The Student Sums it Up

In 1821, Amherst College was founded with the mission to educate “indigent [poor] young men of piety and talents for the Christian ministry.” In the past 200 years, how has this mission been delivered, and how has it evolved? Managing news editors Caelen McQuilkin and Sonia Chajet-Wides pose us this question, and, in a two-part investigative series entitled “Accessing Amherst,” they deliver us an answer. It's a worthy achievement that Amherst is the second-most-diverse LAC in the nation, according to Niche. But the fact that, as of 2017, 60% of the student body comes from the wealthiest 20%, and 21% comes from the wealthiest 1% throws into question Amherst’s claim to diversity. What work has been done to diversify Amherst, and how have these efforts fallen short? Today, Caelen and Sonia will bring us the story.

https://amherststudent.com/article/accessing-amherst-tracing-historical-admissions-changes/

This week, we talk about the most recent development in a 50-year movement to establish an Asian Pacific American Studies department on campus, and what a recent wage increase reveals about labor dynamics at the college. 

Produced by Sam Spratford '24. Audio Engineering by Sebastian Son '22.

Wage Raise Breakdown: https://www.amherst.edu/offices/human_resources/ohr-announcements/compensation-increases-faq

On today's special edition of "The Student Sums it Up," Sam recaps an exit interview with President Biddy Martin. 

Audio Engineering by Sebastian Son '22.

More information about the new student center can be found here: https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/student-center

This week, we discuss students' Ramadan experiences, an Indigenous art exhibition at the Mead, and interviews with the newly-elected AAS Executive Board.

Produced by Sam Spratford '24 

Audio Engineering by Sebastian Son '22

Maggie and Sam talk about a new (and controversial) AAS bylaw and Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). We also hear from Arts & Living about the new film, Everything Everywhere All at Once. 

Today, we discuss the scaling-back of testing and masking policies on campus, a new affordable housing project in the Town of Amherst, and an alumnus working in the energy consulting industry. 

Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sebastian Son '22.

Today, Maggie and Sam talk about the college's Climate Action Plan, the 5th Black Arts Matter festival, "Fresh Faculty" Professor Stefan Bradley, and ACPD's decision to unmark all of their vehicles.

Hosted by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Today, we'll talk about two student-led initiatives to redistribute Amherst's resources more equitably among the community and Glee Club's transition to co-ed participation.

Episode Notes:
Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Sam Spratford '24.

Today, we reflect on whether Amherst's Language Assistants have been fairly compensated, Covid-19's two-year legacy, and a resource center that's helping campus to reimagine justice. 

Episode Notes: 

Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24 and Sam Spratford '24

Today, we review LitFest 2022, a new student publication spurring debate about free speech, and the way that some Amherst students have been personally affected by the war in Ukraine. 

Episode Notes:

Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Today, we discuss the uncertainty plaguing student-athletes, the status of benefits among "casual employees," and a new faculty member whose focus on premodern South Asia can decolonize our conception of history. 

Episode Notes: 

Produced by Sam Spratford '24; edited by Nicole Richards '23.  

This week, we discuss student dancers' latest grievance with the administration, reparations activism in the Town of Amherst, and a significant change in UMASS Amherst's reproductive health services.

Episode Notes:

Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Nicole Richards '23.

Today, we discuss the student quarantine experience and the unfolding debate over whether or not the college should maintain a remote learning option.

Episode Notes:

Produced by Sam Spratford '24 and Maggie McNamara '23; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

This week, we discuss Val-induced food anxieties, Professor Kwame Anthony Appiah's philosophical perspective on "race", and student concerns with Amherst's Bicentennial budget. 

Episode Notes: 

Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24.

Today, we discuss Amherst's updated Covid-19 protocols, the resurgence of party-related vandalism and the college's decision to end the legacy preference in admissions. 

Episode Notes: 

Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Cole Richards '23. 

This week, we'll be discussing the student experience at the Boston Women's March and the cold that has been spreading throughout the student body. 

Episode Details: 

Produced by Maggie McNamara '23 and Sam Spratford '24; edited by Spencer Michaels '24. 

Today, September 29th, we’ll be discussing how the local economy was affected by the return of students, Amherst’s fall break travel recommendations, and an inefficiency in paycheck distribution that sheds light on student frustration with administrative transparency.

Produced by Sam Spratford ‘24 and Maggie McNamara ‘23; edited by Cole Richards ‘23.