all penned letters urging Harvard to resist demands that would give the federal government control over academic programs, to keep its admissions and hiring decisions independent from the government’s crackdown on disfavored views, and to avoid large and opaque payments to the White House.
But since then, the White House has only escalated its pressure campaign against the University.
The Department of Health and Human Services issued a formal finding in June that accused Harvard of violating Title VI of the Civil
President Donald Trump revealed in June that negotiations for a potential deal to restore more than $2 billion of Harvard’s frozen federal funds were underway. Harvard has been quiet on the talks, but University President Alan M. Garber ’76 has acknowledged them in private to a group of loyal top-dollar donors. Trump has demanded a $500 million settlement, though little is known about the non-financial agreements. Three other Ivy League schools — Brown University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania — made major concessions to the White House over the summer in exchange for their federal funding. Those deals included the erasure of records set by a transgender athlete at Penn and a $200 million payment at Columbia, which also agreed to appoint an external agreement compliance monitor.
Rights Act by failing to protect Jewish and Israeli students from harassment. Exactly a month later, the HHS referred its antisemitism probe to the Department of Justice, calling its talks with the University “fruitless.”
The Department of Homeland Security also subpoenaed Harvard for documents related to alleged misconduct by international students. The subpoenas were issued by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and pressured the University to hand over records and communications pertaining to its compliance with immigration law beginning in 2020. In a separate request, the DHS demanded I-9 forms for all Harvard employees.
Just hours after the DHS subpoena, the Department of Education and HHS urged the New England Commission of Higher Ed-
Harvard Closes Diversity Offices
Harvard College dismantled its diversity offices in early July amid a purge of references to diversity, equity, and inclusion across the University. The College will fold the staff and programs of its offices for minority, LGBTQ, and women students into a new center within the Office of Culture and Community. The three centers will be replaced with the newly established “Harvard Foundation” under the College’s Dean of Students Office. Current staff from the Harvard College Women’s Center, Office for BGLTQ Student Life, and Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations will be reassigned to the Foundation. The new Foundation will also house the College’s programs for veterans and military members, “religion, ethics, and spirituality work,” and low-income and
first-generation students. The webpage for the OCC — which the three centers’ sites now redirect to — features a statement encouraging students to “cultivate bonds and bridges” with peers with different backgrounds, but it lacks the word “diversity” or any language about protected categories. The site includes webpages on the College’s programming for military affiliates, first-generation and low-income students, and religious students, but
One by one, Harvard’s graduate schools replaced their diversity offices.
it does not advertise programming related to race and gender.
Earlier in the summer, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which encompasses the College, announced that it would close its diversity office and replace it with an Office for Academic Culture and Community.
And, one by one, Harvard’s graduate schools replaced their diversity offices.
The Trump administration has denounced DEI programs as “illegal” and demanded that the University take apart its diversity efforts. The University changed the name of its Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging to “Community and Campus Life” in April. Shortly after, Harvard also announced that it would no longer host or fund Commencement affinity group celebrations.
ucation to reconsider Harvard’s accreditation, citing its alleged violation of federal civil rights law.
The State Department also launched an investigation into Harvard’s compliance with the Exchange Visitor Program, which gives universities the ability to sponsor short-term J-1 visas for international researchers, instructors, and some students.
A Republican-led House committee accused the Harvard Kennedy School earlier this month of ties with the Chinese Communist Party. The committee claimed that the school trained high-level Chinese government officials via a “formal partnership” with the Chinese Executive Leadership Academy Pudong.
A week later, the White House initiated an investigation into the University’s patents derived from
Endowment Tax Rises to 8%
President Donald Trump signed into law an increase in the federal excise tax on Harvard’s endowment income in early July. The change, which raises the tax from 1.4 percent to 8 percent, could set the University back more than $200 million annually.
The change was part of a sweeping tax and spending package labeled “One Big Beautiful Bill,” which congressional Republicans passed on a party-line vote. The top endowment tax rate of 8 percent applies to the wealthiest private colleges and universities, which the bill defines as institutions with more than $2 million in endowment assets for each domestic student who pays tuition. Harvard exceeds that requirement by a wide margin.
Under the new law’s tiered
structure, endowments with over $2 million per student will face an 8 percent rate, those with between $750,000 and $2 million will face a 4 percent rate, and those with between $500,000 and $750,000 will face a 1.4 percent rate. Princeton University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and Yale University will, along with Harvard, face the highest rate.
Harvard’s endowment has long been targeted by lawmakers, particularly Republicans. A tax on universities’ endowments was first instituted in 2017, and since then, politicians have proposed increasingly stringent schemes to restrain what they view as ballooning gains at the wealthiest institutions.
The original House proposal for the tax sought a significantly
higher top rate of 21 percent. Still, the bill that became law — which increases Harvard’s tax burden by fivefold — will have lasting financial impacts on the University. Endowment contributions were the largest single source of Harvard’s operating revenue in fiscal year 2024, at 37 percent. The vast majority of the endowment, nearly 80 percent, is constrained by donor conditions, meaning the tax hike will disproportionately impact the flexible funds used for financial aid, faculty support, and research.
A significant portion of the University’s lobbying activity has dealt with endowment taxation, according to federal disclosures.
The new tax rate will apply to the current fiscal year, which began on July 1.
Harvard College’s John Winthrop House will retain its last name but be stripped of its first after years of calls to distance the undergraduate house from its namesake, who is believed to have been a slaveowner.
A review process began in 2023 after a student petition, which was signed by more than 1,000 Harvard affiliates, demanded that the University dename Winthrop House. Harvard’s decision walks a line between calls to stop honoring slaveowners and the impulse to retain a name at the core of the University’s undergraduate life.
The House was thought to be named for two men who went by John Winthrop. One was the first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony and a Harvard Overseer, and the other — his great-great-grandson — a professor at Harvard College and interim University President. Both owned enslaved individuals, and their legacies drew significant backlash from students.
Though the committee’s members acknowledged that both figures likely engaged in practices “we now regard as abhorrent,” they declined to rule on whether their actions were “sufficient to recommend denaming.”
The group argued that completely removing the Winthrop name could prevent the Harvard community from reckoning with parts of the institution’s history that have only recently been brought to light. The choice also sought to honor later descendants of the Winthrop family, such as Robert Charles Winthrop, a member of the class of 1828 and supporter of the Union in the Civil War.
Harvard’s incoming Class of 2029 is in for a fair share of new faces — some of whom represent the top brass of the University. From the president, to the deans, to residential life staff, we’re here to help familiarize you with the names and faces of those who run Harvard.
University President Alan M. Garber ’76
Garber will enter his second year as Harvard’s president, a position he officially began last August following a brief stint as interim. As the University’s highest-ranking official, Garber is the face of the University in a series of legal battles against the Trump administration over the past few months over immigration policies, antisemitism accusations, and research funding. He was first appointed as interim president after former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned amid prolonged crisis over the University’s response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. Garber had been Harvard’s provost — the second-highest ranking official — for 12 years. He is known as an especially dedicated scholar, with fac-
ulty appointments at four Harvard schools.
Garber’s presidency is set to end with the 2027 academic year, but there’s no end in sight to the challenges ahead of him. He is currently negotiating with the White House over a possible $500 million settlement to restore billions in federal funding. But, by the time you graduate, there will likely be a new president.
Harvard Corporation Senior Fellow Penny S. Pritzker ’81
As the highest-ranking member of the Harvard Corporation, the University’s highest governing body, Pritzker is one of the most influential decision makers at Harvard. She chairs the board tasked with hiring and firing the president, and bears substantial fiduciary responsibility for the University.
Pritzker, who served as U.S. Commerce Secretary under former President Barack Obama, is an influential figure and megadonor in the Democratic Party. During the Biden administration, Pritzker was Special Representative for Ukraine’s Economic Recovery. She is the sister of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker — a possible 2028 presidential hopeful.
During Gay’s final three months in office, Pritzker — who led the
search that landed on Gay – repeatedly rebuffed calls to resign. She remains at the helm of the Corporation, which will set parameters for any deal Harvard strikes with the Trump administration. She is also the first woman to hold the position of senior fellow.
Provost John F. Manning ’82
Like Garber, Manning enters his second year as provost this year, following a lengthy stint as the dean of Harvard Law School. He is known as a conservative legal scholar, but has been praised by a wide swath of Harvard’s predominantly liberal faculty.
As provost, Manning is Harvard’s chief academic officer and oversees the University’s faculty, scholarship, and academic programming. He was one of the chief architects of Harvard’s institutional neutrality statement, which prohibits University officials from commenting on public policy unrelated to the school’s mission and core functions.
Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Hopi E. Hoekstra
As FAS dean, Hoekstra oversees the oldest and most powerful faculty at Harvard, which includes Harvard College, the Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as the Extension School and Summer School. She is a professor in the Organismic and Evolutionary Biology and Molecular and Cellular Biology departments, and was appointed by Gay to her deanship in 2023.
College Dean David J. Deming
Replacing long-time College Dean Rakesh Khurana, Deming begins his first year overseeing the College this fall. A Harvard Kennedy School professor, Deming has been the Kirkland House faculty dean since 2020 and was selected in May to succeed Khurana.
Deming will enter his new position at a particularly challenging time for the College, following the shuttering and consolidation of multiple diversity offices, drawnout controversy over race in the College’s admissions process, and an ongoing legal battle to determine the future of Harvard’s international students.
Dean of Students Thomas Dunne
If you’re a first year on campus, chances are you participated in orientation or perhaps a pre-orientation program). Much of that work
is thanks to Dunne and the staff at the Dean of Students Office. Dunne is responsible for managing the undergraduate experience for all Harvard students, overseeing Harvard’s office that handles cultivating and maintaining the college experience.
Same Faces, New Titles: Sherri
BARBARA A. SHEEHAN — CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER
COVER STORY
A TENSE WELCOME. The Class of 2029 enters Harvard as its identity undergoes an upheaval.
BY SAMUEL A. CHURCH, NINA A. EJINDU, AND CAM N. SRIVASTAVA
The woman at the front of Science Center Hall B clicked through a slide deck peppered with rainbow diagrams, clip art, and phrases like “understanding the diversity of Jewish identity” and “stopping the cycle of antisemitism.”
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, she told the hundred-plus Harvard students gathered in the lecture hall. Dialogue and curiosity are how you learn, she added, and cultivating a sense of belonging is the best way to combat discrimination.
The scene could have been ripped from any corporate diversity workshop or professional development seminar — except this one, aimed at Harvard upperclassmen preparing to guide incoming freshmen through their first week on campus, arrived as colleges and companies have scrambled to
Freshmen Arrive on a Changed Campus
ditch their diversity efforts.
Among Harvard students, who have watched their school take apart its diversity offices one by one, the required hourlong training came as a surprise. No bias training on other forms of discrimination was scheduled — a fact not lost on those who attended.
“The elephant in the room is that the two biggest ‘-isms’ that have been discussed at Harvard’s campus are Islamophobia and antisemitism,” one student said during the training, which took place on Aug. 17.
“What went into the decision of deciding that one needed a presentation and the other one didn’t?”
The crowd erupted into applause.
The mandated antisemitism training follows months of accusations from the White House that Harvard fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students in the fallout of campus protests. Residential staff, including tutors and proctors, were required to attend a similar session. And Harvard has been vocal about its commitments to Jewish life on campus. But at the same time, Har -
vard is cutting back on inclusion programs elsewhere, shuttering Harvard College’s Women’s Center, Office for BGLTQ Student Life, and Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations in July.
Harvard has said the changes are the result of a years-long plan to restructure its approach to campus life — but there’s no concealing that they arrived amid intense political pressure. Since taking office, President Donald Trump has demanded that universities bolster support for Jewish students but eliminate programs focused on race and gender, which his administration has tried to deem illegal.
New training was not the only change to Harvard’s freshman programming this year. Under pressure from the Trump administration, officials also ordered staff to restructure two pre-orientation programs — canceling affinity events and cutting ties with outside activists.
Now, as the Class of 2029 arrives in Harvard Yard, they are entering a campus riven by political backlash, where officials are struggling to juggle federal
demands alongside fury from students who wonder whether the University is walking back its commitment to support their identities.
A Harvard College spokesperson did not comment for this story.
The Only Anti-Bias Training
Since the wave of grief and protests set off by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel and Israel’s war in Gaza, Harvard has faced a monthslong reckoning over antisemitism, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the politics of Jewish identity.
The University launched two task forces in January 2024 to investigate bias against Jewish, Israeli, Arab, Muslim, and Palestinian affiliates. The groups’ reports, released in April, took up more than 500 pages.
Meanwhile, Harvard made its opposition to antisemitism a public platform, not just a quiet commitment to internal reform. When Harvard settled two discrimination lawsuits this January, it promised to promote annual trainings on recognizing and combating antisemitism. And as the Trump
administration stripped federal funding to punish Harvard for alleged antisemitism, the University tried to prove its bona fides by describing its new trainings in missives to the government.
At some point along the way, confronted with anxiety among its own students and a cratering public image, Harvard turned to a time-tested answer: bringing in outside consultants who promised expertise and sensitivity.
Harvard’s relationship with Project Shema, the group that delivered the antisemitism trainings earlier in August, goes back at least as far as fall 2024. Project Shema has been involved in planning workshops at the School of Public Health, events at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and a seven-session series held by what was then the Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging. HBS announced a partnership with Project Shema in January.
The nonprofit — which bills itself as a program built by “progressive Jews” — sits at a strange junction between the remedies that Trump’s White House has
called for and the DEI initiatives his administration hates. Project Shema emphasizes how antisemitism intersects with other forms of discrimination, like anti-Black and anti-Asian racism. And it does not use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which has drawn ire from pro-Palestine student activists for effectively classifying certain criticisms of Israel as antisemitic. Instead, Project Shema says it does not teach about the Israel-Palestine conflict.
During the Aug. 17 session for undergraduates, Kara A. Wilson — Project Shema’s chief strategy officer, who delivered the training — focused less on the ongoing war in Gaza and more on the history and mechanics of antisemitism, walking participants through century-old tropes portraying Jewish people as all-powerful and untrustworthy.
Wilson, who is herself Black and Jewish, also discussed her own personal experiences of racism and antisemitism.
She described antisemitism as “cyclical,” involving periods of prosperity for Jewish people followed by waves of repression. That was distinct from other forms of oppression, she argued — like anti-Black racism, which she said involved permanent domination of one group by another.
But when prompted for questions, the audience zeroed in not on Wilson’s presentation, but on the choice to hold the training in the first place.
“Despite knowing the current political climate where many Muslim students are feeling unsafe, why was this training prioritized over learning about any other kinds of phobia or discrimination?” one student asked.
Wilson, pointing to the intersectionality of antisemitism, answered that the lessons learned from examining it could be applied to other forms of discrimination. Associate Dean for Student Engagement Jason Meier intervened, stating that the College recognizes that there are “many, many -isms.”
“In our work over the last few years with Project Shema, it’s been very clear to us that this is an incredible organization that can have this conversation, and that’s why this was selected,” he added. But the student pushed back, saying they found it “disheartening” that pre-orientation leaders were being taught to “address one specific thing over another.”
“You have my word that I’m taking this need back to administration, so that we can continue this conversation,” Meier responded. Several students left the ses -
CHARLES K MICHAEL — CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER
sion feeling as if Harvard’s decision to hold the session was made in no small part to protect itself from White House claims that its leaders are not doing enough to protect against campus antisemitism.
Alfred F.B. Williamson ’27, an attendee and First-Year International Program leader, said in an interview that he agreed it was important to teach students how to combat antisemitism. But he saw the training as evidence of Harvard’s capitulation to a narrative set by the Trump administration that “antisemitism is somehow by far the most important form of discrimination on campus.”
“My big issue is that there was clearly an intentional choice to pick antisemitism training over any other kind of antidiscrimination training,” he said.
In a separate session held for residential life staff on Aug. 21, the crowd was largely silent throughout the presentation, according to one proctor and one tutor in attendance.
Zachary Lech, a Jewish firstyear proctor, said in an interview that he didn’t understand how hearing stories about the history of Jewish people would make him more equipped to enforce College policies. And he questioned whether the session had any practical value, saying he assumed that proctors and tutors were already prepared to call out antisemitism if they witnessed it.
“It almost felt as if it wanted to be propaganda, except even propaganda wouldn’t make sense in this context,” he said.
Pre-Orientation, Reoriented
After the training sessions for pre-orientation leaders concluded and freshmen began to arrive, the changes only compounded — especially for the First-Year Retreat and Experience, geared toward first-generation and low-income students, and the First-Year Urban Program, which centers on local public service projects.
In past years, FUP has un -
abashedly embraced the spirit of the student activists who signed up for it — and prized its work with on-the-ground service organizations. Its participants listened to local organizers deliver panels on prison abolition and labor union reform. And they spent their days volunteering everywhere from a low-priced grocery store in Central Square to a homeless shelter in Roxbury. This year, that all changed. FUP’s Director of Student En -
and crafting personal narratives in public service.
The program’s overhaul included rewriting FUP’s mission statement. The previous version included pledges to aid grassroots organizations, catalyze student involvement in activism, and create a shared commitment to public service.
The new mission emphasizes relationship building, social spaces, and goal setting.
“The focus will still be on service and how we work with
“It’s exciting to be part of that movement.” Meanwhile, FYRE eliminated evening events that it used to hold for LGBTQ, Asian American and Pacific Islander, Black, Latino, and rural students.
“Due to university guidance, we are no longer able to host identity-specific Affinity Spaces as we have in past years,” one of the program’s student cochairs announced in a June 27 message to team leaders that was later obtained by The Crim -
its leaders affirmed their commitment to supporting the entire student body, but revealed little else about why the changes were made or what they would mean in practice moving forward.
For many students, who were not directly informed of the changes when College Dean David J. Deming announced them in a message to staff on July 23, that approach has led to frustration at best — and allegations of capitulation to the Trump administration at worst.
But for some incoming freshmen like Dylan J. Szatko ’29, the decision was a reason to question whether coming to Harvard was the right decision.
“One of the main factors that I took into consideration when choosing Harvard was the way that it responded to Trump’s demands,” Szatko said. “So it’s confusing and disappointing for a student like me to see that the University is just backtracking.”
Szatko, who identifies as LGBTQ, said he wished Harvard did more to protect the College’s former diversity offices and was more transparent on its rationale for closing them.
White House’s ire. Many students in the Class of 2029 committed to Harvard in the spring, when the University’s bold refusal of demands from Trump put it at the forefront of institutional resistance.
“If they even make a deal — the way that Brown did, Columbia did — that’s going to be a huge letdown and an incredible disappointment,” Szatko said. Lily Madison ’29 said she stood by her decision to commit to Harvard, though she was skeptical of the recent changes.
“I don’t regret my choice. I still think that Harvard is a phenomenal academic institution, but I do think that if there are unforeseen challenges, it definitely could hurt anyone on campus,” said Madison.
Yassin T. Mohamedy ’29 said that while Harvard continuing to give in to demands from the Trump administration would be “disappointing,” he understood why the University might need to strike a deal.
gagement and Leadership Varsha Ghosh and Assistant Dean of Civic Engagement and Service Travis Lovett were asked in May to entirely redesign the program, according to a June 18 email that Ghosh sent to FUP leaders. Ghosh wrote in the email, which was obtained by The Crimson, that they were required to restructure the program “due to a number of factors, including recommendations made from the two Task Forces on addressing bias on campus and the ongoing conflict between the federal government and the university.”
The program would no longer host panel discussions with local advocates on specific topics like prison abolition or housing reform, Ghosh wrote. Instead, FUP participants spent six days listening to Harvard faculty discuss their research on topics like housing policy
the community, but also on how Harvard students can craft their civic journeys and what resources are available to them on campus,” Ghosh wrote.
A. Ruby Arun ’29, who participated in FUP this year, said that she didn’t think the program’s focus on individual public service detracted from its emphasis on social justice and activism.
“It’s focused on both — your personal story, your upbringing — but they kind of focus on how we can come together as a group and contribute to the community overall,” she said.
Arun said she still had the chance to listen to presentations by public-service-oriented scholars, and that the program gave her insight into what activism at Harvard looked like.
“Everyone in my program, and everyone I’ve met in other pre-orientation programs are very action-oriented,” she said.
son. This year, the program would pivot to “culture-oriented events that are empowering and open to all,” according to the message.
FYRE participant Zhiyan
“Jessie” Zheng ’29 said that even with the elimination of affinity spaces, she was still able to connect with students who came from a similar background.
“I’m glad that FYRE still exists because, if not for FYRE, I don’t think I would have connected as well with other students who are FGLI,” she said “I grew up in a very non-FGLI, very predominantly white high school, where I felt very isolated.”
‘Confusing and Disappointing’ When the College closed its offices for minority students, LGBTQ students, and women,
“The fact that they just haven’t really clarified why they’re making these changes, to me, and I think to many of the firstyear students, signals that they’re making them because of pressure from the administration,” he said.
Agreements by three of Harvard’s Ivy League peers over the summer showed the power Trump exerted over even the nation’s oldest universities — and left students waiting to see whether Harvard would be next. The University of Pennsylvania erased records held by a transgender athlete. Brown University agreed to stop providing gender-affirming care to minors and share detailed admissions data on race and test scores with the federal government. And Columbia University paid $200 million and agreed to continue its reviews of programs that had drawn the
“I obviously get it, because at the end of the day, it’s a school, and its job is to educate,” he said. Still, Mohamedy hopes that with time and the passing of the Trump administration, Harvard will return to upholding the policies it once upheld.
“I do think that under a different president, God willing, things will change,” he said.
Students in Harvard’s Class of 2028 pose with University President Alan M. Garber ’76 during their freshman move-in.
J. SELLERS HILL — CRIMSON DESIGNER
Keeping Your Cool at Harvard
DON’T SWEAT IT.
Without air conditioning, Harvard dorms can be muggy. Here are the best ways to stay comfortable.
BY CLAIRE L. SIMON CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
Though there are many perks to Harvard Yard’s freshman dormitories, some of which date back to pre-Civil War and even pre-Revolutionary War times, air conditioning is not one of them. Despite its normally cooler climate, Cambridge typically experiences high temperatures in the 80s until September, and heat waves have been known to roll in just as students are getting settled for the fall semester. Though you will be wishing for the warm weather soon enough, here are some tips to beat the heat while it lasts.
Windows Up, Fans Out
Citing fire-safety issues, Harvard does not allow students to operate personal air-conditioning units in their dorms, barring disability exceptions. Luckily, the windows do open. If you don’t have the misfortune of a first floor room, our advice is keep them open.
“We had beautiful windows, and you could see the Yard. I just loved having it open, and hearing conversations and hearing people pass by,” said Joshua D. Rodriguez Ortiz ’28, a resident of Hollis last year. “Having the air come in was much needed.” But when the breeze is slow, most freshmen realize one way or the other that a fan is a worthy purchase.
“My freshman year, my roommate had five or six fans spread out across the room,” Anders R. Aistars ’26 said. “But this past year, my junior year, I didn’t have any personal fans, so I was pretty hot — I had to open up all the windows 24/7.”
“I would say early October is kind of the latest we’d see extreme heat,” he added.
Come winter, though, you’ll undoubtedly find relief from the
heat. By law, Massachusetts landlords are required to heat units from September 15 to the end of May. Harvard heats its dorms to 68 degrees during the day and 64 degrees at night, as part of the University’s effort to heat dorms “efficiently and effectively” while still conserving energy.
Be Out and About
If your dorm is still too hot to handle in the summer, there are plenty of air-conditioned spots around campus to enjoy. The Smith Campus Center, located across the Yard on Mass. Ave., features study spaces, food vendors, and a scenic 10th floor. Though it is not open around the clock, students and tourists alike flock to Smith to escape the heat in August.
On the other side of the yard, the Science Center — a staple freshman spot — is usually well airconditioned and open 24/7. Plus, if you still want to be outdoors, the Tanner Fountain, which features 32 nozzles that emit mist over a set of boulders, is just steps outside.
“If you’re feeling brave, you can go where the green rocks are outside of the Science Center and cool off in that little area,” Ortiz said.
Something to Drink, Something to Eat.
Another benefit to living in Harvard Square is the nearly unlimited selection of refreshing treats to cool off with.
Chain coffee shops such as Tatte, Blank Street, and Flour all have go-to order options. Additionally, Gong Cha and Ten One are options for boba, and CVS for everything else.
“I go to CVS and get kombuchas. I really like kombuchas when it’s warm out,” Aistars said. And for those with a sweet tooth, there are great options for ice cream in the Square and beyond, such as Honeycomb Creamery, which was named the best ice cream in the city by Boston Magazine in 2018.
Staying close to home, though, “Sundae Sundays” in Annenberg are always a treat.
claire.simon@thecrimson.com
For incoming Harvard students, choosing a place to study is akin to being sorted into a house. Are you a Lamonster or Cabot-goer? Or are you a sensitive soul who prefers the Harvard Art Museum to hit the books? Choose wisely, or don’t choose at all and study in the exam hall right before midterms like a true crammer. Harvard doesn’t make the decision easy with seemingly endless places to grind P-Sets and response papers, but with this guide to the quintessential study spaces at Harvard, you can choose where you will spend late nights learning the meaning of intellectual vitality or trying to beat the heat.
Lamont
So you’ve chosen to be a “Lamonster”, a namesake that for some defines their time at Harvard. If you are looking for a midcentury modern academia vibe, and enjoy a big earth tone arm chair, you might be a Lamonster. If you’re a prospective humanities scholar, your risk of being a Lamonster triples. At this 24-hour library, students can explore a wide range of study spaces from the Woodberry Poetry Room, to the cubicles of the second floor, where many students will inevitably be found sleeping while attempting all-nighters. At the Lamont Cafe, you can enjoy a latte with friends for a more collaborative study session, and enjoy the view of Houghton Library, another core location for humanities concentrators. Be warned, the Lamonsters are soon to lose the familiar feel
of their library den. By 2036, Lamont will be entirely renovated and redesigned to resemble some of the more modern study spots.
Cabot
Another 24-hour library located in the Science Center, you can visit Cabot to find tables of your peers whispering “I just need to lock in,” while proceeding to draw Steven Pinker or Jason Furman on a white board and making conversation with the neighboring tables. On the second floor you can find quiet fruit-colored cubicles and enjoy the view of Annenberg and passersby. If you like people watching, you’ll love the second floor of Cabot. If you have a set group of peers you plan on p-setting with and can’t be disturbed with the struggle of finding a table or booth on the first floor, you can reserve rooms on any of the three floors of Cabot for more intentional study sessions. Cabot is Lamont’s modern and more practical counterpart, the home of those who prefer windows and sleek modernism to the aesthetic of Lamont.
Widener
The epitome of the Academy, Widener is the sophisticated older sibling of Lamont and Cabot, and the crown jewel of the Harvard Libraries. If the grandeur of the Corinthian pillars do not intimidate you, Widener could be your signature study space. With more intimate table seating than Cabot, and breath-taking murals Death and Victory, Widener radiates the ideal of the Harvard study space. Get your table early
during finals and midterms, notoriously Widener will be one of the most demanded libraries as exam season approaches. For the especially intense study days, many hunker away in the floors of the stacks. There you can find a lot of relics there, some more dubious than others.
Calderwood Courtyard - Harvard Art Museum
The Calderwood Courtyard located in the Harvard Art Museum offers a mix of bustling visitors and inspiring art pieces perfect for those who thrive
while being surrounded by life. The tables in the Harvard Art Museum are perfect for solo study sessions, especially if you want to avoid running into classmates while working. You can take breaks walking through the museum instead of doom scrolling. The Harvard Art Museum also hosts Jenny’s Cafe, so you can fuel up and
How to Find a Job on Harvard’s Campus
HELP ALWAYS WANT-
BY HUGO C. CHIASSON CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
The sheer amount of different campus jobs at Harvard can seem daunting, but there are plenty of campus employers that want to hire you. To find them, it’s a mix of searching and serendipity.
Harvard’s cafes, libraries, classrooms, and labs all regularly recruit student workers for front desk, service, research, teaching jobs. Even as incoming freshmen, positions are open to you and can help fulfill work study obligations.
Many jobs — both on and off campus – can be found on the Student Employment Office portal, where applicants can submit applications and resumes, learn about the positions, and connect with hiring managers.
“I just put in my resume, and then
Crista Martin, who is one of the head people at HUDS, emailed me and she said, ‘Hey, do you want to pick up shifts?’” Molly E. Egan ’26, who has worked at Cafe Gato Rojo since her sophomore year, said. “And I said, ‘Sure.’”
“So it’s easy to do my work while I’m also working — my schoolwork while I’m also working the job.”
Other students said their classes can sometimes turn into their next campus job.
Tino G. Karakousis ’28 said his first semester courses helped him find a position as a member of the teaching team for a statistics course.
sitions as well. Karakousis said that his proficiency with R from his freshman statistics class helped him get selected for the lab he currently works in.
Patience, he says, is key. After looking for labs studying cancer immunology and finding some that interested him, he reached out over email.
“Some of them didn’t respond at all,” Karakousis said. “Some of them were really nice, responded in 10 minutes.”
employer that receives reimbursement from Harvard. In order for the employer to access the subsidized funds for the program, students must register their job with the SEO to verify its eligibility. When students enter the campus workforce, they will likely be represented by a campus union, though new employees are not automatically union members and do not have to pay union dues. Students working in library and cafe positions
Students can take on multiple campus jobs at once, but they are capped at 20 hours of work each week. According to the SEO, nearly 80 percent of Harvard students have been employed in some parttime work during college, including on- and off-campus jobs. Some positions, like those in libraries and cafes, tend to fill up fast so areas are fully staffed for the start of classes. But several current and former workers said those positions provide flexibility and assume students need to work around classes.
Josue D. Ramirez ’26, who has been a course assistant for Math 21a since his sophomore year, warned the commitments and responsibilities of course instructor positions can amount to taking an additional class in workload and time commitment.
“It’s pretty manageable, as long as you know what you signed up for,” Ramirez said.
But there are many on campus positions that do not require prerequisite classes.
Jaila C. Mabry ’27 started working in her freshman fall as an usher for Sanders Theater and transitioned into working in the libraries in her sophomore year.
“Particularly working at a library, I’m not doing something every single minute,” said Fikayo I. Tosin-Oni ’28, who works at the Cabot Science Center library help desk.
Courses that have CAs post notice to current and former students soliciting new teaching staff, but Ramirez said that in order to be considered, you also need to do well in the class when you take it.
Some students also said courses can open doors to research po-
While compensation varies by position and employer, it generally ranges from $15 to $18 per hour for campus jobs.
Students who are eligible for the Federal Work Study Program can also participate through an outside
hugo.chiasson@thecrimson.com
A Guide to Harvard’s World-Famous, Never-Quiet Activism Scene
BY NEERAJA S. KUMAR CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
Harvard College is full of former student body presidents, teenage climate activists, and ambitious campaigners who already have their eyes on a Senate seat (though most of them would never admit it).
That makes it unsurprising that student groups are involved in politics at every level — whether that’s volunteering in Boston, bringing students close to the whirring machine of electoral politics, petitioning Harvard administrators, or occupying campus buildings to lodge demands.
Interested in learning the lay of the land? Here’s a map of the political, activist, and service organizations on campus.
PBHA and the IOP
Many of Harvard’s politics and public service programs are housed under two umbrella organizations: the Institute of Politics and the Phillips Brooks House Association.
PBHA has been Harvard College’s center for community service and volunteering since its formation in 1904. It’s home to more than 80 separate programs that allow undergrads to mentor students in South Boston and Chinatown, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, work at Harvard Square Homeless Shelter, and more. The IOP provides advocacy, policy, and public service opportunities for students across around 18 programs. The Harvard Votes Challenge hosts voter registration drives and initiatives to boost civic engagement, and the Campaigns and Advocacy Program develops students’ campaign skills. A select group of students serves as liaisons for political leaders visiting campus through the Fellows and Study Groups program, and students on the John F. Kennedy Jr. Forum Committee helps organize talks at the Harvard Kennedy School. The IOP and PBHA both select members through common applications, each of which is due Sept. 12. Some programs within each organization are selective, while others are open to most or all interested students.
The HUA
The Harvard Undergraduate Association is the student government of Harvard College. Led by two co-presidents and eight executive officers, who are elected in the spring semester, the HUA also includes a cabinet, whose members are selected by application. All students who are interested in or involved in HUA initiatives are considered general members and may attend general meetings, which take place every other week.
The HUA aims to represent the student body to the College’s administration, and its leaders meet frequently with the Dean of Students Office to discuss student life issues. The HUA distributes funding to clubs and runs a low-cost summer storage program for students.
In the past, the HUA has been largely apolitical, though it has weighed in on changes to add-drop deadlines and the absence of hot breakfast in upperclassman Houses. Attempts to put forward a student referendum on divestment from Israel died in committee last year after causing a constitutional crisis for the HUA.
HUA co-president Abdullah Shahid Sial ’27 said he hopes that this year’s HUA will be more vocal on issues that directly affect the student body, though he emphasized that he plans for the body to remain cautious on other political issues. Sial, who is an international student from Pakistan, has been a leading voice against the Trump administration’s attacks on international students.
Recognized Student Organizations
There are dozens of organizations within the College that focus on advocacy around subjects from disability justice and women’s rights to environmental sustainability and treating opioid addiction.
The Harvard College Democrats and the Harvard Republican Club act as hubs for organizing aligned with their respective party, with speaker events and volunteer activities.
In the wake of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack on Israel and Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, activism around the conflict has taken center stage at the College — but the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Com-
mittee has been involved in pro-Palestine organizing for much longer. It annually erects an “Apartheid Wall” condemning unequal treatment of Palestinians in Israel.
The PSC has long had a strained relationship with the College administration, particularly since it released a controversial statement shortly after the Oct. 7 attacks. The PSC was placed on probation in March but aims to continue its programming — including speaker events and artistic programs — now that its status has been officially reinstated.
Unrecognized Organizations
Some of Harvard’s activist organizations eschew formal recognition from the College in favor of their own independence — and sometimes because of their willingness to break College rules.
Students for Freedom was created in response to the Trump administration’s attacks on Harvard. The anti-Trump group organized two well-attended rallies over the spring semester, as well as letters urging Harvard not to make major concessions.
Unrecognized groups, like Harvard Out of Occupied Palestine and the African and African American Resistance Organization, have also organized some of the boldest pro-Palestine demonstrations — including the encampment in spring 2024. Both groups see themselves as the targets of a crackdown on campus protests that began during the wave of pro-Palestine activism in the 2023-24 academic year. Harvard has tightened time, manner, and place restrictions on student protests; banned unapproved signage; and cracked down on the use of College resources by unrecognized groups. But many organizers see their independence as a necessary part of their mission.
“It’s your community that you really have to depend on, in the sense that the government or Harvard administration is not going to be the one that endows you with a certain sense of security just because they want to,” said AFRO organizer Sa’maia J. Evans ’27. “It’s something that you know you have to build for yourself.”
neeraja.kumar@thecrimson.com
After Diversity Office Closures, Here’s Where to Find Affinity Groups
BY CHANTEL A. DE JESUS CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
Following the closure of Harvard’s diversity offices in July, students may have to search harder to find identity-specific resources and communities — but a constellation of student-led affinity groups are still around to provide undergraduates with the opportunity to connect, find support, and celebrate shared experiences.
The College boasts a broad range of student organizations that are based on shared backgrounds and identities. Groups for veterans, rural students, and racial minorities exist alongside religious organizations and groups to support LGBTQ students.
Groups for Women and LGBTQ Students
The Harvard College Queer Students Association is an organization that provides LGBTQ students and allies support through events, mentorship, and advocacy initiatives, including efforts to raise awareness and improve access to resources. This past year, the organization hosted various events on campus — from Queer Prom to Queeraoke to Friendsgiving Dinner. According to Eli M. Visio ’26, one of QSA’s co-presidents, the QSA board aims to plan “queer-oriented events for everybody on campus.”
Due to the closure of the Office for BGLTQ Student Life, Visio said much remains uncertain about the QSA’s programming next year.
“But with that said, QSA will still have all of the traditional events that
we’ve had in the past,” Visio added. “The location and vibe might just be a little bit different.”
Transgender Undergrads of Harvard provides resources, advocacy, and support for trans College students. And many preprofessional groups exist to support women in careers from foreign policy to business to medicine. The Harvard Feminist Coalition, an unrecognized activist group, fights for feminist issues on campus.
Affinity Groups for Latino Students
Several campus organizations serve Latino students, including Fuerza Latina and the Harvard Organization for Latin America, which focuses on advocacy and social programming for Latin American countries and the students who hail from them. Harvard/Radcliffe RAZA focuses on creating visibility and a social space for Mexican students, and the Harvard Undergraduate Dominican Student Association is a cultural organization for Dominican and Dominican-American students. Latinas Unidas de Harvard College aims to give support to Latina students acclimating to the College, as well as providing a space where they can feel appreciated and seen on campus. This past year, it hosted events such as a Galentine’s Soiree and joint mixers with other women’s affinity groups on campus. Despite the name, the organization encourages all students — regardless of their identity — to join, according to its co-president Daisy S. Gonzalez ’27. Prior to the closure of the Har-
vard College Women’s Center and the Foundation for Intercultural and Race Relations, Gonzalez said that a majority of the organization’s grants came from the two offices. Since their closing, Gonzalez said the organization has had to redirect its financial efforts towards Latinas Unidas alumni.
“It’s going to take a lot more than defunding a few offices to make us not feel welcome at Harvard,” she said.
Affinity Groups for Asian American Students
The Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association is one of the largest student-run affinity groups on campus. The organization aims to bring together undergraduates of all Asian backgrounds.
AAA hosts an annual banquet, FeAAAst, which showcases live performances from various Asian American students, as well as catered food from businesses around Harvard Square. They also co-host events, such as the Pan-Asian Ball and the Mid-Autumn Festival Social, with other Asian affinity groups. AAA is also involved in educational and political initiatives and regularly hosts panels featuring Asian American professionals and activists.
The Harvard South Asian Association provides a cultural and social space for students with backgrounds across South Asia and the South Asian diaspora. In the past year, SAA has run a big-little sibling mentorship program, a henna night, an iftar meal during Ramadan, parents’ weekend events, and a cruise soiree in the Seaport. Other groups — including the Pakistani Students Associ-
ation, Harvard Korean Association, Central Asian Students Association, Half Asian People’s Association, Harvard-Radcliffe Chinese Students Association — focus on specific national or ethnic identities. There are also undergraduate groups for Kurdish, Nepali, Tibetan, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Japanese students and cultures.
Affinity Groups for Black Students
Since its founding in 1977, the Harvard Black Students Association has advocated on behalf of Black students from diverse backgrounds and provided them with a space to share and celebrate their different culture.
Each year, the BSA holds the Apollo Night talent show, the Black Legacy Ball, and Black Convocation, which welcomes incoming Black freshman and introduces them to the various student organizations available to them on campus. The BSA also functions as a social, service, and pre-professional forum.
Founded in the 1970s, the Harvard Black Men’s Forum hosts an annual Brotherhood Banquet and emphasizes mentorship, including through a big siblings program and panels with alumni and professionals.
The Association of Black Harvard Women, founded in 1975, serves Black women on campus and provides a mentorship program for Black high school girls in the Boston area.
The Harvard African Students Association, as well as groups for students from Nigeria, Ghana, and an array of other countries, serve students with African and Caribbe-
an backgrounds. The Harvard College Generational African American Students Association is a social and advocacy group for Black students with long family histories in the United States, often stretching back to slavery.
The African and African American Resistance Organization, an unrecognized group, is also a hub for many Black student activists.
Affinity Groups for International Students
For students coming from outside of the United States, the Woodbridge International Society provides undergraduates from all countries with a space to build connections and educate other students on global issues. The organization also helps connect international students with the proper resources at the College and hosts faculty dinners, socials, and formals.
Students may also join organizations dedicated to undergraduates hailing from certain countries, such as the Harvard College Chinese International Students Society, the Harvard College Indian International Students Association, and the Harvard College Korean International Student Association. Many groups include both international students and American students with immigrant backgrounds.
Music, Dance, and Artistic Groups
Each of these student groups performed at this year’s Cultural Rhythms Show — an annual celebration of cultural expression and performance at Harvard that highlights the diversity of traditions and artistic talent among the undergraduate student body. The event also honors an Artist of the Year, with past recipients including Becky G, Lady Gaga, and Viola Davis.
Religious Life
More than 40 University chaplains provide religious and spiritual services to students — from Southern Baptists to Unitarian Universalists to Buddhists and even atheists. Memorial Church, Harvard’s interdenominational Protestant church, offers morning prayers, Sunday services, and study groups — including queer-affirming Bible study and interfaith events.
Harvard Hillel is a center of religious and social life for Jewish students. Harvard Chabad, located just off campus, is part of the Hasidic Chabad Lubavitch movement but is also open to all Jewish students; it has been a prominent pro-Israel voice on campus. After years of crowding in small basement rooms, Harvard decided this summer to open larger spaces for worship by Muslim and Hindu students. The Harvard Islamic Society is a nonsectarian Muslim group for undergraduates, and Harvard Dharma is the Hindu students’ association.
Groups like the Asian American Dance Troupe, the Harvard Undergraduate Candela Latin Dance Troupe, the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College, and Harvard Undergraduate Bhangra offer a chance for students to practice music and dance forms with long cultural histories — and are open to students from diverse backgrounds.
Your Guide to Cambridge’s 2025 Elections
The first semester at college is filled with firsts. Freshman will meet their first roommates, attend their first dorm parties — and for many, cast their first ballot in a municipal election.
Cambridge is currently preparing for a city-wide election in November, giving Harvard students the chance to vote for the future leaders of the city. City Council and School Committee candidates will spend the coming months fiercely competing in one of the most crowded elections in recent memories.
As they prepare for the election, candidates emphasized the importance of Cambridge’s local government — and the critical role Harvard students can play shaping its future.
“This is going to be your home for at least four years, and you should have a say in who runs it,” Vice Mayor Marc C. McGovern said.
City Council
Cambridge’s nine-member City Council is the main governing body of the city, and is responsible for creating and passing policy orders to represent their constituents’ worries. The Council works directly with City Manager Yi-An Huang ’05 as the central elected leaders for the city. The city holds Council elections every odd year. This year there are a total of 20 running — including eight incumbents, leaving one guaranteed open seat for challengers.
The last two years for the Council have been nothing short of tumultuous, packed with contentious debates, calls for resignations, lasting policy changes, and budget cuts.
This March, a major controversy rocked the Council after news broke that City Councilor Paul F. Toner had been charged with patronizing a high-end brothel network operating out
of Cambridge. After Toner was named in court, fellow councilors, state representatives, and residents swiftly called for his resignation. While Toner did not resign, he announced he would not run for reelection this cycle.
There are also a number of contentious issues facing Cambridge, one of the biggest being housing — something the Council has extensively debated since the last election.
“Without a doubt, I think everybody would agree that the number one issue is housing and how do we make housing more affordable,” McGovern said.
In February, the Council passed a petition to end single-family zoning, an issue that was at the center of the city for over a year. The order allows for four-story buildings to be constructed on any residential property in Cambridge, a major expansion from the previous one to two family home limit.
Beyond affordable housing debates, the demand for bike lane expansion has also taken a considerable amount of the Council’s time. This has been an especially heated topic for the council, as three cyclists have
died in Cambridge since the Councilors took their seats — including John H. Corcoran ’84 and Minh-Thi Nguyen, a graduate student at MIT.
The city has been working on the expansion of separated lanes after passing the Cycling Safety Ordinance, which mandates the installation of 25 miles of separated bike lanes by 2026. Each step of the ordinance has been heavily debated by councilors and residents.
With last year’s political drama and high-stakes issues, first time candidates are eager to get involved. For first-time Council candidate Ned S. Melanson, the election offered a way to get to know his fellow Cambridge residents — and change the city for the better.
“I felt the sense of community and agency and ability to actually affect the world around me and really help people through policy and politics, which is something that I really hadn’t felt before in my life,” Melanson said.
School Committee
Cambridge’s seven-member School Committee develops and implements education policy across the district. This year,
18 candidates are running for seats on the body — the highest number of candidates in two decades — including all but one of the current members.
Rachel B. Weinstein, who has served three terms, announced in May that she would not run again, saying it was time for “new leaders to take the baton.” Her departure ensures that at least one of the 13 challengers will win a seat.
In its nearly two years in office, the current School Committee has presided over some of the district’s most consequential — and contentious — decisions, including the firing of a superintendent and the closure of a school. In May of last year, members voted to oust then-Superintendent Victoria L. Greer amid mounting concerns about her leadership, appointing David G. Murphy as interim superintendent.
Many parents felt they were left in the dark about Greer’s termination, never fully receiving clarity from the district about the reasons behind the decision.
“That was an important moment that woke up a lot of people to the dysfunction in our school committee and the dis -
trict,” said Lilly Havstad, one of the challengers in this year’s race. As interim superintendent, Murphy recommended and oversaw the closure of the Kennedy-Longfellow Elementary School, citing persistent underperformance and declining enrollment. The school enrolled the highest proportion of “high-needs” students in the district, primarily serving students of color, English language learners, low-income students, and students with disabilities.
Parents and educators saw the closure of K-Lo as highlighting longstanding inequalities in the district. Cambridge, one of the most diverse districts in the state, has struggled with persistent achievement gaps across income and race — an issue that has driven many candidates this election cycle. Many felt the closure reflected a lack of district attention for over a decade and believed the decision could have been prevented.
“I think that Kennedy Longfellow was a spur,” said Anne M. Coburn, another challenger. “People were very frustrated with how that went down
immediately after both the hiring and the firing of Dr. Victoria Greer as superintendent.”
“There’s been a multiplicity of reasons that sort of cascade, one on top of each other, in order to create this storm of people who believe that they can make a difference,” Coburn said. The district is currently engaged in the search for a permanent superintendent, a process that has faced increasing criticism for a lack of transparency and public input. The Cambridge Education Association — the union representing educators in the district — called for the process to be restarted entirely in a fiery statement, accusing the school committee of conducting a “sham” of a search.
“It is clear we need to elect new School Committee members,” union leaders wrote. Voting for both bodies will be held on November 4 — and local leaders are encouraging students to get involved.
“You’re part of the city,” McGovern said. “You’re the future of the city.”
ayaan.ahmad@thecrimson.com
Eat Like a Harvard Student: Classic Spots in the Square
(as they proudly display on their walls), this NYC staple has a line out the door most late nights — with a closing time of 2-3 a.m., just like Noch’s — and is a great place to end your evenings with friends.
Battle of the Burritos
The two most popular late night Mexican spots in the Square, El Jefe’s Taqueria and Felipe’s Taqueria, provide you with similar build-your-own burritos, bowls, and more — and they are across the street from each other. Which has the better latenight vibes? Depends on who you ask. Felipe’s is known for its energetic atmosphere and rooftop bar, though the patio is restricted to guests 21 and older. Jefe’s is slightly spendier than Felipe’s, but it is also open a few hours later. But which one has the better food? That is a heated campus debate that you are sure to take part in soon.
“The superior burritos are the Felipe’s burritos, but the superior bowls are the Jefe’s bowls,” said Christopher I. Zorn ’28. “And the Jefe’s bowls are better than the Felipe’s burritos, but this opinion has some contention.”
Caffeine Cravings
If you need an afternoon energy boost or a morning wake-up, there are countless cafes in the Square to explore. First, you can always wander to one of the basics — Tatte Bakery and Cafe, Starbucks Coffee, Peet’s Coffee, or Dunkin’ – for a pastry and coffee. Tatte recently renovated its two-story cafe and is a popular study spot until closing time at 8 p.m.
But if you don’t want to splurge on an expensive Tatte latte, venture to Capital One Cafe on Mondays, where they offer free beverages every week. It can get crowded inside but the line moves fast and the coffee is free. If you’re more of a matcha lover, head to Blank Street. It’s pretty crowded there too, and won’t be as affordable as a Dunkin’ run, but you can expect a rotating menu of creative drinks like the daydream latte and blueberry matcha. Blue Bottle Coffee and Faro Café also have both coffee and matcha on the pricier side.
Can’t-Miss Classics
If you’re craving a classic burger, your two main options are the more centrally-located Tasty Burger and the slight-walkaway Boston Burger Company. “Tasty,” is open until midnight on weeknights and 2 a.m. on weekends, with a pub-like basement area popular for parties. Boston Burger Co., located down Mass. Ave, offers more unique burger varieties, and a 10pm-1am $2 smashburger special. In addition to these mainstays, Cava is a popular option for those wanting a hearty Mediterranean bowl, and Saloniki is a quick-ish Greek spot in the Smith Center — with free fries if you have your student ID. And, of course, we would be remiss if we didn’t mention the mighty Harvard Square CVS –open 24/7 for all your late night cravings.
Sweet Staples
How To Get Around Your New Town
PLACES TO GO. Learn to navigate Cambridge’s network of buses, trains, shuttles, and bike paths. BY
It can be difficult for students to traverse Cambridge’s 4092 acres on foot — but luckily, the city offers numerous transportation options to get around town. From riding the Red Line to speeding by on
scooters, it’s easy to explore all the city has to offer. With Harvard Station steps away from the Yard, it’s no wonder that the MBTA subway system — colloquially nicknamed “the T” — is most Harvard students’ go-to form of transportation.
A trip on the oldest subway system in the country can take students up to Porter for a Target run, or inbound to some of Boston’s most popular destinations on the Red Line. While the option is typically safe, police responded to gunshots at Harvard Station earlier this
year — an important reminder to stay alert on public transportation.
Trains typically come within ten minutes, but occasionally experience delays of over twenty minutes. But new students on campus are in for a faster commute. Just this fall, the MBTA announced that the line had eliminated all “slow zones,” allowing all trains to run at maximum speeds throughout the track.
Despite recent improvements, some Harvard students say the MBTA bus is a better option. A large number of lines come to Harvard Square, with a $1.70 fee each way. A bus ride can get you to the Museum of Fine Arts or Beacon Hill, among countless other spots in and around Boston.
But traveling on regular roads comes with much-dreaded traffic.
Calvin D. Alexander ’27, who regularly travels on the 1 bus to the New England Conservatory, says that travel times can be “extremely variable.”
“I found the T system to be much more reliable on the bus,” he added.
Students traveling to Longwood often take advantage of the direct
M2 bus. The shuttle is free to all Harvard affiliates carrying a Harvard ID, and takes 20-30 minutes to ride. Students can find an updated schedule on the TransLoc app. While the Square is flush with public transportation options, students often opt to adopt their own means to travel across campus. Especially popular among athletes and quad residents, scooters are constantly zooming through campus. But the convenience of scooters comes at a cost — their value and compact size makes them an attractive target for thieves. Every year, a number of students report stolen scooters around campus. Make sure to register your vehicle — and purchase a sturdy lock — to keep your scooter safe. A cheaper option than scooters, bikes are also a great option to discover the city — and its surprisingly contentious political scene.
A number of students bring their own bikes to campus — especially popular with Quad residents — or regularly rent Blue Bikes for
Beyond Felipe’s: Exploring the Hidden Gems of Harvard Square
BY MEGAN L. BLONIGEN AND CHANTEL A. DE JESUS CRIMSON STAFF WRITERS
After a month of rotating between Annenberg, Jefe’s, and Joe’s, you might find yourself longing for a new latenight snack to fuel your study sessions. Don’t worry — Harvard Square offers much more than competing Mexican food restaurants and overpriced coffee. From decades-old gems to recent openings, here are a few ideas to explore the food scene of Harvard Square.
Forgotten Food
You just left Lamont at 2 am, again, and are in need of a latenight burrito. The staff in Felipe’s and Jefe’s already know you by name — you need to find something new. Head to Achilito’s Taqueria to enjoy the impressive variety of items on their menu. You’ll have plenty of options, and the late-night closing time of 4 a.m. is perfect for a pick-me-up during your all-nighter.
Just outside the campus gates is another all-too-easily overlooked gem: OTTO Pizza. Though not open nearly as late as Joe’s, it offers plenty of fun toppings that rival other Square options. It even serves tiramisu, which you won’t find at the other pizza spots.
If the typical late-night burrito or pizza isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, there are plenty of other alternatives just outside of the Yard. If you are in the mood for something a bit fancier, a meal at The Boiling Crab might satisfy your seafood cravings. Located on 96 Winthrop St., The Boiling Crab provides a wide variety of options — from chicken tenders on the kids’ menu to king crab legs. The restaurant even offers special deals to students with a valid ID. The student promos aren’t the only reason to stop by. Jonathan Huang ’26, who frequents the restaurant, said its staff have come to recognize him and even have his drink “ready to go.”
“It’s definitely my favorite spot — not only for food — but also to see all the amazing employees there,” Huang said. According to Huang, the restaurant is “still relatively unknown.” So, if you’re looking to branch out, The Boiling Crab might just be the place for you.
Concealed Coffee
When you don’t have time to wade through the constant crowd at Blank Street, head to the Smith Center just down the street for a pair of underrated drink spots. The joint Sal -
ly’s Sandwiches and Blackbird Doughnuts has one of the more creative coffee and matcha menus in the Square.
Check out the strawberry vanilla matcha or the banana latte for your midday caffeine kick, and pick up an order of spicy fries if you’re looking for a quick afternoon snack.
Bluestone Lane, just down the street from Felipe’s, offers another lesser-known venue for an afternoon coffee. This Australian-inspired cafe boasts a large menu of drinks from smoothies to affogatos. While their year-round menu is extensive, their seasonal drinks — like their Frosted Gingerbread Chai and Aussie Nog Latte — are crowd favorites. In the mood for something more? The cafe also offers a wide array of sandwiches, breakfast bowls, and sweets.
Secret Sweets
Yes, Berg has the spectacular and beloved Sundae Sundays, but where do you go for a weekday sweet treat?
First, if you’re in an acai mood but you’re tired of Playa, head to SoBoL and get a bowl or smoothie. SoBoL also offers Belgian waffles, which you can top with any of their bowl bases, fruit, granola, and more.
Had enough of the usual soft serves in Berg? Head on over to Amorino for their large selection of gelato and vegan sorbets — with more than 20 flavors ranging from pear-hibiscus to banana from Brazil. If those don’t sound appetizing to you, Amorino also serves waffles, crepes, macarons, and an assortment of caffeinated and non-caffeinated beverages. Perhaps you’re searching for something to post on social media — a ‘Pinterest-worthy’ dessert to show off. Taiyaki NYC x The Dough Club in the Square has just the thing for you. Flaunting their fish-shaped ice cream cones on their front windows, the shop is hard to miss. The shop offers nine flavors of ice cream to choose from, as well as a variety of toppings to add on. But that’s not all the shop has to offer. Taiyaki NYC x The Dough Club also serves fluffy Japanese mochi donuts that come in a medley of flavors. While Harvard Square has no shortage of ice cream joints, the hidden Harvest’s ice cream stand stands out for its variety. Open only on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the stand sits in the alley beside the highend Brattle Street restaurant. It offers anything from sundaes to push pops, so be sure to stop by soon after move-in!
A vast library of courses awaits you as you enter Harvard. During your eight semesters at the College, you’ll focus on a concentration — but you’ll also explore far beyond, whether or not you want to. To graduate, in fact, you must fulfill requirements that cover the breadth of coursework that the College offers.
Expository Writing (1-2 classes)
Designed to prepare freshmen for college-level writing, this course is taught as a seminar by preceptors, who are mostly nontenured faculty that specialize in the Expos program. Students must rank their top choices before the semester begins. Expos 20 offers a range of themes — from comedy to free speech to science fiction — that shape readings and essay topics. Students only need to take one semester of Expos 20, either in the fall or the spring. Expos Studio 10 sections — which are geared toward students who need more support for learning academic writing techniques — begin in the fall, all follow the same curriculum, and are taught in smaller sections. Expos Studio 10 must be taken as part of a two-course sequence, but students can choose whether to take Expos Studio 20 or an Expos 20 course in the spring. Instead of taking Expos, students can also choose to complete both semesters of Humanities 10, an intensive colloquium on literature from Homer to Marx.
General Education (4 classes)
Referred to as “Gen Eds,” courses across four categories (Aesthetics & Culture; Ethics & Civics; Histories, Societies, Individuals; Science & Technology in Society) invite students to different academic corners of the college. Balancing concentration requirements with Gen Eds can help you diversify your courseload — though not all Gen Eds are easy. Before graduation, students must complete one Gen Ed from each category. Starting with the Class of 2029, all four courses are to be letter-graded and cannot be taken pass-fail.
Divisional Distribution (3 classes)
Distributional requirements are situated in even broader categories than Gen Eds. Here, you must complete one course within each of three divisions: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Science and Engineering and Applied Sciences. The courses you take must be departmental — so Gen Eds can’t fulfill distributional requirements. This time, taking courses pass-fail with instructor permission will fulfill the requirement. However, a departmental course cannot simultaneously fulfill this requirement and the QRD requirement. What is QRD? Great question!
Equipping students with computational tools in fields across the college, courses for this requirement accommodate diverse fields and student concentrations. QRD courses with specific applications to fields like the social sciences or life sciences exist alongside math and statistics courses, each geared towards niche audiences. For the Class of 2029 and beyond, the QRD-fulfilling course must be letter-graded.
Language (2 classes)
For two semesters of your time at Harvard, you must take one language other than English. This is a chance to learn a new language or continue studying a language for greater fluency. Placement exams will tell you where to begin. Students can place out of the language requirement before freshman year with top-level AP or IB scores, or by demonstrating sufficient fluency on a placement exam.
Electives
You can explore far beyond the scope of these graduation requirements. Especially if you pace your courses, both for your concentration and the above requirements, you will have leeway to explore other interests or unique courses. There is much value, particularly in your first year, in being daring and trying out new fields beyond defined concentration requirements. A random course could inspire your future studies — or help you cross a program of study off your list.
Planning
Keep in mind that not all courses are offered every year and some may be discontinued or newly introduced. When planning your future course load, also remember that a certain schedule and timing of requirements that works for someone else may not work for you. Keep your requirements in mind, but choose to fulfill them when it feels best for you.
Q Reports
This website is an essential tool to gauge what to expect in a class or decide whether to take one at all. For courses across the college, summer school, and some graduate schools, you can see how previous students rated professors and class content. Take reports with a grain of salt, as not everybody in a class completes the evaluations and your experience may be different from previous students’ due to varying learning preferences or changes in class curricula. Happy planning!
BRIANA HOWARD PAGÁN — CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER
EMMA A. LUCAS— CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER
GARANJWALA
CRIMSON
BY NINA G. HOWE-GOLDSTEIN
et’s get one thing straight. The most unsafe
LI have ever felt as a student at Harvard University was on my second day of orientation, when I was chased screaming across the Yard by an angry wild turkey.
That said, my comparable enjoyment of the years that followed might come as a surprise to The New York Times, which appears to be seconds from sending a flak jacket-wearing war correspondent to cover Harvard’s 374th annual spring Commencement — to say nothing of governmental in-
stitutions that have targeted the University on the grounds of an alleged hostile atmosphere in idyllic Cambridge.
The events of the past four years, from Covid-19 lockdowns to presidential resignations, are hardly unique to Harvard. Yet our University has long cultivated a massive, generally unearned amount of space in the national popular imagination — an outsized attention that makes caricatures of students’ happy lives.
I’m here to tell you: the kids are alright.
The Crimson has never lacked for headlines, to be sure. As freshmen, we arrived to an empty campus regulated by strict Covid-cautious rules, and one newly promising to excavate Harvard’s legacies of anti-Black racism and slavery. No sooner had we learned to navigate course registration on
STAFF
my.harvard and the shuttle schedule than our collective campus life was jolted once more by the outbreak of protests against Israel’s wartime conduct in the Gaza Strip and by allegations of (and investigations into) antisemitism and Islamophobia, followed by high-profile leadership shakeups. As of late, campus stability is further threatened by the loss of federal research funding. A busy few years, huh?
This timeline, Passio GO! grievances excepting, could reasonably describe the undergraduate experience at any four-year accredited college in the country — yet Harvard persists in the headlines.
At time of writing, the New York Times has published over two dozen news articles, guest essays, and letters to the editor about Harvard in the last two weeks, an editorial prolificacy matched in its coverage of no other institution of higher education. A student encounters the power of her alma mater in her day-to-day life, in everything from the cultural saturation of “Legally Blonde” and “The Social Network,” to its use as a shorthand for intelligence. It is not only the substantial alumni network or institutional resources which open doors for a graduate, but the simple power of the name alone.
Harvard’s prominence is not accidental. Historically, Harvard leadership has embraced the University’s status as a representative for, and representation of, higher education. In 1958, as part of the postwar $100 million Program for Harvard College fundraising campaign, former University President Nathan M. Pusey, Class of 1928, wrangled a free hour-long radio broadcast from NBC to fundraise under the thin guise of promoting national postsecondary education. “Not just the quality of American education but the strength of the American people is going to be second-rate,” warned fundraising chairman Alexander M. White, Class of 1925 — unless the listener donated directly to the Program for Harvard College.
Well, an unbroken eight decades’ worth of Harvard leadership gleefully cultivating the University’s international prominence has come to collect.
Not only do students now bear the small, awkward inconvenience of a gynecological nurse asking for college-admissions advice for her son (true story; use your imagination). These days, an out-
sized media and national political fixation on Harvard has landed the school in the middle of countless lawsuits, congressional inquiries, revocations of government funding, and restrictions on the enrollment of international students.
We appear once more to be in crisis. There is A Situation On Campus. I find all this catastrophizing both grating and untrue. For a graduating body of nearly 2,000 young people, Harvard is our beloved home. Here, its students binge-drink on Wednesday nights, enter into ill-advised situationships, and nap in hammocks on sunny afternoons. We are — wild poultry aside — safe and happy, content to enter into a sacred contract with our alma mater: to always coyly say that we went to school outside Boston, and if our VC startups make it off the ground, to toss the endowment a little walking-around money on reunion years. It is the outsiders to the University, not its students, who bring to campus their leery and libidinous fixations on our ostensible well-being. Driven by the breathless excitement of news cycles, at varying points the world has heroicized us as prodigious leaders of the future, victimized us as innocent minds brainwashed by an agenda-pushing faculty (or even, as victims of our hateful peers), and villainized us as radicals. None of these characterizations are true to life, and frankly, any one interpretation gives this population of moderately intelligent twenty-two-yearolds vastly too much credit. Recognizing that it is a big ask, I will make the following request of you, reader who picked up a copy of the Commencement edition in a newsstand — believe me over your own lying eyes. Mute the Apple News push notifications and WhatsApp groups. We’re fine. Celebrate your Harvard graduate, wrangle the dolly cart on move-out day, and quit worrying about us. Just be sure to stay away from the turkeys.
—In addition to being scared of the Yard turkeys, Nina G. Howe-Goldstein ’25 is a History concentrator in Mather House and is the outgoing publisher of the independent campus commentary blog The Real Haters of Cambridge, Mass. She has loved her time at Harvard very much, though in all honesty, is ready to grab her magna degree and GTFO.
The Reports Are Out — Now It’s Our Turn.
Nearly a year and a half ago, University President Alan M. Garber ’76 charged twin task forces with investigating bias against the University’s Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab, and Palestinian affiliates.
Last Tuesday, both task forces released their reports, painting a troubling picture of a campus marred by fear, exclusion, and divisions over the meaning of protests and academic freedom.
The long-awaited reports collectively run over 500 pages, overflow with testimonies and survey results from thousands of community members, and include striking statistics — such as the fact that 56 percent of Muslim and 26 percent of Jewish student respondents feared for their physical safety at Harvard. The reports also proposed serious changes to the University’s academic offerings, protest policies, and approach to discourse.
Harvard, as an institution, cannot single-handedly end discrimination and polarization — systemic concerns like these are not unique to our University. Nonetheless, here on campus, we must protect free speech and foster empathy towards our peers to promote a positive and engaged student culture.
If we can learn anything straightforward from the reports, it’s that Harvard students feel more stifled in their speech and gravely unsafe in their identities than ever before. In this light, it is essential for our University — as an administration, a student body, and a broader community — to recognize and validate this painful reality.
The task force reports, in all their scholarly detail, contribute to acknowledging the bitter reality. But when the University fails to adequately address the grief of all Harvard constituencies — as it did in an email describing the “Hamas assault on Israel” while euphemistically referring to all the ensuing events as the “aftermath” — we’re reminded that Harvard still has a ways to go towards even acknowledging the full range of affiliates’ grief.
Nonetheless, recognition is only a first step in combating the biases that Harvard has identified. To live up
to its academic mission — and foster a culture of empathetic inquiry — the University would do well to expand its course offerings and faculty in Jewish and Palestine Studies.
Indeed, the task forces converged on this very imperative, drawing attention to vacant professorships in Jewish studies and alarming attacks on programs studying Israel-Palestine at Harvard Divinity School, the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, and beyond. Safeguarding spaces where students can learn from experts would set the tone for discourse campus-wide.
Outside the classroom, Harvard would do well to further clarify the rights and obligations that come with membership in the campus community. Both task forces drew attention to uncertainty around seemingly ever-changing protest guidelines and, more recently, Non-Discrimination and Anti-Bullying policies. Without clarity on the bounds of speech, students lack a consistent set of guidelines on how they ought to act, perhaps speaking in ways they shouldn’t — or, because of fear or uncertainty, not speaking at all. And such a chilling effect only intensifies when those met with external threats to speech like doxxing, as pro-Palestine protesters faced last year, can’t count on
the University’s support. There’s much for Harvard to do in shifting campus culture, but the University should not bear that responsibility alone. We, as students, must also take charge, coupling Harvard’s moves to combat bias with good-faith efforts on our part to empathize with one another.
Acknowledging one another’s identities against the backdrop of history is necessary to genuinely interact with ideas that differ from our own. After all, engaging with others’ views does not require us to abandon our convictions, just to make space for them to coexist. We commend the University for taking a first step to address the biases that exist on this campus, but we hold our applause to see what steps it takes next.
—This staff editorial solely represents the majority view of The Crimson Editorial Board. It is the product of discussions at regular Editorial Board meetings. In order to ensure the impartiality of our journalism, Crimson editors who choose to opine and vote at these meetings are not involved in the reporting of articles on similar topics.
Harvard Taught Me to Speak Out. Big Law Fired Me When I Did.
BY RYAN W. POWERS
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor. Aenean massa. Cum sociis natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Donec quam felis, ultricies nec, pellentesque eu, pretium quis, sem. Nulla consequat massa quis enim. Donec pede justo. 50 words Last month, I was fired from my corporate law job. My offense? An article on the Trump administration’s threats to democracy. I went to Harvard Law School, where I was taught to think critically and interrogate systems of power. Like the majority of my classmates, I got a job at a big law firm. But it turns out that the lessons I learned at HLS were never meant to follow me there.
In May, I wrote publicly about the threats to free speech and civil liberties if the federal government and Palantir struck a deal to surveil American citizens. Two weeks later, the New York Times reported they had.
I was warned that speaking out might cost me my job — but I kept writing. Then I was fired. The incident is an example of a deeper collision — between the values universities purport to instill and the incentives inherent in the careers they most visibly promote. Harvard equips us with skills like analytical rig-
or, ethical judgment, and a sense of professional responsibility. Every JD must complete 50 hours of supervised pro bono work. The College’s core curriculum requires students to engage with questions of justice, civic life, and moral reasoning. Service is integrated into the University’s mission.
But in applying those teachings — transparently and in the public interest — I saw firsthand just how incompatible they are with the professional path Harvard provisions.
Institutions like Harvard brand themselves as engines of public leadership and thoughtful dissent, but the professional pipelines they cultivate often function less as launchpads for civic engagement than as filters for deference.
Several publications have noted that HLS actively reinforces the corporate law conveyor belt. For both the school and its students, private-sector placement is the default path.
Corporate law firm recruitment begins just weeks into students’ first year. Firms sponsor on-campus social events, host lavish dinners, and provide staggeringly early offers. The school’s career resources are calibrated for private-sector placement. Meanwhile, public interest career counseling is comparatively underwhelming.
This structural tilt has broader consequences: a kind of quiet moral re-alignment, where professional prestige is increasingly decoupled from the University’s stated purpose. Harvard speaks often of cultivating informed citizens and ethical lead-
ers. It recruits students who are animated by those ideals. Yet, like me, most graduates end up in positions where truth is penalized, dissent is discouraged, and silence becomes a professional asset. My firing is not a failure of execution. It is the natural result of a system working exactly as designed.
This is not a critique of corporate work in itself.
For many students — particularly those carrying debt, navigating visa applications, or supporting families — such jobs are not merely attractive but essential. Financial stability matters, and Harvard should support students who pursue those paths. But supporting paths is not the same as promoting them. When the private career track is illuminated by extensive infrastructure — catered events, glossy programming, and seamless recruitment — and other tracks are underfunded, opaque, or precarious, the result is an ecosystem that appears neutral, while quietly steering. Some values are built into the architecture, while some are left out. Harvard is far from unique in this regard, but its size and influence render the discrepancy harder to ignore.
I took seriously what Harvard emphasized — principles like professional responsibility and measured conviction. But in applying those values I ran headfirst into the limits of the very path I was trained to follow.
I am not advocating a wholesale rejection of the private sector. Nor am I suggesting that all graduates must pursue public interest work. But I ask
this: If a university claims to prepare students for ethical leadership, what responsibility does it bear when alumni seeking to embody that mission are penalized for it?
Harvard instills a belief in reasoned discourse, principled advocacy, and the duty to serve the public good. That is a noble pursuit — and one worth preserving. But alongside it, there should be preparation for the difficulty of practicing those ideals. Students should be equipped not only with the tools of analysis, but with the frameworks to navigate what happens when those tools come into conflict with the systems they were trained to enter. Moreover, speaking out should not be treated as a deviation from professional success, but as part of its fullest expression. If we are serious about training leaders in law and public life, we must reckon with the question: What does it mean to teach ethical conviction if we fail to protect those who act on it?
I didn’t end up in conflict with Harvard’s values — I ended up in conflict with a system where those values were never meant to survive. If the institution is serious about its mission, it must ensure that public-purpose work is not just possible, but supported and respected. And it must stand behind students not only when they succeed within the system, but also when they dare to question it.
—Ryan W. Powers is a graduate of Harvard Law School.
THIS PIECE was originally published online on May 5, 2025.
BEN Y. CAMMARATA— CRIMSON PHOTOGRAPHER
Kept From Harvard by Trump’s Travel Ban
ROZHAN RASTI was admitted to Harvard. But she can’t enter the United States — and so far, no lawyers have taken up her case against the proclamation keeping her from campus.
BY
Rozhan Rasti speaks five languages, plays the violin and the santoor, and fills her free time with painting and photography. Like those of the 1,653 other students who chose to join Harvard College’s Class of 2029, her résumé shines — she ranked 15th in her country’s national college entrance exam and was a finalist in the English Language Olympiad.
But unlike her would-be classmates, Rasti will not be moving into a Harvard Yard dormitory or eating in Annenberg Hall this fall. The reason? She is a citizen of Iran, one of a dozen countries blacklisted under a travel ban signed by President Donald Trump in June. Unlike the three travel bans enacted during Trump’s first term, which included exemptions for admitted students, the new restrictions have ensnared hundreds of aspiring scholars like Rasti. With rumors of a revived ban swirling since Trump took office in January, Rasti moved quickly to begin the student visa process as soon as her Harvard acceptance arrived in March. She snagged the earliest available appointment for
Everything was going smoothly — I’d even booked flights. I was packing my bags.
a visa interview — a late May slot at the U.S. embassy in Dubai — and was approved on the spot. But before she could retrieve her visa, Trump’s order brought the process to a halt.
“Everything was going smoothly — I’d even booked flights,” Rasti said. “I was packing my bags. I was completely ready to get on a plane.” Now, none of that is happening, Rasti said. While her classmates take their first steps through Harvard’s gates, she remains thousands of miles away — barred from stepping foot on campus. And she is not alone. More than 100 Harvard students and scholars come from the 12 countries — Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen — whose citizens are banned from entering the U.S. under Trump’s order, according to a June 7 email sent from the Harvard International Office to affected affiliates.
“As you know, the University is actively working to protect the rights of students and scholars from around the world to come to Harvard’s campus this summer and next academic year,” they wrote in the email. “We will continue to keep you informed as the situation evolves.” But throughout the summer, Rasti said her messages to the HIO often went unanswered for weeks — and that when responses did arrive, they didn’t contain much useful information.
For the foreseeable future, she remains in Iran, at her home in Shiraz.
Not Harvard’s Fight
In the days after Trump’s June 4 travel ban, Rasti stayed calm. She remembered the uproar that had followed his first attempted ban in 2017, and was confident a legal battle would soon be underway.
“I was expecting people to do something about it,” Rasti said. “I saw that lawyers talked about how unfair it was, how unjust it was, how it was discriminatory.”
“But that’s as far as it went. Nobody did anything above just tweeting about it,” she added. Instead, she said, the White House’s direct attacks on Harvard
dominated the headlines. On June 4, the same day the 12-country travel ban was announced, Trump issued a separate presidential proclamation barring foreign students from entering the country to attend Harvard.
Harvard sued over the University-specific ban on June 5 and secured a temporary restraining order just hours later. The reprieve did not help students like Rasti, who was blocked because of her nationality, not her Harvard affiliation.
While pages of court filings mounted over the Trump administration’s attacks on Harvard, no comparable legal push materialized against the broader, country-based travel ban.
Trump’s first travel ban, issued in January 2017 and targeting seven Muslim-majority countries, blocked at least four Iranian scholars from entering the U.S. to research at Harvard. But after two states sued, the ban was quickly halted in court, and the Trump administration went back to the drawing board.
In March 2017, the White House issued a second travel ban that replaced the first. The new order exempted lawful permanent residents and current visa holders, and clarified case-by-case waivers — changes meant to address the legal defects cited by the courts.
The second ban, too, was halted by a federal judge just days after it was announced. This time, Harvard joined an amicus brief asking the courts to reject an attempt to overturn the block, arguing the ban would have “serious and chilling” effects on its students and faculty.
A third and final iteration of the ban came in September 2017, when the administration issued a proclamation restricting entry for citizens of eight countries. Unlike its predecessors, the ban was indefinite in duration and expanded to include certain non-Muslim countries in an effort to withstand further legal challenge. A court left the third ban in place, but it was repealed by the Biden administration.
By then, all four of the Iranian students who had been blocked from studying at Harvard had managed to enter the U.S.
Now, during Trump’s second term, Harvard has largely kept quiet on the 12-country travel ban. In June, a Harvard International Office staff member told Rasti via email that the University was too busy defending itself in court.
“Harvard isn’t specifically taking any legal action on the travel ban proclamation, as the university has several other suits pending right now,” the staff member wrote. Rasti said she was frustrated, but she could understand why Harvard had focused on the University-specific travel ban.
“It worried all international students, not just one,” she said. “As far as I know, I am the only one who is an incoming student that
is affected by this travel ban for countries.”
Harvard College spokesperson Jonathan Palumbo declined to comment on Rasti’s circumstances, but wrote that the College is in “close contact with students as they prepare for the upcoming semester.”
Though Rasti may be the only incoming freshman affected by the policy, the HIO website shows that seven current students at the College hail from one of the 12 restricted countries. One doctoral student at the Harvard School of Public Health, Fatou Wurie, was blocked from returning to Harvard in June because she is from Sierra Leone, one of seven countries that face partial restrictions under the travel ban. Wurie will be able to complete her degree remotely — but may not be able to walk across a graduation stage next May.
Even outside of the travel ban, Harvard’s international students still face difficulty when traveling — despite the University’s recent legal victories. Harvard staff advised international students at a July information session to expect tight screening at Boston Logan International Airport and to be cautious about posting political messages online.
And in a June court filing, the HIO’s Director of Immigration Services Maureen Martin described how affiliates — including an Israeli professor and researchers from India, China, and Germany — faced heightened scrutiny and distress at the border following the June 4 proclamations, even after the ban on Harvard affiliates was temporarily halted.
But even as Harvard notched more and more legal wins securing its ability to host international students, Rasti watched from the sidelines with what seemed like no path forward.
“I was left with nowhere to go,” she said.
‘There Might Not Be Much Anybody Can Do’
Rasti said she first reached out to the HIO on May 30, hoping to prepare in case the rumors of a forthcoming travel ban proved true. But for nearly two weeks, she did not receive a reply.
“The HIO didn’t respond to me immediately. It took weeks for them to respond, and even then, they didn’t have much to say,” she said.
On June 12, an HIO officer sent Rasti the email informing her that Harvard would not pursue legal action against the travel ban.
The American Civil Liberties Union “and other similar organizations have mentioned action but I am not aware of any filings to date,” they wrote.
Rasti, believing she would not receive help from the University, decided to take matters into her own hands and seek external guidance.
“I started looking into ways to overcome it legally,” she said, “because there is absolutely no evidence of Iranian students being any threat to national security.”
“I talked to the ACLU, I talked to many law firms across the U.S.,” she added. “The only lawyers that were available — the only lawyers that believed we had something to argue — they charge millions of dollars, which is impossible for anyone to pay.”
With little guidance from the HIO and few lawyers offering help, Rasti turned next to the Harvard Representation Initiative, emailing the Harvard Law Schoolbased clinic on July 8 to ask for a consultation.
Eight days later, a staff member replied, writing that there was “very little” they would be able to do and urging Rasti to begin contemplating the possibility that she would be unable to attend Harvard.
“It could be difficult for you to
obtain the visa and I would recommend considering contingency plans for other Universities outside of the United States,” they wrote.
The HRI staffer wrote that Rasti could try applying for a national interest exception, which allows individuals to bypass visa restrictions by demonstrating they would serve a critical United States national interest — though the HRI staffer cautioned that “it may be difficult” to meet the vague threshold, which is determined at the Secretary of State’s discretion.
“I am sorry that you are having to endure this. I know you worked very hard just to be admitted into Harvard,” the HRI staffer wrote. “However, the President’s broad level of authority to ban travel has previously been upheld by the Supreme Court and I worry that there might not be much anybody can do to overcome this travel ban.”
The Supreme Court’s 2018 decision, which upheld the third iteration of the ban, ruled that the president has sweeping authority under the Immigration and Nationality Act to “suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens” whenever their entry is deemed “detrimental to the interests of the United States.”
Trump’s fourth travel ban invoked the very same authority, section 212(f) of the INA, to bar citizens from a dozen countries. The 2018 precedent still looms, meaning it may be difficult for students like Rasti — or universities like Harvard — to mount a successful legal challenge.
“For those individuals, unless they have some reason to think that they were individually targeted for impermissible reasons, I think it’s going to be really hard for them to get around this,” said Paul A. Gowder, a Northwestern University professor who studies constitutional law.
Jeff Joseph, president of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said that students whose requests for a national interest exception are denied could have grounds to challenge the outcome in court.
“Because the exception is to be interpreted so narrowly, that almost swallows up the exception itself,” he said. “So there’s certainly an argument to be made that in the universe where there’s no process at all, it can hardly be argued that there’s procedural due process.”
Beyond the NIE clause, Joseph said that students and institutions could consider filing claims if they have proof that the travel ban was rooted in discrimination.
“There are potentially First Amendment and Establishment Clause claims that could be made if we could show that there was racial animus,” he said. “What I think Harvard and the students can do is exercise their rights in court.”
So far, Rasti hasn’t found anyone willing to take up a case against the ban.
‘It’s Worth Trying’
Rasti, who is 20, has looked forward to studying abroad since she was seven years old.
“I can’t be myself here,” she said. “I just wanted to be in a coun-
try where I could just focus on my studies and focus on my work.”
Rasti played on her high school’s badminton team. She learned three programming languages and then taught kids to code. She participated in Iran’s Woman, Life, Freedom movement, which erupted in 2022 after the death of a young woman who was arrested by Iran’s morality police. She raised money to support underprivileged women’s education. And she worked hard to further her own education, too. Since finishing high school in 2023, Rasti has spent nearly two years piecing together the materials necessary for an application to Harvard, where she hoped to study neuroscience and linguistics. She left Iran twice to sit for standardized tests — first the International English Language Testing System, then the SAT. She spent her savings on airfare and exam fees, she said. Her efforts were finally rewarded in March when she checked the notification, at 4 a.m. in her local time zone, in her Harvard admissions portal.
“I opened up my.harvard and the screen just sprayed confetti into my face — and it was beautiful,” Rasti said. “I called my mom and I screamed, and I said, ‘Mom, I’m going to Harvard.’” But nearly five months later, that dream has stalled — and Rasti said her future looks nothing like she imagined.
“I’m not sure what I want to do,” she said. “I wasn’t prepared for this, and this is my third gap year.” Before it became clear she wouldn’t make it to Harvard in time to start the school year, Rasti began making plans to start her new life in Cambridge. She booked flights, packed suitcases, and let go of her students at the language institute she founded after graduating high school. After her conversations with officials from the HRI and HIO, Rasti contacted her admissions officer, who said she only had one option: to defer.
“I said that maybe I could start online, maybe I could do a study abroad, or do some remote work — do something until I figured it all out,” she said. “The only option they gave me was a deferral.” Rasti said she appreciated the flexibility her admissions officer granted her, including by extending the deadline to defer until Sept. 2 — the first day of classes.
Before making any final decisions, Rasti said, she plans to apply for a national interest exception — with help from the HRI.
“At first they said that they couldn’t do anything for me,” she said. “But just a few days ago, they said that they could help me with the NIE.” On August 14, the State Department declassified internal cables detailing the process through which NIE requests will be evaluated. Officials wrote in the cables, dated June 9, that NIEs “should be used rarely” and that routine travel — including for education — would not qualify.
“We all accept and agree that it’s impossible,” Rasti said. “But it’s worth trying.”
Rozhan Rasti, an Iranian admit to Harvard’s Class of 2029 who has been shut out of the United States by President Donald Trump’s travel ban. COURTESY OF ROZHAN RASTI
Harvard Removes Black Lives Matter Sign
CONTESTED SPEECH.
Administrators told two professors that their sign violated use of space rules.
BY
AHarvard administrator told two professors last week that a Black Lives Matter sign displayed in their office windows would be taken down by this Saturday, describing it as a violation of University-wide rules on using campus space.
Bence P. Ölveczky and Mansi Srivastava, professors of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, posted large block letters in their windows spelling out “Black Lives Matter” in 2020 as protests broke out nationwide over the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Since then, the letters have faced out from the Northwest Science Building, where their labs are located.
But on Saturday, the sign came down. The previous Tuesday, Dean of Science Jeffrey W. Lichtman handed Ölveczky a letter addressed to him and Srivastava, saying that the message would be removed by Aug. 23. The letter — which was signed by Anthony Mantia, the building manager for the Northwest Building — claimed the message violated Harvard’s campus use rules, which were introduced in August 2024 following intense pro-Palestine campus protests in the spring.
The letter referred to a section of the campus use rules prohibiting Harvard affiliates from posting “self-mounted displays” without advance approval from their school. The Black Lives Matter lettering, which was posted before the campus use rules were introduced, has never been explicitly greenlit by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, which oversees the Northwest Building.
As of Thursday morning, the letters were still displayed. The letter said that Brenda D. Tindal, the FAS campus curator, identified them as “an important piece of Harvard cultural ephemera” and would be interested in preserving the work in the Harvard archives.
FAS spokesperson James M. Chisholm defended the plans to remove the lettering in a statement, writing that the installation was not approved and that the lab windows were not locations “where
exhibits and displays are allowed.”
But Ölveczky and Srivastava believe that the window message is not in violation of the campus use rules. In interviews, they pointed to guidance distributed in October 2024 by FAS Dean Hopi E. Hoekstra. The guidance stated that for FAS affiliates, the rules do not prohibit “the customary placement” of signage, banners, and postings “inside individual offices, residential bedrooms and suites, or private work areas.”
“We need more clarity on why they believe that our sign is violating the policies because the letter did not provide that clarity,” Srivastava said — adding that the timing of the letter, which was sent a year after the rules were rolled out, was odd.
The dispute may turn on whether the Black Lives Matter lettering falls under the category of “signage/banners/postings” or “exhibits/displays,” which are described separately but never explicitly defined in the campus use rules.
The rules provide examples of displays that include “lighting projections, self-mounted displays,
multimedia displays, and installations.” They state that the category of signs, which may be “part of an exhibit or display,” could include materials attached to building exteriors, windows, and doors. Both categories of messaging may only be displayed with prior written approval or, in the case of signs, in designated areas.
The FAS guidance states that signs, banners, and posters are not prohibited in private work areas. But it doesn’t address the rules on exhibits and displays.
The removal plans were formalized more than a week after Lichtman met with Srivastava and Benjamin L. de Bivort, who are the OEB department’s co-chairs, to tell them ahead of the official notice that the lettering would be coming down.
After Ölveczky met with Lichtman the next week, Ölveczky and Srivastava emailed him and Mantia, asking them to provide further explanation for why the Black Lives Matter message violated the campus use rules.
So far, they have not received a response.
Harvard has weathered
months of attacks from the Trump administration, which has denounced the Black Lives Matter movement and repeatedly called universities’ diversity, equity, and inclusion programming illegal. Over the summer, Harvard and the FAS ramped up their efforts to close DEI offices and remove mentions of race from websites.
The University has defended the changes. But critics have labeled the moves as an attempt to appease President Donald Trump, whose administration has wrought havoc at Harvard with an unrelenting stream of funding cuts and threats to international students.
De Bivort said one would have to be “naive” not to make a connection between the message’s removal and the Trump administration’s pressure campaign against Harvard, and expressed concern about what the move said about the state of political speech on campus.
“This is the mildest of political speech, and it’s in a righteous direction, and the University is asking us not to do it, while at the same time saying how important it is that people on campus can hear difficult, opposing opinions and be able to
engage with them reasonably,” de Bivort said. “I think there’s an inconsistency there.”
The adoption of the campus use rules last August was itself marred by concern that they posed a threat to University affiliates’ free speech — especially as Harvard faced demands to crack down on pro-Palestine demonstrators. Professors protested the rules by chalking messages in front of the John Harvard statue, with some saying they feared the broad rules would be enforced selectively.
Chisholm, the FAS spokesperson, wrote that the decision to remove the Black Lives Matter lettering was “an internal matter” that only concerned campus use rules.
Though de Bivort said he fears the removal is evidence of a crackdown on political speech, it could set a precedent that, if followed uniformly, would have broader implications for campus life. Chisholm indicated in a statement that the rules could be applied to other displays.
“Any installation like this in this location would be taken down, regardless of the content,” he wrote. “If the display said, ‘BEAT YALE,’ it
would have to be removed.” Students, faculty, and staff alike frequently use windows to display signs and messages — from support for campus unions to “Hap-
indeed, at some point a decision that interpreted the rules in a particular way, presumably in a way that would then allow them to remove the signs,” Ölveczky said.
Srivastava said that removing the lettering would send a message in and of itself, especially given that it has been displayed for more than five years.
“The taking down of the sign then becomes speech, and it turns out to be speech I don’t care to make. I disagree with it,” she said.
“I’m concerned that this will make members of our community feel that they don’t belong here, that they are not supported by the institution, and that there’s a mismatch of ethical values between the institution and the community,” de Bivort said.
Confusion Reigns As Harvard Excludes 900 Grad Students From Union
vice president Sudipta Saha said.
Lindsey E. Adams, a Ph.D. student in Harvard’s virology program, opened her pay stub on July 1 to a strange sight: Her research stipend was no longer listed as a union stipend, and no union dues were deducted from her pay. But nothing about Adams’ job was different — not her hours, not her supervisor, not the lab where she works or the tasks she completes every day.
“My work day-to-day has not changed at all,” she said. Adams was one of the more than 900 students on research-based stipends removed from Harvard’s graduate student union’s bargaining unit in July shortly after the union’s second contract with the University expired. Without union representation, the students are not entitled to contract protections, including union benefits, access to union funds, and the pay raises that the union is negotiating for in its third contract.
Now, more than a month after the students’ removal, the Harvard Graduate Student Union-United Automobile Workers and its workers are still trying to understand the University’s criteria for excluding certain students — who it claims are not employees — and examining whether they have a path to appeal the decision.
Under different circumstances, the union might contest the students’ removal by filing an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board. But under the Trump administration,
the risks of that approach might outweigh the rewards.
As President Donald Trump readies two Republican nominees to the five-member board, which would tilt it to a Republican majority, a case involving student workers could be used to eliminate students’ right to unionize. Such a decision would be a near certainty, according to Boston University labor law professor emeritus Michael C. Harper.
While the union has not ruled out a ULP altogether, they have started by going through the grievance procedures outlined in their contract.
Officials filed a grievance against Harvard on July 21 and a request for information on July 30. The grievance alleges that the students’ removal caused a slew of contract violations, including under articles related to the composition of the bargaining unit and worker classifications.
The union also alleges that the students’ removal violates the union security clause of their current contract with the University, which facilitates automatic paycheck deductions for union dues. According to HGSU-UAW financial secretary Simon A. Warchol, a Computer Science Ph.D. student, the union could lose anywhere from 25 to 40 percent of the dues that Harvard automatically deducts from workers’ paychecks each month.
“We believe this violates not just the unit definition that we have in the contract, but the union definition that we have operated on ever since we’ve had the first elections whose results were certified by the NLRB,” HGSU-UAW
“They very explicitly say that all research assistants are included, regardless of funding source, and the University has decided to kind of unilaterally change their interpretation.”
The University has maintained that the excluded students are not employees covered by the contract. Nonemployees would not receive contract protections in the first place, making their funding source irrelevant.
The union held a meeting with Harvard officials on Aug. 4 under Step One of the grievance process in their contract. In an official response to the union after the meeting, Director of Labor and Employment Relations Brian Magner dismissed the grievance, writing that “the University finds no contractual violation has occurred and therefore the grievance is denied.”
The HGSU-UAW can escalate the grievance to Step Two of its process. If Harvard once again rejects the union’s claims, the HGSU-UAW will then have to seek arbitration to continue pursuing the grievance.
But Harvard is likely to say that the issue is not arbitrable. In his Step One response, Magner said that because Harvard took action after the union’s contract expired on June 30, the status of the removed students is not subject to arbitration.
The union has argued that Harvard acted before the expiration because student pay stubs on July 1 already showed a change in union representation — which could make the issue arbitrable.
Harvard has said that stipended students’ research doesn’t count
as employment because it helps them work toward their degrees — and because they aren’t performing specific tasks in exchange for compensation. But some labor scholars have said they find the reasoning implausible.
Harvard Law School professors Sharon Block, Benjamin I. Sachs, and Laura M. Weinrib ’00 wrote in an article published in OnLabor, a labor relations blog, that Harvard’s rationale for the students’ removal “runs counter to recent history in the law and at Harvard.” They added that Harvard’s reliance on a 2024 decision excluding stipended fellows from MIT’s graduate student union did not necessarily justify the Harvard students’ removal.
While the three lawyers wrote that determining the Harvard students’ correct classification would depend on a number of factual questions about their work, they concluded that “it would be surprising, in other words, if no Harvard graduate student who receives a stipend does any work that is controlled by Harvard.”
A Harvard spokesperson declined to comment for this article, instead referring to Magner’s statement and the HGSU-UAW’s contract. The union has also begun circulating an open letter calling on Harvard to reverse the student removals and “respect the outcome of past arbitrations” on the status of labbased psychology students, which required Harvard to include them in the HGSU-UAW’s bargaining unit. As of Thursday, the letter had accrued 159 signatures from Harvard affiliates.
In the meantime, both students
and the union are trying to establish whether there was a pattern among the removals. According to Saha, the University has not answered questions from the union, instead referring them back to the July 2 email announcing the change in classification. The union has had to cross-compare worker lists before and after the email to see who was removed.
More than half of the impacted students are in Harvard Medical School’s Division of Medical Sciences, according to two union officers. Many first- and second-year Ph.D. students, who are usually funded by the Division of Medical Sciences or by National Institutes of Health grants, have been removed from the unit.
For third-years and above, the removals become more difficult to parse because higher-level HMS students may receive funding from several streams and work under principal investigators with several institutional affiliations.
Laila B. Norford, a union steward for DMS graduate students and third-year Ph.D. student in biomedical informatics who was removed from the union, said that most students in hospital-based or hospital-affiliated labs have been removed, as have those fully funded on fellowships. Adams said she was likely removed from the unit because her PI, Daniel Lingwood, holds a secondary appointment at Mass General Hospital’s Ragon Institute.
“It seems very arbitrary,” said Albert T. Chen, a fourth-year student in the Biomedical and Biological Sciences program and HGSU-UAW bargaining committee member who was removed from the bargaining unit.
“There’s some workers that are doing the same work, in the same labs, in the same program. Some are being carved out, some aren’t.”
Faced with a slew of questions from students, DMS executive director Samantha Reed — a member of Harvard’s bargaining committee during negotiations with the HGSU-UAW — sent an email on July 25 to all DMS students reiterating much of the University’s July 2 message. Reed added that workers within the bargaining unit would be paid biweekly and would not see an increase in salary over last year because of ongoing union negotiations. Because non-union students may be paid monthly, students have been able to use their pay periods to help determine whether they are still part of the HGSU-UAW. Norford said that the lack of communication from the University has compounded an already existing crisis in the sciences as workers are buffeted by federal funding cuts.
Still, a number of questions remain. Students may also be funded by sources in addition to their stipends. According to Norford, these workers have been partially removed from the union — union dues have been automatically deducted only from their non-stipended pay. Most student workers do not hold teaching positions over the summer, making term-time calculations of the total number of affected students difficult to predict.
amann.mahajan@thecrimson.com
SOPHOMORE SUBTERFUGE
How To Look Like You’re Not a Freshman
The lanyard everyone gets on the first day of freshman year. I manage a quick “oh, it’s just convenient” before continuing on my journey. As soon as she’s out of sight, I take it off and stick it in my pocket. So, my first piece of advice for not looking like a first-year?
Picture this: I’m moving into Mather House sophomore year, just as excited as I was the year prior. Maybe more — because now I know what I’m doing! I know which days I should spend my Board Plus and which days I should head back to the dining hall; I know at least 20 of the gazillion esoteric acronyms people here use; and I know to trust any shuttle’s timing as far as I could throw it. As I struggle to lug the first of many densely packed suitcases up three flights of stairs that sweltering summer day, I hear a set of words I will never forget: “Are you a freshman?”
The statement seemed absurd. I was very clearly moving into an upperclassman house. We both were! Not understanding her train of thought at all, I respond with a questioning “No?”
Seeing the incomprehension in my face, she gestures vaguely to my neck.
Ah, right. My lanyard.
1. Ditch the lanyard
If you’ve got your keys around your neck, people will know that you’re a new arrival (the horror!). Never mind that it’s genuinely convenient, making an essential item hard to forget, thereby ensuring that you don’t suffer the greater embarrassment of being locked out of your room. But at least it’s not just freshmen who find themselves dialing Securitas for a key at 2 a.m.
Instead, put your key in that weird little pocket in the back of your phone case that’s also your wallet. Surely you won’t develop a constant, gnawing concern that it’ll fall out of its increasingly smooth container. At the very least, put your key on a more tasteful (and forgettable) keychain. No one will notice you patting your pockets like you’re trying to remember how to do the Macarena in the middle of a lecture. They will notice a lanyard. That being said, both the Swiss
Army phone case and the keychain I mentioned should have something in common:
2. No Harvard branding
We go to a school in Boston. Well, a little outside of Boston. You get the picture.
Wearing (or even owning) Harvard merch is often considered to be a tad… gauche. We don’t want to seem elitist, do we?
That’s why you must avoid displaying anything that’s clearly Harvard-related on your person. In fact, try not to mention Harvard, even when it would be natural. People will think much better of you if you make a big deal out of being “humble” instead of just treating the topic like it’s a regular one. The advice above mostly applies to when you’re off campus.
On campus, you have a far more important reason to avoid the branding — you might get mistaken for a tourist!
3. Don’t ask for help
Everyone wonders what the “holistic admissions process” actually selects for. Since you’ve joined the club, you finally get the truth: we can all smell weakness.
To survive here, you have to do it all on your own. After all, it’s not
like your various advisors, teachers, and miscellaneous mentors are here because they care about you and want to see you succeed. It’s not like our university’s greatest strength is its dedicated, passionate, and supportive community. And it’s certainly not as if every major contribution someone has made to society was done standing on the shoulders of giants!
“It’s not impostor syndrome if I’m actually an impostor.” — a thought only you have had in the entire time the human species has existed.
4. Enjoy yourself.
As an incoming first-year, you will have no shortage of ‘firsts’ at Har-
vard ( it’s almost like it’s in the name). To prepare you for this inevitability, we here at Flyby have decided to expedite some of that process and provide you with an ironclad list of some of the famous first words you
are guaranteed to hear in your first few weeks — and with any luck, will stop hearing soon.
“I’m pre-med”
So, it’s Aug. 26 and you’ve finally made it back to campus from the great outdoors — or maybe you’ve been here for a week putting on your first of many theater shows, serving the community, or learning how to register an American SIM card. Whether you’re navigating dorm logistics or deciphering HUDS menus, you’re learning to survive the lovely world we call the Harvard bubble. But let’s zoom out for a second. Because really, underneath these events, you’re also stepping into the real world – living alone for the first time, making choices that impact your daily survival (laundry or sleep?). In other words, welcome to your very own version of the Hunger Games. Who in the theoretical game is most likely to survive? Hear me out.
1. FAP
Fappers, oh, Fappers! You have to be some of the most impressive new students on this campus. Not only are your social skills keen from being able to interact with and share ideas with such a large, unfamiliar group of your peers, but you have ENERGY. Your rehearsals are long and unforgiving — a show does not just put itself on overnight! You would definitely make it to the center and grab the most mate -
rials for survival, and wouldn’t be afraid to create alliances or work into the wee hours of the night to ensure your success.
2. FIP
This one is almost a given. Our dear friends in FIP are not only navigating adulthood for the first time, they are navigating the entire United States for (often) the first time! Many of us lifelong ’Mericans don’t even
know how to manage our own bank accounts or how taxes work – your survival knowledge and street smarts are unmatched. You have the upper hand from knowing people all across the world, so your alliances will likely run strong.
3. FOP
Alright. FOP definitely focuses on the hard skills of survival, like backpacking and sur -
Aren’t we all? Kidding— but it will definitely feel like our campus is aspiring to take over five whole floors of Massachusetts General Hospital until the first LS1a PIE (an examination known to kill the hopes of future doctors). If it isn’t premed, it’s pre-law, or pre-business, or pre-pretty much anything that sounds like it guarantees you a career.
“Greenough isn’t that far.”
It’s this or an aggrieved Pennypacker resident insisting that they’re at least an extra three minutes further from the Yard than everyone else. The union dorms — a.k.a. the freshman Quad — will be a source of some controversy until people find out about the actual Quad.
“I’m double concentrating in... with a joint and secondary in….” This is not unlike the pre-profes-
viving on simply tortillas for a week. But, you also get all of the soft skills of survival, like emotional processing, and how to make cheesecake in the woods! What places you at rank number three, you might ask? Overconfidence, and slightly worse hygiene than your peers. A week without a shower is not normal. Don’t keep that habit during the school year.
4. LIFE
The primary thing that distinguishes freshmen from upperclassmen is their collective preoccupation with being freshmen. And we get it—we really do! We were all freshmen once, as impossible as that may seem. We know what it’s like to worry about having already wasted the opportunities that Harvard offers before we’ve even been here for a month. We also have the privilege of hindsight and know how silly that kind of thinking is, and how hard it is to convince you otherwise. So I’ll leave you with a quote, a fridge-magnet standard often misattributed to Mark Twain:
sional conundrum, but no one is more confident that they can complete an extra concentration or two than a first-semester freshman. Academic ambition stops being all the rage around October, coincidentally right when midterm season begins.
“Party in Holworthy Basement tonight”
These are some first words you’ll wish were your last. Unfortunately, basement hopping for the first two weeks of school is a rite of passage that all Harvard students must undertake. My best advice? Have Flyby open to dull some of the pain while you’re sweating in the confines of your first college party.
“I’m not getting Quadded”
Saying “the Quad” to a first year is like cueing a black cat, dramatic music, and lightning all at once.
“Worry is like paying interest on a debt you don’t owe.” And frankly, as undergraduates, we all have real debt to worry about.
Anti-Quad propaganda spreads early and it spreads fast, so while you’ll hear this mantra throughout the year, nothing hits the same as those first horror stories of the treacherous 15-minute walk to Cabot.
These happy phrases will echo through Berg as you begin your days at Harvard, but remember not to take them too seriously. Life would look very different if we were all held to our first words on campus, so at most, these should give you some emergency conversation starters if you’re in a pinch. (Or, let’s be real, conversation enders.) Good luck, and remember that Flyby is here to guide you through all the canon events you’re sure to experience during your first year.
Where this program finds its strong suits is its ability to wrangle leaders! You are trained in serving your peers, so you will definitely have no problem finding your way around the Hunger Games arena through and between alliances. I don’t think that there’s really any electricity in the ring, though. No PowerPoint access might pose a problem here –after all, you can only project your voice so far in the great outdoors.
5. FYRE
What I admire about this program is that among the others, it is truly focused around understanding what it means to transition into college! You have been best equipped with all of the skills necessary to succeed on campus. We just hope that all you’ve thought about is not school, though! There is much more to survival, as you will soon learn!
What Your Freshman Dorm Says About You
THE HOUSING OFFICE
just handed you the key to your fate — or, well, to your dorm. Don’t lose it.
BY CHRISTIANA L. ZEMBROWSKI CRIMSON STAFF WRITER
About a month ago, the housing overlords handed down your fate in an email, complete with move-in times, a mailing address, and the names of your roommates. But there’s a lot more hidden somewhere between the packing tips and the photos of smiling students in Harvard Yard — such as how far you’ll have to lug your laundry every week. At Flyby, we’re here to help you read between the lines.
Apley Court
You’ll spend half of your summer reasoning with yourself that it’s not “that bad” you aren’t in the typical Yard dorm, and then you will spend the entirety of the school year reasoning with every person you meet that you live in the best dorm. Well, we can’t argue with marble bathtubs.
Canaday Hall
You’ll spend most of your time defending the dorm against rats. Even in the absence of the rodents, you will still have to deal with crowded doubles and carpets that belong in a doctor’s office (no, pre-med students, spending time in Canaday does not count as clinical service hours). You won’t admit that Canaday sucks, and we appreciate your valiant efforts to somehow redeem its honor.
Grays Hall
You have probably been deluded into believing that you live in the Harvard Hilton, but you don’t. The Harvard Hilton would have elevators, and preferably not
shoebox bedrooms. You need to stay humble. This being said, your peers will forever be jealous of your massive common rooms.
Greenough Hall
You are way too humble. You have all the pros on the best Yard dorms without being too far. Big common rooms, beautiful windows, ensuites, and best of all—no tourist traffic. Be more proud.
Hollis Hall
Congratulations! As the calendar pages are turning toward final exams, you’ll get a closeup view of a certain… tradition. What tradition, exactly? Wait and see! If you and your roommate have somehow found a way to bond across the cavernous expanse of your giant double, maybe you guys can even watch the view together?
Holworthy Hall
You are incredibly in shape, as you have to find a way to carry your illegal microwave up about four flights of spiral staircase steps during move in, enough to compensate for the stone’s throw you are to Annenberg. You are also incredibly patient, as you are the only dorm destined to share a Jackand-Jill style bathroom with another gaggle of suitemates you undoubtedly hate. You are a good person, Holworthy resident.
Hurlbut Hall
You probably pronounced this as hurl-butt when you first got this assignment, and you would be correct. Start getting used to that embarrassment now.
Lionel Hall
You are Straus’s sad little sister, and you’re probably deeply sad to say where you live because no one will know. It’s alright, little one.
Open Letter to Dean Deming
Dear Dean Deming, Don’t be scared. Being namedropped in Flyby is a good thing, I promise. In fact, this probably certainly takes the cake when compared to your recent appointment as Harvard College Dean. Sorry! Speaking of, I should probably introduce myself before making any more lofty claims about you or your new role as a campus celebrity.
I’m Ava, Flyby’s self-proclaimed expert on all things Danoff Dean: from mastering the perfect Harvard-Yale photos (which may or may not include kneeling on all fours next to two furry friends) to spotting a photo op miles away (#beenfeaturedontheKhuranagramfivetimesbutwhoiscounting). With the changing of the guard on the horizon (did I say congrats, by the way?), it’s finally time for me to ditch my Khurana mood board in favor of a new era
of intellectually vital dhall runins and transformational Housing Day cameos (Kirkland HoCo is currently plotting their 2026 comeback, I’m sure). Now, I’m sure you’ve heard everything under the sun since being appointed in May. Curate a well-loved social media presence like Khurana. Take awkward selfies with students like Khurana. Become a memeable staple at sporting events or dance performances like Khurana . However well-intentioned these pointers are, they often miss the mark, because — as any younger sibling can tell you — living in someone else’s shadow is unfulfilling and frankly boring. So, while I’m sure you already have a detailed game plan in place, I figured I’d take a stab at lending you a few suggestions that are actually fun and can help you become the most beloved person on Sidechat. Starting off strong, it will be key
for you to find your niche early on. To that end, before you completely swear off having a social media presence like Khurana’s, may I suggest implementing a weekly “D(e)M-ing with David” Instagram story segment? Rather than following in the steps of taking selfies with students, you can put a punny twist on a classic Q&A session and have students respond with any questions, reflections, or photos from their week. This lowstakes option may very well have you becoming the only Harvard influencer people care about in no time.
If you are really against using social media at all, don’t fret. Another great option would be to put your passions to use for all to bear witness to. And no, I don’t mean your interests in economics or political science; I’m talking about your prowess on the stage. As a singer. Start taking vocal warm ups more se -
Massachusetts Hall
You don’t exist. I’ll believe it once I see you in person!
Matthews Hall
Your back hurts because your bedroom is the size of a storage closet, or because you are leaning against the wall of Matthews’ front patio, trying to romanticize your life. Whatever gets you through the day.
Mower Hall
You probably pronounced this as ‘mower,’ like ‘lawnmower,’ when you first got your housing email. Save yourself the embarrassment of not doing that — it’s bad enough people don’t know who you are, so you can’t also not know who you are.
Pennypacker Hall
You were happy when you realized you got an en suite bathroom, then you were sad when you realized you were so far
away from the Yard. But then you were happy that everyone you know also got Penny! And then you were sad again that there’s no elevator.
Stoughton Hall
Easy access to the most popular part of the Yard, and you have a laundry room. Cool? It’s not cool when you realize that you are sharing said laundry room, which in itself is tiny, with almost every single irrelevant dorm in Ivy Yard that you didn’t even know existed until its residents stole your dryer.
Straus Hall
Yeah, you’re excited because Zuckerberg lived in your dorm, and that is the first thing that’ll come out of your mouth as you exchange dorm assignments with your Annenberg buddies. You’re excited because you have a common room, and that will undoubtedly come next in your conversation about dorm assignments. But what won’t
come, is that you are the exact same dorm as Lionel and Mower. Please stop bragging? I hope you know Zuckerberg doesn’t still currently live in your dorm? You do, silly.
Thayer Hall
You are cool. You don’t know what I mean by this yet, but you will soon. Congratulations, and have fun being the first to wake up on Housing Day.
Weld Hall
You are slightly less cool then Thayer, but you have that same sort of vibe. Except Thayer residents won’t have to fight their way into an elevator that is out of order more often than it’s in service. But it’s alright, you quite literally have everything else you could possibly need all in this dorm, so you’ll live.
Wigglesworth Hall
Your freshman experience will peak when during Convocation the entirety of Crimson Yard is asking to stand and “make some noise,” and your dorm alone sounds like a small army. Appreciate this moment, because this is where your community will peak. Hate this moment, because all of your amenities are underground, your rooms are tiny,
riously, because you might need to belt Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get it On” again if you’re not opposed to hosting a talent show or karaoke night for students to bond with you. Just saying…
Instead of continuing to throw more ideas at you, I’ll leave you with this. I have the utmost faith that you will end up finding your schtick and making students feel seen and valued. After all, with Kirkland House fiercely by your side, I know for a fact that you must have a stellar personality. So it’s hard to imagine that other students won’t come around to you soon.
Congratulations, again, and keep Flyby updated on what you end up deciding to do!
Sincerely,
Your 16th Instagram Follower #og
forget that no matter how great of an experience you have, no one is having a better experience than you than some random guy living in Apley Court. But don’t worry, you’ll never forget! He won’t let you.
christiana.zembrowski@thecrimson.com
How To Survive Section Without Speaking
BY CHARLOTTE. F HARRIS
Let me paint you a picture: It’s the first week of section in fall 2024. My schedule is finally locked in, and all that’s left is to attend my very first section of Gen Ed 1200: “Justice: Ethical Reasoning in Polarized Times.” That Thursday at 3 p.m., I strode into the seminar room (sweating in the 10,000-degree, barely-air-conditioned climate of Sever Hall) and sat down with annotated printouts of the week’s readings. I was obnoxiously prepared. Thus you can imagine my confusion when, after a cycle of round-the-table Harvard intros and ice breakers, we launched into an in-depth conversation about natural disasters. Complete with citations to a textbook that was definitely not Nozick’s “Anarchy, State, and Utopia.” Clearly, I was in the wrong place. Was it time to run for the hills? Hide under the table? Quietly pack up and duck out the door? God, no. I was already 20 minutes deep, all of these people knew my name, year, dorm, home city, hobbies, and favorite ice cream flavor. So I did what any totally rational person would do: I stayed. What followed was a 30-minute masterclass in academic improv.
Step 1: Assume the Look of Deep, Intellectual Thought Nod slowly, thoughtfully, maybe even scribble something vague in your notebook like “ impact of systems ” or “ nature = unpredictable?? ” Bonus points if you break it up into multiple bullet points. Appearing intellectually present is basically a skill set.
Step 2: Eye Contact, But Not Too Much You want to look engaged, but not too eager. Think “active listener,” not “please call on me.” Alternate between looking at the speaker and glancing at your annotated readings like you’re finding complex parallels between Hurricane Katrina and John Stuart Mill. (You are not.)
Step 3: Strategic Laptop Use Don’t just stare blankly at your laptop. That’s rookie behavior. Type occasionally. Just write random notes like “how did I end up here” or “remember to do laundry later.” No one’s checking what you type.
Step 4: The Exit Strategy As the section ends, gather your things with purpose. No hesitation but also no panic. Walk out like you were meant to be there and thank the TF. Do not ask questions. Do not let this rando section leader realize you’re a total impostor.
This step-by-step guide not only helps if you have accidentally attended the wrong section; it’s also handy if you’ve attended the right section and just don’t want to speak (but you also don’t want to look completely zoned out and annoy your TF.) Always remember, in the game of section, you either contribute or you convincingly pretend to be just about to But use this guide responsibly: after all, you’re at Harvard to learn something. Right?
