Search Results

Good luck and goodbye to our ’23 midyear graduates!

Now that the fall semester is coming to an end, a smaller, but just as important, portion of senior students will be graduating.

Boston Welcomes the Return of Women's Soccer with New NWSL Franchise

When the National Women's Soccer League declared it would be expanding, it didn't take long for an all woman led ownership group to take action. In an exciting development for soccer enthusiasts in Boston, it was the Boston Unity Soccer Partners who were awarded the expansion team. This franchise, set to kick off in 2026, aims to bring back professional women's soccer to the city after the dissolution of the Boston Breakers in 2018.

A timeless tradition: the history of Thanksgiving football

Thanksgiving is a time for yummy food, friends and family, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, giving thanks, and most importantly, watching football. 

The guardian of the North Cut

The desire path cutting across the front lawn at the end of Villa Street — Richard’s lawn — isn’t obvious until you’re actually walking along it, at which point you can see the divot in the grass at your feet. It marks the finish line of the steep forested hill above Nipper Maher Park that dozens of Brandeis students hike up every day to get to class. The route, colloquially known as the North Cut, is a way for Brandeis students walking to school from Waltham to get to classes located at or above the Rabb Steps while avoiding the slog up the entirety of campus from the main entrance at the bottom.

Sustainability’s future at Brandeis stays uncertain

Last year, catalyzed by the Year of Climate Action, an optimistic wave of climate and sustainability-related action — which included new courses, extracurricular programming, a new Decarbonization Action Plan, and more — took place on campus. This year, many of these initiatives have come to a grinding halt — not only because the Year of Climate Action has drawn to a close, but also as a result of former Director of Sustainability Mary Fischer’s departure from the University. As the only staff member of the Office of Sustainability, Fischer’s legacy is striking and simultaneously leaves many unanswered questions about the future of sustainability at Brandeis now that there is no one in her role.

Brown Social Science Center renovation nearly complete

For years, the Brown Social Science Center was seen to many students and faculty as a run-down piece of campus infrastructure with many issues, such as lead in the water. Brandeis administration has planned to renovate Brown for many years and the project is near completion as of this November. The design process began in the middle of 2021 and construction began in 2022. The process was the most comprehensive renovation at Brandeis in many years according to Senior Capital Project Manager Michael Bushey, although the University faced obstacles in their efforts to renovate.

The Myth of Meritocracy: Understanding its meaning and impact

My eyes strained to focus as I looked at my computer screen. I became so disengaged by the rhetoric of the literature I was reading that I developed an urge to just throw the computer out of the window. Maybe that was a bit overdramatic. I actually ended up taking a break and then started studying for a different class. One look at LATTE and I was actually excited for the first time in weeks. I was excited because the topic directly critiqued meritocracy. Meritocracy is considered the foundation of the “American Dream,” but what is it exactly?   Merriam-Webster defines meritocracy as a system where success is based on demonstrated abilities.

David Anthony Durham discusses writing process and root of inspiration

On Nov. 2, author David Anthony Durham led a writing workshop and discussed his oeuvre. This event was part of the Creative Writing Reading Series and was co-sponsored by the Mandel Center for the Humanities.

The Student Union Senate gives probationary status to two clubs, keeps Branda’s secured status

How “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” Feeds The Heart And Soul Of Its Predecessor

Note: This review contains spoilers for “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.”

The University’s plans to observe Native American Heritage Month

November is recognized in the U.S. as National Native American History Month, and Brandeis recently announced their plans to commemorate Native communities. In an Oct. 30 email, the University informed its students of initiatives and two events that will take place throughout November. The email stated that while the month is characterized by Thanksgiving, it is also a time for Native American and Alaska Native communities “to honor ancestors and remember the sacrifices they made.” 

Diane Dimond places the practice of guardianship under scrutiny in new book

Last year, the Britney Spears conservatorship battle sparked a worldwide dialogue on the complexities of managing those deemed incapacitated. Her publicized struggles underscored the necessity of balancing protection with personal autonomy in guardianship arrangements.

Silberman series: "Jewish Girls and Women in Forced Labor"

Content warning: The following article contains mentions of sexual assault and brutal events from the Holocaust.

Leaders of New England's SAG-AFTRA Union discuss ongoing strike

With over 100,000 participants, the 2023 Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Hollywood actor strike hit 100 days on Oct. 22 — one of the longest strikes in the union’s history. On Oct. 16, Brandeis hosted a conversation with leaders of the New England's Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists Union on the Hollywood actors on strike. The event featured the New England President of SAG-AFTRA Andrea Lyman as well as the New England Vice President of SAG-AFTRA Tom Kemp. Profs. Thomas Doherty (AMST) and Dan Breen (LGLS) joined the discussion to help provide context for the current strike. 

Brandeis students stand with those impacted by war in Gaza

The morning of Oct. 7 saw an attack on Israel by Hamas, targeting civilians after breaking through the Gaza-Israel border. The impacts of such an attack were instantaneous, with the immense loss of life and destruction going as far to impact countless members within the Brandeis community halfway across the world. 

Schusterman Center hosts teach-in on Israel-Hamas war

In the midst of the ongoing violence between Israel and Hamas, the Schusterman Center for Israel Studies organized an event titled “Teach-In: War in Israel, Reflections from Brandeis Faculty.” Featuring esteemed members of Brandeis faculty, the event aimed to provide intellectual insight and scholarly perspectives on the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict, offering the Brandeis community a platform to navigate the challenging discussions surrounding the war. 

When it comes to Israel, remaining partial is no longer an option

As a daughter of immigrants, attending a top American university was a lifelong dream. I longed for the chance to participate in what I imagined were the highest levels of intellectual discourse. 

Brandeis celebrates its 75th anniversary

This weekend Brandeis celebrated its 75th anniversary across campus, inviting family and alumni alike to attend. The schedule boasted more than 70 unique panels, lectures, class reunions, and activities that began on Oct. 13 and concluded on Oct 15. 

Campus dining is undercooked, but on the right track

Dining is an important part of campus life and discourse and has undergone many changes with the start of the year. One of the biggest updates was the switch from Starship to Grubhub as Brandeis’ main food order and delivery app, in addition to the new “All Access” meal plan. As with any new system, there is always room for improvement, and this editorial board would like to provide some suggestions regarding the new dining experiences.

Wrapping up the 2023 Basketball World Cup

The International Basketball Federation, or FIBA, held their 2023 World Cup, a two week global basketball thriller, from Aug. 25 to Sept. 10. This year’s World Cup was hosted by three Asian countries — Indonesia, Japan, and the Philippines — and featured a total of 32 teams from all over the world. Cape Verde, Georgia, Latvia, and South Sudan all made their debut to the biggest international basketball stage and amazed the world with their talent.