Dear Jumbos,
As another wonderful semester filled with ups and downs comes to an end, the Editorial Board would like to take a moment to reflect — not only on the changes we hope to see next semester, but also on the meaningful moments of progress and joy that have taken place across the Tufts campus.
Professors of the practice at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts have been in negotiations for their first union contract since April 2024. According to a letter from the SMFA Student Government Association, the median salary for a professor of the practice is only $90,780 — under 80% of the area’s median income. Given that Tufts University charges tuition approximately 56% higher than the national average, the institution owes more to the dedicated faculty who help sustain its academic mission.
The Greek life scene remains deadlocked as the Tufts administration continues to demonstrate inconsistencies between its stated support for Greek life and the policies actually put in place. While University President Sunil Kumar has repeatedly voiced approval of Greek life, the university’s actions regarding campus life policies have made it increasingly difficult for these organizations to function. Although the Editorial Board remains neutral on the issue, we hope to see clearer, more cohesive decision-making moving forward — one where administrative rhetoric and practice align and greater transparency is provided to the entire student body.
Administrative issues notwithstanding, it’s important to recognize the positive developments across campus.
First, the Financial Aid Office has reached a milestone in making Tufts more accessible to low-income families. In September, the university announced the Tufts Tuition Pact, which will provide free tuition for families earning up to $150,000 annually beginning in fall 2026. We are excited to see Tufts take a bold step toward expanding academic access and lowering financial barriers for more members of the community.
Across campus, there is a growing sense that Tufts has become more pre-professional, a shift that has drawn both positive and negative reactions from students. Tufts has done a great job expanding access to career resources and increasing opportunities in professional fields. The launch of the Graduate Certificate in Business at The Fletcher School, for instance, fills a long-standing gap in business-related offerings. Nonetheless, as a university that champions a liberal arts education, it is important to recognize that Tufts and its students remain deeply committed to civic values. While we hope to see professional development resources continue to grow, they must expand not only in business or STEM, but equally across the humanities, arts and social sciences alike.
Finally, we are eager to see what the Center on Expanding Viewpoints in Higher Education has to offer. The center aims to integrate more diverse perspectives into course curricula and encourage deeper discussion — a seemingly promising first step toward fostering constructive engagement across ideological, religious and cultural differences. We have already seen some of this work in action through the weekly reading group PS 0008-03: “Workshop in Political Science,” which has addressed timely topics such as “Religion Remixed” and “The Politics of Sex.” These conversations show potential for broadening viewpoints across campus, and we look forward to seeing what other courses and concrete activities emerge.
As you head into winter break, we hope you take the time you need to recharge, reunite with loved ones and travel to get some peace of mind. Take a break from the busy work, but don’t forget the things that happened this past semester — the good and the bad alike — so you can begin the next semester with an open heart. Whether it will be your second semester or your last few months at Tufts, we hope the next semester brings new hopes, challenges and the moments that remind you why you’re here in the first place.
Best,
The Daily’s Editorial Board
