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 hand holding an N.Y.U. identity card up to a dining hall entrance scanner.

Opinion: First-years need freedom from meal plans

First-years at NYU are constrained by a rigid meal plan system with little-to-no freedom, leading to wasted food and money.
Jack Sloan, Contributing Writer December 7, 2023

As I walk into NYU’s dining halls near the end of the semester, I’m confronted by the sight of dejected students: some spending a $14 meal swipe on just a drink and a bag of...

A white and green sign on a white wall. It says, “Organics,” and has images of food items and utensils on it. Beneath it, there are two black garbage bins that have “Thank You,” written on them in white letters.

Opinion: NYU Residence halls need composting bins

While NYU dining halls allow students to compost their meals, these efforts are fruitless without bringing compost bins into dorms as well.
Josie Leach, Contributing Writer December 1, 2023

On the corner of my kitchen counter, next to my roommate’s fancy coffee maker, sits a small white bowl crammed with moldy food scraps. Though no one has explicitly said it, I...

An illustration of a megaphone with the phrase “Staff Rants” written on it. The megaphone wears a red Santa hat and the background is white with blue snowflakes.

Staff Rants: Holiday Overload

It's the end of the term, which means it's the holiday season! WSN staff shares their thoughts about it — the good and the bad, but mostly the bad.

On giving gifts Krish Dev — Deputy News Editor  Whenever I have to buy gifts for the holidays, I feel like I am walking on a tightrope — it’s a delicate balance between...

An illustration of a figure with a turquoise head and purple body wearing a white bracelet with “N.Y.U.” written on it. It is hugging the Chat G.P.T. logo.

Guest Essay: NYU wants your opinion about AI tools

Clay Shirky is the university’s vice provost for AI and technology in education.
Clay Shirky, Guest Contributor November 30, 2023

All of NYU is adapting to the arrival of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, GitHub Copilot or Midjourney, but students are adapting faster than faculty or the administration. And...

A large, beige chateau. There is a circular garden with flowers in the middle and trees on the sides. There is a statue of a man on a horse in front of the building, and stairs leading up to the building.

Guest Essay: A call to support the New York State Community Commission on Reparations Remedies

JJ Briscoe is the Student Government Assembly’s director of diversity.
JJ Briscoe, Guest Contributor November 30, 2023

Let’s talk about a bill — a bill that’s not just another piece of legislation but a potential game changer for our city and our conscience. Imagine a story that begins with...

Opinion: The student government should spend its money better

Opinion: The student government should spend its money better

Last year’s student government spending shows a misunderstanding of student needs. There are better uses for our tuition dollars.
Naisha Roy, Deputy Managing Editor November 30, 2023

For an organization that is unfamiliar to much of the student body, our student government gets a lot of money — last year, the Student Government Assembly had an operating...

A purple calendar with a hand pulling the start of Thanksgiving Recess from Nov. 22 back to Nov. 18.

Opinion: Thanksgiving Recess leaves out-of-state and international students stranded

During NYU’s short, three-day Thanksgiving break, many international and out-of-state students find themselves alone in their dorms, missing out on valuable time with missed friends and family.
Katherine Welander, Deputy Copy Chief November 17, 2023

The beginning of November signals two things: the end of Halloween season and the beginning of the countdown to Thanksgiving Recess. For in-state students and those from nearby...

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...