Commentary

In-depth perspectives and critical analysis from faculty, editors, and readers on public affairs, higher education, and Harvard’s evolving mission.

Harvard football player runs with the ball, pursued by opposing players on the field.

Harvard Football: Villanova 52, Harvard 7

The Crimson’s inaugural playoff appearance is nasty, brutish, and short.

by Dick Friedman

Portrait photograph of Harvard president Lawrence S. Bacow

The View from Mass Hall

President Bacow on the engaged upside to online teaching and learning

by Lawrence S. Bacow

Multiple crises confront Harvard

Educational, financial, political, and values issues challenge Harvard’s leaders—and the University community.

Drawing of a college student seated at her desk in her bedroom at home, looking at images of friends on her computer screen. On the desk are a book and a bowl of salad, reflecting recommendations made by friends previously.

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus

The Undergraduate considers friendships on and away from campus.

by Meena Venkataramanan

The author's dog, Yuki, sits on the grass during a walk in the park.

In Search of Spontaneity

A new College semester begins, at home. 

by Matteo Wong

Graphic with red background that reads: At Home with Harvard: Back to School

At Home with Harvard: Back to School

Our coverage of the freshman experience at Harvard

Photographs of the new student writing fellows Che Applewhaite and Mean Venkataramanan

Harvard Magazine’s 2020-2021 Ledecky Undergraduate Fellows

The 2020-2021 Ledecky Undergraduate Fellows

Photograph of students in caps and gowns graduating from college

Excerpt from “Higher Education,” by Derek Bok

Derek Bok on curriculum reform

Illustration about meritocracy: one mother penguin and chick wear college mortarboards, while another mother penguin and her chick don’t.

Michael Sandel’s “The Tyranny of Merit” reviewed by Spencer Lenfield

Michael Sandel makes the case against meritocracy.

by Spencer Lee Lenfield

Readers’ views on immigration, the pandemic, the Electoral College

Readers’ views on immigration, the pandemic, the Electoral College, and more

Photograph of Lawrence S. Bacow

The View from Mass Hall

President Bacow on Harvard’s challenge to federal efforts banning international students

by Lawrence S. Bacow