New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

New York University's independent student newspaper, established in 1973.

Washington Square News

Opinion

A laptop with the screen open to “NYU Albert” is covered with a red X on the left, and a piece of paper with the NYU logo titled “Course Registration” is covered with a green checkmark on the right. The background is blue.

Off Third: NYU takes course registration completely off the grid

After many complaints about Albert’s course registration system, the university announced it would make the program entirely analog — paper, pigeons, trolls and all.
Katherine Welander, Deputy Copy Chief November 17, 2023

In a recent statement, NYU announced plans for a new course registration system to be put into place beginning in the spring 2024 semester. The update will take advantage of an...

A screen of the “N.Y.U. Connect for Students” page placed on a purple background.

Opinion: NYU advising needs to do better

The hit-or-miss reality of NYU’s advising system leaves students grappling with a lack of guidance, revealing a need for a more supportive approach.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 16, 2023

Despite my best efforts to connect with them, my CAS adviser has been a ghost throughout my undergraduate career. I have yet to see their face, speak to them over anything other...

A laptop displaying the webpage of “N.Y.U. Albert” course registration system.

Opinion: NYU’s course registration is outdated

The university’s system for course registration is counterintuitive — and in need of a long overdue update.
Katherine Welander, Deputy Copy Chief November 15, 2023

Every semester, course registration adds yet another item to students’ plates, at a time when they’re already struggling to finish up midterms and assignments. Even before...

A graphic with a screenshot of an email from Senior Vice President for University Life Jason Pina addressing N.Y.U’s commitment to enforcing its student conduct policies displayed on a purple background

Opinion: NYU’s conduct policies do more to silence students than protect them

The university’s expectations on student conduct are restrictive and not worth the loss of free expression, even in the face of emerging safety concerns on campus due to the Israel-Hamas war.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor November 14, 2023

Earlier this month, in the wake of increased on-campus tensions following the Israel-Hamas war, NYU sent students an email informing them of student conduct and protest guidelines....

A group of pro-Israeli protesters holds signs and Israeli flags in front of the Garibaldi statue in Washington Square Park.

Opinion: Grieving the Israel-Hamas war feels almost impossible. Hate is not the answer.

Students and faculty are deeply affected over the loss of life in the Israel-Hamas war, but the hatred surrounding the topic on campus is making an already unbearable situation worse.
Salena Tewari-Rubin, Contributing Writer November 13, 2023

Over a month has passed since the violent attack on Israeli towns by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip and is designated as a terrorist organization...

Six soccer players are running on a soccer pitch and smiling. Five of them are wearing white and purple soccer uniforms while one is wearing an orange uniform and goalkeeper gloves.

Opinion: Root for your Violets — they deserve it

Our sports teams have been excelling lately, and it’s up to us to show them we appreciate it.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor November 8, 2023

As NYU students, it’s obvious that the majority of us didn’t come here for the robust athletics program or the extravagant school spirit. In fact, it’s pretty common...

The interior of the seventh floor of the N.Y.U. Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with a sign that reads N.Y.U. Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.

Guest Essay: A statement from NYU Journalism students and alumni on press freedom

In a letter to NYU Journalism department faculty and administration, students and alumni of the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute are calling for the Institute to address the deaths of journalists in the Israel-Hamas war.

We, the students at the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at NYU, recognize the recent developments in the Palestinian territories and Israel have caused an unprecedented loss...

People are kneeling and standing on blue carpeting, a few holding blue and white signs that read ‘U.A.W.’ There is a white banner behind them that reads ‘N.Y.U. Researchers United-UAW,’ and a sign held by a woman kneeling in the front that reads, ‘N.Y.U. Contract Faculty Stand in Solidarity!’

Opinion: NYU should recognize the researchers union

Researchers at NYU deserve more benefits and support from the university. The first step is recognition.
Valentina Plevisani, Deputy Opinion Editor November 3, 2023

Last Thursday, NYU Researchers United, the union representing postdoctoral researchers, graduate assistants and staff scientists at the university, asked NYU for recognition for...

A blurry illustration of a black van on a purple background with a purple, circular N.Y.U. logo on the front and side of the van. In front of the van is an image of a phone open to the N.Y.U. Safe Ride App in the App Store.

Opinion: Safe Ride struggles to support commuters — but it doesn’t have to

With a few small changes, the program could improve accessibility for thousands of off-campus students.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor November 3, 2023

Over the past weekend, one of my friends, who commutes to class every day from Long Island, spent the entire day with me. We were waiting in front of Alumni Hall for our other...

A crowd of students in a large lobby.

Off-Third: NYU to use students as human fire extinguishers following policy change

Through combat, singing and the NYU spirit, there’s a new way to fight fires — Violet-style.
Emily Genova, Copy Chief November 2, 2023

On Nov. 1, NYU administrators announced a new fire evacuation policy at the Paulson Center: not evacuating at all. Instead, when a fire alarm sounds, every student in the building...

N.Y.U. president Linda Mills wearing a black gown with silver decorative patterning stands behind a podium. She is wearing a large silver medallion around her neck.

Opinion: The NYU Promise is not promising for all students

The university’s promise to cover tuition for low-income students is a start, but its limited scope makes it incomplete.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor October 30, 2023

During her inauguration last Tuesday, NYU president Linda Mills announced The NYU Promise, which will waive tuition costs for undergraduate students admitted to the New York campus...

Letter from the editor: On celebration

Letter from the editor: On celebration

Celebrating a half century of the Washington Square News, NYU’s independent undergraduate newspaper.
Manasa Gudavalli, Editor-in-Chief October 27, 2023

It is with great pleasure and immense pride that I write to you today to commemorate a significant milestone in our publication’s history. 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of...