Commentary

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

Howard Koh speaks at the 2025 "Beyond Shelter" symposium held at Harvard

Harvard Symposium Tackles 400 Years of Homelessness in America

Professors explore the history of homelessness in the U.S., from colonial poor laws to today’s housing crisis

by Olivia Farrar

Scenes of Harvard Yard on a mid-July morning

An undergraduate's summer at Harvard

Thoughts on a summer in Cambridge

by Francesca Annic...

Letters on humanities hubris, hoop humor, undergraduate prolixity and more

Humanities hubris, hoop humor, undergraduate prolixity

Drew Faust

President Drew Faust on making Harvard more inclusive and more safe

A letter from President Faust

Introducing Harvard Magazine’s guide to Cambridge, Boston, and beyond

A letter from the editor

As dean of Harvard College at the turn of the twentieth century, LeBaron Russell Briggs (a member of the College class of 1875) believed that the “unwritten and unspoken purpose” of the College was “not so much intellectual as moral; and her strongest hope is to stamp her graduates with an abiding character.”

Thoughts on the new honor code at Harvard

The College’s new honor code prompts historical—and student—reflections on moral education.

by Suzanne Smith

Big words and their use on campus

Big words and their use on campus

by Noah B. Pisner

President Drew Faust

Harvard president Drew Gilpin Faust on the value of basic research

A letter from President Faust

Harvard's fundraising details

A letter from the editor

Letters on attentive Schlesinger, “Bellboys,” bigger data

Attentive Schlesinger, “Bellboys,” bigger data

Social medicine’s lessons for a first-year Harvard Medical School student

A medical student learns about SNAP and social medicine.

by J Bradley Segal