Students worry about housing, jobs and food security following UMass’ reversal of fall reopening plan
By Claire Healy, Assistant News Editor
August 8, 2020
Students weigh a number of factors as they scramble to adjust to changes in the UMass reopening plan two weeks before classes begin.
College Democrats allege inappropriate behavior between Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse and college students
By Collegian Staff
August 7, 2020
“I want to be clear that every relationship I’ve had has been consensual. However, I also recognize that I have to be cognizant of my position of power,” Morse said in the statement.
UMass to lay off 95 percent of its Resident Assistants and Peer Mentors
By Will Katcher, Assistant News Editor
August 7, 2020
The University of Massachusetts is laying off roughly 450 Resident Assistants and Peer Mentors — 95 percent of the staff — and will leave many without benefits and compensation the parties agreed to in a collective bargaining contract, according to multiple members of the RA/PM Union, which represents...
UMass still requiring students who come to campus to sign community agreement
By McKenna Premus, Assistant Social Media Editor
August 7, 2020
“The UMass Amherst Community Agreement is an articulation of students’ responsibilities to take conscious steps to protect the health and safety of the members of our community," the chancellor wrote.
Living in Amherst next semester is the only option, some off-campus students say
By Matt Berg, Managing Editor
August 7, 2020
In UMass’ revised reopening plan, off-campus students were “strongly” discouraged from returning to Amherst for the upcoming semester if their classwork is fully remote. But some students say there’s no other option.
UMass reverses previous decision to allow all students to return to residence halls
By Cassie McGrath and Will Katcher
August 6, 2020
The University of Massachusetts is reversing a previous decision regarding on-campus housing for the fall semester, the latest in a series of higher education institutions to do so this week. Only those in “essential face-to-face classes” will be accommodated in residential halls, in addition t...
RA/PM Union finalized contract with UMass
By McKenna Premus, Assistant Social Media Editor
August 6, 2020
“We will be prepared to outright safety strike if we feel that COVID cannot be contained,” said Resident Assistant/Peer Mentor Union Co-Chair James Cordero.
UMass announces updated face covering requirements for campus
By Sophia Gardner, Assistant News Editor
July 29, 2020
The email specified that face coverings will be required in almost every indoor space including hallways, restrooms, classrooms and elevators.
International students react to now-rescinded ICE ruling on student visas
By Claire Healy, Assistant News Editor
July 29, 2020
International students react to the now-rescinded ICE ruling regarding, potential deportation over online classes.
UMass’ famous ‘Omelet Lady’ Joanne Keller announces her retirement
By Sophia Gardner, Assistant News Editor
July 29, 2020
UMass will be missing her famous omelettes come September.
Resident Assistant/Peer Mentor Union demands safer working conditions for fall semester amid pandemic
By McKenna Premus, Assistant Social Media Editor
July 27, 2020
“The University said hazard pay would not be acceptable, even though they had given it in the spring semester, because this is the ‘new normal,’” said James Cordero, co-chair of the Resident Assistant/Peer Mentor Union.
UMass Racial Justice Coalition and UMass for Black Lives present demands to the University
By Cassie McGrath, News Editor
July 22, 2020
UMass Racial Justice Coalition and UMass for Black Lives present demands to administrations, advocating for an anti-racist campus.
