The Semester Begins

Freshman convocation, Morning Prayers, and pending news on the University's agenda as the academic year begins

The University’s pace accelerates from summer’s relative somnolence to full-bore fall activity as students and faculty members return to Cambridge and Boston for the new academic year. Among highlights scheduled early in the fall semester are:

Among the possible events, or those not yet formally scheduled, are:

During the term, look for news on:

  • the release of the University’s findings in response to its administering of the Association of American Universities’ sexual-assault survey;
  • further developments in the University’s reformulation of employee health-benefit programs—a subject surrounded by much controversy last year—with changes, if any, to be disclosed before the annual open-enrollment period begins in November; and
  • continuing contract negotiations with the Harvard Union of Clerical and Technical Workers, whose members engage in essential work across the University.

On the construction front:

The wildest of wild cards (subject to events presumably far beyond University control) would be a visit to campus by Xi Jinping, the powerful president of the People’s Republic of China—an appearance that could overshadow other fall programs. President Faust met with him when she was in Beijing on University business last March, and extended a standing invitation then. President Xi is scheduled to be in the United States during September, with a busy itinerary including a state visit at the White House with President Barack Obama and events in New York for the anniversary of the United Nations. (Beyond Faust’s formal invitation, of course, President Xi has a sentimental attachment to Harvard College, as a parent of a recent undergraduate.) Stay tuned…

Finally, the home football campaign begins at the Stadium, under the lights, September 26 at 7 p.m., against Brown.

 

Read more articles by John S. Rosenberg

You might also like

Trump Administration Alleges Harvard Violated Student Civil Rights

In a court filing, the University says government has ignored procedure to “inflict pain.”

John Goldberg named Dean of Harvard Law School

A professor at HLS since 2008, he steps up from the interim role.

House Committee Subpoenas Harvard Over Tuition Costs

The University must turn over all requested materials related to tuition and financial aid by mid-July. 

Most popular

Harvard Layoffs Continue, with More to Come

In the wake of federal government actions, several Harvard schools and institutes are cutting costs.

Are Noncitizens’ Speech Rights Protected?

Harvard faculty testify in a federal lawsuit over free speech and deportations.

Trump Administration Threatens Harvard’s Accreditation, Subpoenas Student Records

The federal government mounts pressure amid negotiations with Harvard.

Explore More From Current Issue

Walter Wick’s I Spy Series

I Spy Creator Walter Wick at the Norman Rockwell Museum 

The Harvard Professor Who Quantified Democracy

Erica Chenoweth’s data shows how—and when—authoritarians fall.

Harvard Economist Nicole Maestas on Aging and Health Policy

The Harvard health economist not afraid to get in the weeds