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

University Life

Three security guards in blue uniforms congregate in front of the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life. A barrier is placed both on the top and bottom of the staircase.

Opinion: Students deserve to know why the Kimmel staircase is closed

The university’s decision to close the Grand Staircase in Kimmel last October is a nuisance for students trying to get to class.
Katherine Welander, Copy Chief February 2, 2024

Since Oct. 12, 2023, the Grand Staircase in the Kimmel Center for University Life has been closed to students. For the last three and a half months, NYU students have had to work...

N.Y.U. president Linda Mills sitting in a chair alongside three other people on a stage.

Opinion: NYU needs to talk about its upcoming Tulsa program

If the university wants this study away initiative to succeed, it's time it starts talking more, a lot more.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor February 1, 2024

Nothing made me close an email faster than when I saw a headline that NYU would be establishing a new study away program in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It wasn't just the seemingly random...

Cartoon illustrations of students walking through a dining hall added to a photo of students sitting on chairs.

Opinion: Don’t give up on community at NYU

Creating community at NYU can be a challenge, but being more intentional about how we interact with each other can start to change that.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor January 31, 2024

As I enter my junior year, the dull and isolating nature of NYU's open campus has become a familiar reality. For many, walking past another NYU student on campus is just like an...

A white banner with purple letters that read N.Y.U. and a symbol of a torch hangs from the facade of the Silver Center.

Opinion: NYU’s search committees are failing to get the student perspective

The engagement sessions the university has relied on to gather student input on the hiring of high-ranking administrators are not working. It’s time for a new approach.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor January 29, 2024

Like many other of NYU’s endless emails, a recent communication about the start of a search for the university’s new provost had been sitting in my inbox — unread. It probably...

An illustration of a screenshot of an Albert Grades and Transcripts page where the Midterm Grade column is covered by a sticky note. On the sticky note there are three checkboxes that say “strong progress,” “satisfactory progress” and “concern with progress.” The satisfactory progress box is checked with a green marker.

Opinion: Midterm progress reports are the change we needed

The university’s new reports for undergraduate courses might just be the solution to its low midterm grade submission problem.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor January 25, 2024

Rather than waiting weeks, or worse longer, for a midterm grade that might never come, students will now receive midterm progress reports for each of their courses. The new system...

Five people sit on a green couch in the lobby of Bobst Library. Two people stand behind them. The person in the center signs a paper document. Numerous circular blue signs with “U.A.W.” letters are on the couch.

Opinion: NYU’s approach to unionization is getting old

The university’s contract faculty union recently reached an agreement with NYU that will allow it to vote to be formally recognized, but the university’s interactions with other on-campus labor groups still leave something to be desired.
Molly Koch, Opinion Editor January 24, 2024

NYU has had a somewhat rocky relationship with labor organizations on campus over the past few years. When its graduate student union demanded higher wages in 2021, the university...

Various posters are stuck on a glass window. The poster on the left is white and reads “Choose Respect”.The poster on the right is purple and reads “Masks Always Welcome”. The poster on top is purple and reads “Please Use Revolving Door”.

Opinion: NYU’s ‘Respect | No Hate’ campaign is a well-intentioned facade

Amid on-campus tensions caused by the Israel-Hamas war, NYU was quick to launch a universitywide “Respect | No Hate” campaign, but the university’s efforts have been more performative than effective.
Abi Rivera, Opinion Editor December 8, 2023

As you walk around campus, you’ll now notice light purple posters plastered everywhere, all blaring one word: “Respect.” These posters are part of NYU’s latest campaign...

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 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 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 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...