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Monday, September 13, 2021

Dear reader,

Welcome back to Tufts! We’re so excited to begin the new school year, and as classes begin, so too does the production and publication of The Tufts Daily. This semester, we will be printing twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays. On those days, you can find copies of the Daily in the Campus Center, Dewick, Carm, Dowling and Tisch. On all other days of the week, you can find the paper online at tuftsdaily.com. Please note that we will be in half production for the first three weeks of the semester, meaning we will publish only every other day until Sept. 28, when we will begin full production.

We appreciate your subscription to our newsletter and are so looking forward to entering our 42nd year of informing and educating this exceptional community. And if you’re interested in joining us in that endeavor, we’d love to have you. Visit tuftsdaily.com/join-us/ to get involved.

All the best for a great school year ahead,
Maddie Aitken, Editor in Chief
Mariel Priven, Managing Editor
Kate Seklir, Managing Editor

Your Weekly Briefing

Students and other community members returned to campus for the start of an academic year poised to look markedly different from the last, with the resumption of many in-person activities. Even a few days into the semester, there is much to report about happenings on the Hill. Here is your weekly briefing.

BREAKING: TUPD investigating removal of mezuzah from Jewish student's doorpost

An act of antisemitic vandalism occurred in one of Tufts’ dorms on Saturday, according to an email sent to the Tufts community Wednesday night. The email was signed by University President Anthony Monaco.

According to the email, a Jewish student had discovered his mezuzah — an important Jewish symbol traditionally affixed to the doorposts of Jewish homes — removed from his doorpost.

Monaco said that Tufts University Police Department had launched an investigation into the incident but has not yet been able to identify the people or person responsible for the mezuzah’s removal. READ MORE.

NEWS | ORLL houses approximately 100 first-years in Hyatt Place Medford

Approximately 100 first-year students will live at the Hyatt Place in Medford Square this year instead of typical first-year dorm-style housing. Residents have raised concerns that the accommodations at the Hyatt Place do not sufficiently imitate the community environment promoted by on-campus dorm-style housing. READ MORE

Tufts to help unvaccinated international students receive vaccine upon arrival | READ MORE

Carmichael launches all new allergen-friendly menu, maintains traditional physical arrangements | READ MORE

Tufts implementing pooled COVID-19 testing for 2021–22 academic year | READ MORE

2020 local-level census data shows significant population growth in Medford, Somerville | READ MORE

Preliminary Boston mayoral election nears, involves students in city politics | READ MORE

FEATURES | Students returning to Tufts following gap semesters and years reflect on unique, rewarding experiences

The pandemic prompted a number of Tufts students to take gap semesters — or even gap years — over the 2020–21 academic year. Read the stories of three such students here. READ MORE

Looking back on two years of pandemic education | READ MORE

Transfer students look to increase their voice on campus | READ MORE

New and existing volunteer student organizations optimistically enter upcoming academic year | READ MORE

OPINION | Accommodation and flexibility are key in the transition to in-person learning

Returning to in-person learning in a safe and sustainable way requires support from all members of the Tufts community. To prioritize student mental health and academic success, professors must be accommodating and flexible toward the needs of their students as we shift back into an in-person format. Students must also remain mindful of their actions and continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines so that all faculty feel comfortable moving back to an in-person environment. READ MORE

As the Delta variant spreads, students must remain cautious and safe this semester | READ MORE

Uncharted college life for the Class of 2024 | READ MORE

Ushering in a new year at Tufts | READ MORE

ARTS | Ella Jane shares debut EP ‘This Is Not What It Looks Like’

Ella Jane, from Westchester, N.Y., finished her first year at Tufts in May and is about to embark on a gap year to pursue her promising musical success. Her EP, “This is Not What it Looks Like!”, is composed mostly of the prereleased singles which have already garnered Ella Jane over 650,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. READ MORE

Tufts to hear the people sing (and play winds and brass) once more | READ MORE

Kanye tells flawed but epic story of faith and family on ‘Donda’ | READ MORE

Resurrection of the music scene: The summer 2021 roundup | READ MORE

SPORTS | Fall sports prepare to compete after cancelled 2020–21 seasons

With a vaccinated student population on campus and hope for the future, athletic teams have returned to campus to begin their seasons after almost two years since their last competitions. Teams are now able to practice with everyone together, rather than in small groups, and are able to play outside with no masks on. READ MORE

Tufts welcomes two-time Olympian Gaurika Singh into the Class of 2025 | READ MORE

First-year Jumbo ‘The True Ninja’ competes on ‘American Ninja Warrior’ | READ MORE

Volleyball wins home opener against Roger Williams | READ MORE

Traynor’s golden goal delivers thrilling opening night win for men’s soccer | READ MORE

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