Seventy-four seniors will graduate at the end of this semester as members of the Class of 2022E, one of the largest E classes in the college’s history. The Student sat down with seven graduating seniors to hear about their experiences and reflections on the nearing end to their time at Amherst.

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.

Chief of Campus Operations Jim Brassord provided an update on the college’s Climate Action Plan (CAP) to the campus community on Nov. 17. The update outlined the recent opening of a collaborative solar energy facility and challenges that have arisen in implementing the CAP.

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.

Sage Innerarity is a double major in English and American studies. She is writing her thesis on Indigenous creation stories and tribal histories from her home community. Her thesis advisor is Professor of English and American Studies Lisa Brooks.

The latest installment of the Police Log, from Nov. 18 to Nov. 28, can be found here.