Harvard College

News, milestones, and profiles focused on the undergraduate experience.

people stand at a table that reads "Harvard College Dean of Students Office First-Year Orientation"

Harvard’s New Online Orientation Emphasizes Intellectual Paths

A summer course for first-years focuses on academic success, diverse viewpoints.

by Jonathan Shaw

Illustration of a man looking at constellations with ants traversing the shortest distance between the stars in the constellation.

Using puzzles to teach physics

In his freshman seminar, Cumrun Vafa uses puzzles to help students understand complex physics.

by Steve Nadis

Photograph of David Evans

David L. Evans, longtime Harvard admissions officer, retires

David L. Evans made a difference for 50 years.

by Matteo Wong

Colorful composite drawing of the author, dressed in cap and gown, at home in Cambridge, with scenes of blossoming trees and a yellow moving truck visible through the window.

Lessons from the natural world

The Undergraduate reassesses the rhythms of the natural world.

by Drew Pendergrass

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

A drawing of students rebelling in a dining hall.

The much-shrunken class of 1823

The Class of 1823 goes rogue and gets booted.

by Jacob Sweet

Harvard College shield

First-Year International Students Won't Be Allowed on Campus This Fall

Federal visa restrictions will prevent freshman international students from living in the United States. 

Harvard University shield

Harvard MIT Sue U.S. Government Over International Students Directive

Attack U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement directive

by John S. Rosenberg

From left: Lawrence S. Bacow, Claudine Gay, and Rakesh Khurana

Harvard Allows 40 Percent of Undergraduates Return Fall Semester

Freshmen and others on campus this fall, seniors in spring; plus calendar changes, no change in cost of attendance, and other details released

by John S. Rosenberg

Harvard Single-Gender Club Rules Rescinded

Facing legal challenges, the University does away with its controversial regulations on final clubs, fraternities, and sororities.

by John S. Rosenberg

Entrance to the Harvard Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

College Yield Drops 3 Percent Since COVID-19

Some students have deferred their enrollment to next year. 

by Marina N. Bolotnikova