Opinion

Letter from the Editor

Dear readers,

Op-Ed: Good reasons why union is not a good idea

A recent op-ed in the Daily ("Adjunct action: Tufts should support adjunct professors," Sept. 11, 2013) called attention to an important decision now facing part-time lecturers within the School of Arts and Sciences: whether to unionize.

Op-Ed: Repent or play

On the holiest day of the year for the Jewish people, I must compete in a NESCAC soccer game. While I do not consider myself a devout Jew, my Jewish identity has been solidified throughout my time at Tufts University. I regularly attend Reform services at Hillel, converse with my rabbi and take Judaic Studies classes. On campus, it is apparent that Tufts is a university with a large Jewish population (around 30 percent). Hillel, Chabbad and Meor are popular organizations on campus, and Judaic Studies is one of the most popular cultural departments. Without the Jewishness of Tufts even in question, I find it disturbing that a NESCAC soccer game has been scheduled for the holiest day of the year three years running (and I assume in years past). On a day of repentance, I am requested to run. On a day of fasting, I am expected to be fast. On a day of atonement, I am asked to attack.

Dean's new position needs clarification

Over the summer, Dean of Arts and Sciences Joanne Berger-Sweeney, Dean of Engineering Linda Abriola and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Students John Barker appointed Bruce Reitman as dean of campus life and student leadership. A new senior level administrative position, this dean will act as a campus mediator, facilitating conversation among students, faculty and staff to address conflicts and improve communications.

More financial support for unpaid internships

Getting an internship can be one of the most exciting and relieving parts of a Tufts student’s academic career. Not only do internships carry a certain prestige, but they also offer students hands-on experience in a field that interests them and, occasionally, the possibility of future employment. Doing internships — paid or unpaid — has become the norm for most college students, and for some, it is actually a requirement or an expectation for fulfilling a major.

Adjunct action: Tufts should support adjunct professors

Part-time professors here at Tufts University are currently in the midst of a campaign to establish an adjunct's union. As Tufts students, we should support our professors' struggle for a voice within the university and their push to gain representation, adequate salaries and job security. Tufts is one of many Boston-area campuses at which adjuncts are joining together to make a change. As their students, our role is to appreciate their commitment to the university and support their fight for equitable treatment as faculty. 

Alcohol policy revisions long awaited

This academic year, the Office of Student Affairs officially adopted "Good Samaritan" and limited "Amnesty" policies for dealing with substance abuse on campus.

Alcohol policy revisions long awaited

This academic year, the Office of Student Affairs officially adopted “Good Samaritan” and limited “Amnesty” policies for dealing with substance abuse on campus.

We are all Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning

Last Tuesday, the first class of my senior year was "Introduction to Computer Security," a class about the ideas and techniques involved in protecting computers and other digital systems from intrusions and misuse. Members of the class were discussing recent events in the security world. I immediately thought of Edward Snowden and Chelsea Manning, currently in exile and prison, respectively, as I'm sure many of my peers did.

Polishing our lenses

After an extended absence from Tufts, I am especially excited to watch campus repopulate with fellow students. At the beginning of the semester I returned from a gap year spent abroad, and subletting a room on the rather quiet campus didn't sate my desire to see the Tufts community in its element. Welcome back.

Cohen renovations a hindrance to learning

There are a variety of reasons a prospective Jumbo becomes a Jumbo. Many students choose Tufts for its small class sizes and the accessibility of its professors. Even the several introductory courses at Tufts that accommodate hundreds of students are supplemented with recitations to provide more individualized attention. Principles of Economics (EC 5) is an example of such a class.

Fall Gala is more of the same

There’s an old adage that says, “You can put lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig.” This year, Programming Board is beautifying the pig that was Fall Ball by giving the event a new name, a new location and a new dress code.

The drinking problem on today's college campuses

This is a topic I've wanted to comment on for a long time, and after reading the top headline for February in the Aug. 28 Daily about the alcohol related problems at last year's Winter Bash, decided to do so at last. Alcohol consumption is a prevalent problem in today's college campuses that seriously needs to be addressed, but such a task is easier said than done. First off, it is important to note that alcohol drinking is embedded in American culture. It is no secret that drinking alcohol is popular in the United States. Alcohol has long been the beverage choice for social affairs in this country. Business deals are struck, friendships are made, even marriage proposals are sealed with an alcoholic drink. Even in numerous households, alcohol is often served at the supper table. For young individuals, drinking the first can of beer or glass of wine is often seen as a rite of passage to adulthood. Alcohol holds so much essential value to social circles in the U.S. that few individuals are willing to part with it. Compare this with some cultures in other parts of the world where alcohol drinking is not as popular and at times completely shunned.

From the Editor-in-Chief | Ringing in a new semester

Welcome back to those of you returning to the Hill. To the Class of 2017, congratulations on Matriculation, and welcome to campus. You’ve survived Orientation week. Now, here’s to a good first week of classes.

A double-edged sword

Everyone loves a warrior girl. She's tough, skilled in a variety of weapons and always ready with a suitable sarcastic remark. And she's been appearing more and more frequently in movies, TV and books. In many ways, the rise of the warrior girl is something to applaud - an opposing force to the damsels in distress who bat their eyelashes and wait for a man in a superhero suit to save them. But is she truly a warrior? And are we only drawn to her because she exhibits traditionally masculine traits?

Welcome to Tufts, Class of 2017

It's okay to fall on your face

Things everyone should do at Tufts (but doesn't)

Sustained criticism of 'justified departure' policy crucial in coming year

Keep telling us we are naive