On the night of Dec. 7, two CSAs showed up unannounced twice to DASAC’s end-of-semester formal in Lipton Basement. One CSA’s aggressive mannerisms and actions left attendees in extreme discomfort and distress, with the group eventually calling ACPD and reporting the CSA for identity-based harm.

The college has announced a number of retirements from and promotions to prominent positions at the college. Jim Brassord, Jackie Alvarez, and Interim CEIO Allen Hart are phasing out of their roles. Darien McFadden will replace Alvarez, and Angie Tissi-Gassoway has filled Hart’s position.

A Nov. 22 email announcing January Term housing eligibility and arrival date blindsided many students, who had already made different travel and housing plans. Students’ frustration grew with the lack of response from the administration to questions about their individual situations.

In a close vote, the AAS Senate approved the purchase of sweatshirts for senators at their weekly meeting on Dec. 6. Senators’ debate over the purchase went beyond its constitutionality to questions surrounding ethical uses of student funds and appropriate compensation of senators.

The college announced that it is requiring all eligible students, staff, and faculty to receive a Covid vaccine booster shot by Feb. 1, 2022. The decision follows UMass Amherst, Hampshire College, and Smith College, who also decided to implement booster requirements for the spring semester.

The AAS held its final meeting of the fall semester on Monday, Dec. 6. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee (BC) funding recommendations, upcoming Senate projects, and student housing during J-Term.

Carl Charrette is the first cook-baker at Valentine Dining Hall. He has used his tremendous creativity and lifelong baking skills to create a new line of vegan desserts and help Val transition to making desserts from scratch, much to students’ enjoyment.

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 6, can be found here.

Although many students have welcomed the college’s return to fully in-person learning, some students have requested to learn remotely due to personal circumstances. The college has denied all such requests, however, citing the importance of residential experiences to an Amherst education.

The AAS held its second to last meeting of the semester on Monday, Nov. 29. Senators discussed Budgetary Committee recommendations, concerns about the Omicron variant, and the possibility of providing Grammarly for free to all students.