University News

Breaking developments, leadership announcements, and policy changes from across Harvard’s schools and administration.

A bronze sculpture of intertwined hands in a park, with a discussion panel in the foreground.

Is the Constitution Broken?

Harvard legal scholars debate the state of our founding national document.

by Lydialyle Gibson

The homepage of the nonprofit Potential Energy Coalition, showing a blue circle superimposed on a black-and-white photograph of the ocean

Making Voters Care About Climate Change

A professor and a marketing professional try a new tack in climate-change communications.

by Jonathan Shaw

Harvard shield superimposed on image of Widener Library, a symbol of returning to operations

Harvard Return to Campus August 2

The University announces a date for faculty and staff members to return, in anticipation of fall residential operations.

by John S. Rosenberg

The main atrium in Harvard's new Science and Engineering Complex

LEED Platinum and ILFI recognition for Science and Engineering Complex

Harvard leveraged construction of its new Science and Engineering Complex to remove harmful chemicals from building-materials supply chains.

by Jonathan Shaw

Tomiko Brown-Nagin, Tiya Miles, and Martha Minow

Reckoning with Repair

An update on the presidential initiative on Harvard and the legacy of slavery

by Lydialyle Gibson

Photograph of Harvard President Lawrence S. Bacow

A Vision for Post-Pandemic Harvard

Taking stock of a pandemic year, President Bacow sketches how Harvard might change—and where it will not. 

by John S. Rosenberg

Construction on the main floor of the Harvard COOP.

Harvard COOP’s Major Makeover

Sweeping renovations and consolidation are under way.

by Kristina DeMichele

Photographs of the U.S. Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court, representing the three branches of government.

The Crisis in Civic Education

A U.S. Department of Education-funded study, coauthored by Danielle Allen, calls for urgent reinvestment in civic education.

by Spencer Lee Lenfield

Screen shot of students from 2020 Harvard virtual degree-granting ceremony

Harvard Commencement Virtual Again Ruth Simmons Speaker

The 370th degree-conferral will be online for the second consecutive year—with Ruth Simmons as guest speaker.

by John S. Rosenberg

Photograph of Kate Murtagh, chief compliance officer and managing director of sustainable investing at Harvard Management Company

Harvard Endowment Fossil-Fuel Holdings Net-Zero Progress

Harvard Management Company issues its first report on the “net-zero” greenhouse-gas emissions goal.

by John S. Rosenberg

SFFA Supreme Court Appeal of Harvard Admissions Lawsuit

As expected, the anti-affirmative-action advocate appeals after losing in lower court rounds.

by John S. Rosenberg