John Schurer for SGA president
By Editorial Board | April 16, 2020The editorial board is proud to endorse John Schurer ’21 for SGA president.
Opinion
Notes from the desk: On a world without sports
By Miguel Espinosa | April 16, 2020Our senior sports editor writes about a world without sports.
This is the time to stand together with our MIIS colleagues
By Shawna Shapiro and Jessica C. Teets | April 16, 2020"It was with dismay that we read Professor Swenton’s 'Sense of the Faculty Motion' calling for the immediate sale of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey."
Let’s build an SGA that cares
By Arthur Martins | April 16, 2020"I believe that representation demands connection," writes SGA presidential hopeful Arthur Martins '22.5
Covid-19 exposes long-existing patterns of student food insecurity
By Molly Babbin, Bella Pucker and Grace Weissman | April 16, 2020"Over the past several months, we have been working with our classmates not only to assess the prevalence of food insecurity among our peers ... but to put together a resource guide for those who are hungry."
On my long-term relationship with the internet
By Christine Mcdow | April 16, 2020"My relationship with the internet was fine until Middlebury announced that it would be closing as a precautionary measure due to the Covid-19 crisis."
In support of passionate, progressive politics
By Keith Chatinover | April 16, 2020"Instead of allowing yourself to become disillusioned by the prospect of a Biden candidacy, I challenge you to channel the disgust you might very well feel after this primary to motivate yourself. Get, or stay, involved."
An open letter to faculty on the opt-in policy
By Quinn Boyle, Rati Saini and Jack Brown | April 15, 2020"Stripping students of grades raises serious concerns about Middlebury’s commitment to academic freedom, a principle outlined in the college’s handbook. Even off campus, we know the product we signed up for. Honor that."
We endorse the mandatory credit/no credit grading system
By Editorial Board | April 14, 2020"We recognize that this debate has been a contentious one, with arguments on both sides meriting careful consideration. That said, we find the sheer amount of waffling — on the part of both administration and faculty — unsettling."
Desperate times call for flexible measures
By Editorial Board | April 9, 2020"We started out this remote experiment thinking about how to adapt the structure of lecture halls to our laptops, but we should also be envisioning ways to bring the intimacy of our Zoom screens back to our classrooms."
We are in a global crisis, with or without Covid-19
By Divya Gudur, Claire Contreras, Jaden Hill, Hannah Laga Abram, Sophie Chalfin-Jacobs and Asa Skinder | April 9, 2020"The economic restructuring and dramatic lifestyle changes we have seen in the past weeks prove the kind of large-scale action needed to address climate change has been possible this whole time."
Let’s talk about accountability
By Myles Maxie | April 9, 2020"Especially in times as turbulent such as this, it is imperative to have student leadership that listens to the voice of the community."
Notes from the desk: Having a parent on the frontlines
By Lily Laesch | April 2, 2020"My mom stays at work for you, miles and hours away from her loved ones. Please, please stay at home for her."
Here-Being
By Ben Beese | April 2, 2020"At a time when nearly everything has been put on hold, it is so much more important not put our lives on hold as well."
In praise of a humbler, more human Middlebury
By Editorial Board | April 2, 2020Not many would characterize Middlebury’s student-administration relationship as “simple.” Mere weeks ago, the college faced intense, sustained outcry from students protesting Charles Murray’s third controversial invitation to speak on campus. On Murray and other issues, students have critiqued ...
It’s time to change how we think about grading
By Jason Mittell | April 1, 2020"Increasing transparency and student agency improves learning."
Optional Pass/D/Fail is community failure
By Lily Colón | April 1, 2020"What drives the pushback against universal pass/fail is the unwillingness of privileged Middlebury students to forego the unmerited benefits they receive from said privilege."
Notes from the desk: In support of universal Pass/D/Fail
By Bochu Ding | March 28, 2020"The current opt-in Pass/D/Fail system presents an illusion of choice."
Universal pass/fail puts grades before learning
By Tim Hua | March 28, 2020"We should not ask ourselves how we can make sure everyone receives the same on-paper outcome, but rather how we can help those who need support."
Current grading options are an equitable compromise
By Tommy Eastman | March 28, 2020"In these difficult times, we have to be honest with ourselves about our goals and the effort we’re planning on putting into our work."