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The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

The independent student newspaper of Northeastern University

The Huntington News

Marta Hill

Marta Hill, Editor-at-Large

Marta Hill (she/her) is a fourth-year journalism major and the editor-at-large of The News. Before becoming editor-in-large, she served as editor-in-chief for a year and previously held the positions of campus editor, deputy campus editor and a variety of staff roles. Marta currently works for NASA as a science writer and hopes to keep the entire campus community up to date on matters concerning Northeastern. You can follow her @martajhill on Twitter.

All content by Marta Hill
Northeastern announced Tuesday that starting Saturday, masks will no longer be required in most indoor settings on campus. The change came shortly after the city of Boston announced the mask mandate would lift this weekend.

Students divided on Northeastern’s move to drop indoor mask mandate

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
March 4, 2022

Mandatory masks indoors will soon be a thing of the past on Northeastern’s Boston campus.  Starting March 5, masks will only be required in the University Health and Counseling Services building....

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Northeastern announced March 1 that effective March 5 masks will not be required indoors in most settings on the Boston campus. The change came immediately after Mayor Michelle Wu announced Boston's mask mandate would also lift March 5.

Northeastern to remove indoor mask requirement for Boston campus

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
March 1, 2022

Effective this Saturday, face coverings will be “optional in all settings” on the Boston campus except University Health and Counseling Services, according to a News@Northeastern article. This change,...

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Inequitable pay and fraught working conditions have stressed Northeastern’s dining staff to the breaking point.

[Photo] Northeastern dining workers join with student organizations to advocate for better pay, working conditions

Sonel Cutler, deputy campus editor
February 25, 2022

Inequitable pay and fraught working conditions have stressed Northeastern’s dining staff to the breaking point.

East Village currently contains 723 beds, which, under the proposed plan, would be increased to 930 for the Fall 2022 semester. During the public meeting, attendees expressed dissatisfaction with Northeastern’s plan to address the housing shortage.

[Photo] Students, residents voice concerns over Northeastern’s dorm upsizing

Sonel Cutler and Grace Comer
February 24, 2022

East Village currently contains 723 beds, which, under the proposed plan, would be increased to 930 for the Fall 2022 semester. During the public meeting, attendees expressed dissatisfaction with Northeastern’s...

Northeastern announced Feb. 18 that effective Feb. 28 community members will not be required to test weekly if they are asymptomatic. The COVID-19 data dashboard will also be retired at the end of the month.

Students react to end of mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
February 19, 2022

The latest step in Northeastern’s plan to treat COVID-19 as an endemic came Friday morning. In an email to students, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Madigan and Chancellor...

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A face covering requirement at Cabot Testing Center. Northeastern announced it is evaluating its mask mandate Friday.

[Photo] Northeastern updates testing protocols, evaluates mask mandate

Clara McCourt, managing editor
February 18, 2022

A face covering requirement at Cabot Testing Center. Northeastern announced it is evaluating its mask mandate Friday.

Students enter International Village. On Tuesday, Northeastern updated their residence hall guest policy to include vaccinated non-Northeastern guests.

[Photo] Northeastern to lift some COVID-19 restrictions

Antonia Sousa, news staff
February 8, 2022

Students enter International Village. On Tuesday, Northeastern updated their residence hall guest policy to include vaccinated non-Northeastern guests.

Northeastern is slowly moving closer to treating COVID-19 as as a regular part of day-to-day life, and in turn, its policies and practices surrounding COVID-19 are changing. 

A new approach to COVID-19: Northeastern moves toward treating COVID-19 as endemic, closes wellness housing

Marta Hill and Jessica Silverman
February 1, 2022

Northeastern is slowly moving closer to treating COVID-19 as as a regular part of day-to-day life, and in turn, its policies and practices surrounding COVID-19 are changing.  “As we move into this...

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‘The game has changed’: A Q&A with Chancellor Henderson

‘The game has changed’: A Q&A with Chancellor Henderson

Avery Bleichfeld and Marta Hill
January 28, 2022

Ken Henderson, Northeastern chancellor and senior vice president for learning, spoke with The News in a 30-minute, virtual conversation Wednesday about the closure of wellness housing, the university’s...

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Northeastern announced update COVID-19 policies for the spring semester in an email to students Jan. 7. Changes include shortening isolation time to 5 days, the closing of wellness housing and updated testing requirements for returning to campus.

[Photo] Northeastern shortening isolation, requiring tests to return

Kayla Shiao, news correspondent
January 7, 2022

Northeastern announced update COVID-19 policies for the spring semester in an email to students Jan. 7. Changes include shortening isolation time to 5 days, the closing of wellness housing and updated...

Northeastern students are pushing for reform and greater access to mental health resources on campus. Active Minds is an on-campus group that focuses on mental health education, advocacy and programming (top right, photo courtesy MK Moskowitz). Lean on Me offers peer-to-peer, anonymous, text-based counseling (bottom right, photo courtesy Lean on Me). UHCS, as well as Find@Northeastern and We Care are NU provided mental health resources (bottom left, photo by Kelly Thomas).

NU community creates, advocates for mental health resources

As discussions of mental health become increasingly prevalent across college campuses, Northeastern students are finding the available mental health resources limited. To inspire change in the Northeastern community,
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Northeastern's COVID-19 guest policy restriction is unnecessary.

[Photo] Op-ed: Northeastern should allow guests into dorms

Karen Kurson, contributor
January 1, 2022

Northeastern's COVID-19 guest policy restriction is unnecessary.

Mary Hickey taught in Northeastern's physical therapy program for almost 25 years. Photo courtesy Adam Thomas.

Mary Hickey leaves legacy for NU physical therapy program

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
December 27, 2021

After almost 25 years of teaching in Northeastern’s physical therapy program, Mary Hickey left a legacy. Students and colleagues alike remember her for her presence in the classroom, her one-liners guaranteed...

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Northeastern will continue in-person learning for the spring semester despite the rise in COVID-19 cases on campus.

[Photo] Northeastern to continue in-person classes for spring semester

December 23, 2021

Northeastern will continue in-person learning for the spring semester despite the rise in COVID-19 cases on campus.

Emergency services were called to Snell Library Dec. 15 after a student was found unresponsive. Photo courtesy Grace Barrett.

Student in Snell Library found unresponsive in apparent suicide

Marta Hill and Sarah Barber
December 15, 2021

Content warning: Discussion of suicide. Editor’s note: The Huntington News wants students to know Northeastern University and elsewhere provide mental health resources for students. WeCare: [email protected],...

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The deadline for completing modules one to three of the training is Dec. 31, and the deadline for completing module four is March 31, 2022. If a student, faculty or staff cannot access the trainings, they can contact Phil He at n.he@northeastern.edu.

University-wide Racial and Cultural Literacy Trainings receive mixed reactions

Marta Hill and Skye Richmond
December 12, 2021

In June, Northeastern announced the university’s action plan to address the rise in hate and violence against Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans, or APIDA, communities and students. These steps highlighted...

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“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is an earnest and fanciful adaptation of the 1983 film that's sure to put anyone into the holiday spirit. Photo courtesy John Vitti.

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” marries holiday cheer with high-energy daydreams

Marta Hill, editor-in-chief
December 11, 2021

“A Christmas Story: The Musical” is an earnest and fanciful adaptation of the 1983 film of the same name that's sure to put anyone, even a college student in the midst of finals, into the holiday spirit....

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Attendees of an Oct. 2 rally hoisted signs expressing their support for abortion access, an issue coming before the Supreme Court this term.

[Photo] Brief authored by Northeastern legal scholar on abortion heard by Supreme Court

Erin Fine, news correspondent
December 10, 2021

Attendees of an Oct. 2 rally hoisted signs expressing their support for abortion access, an issue coming before the Supreme Court this term.

Northeastern announced a COVID-19 booster vaccine requirement for all students, faculty and staff. Members of the Northeastern community on all campuses must present proof of vaccination by Jan. 18, 2022, or a week after they become eligible.

[Photo] Northeastern to require booster vaccines for spring semester

Jessica Silverman and Gwen Egan
December 9, 2021

Northeastern announced a COVID-19 booster vaccine requirement for all students, faculty and staff. Members of the Northeastern community on all campuses must present proof of vaccination by Jan. 18, 2022,...

Northeastern students, staff and faculty are required to be tested once a week, regardless of vaccination status.

[Photo] Boston’s universities’ COVID-19 safety measures start well in fall semester, hope for future

Sebastian Grace, news correspondent
November 17, 2021

Northeastern students, staff and faculty are required to be tested once a week, regardless of vaccination status.

President Joseph E. Aoun praised the class for their work in such unprecedented times.

President Joseph E. Aoun praised the class for their work in such unprecedented times.

Kritika Singh, a 2020 graduate with degrees in bioengineering and chemistry, gave the student oration at the afternoon ceremony.

Kritika Singh, a 2020 graduate with degrees in bioengineering and chemistry, gave the student oration at the afternoon ceremony.

For the first time ever, commencement was held in Matthews Arena Nov. 13.

For the first time ever, commencement was held in Matthews Arena Nov. 13.

The graduates watch Kinematix Dance Troupe and the Nor’easters acapella group perform at the end of the morning ceremony.

The graduates watch Kinematix Dance Troupe and the Nor’easters acapella group perform at the end of the morning ceremony.

A graduate takes a sip of water during the morning ceremony.

A graduate takes a sip of water during the morning ceremony.

Graduates pose for a picture after receiving their alumni pins. The university will hold its annual commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 at Fenway Park for the fourth year in a row this spring.

[Photo] Northeastern commencement set to take place at Fenway Park for class of 2024

October 28, 2023

Graduates pose for a picture after receiving their alumni pins. The university will hold its annual commencement ceremony for the class of 2024 at Fenway Park for the fourth year in a row this spring.

Masks were required at both ceremonies, in keeping with Boston and Northeastern's mask mandates.

Masks were required at both ceremonies, in keeping with Boston and Northeastern's mask mandates.

Graduates talk as they wait to have their official photo taken. All guests and graduates had to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival in order to enter Matthews Arena.

Graduates talk as they wait to have their official photo taken. All guests and graduates had to show proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival in order to enter Matthews...

The ceremonies featured performances from NU student groups including Kinematix Dance Troupe and the Nor’easters acapella group.

The ceremonies featured performances from NU student groups including Kinematix Dance Troupe and the Nor’easters acapella group.

Streamers shot from the sides of the arena and rained down on the graduates at the end of both ceremonies.

Streamers shot from the sides of the arena and rained down on the graduates at the end of both ceremonies.

A graduate waves at the crowd while they process into Matthews Arena.

A graduate waves at the crowd while they process into Matthews Arena.

Ulpiano Flores Kuri, who studied  chemical engineering, delivered the student oration at the morning ceremony.

Ulpiano Flores Kuri, who studied chemical engineering, delivered the student oration at the morning ceremony.

During Tsai's speech, the graduates were instructed to pull out an envelope from below their chairs and write a pledge of kindness on it in honor of World Kindness Day.

During Tsai's speech, the graduates were instructed to pull out an envelope from below their chairs and write a pledge of kindness on it in honor of World Kindness Day.

Ming Tsai, a James Beard award-winning chef and business owner, delivered the commencement address Nov. 13.

Ming Tsai, a James Beard award-winning chef and business owner, delivered the commencement address Nov. 13.

Fourth-year Anamaya Shore sang the National Anthem at the start of both Nov. 13 ceremonies.

Fourth-year Anamaya Shore sang the National Anthem at the start of both Nov. 13 ceremonies.

Graduates processed in to Matthews Arena ahead of the 10 a.m. Nov. 13 ceremony.

Graduates processed in to Matthews Arena ahead of the 10 a.m. Nov. 13 ceremony.

Northeastern class of 2020 celebrated their graduation Nov. 13, more than a year and a half after the original date for commencement.

Northeastern class of 2020 celebrated their graduation Nov. 13, more than a year and a half after the original date for commencement.

A black sheep in the festive moniker realm of “pumpkin spice” and “spooky” season that conjures up images of Starbucks lattes and pumpkin patches, “Sad Girl Autumn” marks the beginning of an unrelenting slew of releases from musicians with infamous reputations for the dreary and depressing. 

[Photo] Column: ‘Sad Girl Autumn’ sends leaves and emotions spiraling down

Karissa Korman, news correspondent
November 5, 2021

A black sheep in the festive moniker realm of “pumpkin spice” and “spooky” season that conjures up images of Starbucks lattes and pumpkin patches, “Sad Girl Autumn” marks the beginning of an...

A Husky Ambassador leads a campus tour Nov. 4. Prospective students and their families are asked to attest that they don't have symptoms of COVID-19 and haven't been exposed, but no proof of negative COVID-19 test or vaccination is required.

[Photo] Husky Ambassadors voice concerns over vaccination policy for tours

Annie Probert, deputy campus editor
November 11, 2021

A Husky Ambassador leads a campus tour Nov. 4. Prospective students and their families are asked to attest that they don't have symptoms of COVID-19 and haven't been exposed, but no proof of negative COVID-19...

The proposal looks to increase the number of beds in East Village from 723 to approximately 930, and the number of beds in International Village from 1,200 to approximately 1,900.

[Photo] NU to add beds to East Village, International Village to address overcrowding concerns

November 4, 2021

The proposal looks to increase the number of beds in East Village from 723 to approximately 930, and the number of beds in International Village from 1,200 to approximately 1,900.

Students will run starting from Speare Hall and ending at Centennial Common.

‘Spooky 15th Underwear Run’ marks unofficial return to beloved campus tradition

Marta Hill, campus editor
October 29, 2021

The Underwear Run is a time-honored Northeastern tradition that’s exactly what it sounds like —  students gather in late October and run through campus and the city in their underwear.   Things...

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Rally attendees hoisted signs expressing their support for abortion access, an issue that will come before the Supreme Court in its current term.

[Photo] Over 1,000 rally in Boston for abortion rights

Erin Fine, news correspondent
October 14, 2021

Rally attendees hoisted signs expressing their support for abortion access, an issue that will come before the Supreme Court in its current term.

Student Government Association senate meetings are open to everyone, and students do not have to be an elected senator to particpate in committee projects.

What is the Student Government Association? SGA officials explain group, promise transparency

Marta Hill and Srishti Gummaraju
September 30, 2021

From the outside, the Student Government Association at Northeastern may seem to be an amorphous group of students with a confusing internal structure, but Nicole Miranda, a fifth-year health science major...

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Convocation and orientation were safe, community-building experiences for first-years amid partying concerns.

[Photo] ‘Northeastern TikTok’ reflects first-year struggles, party culture problems

Clara McCourt, lifestyle editor
September 17, 2021

Convocation and orientation were safe, community-building experiences for first-years amid partying concerns.

Northeastern announced Sept. 14 that the negotiations it was in with Mills College in Oakland, California, have been finalized. The partnership will also lead to the creation of the Mills Institute which, according to News@Northeastern, will be dedicated to empowering women, BIPOC and first-generation students.

[Photo] Northeastern, Mills College finalize partnership

Matt Yan, editor-in-chief
September 14, 2021

Northeastern announced Sept. 14 that the negotiations it was in with Mills College in Oakland, California, have been finalized. The partnership will also lead to the creation of the Mills Institute which,...

During the event Sept. 11, attendees placed roses and small commemorative stones on the memorial. The event also featured several speakers and a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11.

[Photo] Northeastern community commemorates 20th anniversary of 9/11

September 12, 2021

During the event Sept. 11, attendees placed roses and small commemorative stones on the memorial. The event also featured several speakers and a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11.

During the event Sept. 11, attendees placed roses and small commemorative stones on the memorial. The event also featured several speakers and a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11.

[Photo] Northeastern community commemorates 20th anniversary of 9/11

Mihiro Shimano, managing editor
September 12, 2021

Candace Lee Williams was a 20-year-old Northeastern student in 2001 and was a passenger on American Airlines Flight 11 that departed from Boston Logan International Airport. The memorial is located between...

Students, faculty and staff were required to be vaccinated before the start of the fall semester, and will be tested once a week.

Northeastern prepares for a more ‘normal’ fall semester

Marta Hill, campus editor
September 7, 2021

Entering another school year in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, second-year Cyrus Seyrafi said he is hopeful this semester will fill the gap in his college experience left by his abnormal first year....

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The class of 2025 attended the annual President's Convocation Sept. 6 in Matthews Arena. The ceremony features speeches from President Joseph E. Aoun, the student body president and all the academic deans.

[Photo] Northeastern welcomes record-breaking class of 2025

Grace Comer, news staff
September 7, 2021

The class of 2025 attended the annual President's Convocation Sept. 6 in Matthews Arena. The ceremony features speeches from President Joseph E. Aoun, the student body president and all the academic deans....

First years, wearing matching Northeastern shirts and coordinating, light-up bracelets, watch the convocation ceremony. At key moments in the ceremony, the bracelets lit up in various colors.

Northeastern kicks off semester with Convocation, Fall Fest

Marta Hill, campus editor
September 7, 2021

Monday marked a return to a relatively normal semester with two landmark events of Welcome Week and the beginning of the semester — the President’s Convocation and Fall Fest.  The two convocation...

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Students crowded near Curry Student Center learning about campus clubs and organizations. There were more than 350 organizations represented at Fall Fest.

[Photo] Op-ed: Northeastern must address the overcrowding problem

March 19, 2022

Students crowded near Curry Student Center learning about campus clubs and organizations. There were more than 350 organizations represented at Fall Fest.

President Joseph E. Aoun addressed a crowd of first-year students at the annual President's Convocation Sept. 6. The ceremony  also featured speeches from all the academic deans and the president of Student Government Association.

President Joseph E. Aoun addressed a crowd of first-year students at the annual President's Convocation Sept. 6. The ceremony also featured speeches from all the academic deans and the president of Student...

Students chatted with students at Northeastern's London campus during Fall Fest Sept. 6. Earlier in the day, students were able to talk to students in Rome.

Students chatted with students at Northeastern's London campus during Fall Fest Sept. 6. Earlier in the day, students were able to talk to students in Rome.

Northeastern announced Aug. 11 the reinstatement of an indoor mask mandate, effective when students move in to university housing or Sept. 6.

Northeastern reinstates indoor mask mandate for fall term

Marta Hill, campus editor
August 11, 2021

In an email to all students sent Wednesday, Northeastern updated its masking protocols for all global campuses and reminded students of the vaccination requirement for fall term. This update reverses a...

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Mutual Aid recently opened a community fridge at 70 Saint Stephen St in partnership with Northeastern Hillel, The Catholic Center, the Center for Spirituality, Dialogue and Service, Israel Campus Roundtable, and with Fair Foods.

NU community organizes to alleviate food insecurity

Marta Hill, campus editor
April 15, 2021

When Northeastern Mutual Aid first started hosting weekly food pantries last fall, they only saw 30 to 40 people a week. Now, around 200 people from the Northeastern community come to the pop-up pantry...

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Northeastern announced April 6 that all students will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination by the start of the fall semester Sept. 8.

Northeastern sets COVID-19 vaccine requirement for fall semester

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
April 6, 2021

Almost a month after announcing the intent to return for a normal fall semester, Northeastern announced a COVID-19 vaccination requirement. All students must receive the vaccination by the first day of...

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For the next two years, Javid Iqbal, a postdoctoral research fellow at Northeastern, will work at Moderna with the goal of revolutionizing drug development.

Northeastern partners with Moderna to establish fellowship

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
April 1, 2021

In many regards, academia and industry are remarkably separate — students learn things in the classroom that they may never apply in industry. For postdoctoral research fellow Javid Iqbal, however, the...

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Starting March 5, meal exchanges are only available during the week in Curry Student Center.

Dining systems change following decreased demand 

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
March 30, 2021

After Northeastern Dining reevaluated the systems that had been in place since the start of the fall semester, starting March 5 students were confronted with changes to dining hours and meal exchange locations. Changes...

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Northeastern announced in a March 9 email that the university plans to reopen for a "normal" fall semester.

Northeastern announces plans to reopen for ‘normal fall semester’

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
March 9, 2021

Almost exactly one year after the closure of Northeastern’s North American campuses, Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs David Madigan announced in an email March 9 that the university...

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Northeastern has begun hosting in-person fitness classes at Marino Recreation Center and SquashBusters in accordance with Boston's move to Step 2 of Phase 3 of the reopening plan.

Northeastern reopens in-person fitness classes

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
March 4, 2021

A little more than a month after Marino Recreation Center and SquashBusters Center opened at 25% capacity, indoor in-person fitness classes are back, according to a March 3 News@Northeastern article. In...

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The university announced Feb. 26 in an email that Northeastern will no longer be scheduling first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine due to Massachusetts' decision to prioritize other vaccination sites.

[Photo] Northeastern to stop administering first doses of vaccine at state’s direction

Matt Yan, news staff
February 27, 2021

The university announced Feb. 26 in an email that Northeastern will no longer be scheduling first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine due to Massachusetts' decision to prioritize other vaccination sites.

Boston set to enter new phase of reopening March 1

Boston set to enter new phase of reopening March 1

Marta Hill and Skye Richmond
February 26, 2021

Starting March 1, Boston will move into Step two of Phase III of Massachusetts’ reopening plan, instituting higher capacity limits for a number of industries, relaxed restrictions on restaurants and...

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In an email Feb. 26, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Madigan announced that summer courses will be taught using the NUflex model.

Summer courses to be delivered in hybrid NUflex model

Marta Hill, deputy campus editor
February 26, 2021

As students’ time tickets to register for summer courses steadily come and go, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Madigan, announced in an email Feb. 26 that summer courses...

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As of April 28, there are 77 students in isolation, 35 in quarantine and the seven-day average positive rate is 0.16%, according to Northeastern's testing dashboard.

[Photo] Northeastern introduces at-home COVID-19 test kits for faculty, staff

Jessica Silverman, managing editor
February 24, 2021

As of April 28, there are 77 students in isolation, 35 in quarantine and the seven-day average positive rate is 0.16%, according to Northeastern's testing dashboard.

Laura Mueller-Soppart and Klevis Xharda, the two founders of Work the Polls, want to make it easier to become a poll worker across the country.

Work the Polls looks to register young, diverse poll working corps

Marta Hill, news staff
October 21, 2020
Work the Polls is a grassroots initiative whose mission is to fully staff poll sites across the country with a young and diverse poll worker corps. Co-founder and Northeastern graduate Laura Mueller-Soppart said she approached a few friends, including Northeastern graduate Klevis Xharda, and the organization was up and running within a week. 
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Students have reported lengthy lines at Resmail in addition to major delays in receiving their packages and letters.

ResMail delays create frustration, inconvenience for students

Marta Hill, news staff
October 12, 2020
For the first month of living on campus, fourth-year bioengineering major Henry Weith was unable to perform part of his job because he had not received his renewed driver's license — or any other mail. 
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Sophomore defenseman Jayden Struble, speaks up about the BLM movement with the support of his team.

Jayden Struble speaks up about racism, diversity in hockey

Marta Hill, news correspondent
August 26, 2020

Appalled at the ignorance and hatred against the Black community, sophomore hockey player Jayden Struble felt he couldn’t hold back when protests and riots were rocking the nation, tweeting: “Being...

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Signs instructing campus visitors to wear a mask are placed around campus.

Reopening updates: Northeastern clarifies testing guidelines, off-campus students to be tested three times a week

This story will be updated continually as new information comes from the university and elsewhere that pertains to Northeastern students. 4:30 p.m. Sept. 8: Northeastern clarifies testing guidelines,...

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