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

Jessica Silverman

Jessica Silverman, Editor at Large

Jessica Silverman is a fourth-year political science major and The News’ editor at large. She has previously served as managing editor and deputy campus editor. She’s thrilled to continue serving on The News in her last year at Northeastern. Follow her on Twitter @jessfsilverman for more.

All content by Jessica Silverman
Chow Down Beantown: Episode 11

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 11

Jessica Silverman
May 4, 2023

The day has unfortunately come - the last episode of Chow Down Beantown. Let's go out with a bang and remember some of the best of Boston eats.

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A member of NU Sanskriti paints Mehndi, or henna, on another members hand during an event held as part of the clubs Indian History Month celebration. While planning the month-long celebration, club leaders aimed to provide a platform for students to express their identity. Photo courtesy of NU Sanskriti.

NU Sanskriti plans Northeastern’s first-ever Indian Heritage Month

Jessica Silverman, news staff
March 9, 2023

For NU Sanskriti, Indian Heritage Month is a time for celebration, creativity and community. With almost 8,000 Indian undergraduate and graduate students at the university, NU Sanskriti is one of the...

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 10

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 10

Jessica Silverman
February 8, 2023

In this episode Jess and guest Sophia discuss all the best Mexican restaurants in Boston! Did yours make the list? Listen this episode for some spicy takes and a fun game!  

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 9

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 9

Jessica Silverman
January 20, 2023

Jess and the girls talk about their favorite coffee shops in Boston! We talk drinks, vibes, and pastries! Did yours make the list? Listen to find out!

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 8

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 8

Jessica Silverman
November 28, 2022

In this episode, Jess is joined by her friend Cameron, where they discuss all the secret, hole-in-the-wall places in Boston that should be next on your list! Listen for our latest recommendations!   

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 7

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 7

Jessica Silverman
October 31, 2022

This episode Jess is joined by Bailey Hara from Spoon University Northeastern to talk about what it's like to be a food blogger in Boston! Tune in for fun stories, recommendations, and some Boston food...

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Occupancy sensors were installed on desks in ISEC Sept. 26 for a research study, without alerting faculty or students. Citing concerns about privacy and a lack of communication from the university, some graduate students removed the sensors and placed them on a kitchen table in ISEC. Photo courtesy of Max von Hippel.

NU administration removes occupancy sensors in ISEC in response to privacy, ethical concerns

Jessica Silverman, editor at large
October 17, 2022

Students and faculty working in the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex, or ISEC, pushed back against Northeastern administration last week after the university attempted to monitor their...

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Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker speaks Sept. 21 at the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Center. He was joined by his former chief of staff Steve Kadish to talk about their co-written book, Results.

‘Getting beyond politics’: Gov. Baker visits Northeastern with former chief of staff to talk achieving ‘Results’

Marta Hill and Jessica Silverman
September 22, 2022

Though the T has been at the top of many students’ minds recently because of the newly reopened Orange Line, Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker urged Northeastern students to pay attention for another...

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Emergency services respond to the area around Holmes Hall Sept. 13.

DEVELOPING STORY: Package reportedly detonates, injures one near Holmes Hall

Marta Hill, Kayla Shiao, and Jessica Silverman
September 13, 2022

A package exploded and left a staff member with minor injuries Tuesday evening, officials said. The explosion occurred around 7:18 p.m. at 39 Leon St. near Holmes Hall, Boston Police Department Superintendent...

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 6

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 6

Jessica Silverman
September 9, 2022

After a summer hiatus Chow Down Beantown is back! In this episode Jess pairs Boston restaurants with zodiac signs! Is your pairing written in the stars?

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 5

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 5

Jessica Silverman
June 7, 2022

Mama mia, it's a North End special! Jess is joined by Ryan to talk about all the latest and greatest North End spots! If you're a pasta lover be sure to tune in!

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 4

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 4

Jessica Silverman
May 21, 2022

You can't have a great meal without dessert! This episode Jess and Mary discuss all the best dessert spots in Boston. Prepare for milkshakes and some hot takes!

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 3

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 3

Jessica Silverman
May 9, 2022

Looking for a spot for your next big party or get together? This episode is for you! Jess speaks with Juliet about all the places in Boston where you can take a big group!

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 2

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 2

Jessica Silverman
April 28, 2022

If you don't eat meat, finding accommodating places that fit your dietary restrictions can be hard, but Boston has some of the greatest places for plant based eaters out there! Jess is joined by guest...

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Chow Down Beantown: Episode 1

Chow Down Beantown: Episode 1

Jessica Silverman
April 11, 2022

Welcome to Chow Down Beantown! Host Jess Silverman is here to break down all the best eats in Boston, whether you're new to the city, a college kid, or even a local. Listen for recommendations, crazy stories,...

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Students at the Asian American Community Conference March 6.

Asian American community advocates for new faculty hires, creation of Asian American studies program

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
March 27, 2022

Late last month, members of the Northeastern University Asian American community leaders sent a letter to two academic deans hoping to establish a stronger foundation for the existing Asian studies program...

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Code4TheCulture is a Northeastern-based club to support Black and Latinx students in the Khoury College of Computer Science. 
Photo courtesy of Sandra Kwawu.

Code4TheCulture celebrates, supports Black, Latinx students in Khoury College

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
February 9, 2022

When second-year graduate student Betty Mesfin first came to Northeastern to study computer science, she said she was immediately met with feelings of isolation and imposter syndrome. Frustrated with...

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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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Northeastern said in an NU Alert email to students Friday that certain buildings, like Cabot Testing Center and Marino Recreation Center, will close due to the snowstorm expected to hit New England. 

Northeastern announces building closures ahead of snowstorm

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
January 28, 2022

This story was updated Jan.29 to reflect the change in operating hours for buildings on campus Sunday. Northeastern said in an NU Alert email to students Friday that certain buildings, like Cabot Testing...

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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 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.

Northeastern to require booster vaccines for spring semester

Jessica Silverman and Gwen Egan
December 9, 2021

In an email to students Thursday, Northeastern announced it would require students, faculty and staff to receive booster shots by Jan. 18, 2022, or seven days after they become eligible. This announcement...

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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.

NU to add beds to East Village, International Village to address overcrowding concerns

Jessica Silverman and Bela Omoeva
November 4, 2021

In a new proposal to address the growing student population, next fall Northeastern University will look to convert student bed spaces in the International Village and East Village residence halls from...

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The university updated its NUflex policy for the upcoming fall 2021 semester.

Northeastern announces NUflex update for fall semester

Jessica Silverman, news staff
June 28, 2021

In an email to students Monday, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Madigan announced that eligible students can continue remote learning for the fall 2021 semester if they face...

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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 Northeasterns testing dashboard.

Northeastern exceeds 1 million COVID-19 tests

Jessica Silverman, news staff
April 28, 2021

Northeastern’s Life Sciences Testing Center officially processed over 1 million COVID-19 nasal swab tests, according to an announcement Wednesday from News@Northeastern.  Located in Burlington, Massachusetts,...

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Husky Environmental Action Team, or HEAT, is launching an initiative with the goal of creating solar-powered charging stations on campus.

NU HEAT proposes solar charging initiative

Jessica Silverman, news staff
March 31, 2021

As the weather warms up and more students opt to take their remote classes outside, the Husky Environmental Action Team, or HEAT, noticed an issue — the lack of phone and laptop chargers located outside.  To...

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Governor Baker announced at press conference held Monday that the mask mandate would be lifted for fully vaccinated individuals by the end of the month.

Governor Baker announces vaccine eligibility timeline for workers, general public

Jessica Silverman, news staff
March 17, 2021

Governor Charlie Baker’s administration announced today additional details regarding the COVID-19 vaccine eligibility timeline in Massachusetts, which includes when the remaining groups of Massachusetts...

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Students enjoy the nice weather as they relax on Krentzman Quad, March 11.

Northeastern announces Care Days, on-campus changes

Valeria Vazquez and Jessica Silverman
March 11, 2021

One year after the university announced all classes would go online, Northeastern announced the addition of two Care Days and changes on campus to allow more freedoms for students Thursday afternoon in...

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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 Northeasterns testing dashboard.

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

Jessica Silverman, managing editor
February 24, 2021

Northeastern faculty and staff, with the exception of contract employees, will be able to purchase at-home COVID-19 test kits from the university starting in the next coming days, according to a Feb. 16...

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Northeasterns COVID-19 guidelines are not taking into account the sex lives of students.

Northeastern updates COVID-19 guidelines after Massachusetts stay-at-home advisory

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
November 4, 2020
In an email to students Nov. 4, Chancellor and Senior Vice President for Learning Ken Henderson gave an update regarding the new safety measures imposed by the Massachusetts government to address the spiking number of COVID-19 cases in the state. 
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Faculty senate, pictured meeting last semester, raised concerns that this new policy change would disproportionately impact women and people of color, directly contradicting the university’s diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Spring semester teaching policy raises diversity, childcare concerns for faculty, graduate students

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
October 30, 2020

As a working parent, communication studies professor Brooke Foucault Welles has spent the fall semester learning to balance teaching her courses remotely and taking care of her young children that are...

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The university will hold a panel discussing this change featuring Professor Ellen Cushman, associate dean of academic affairs, diversity and inclusion in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Northeastern announces celebration of Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
October 9, 2020
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs David Madigan announced that the university will now observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day, replacing Columbus Day on the university calendar. 
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President Joseph E. Aoun established the NUPD advisory board over the summer following Black Lives Matter protests regarding police brutality and racism.

NUPD advisory board suggests new feedback system, additional oversight

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
October 5, 2020
In an email to students Monday, chair of the Northeastern Police Department advisory board, Jack McDevitt, detailed a new university-wide feedback system for the Northeastern University Police Department, or NUPD, and recommended the Office of University Equity and Compliance, or OUEC, participate in investigations of officer misconduct.
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While there were initial reports that they will not have their $36,500 tuition refunded at all, the students had the ability to appeal this decision.

Dismissed N.U.in students credited tuition for spring semester

George Barker, Lucy Gavin, and Jessica Silverman
September 17, 2020
The 11 N.U.in Boston students dismissed from Northeastern for gathering will have their tuition payment credited to the spring semester, according to the Northeastern Media Relations department.
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The families of two students dismissed by Northeastern have hired a lawyer in hopes of challenging the universitys decision.

[UPDATED] Parents of two dismissed students hire attorney

Jessica Silverman and George Barker
September 10, 2020
The families of two of the N.U.in students that were dismissed from Northeastern for engaging in an unsafe gathering in the Westin Hotel have hired a lawyer in hopes of fighting the school’s decision. 
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The virtual husky navigates toward the Academic Enrichment booth.

Fall Fest World connects clubs, organizations in retro video game platform

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
September 8, 2020
Northeastern hosted its first-ever Fall Fest World today to introduce all of the different student organizations offered on campus. Due to COVID-19 concerns, the university decided to move the traditionally in-person event to a video game-like format, where students roam around as a husky character to various booths to get information on clubs.
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The university has increased tuition at an average annual rate of 4.3 percent from 2015 to 2019. During the same period, room and board charges grew at an average annual rate of 3.5 percent and 4.1 percent, respectively.

Students react to Northeastern changes in tuition, financial aid

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
August 4, 2020
Students have expressed frustration with administration regarding the tuition increase. However, the university stated that this financial aid investment is more ambitious than in the past.
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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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SGA President Christopher Brown and Executive Vice President Gabby Nobile

Release of SGA statement reveals tensions among leadership

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
June 17, 2020

Updated at 10:15 am June 18th to include additional responses from SGA President Chris Brown in response to claims made in the article Updated at 8:15 pm June 19th to include statements from James Lyons,...

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The statement included points that were critical of the university administration and its response to incidents of racism on campus.

[UPDATED] Statement by SGA official addresses Black Lives Matter movement

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
June 12, 2020
SGA, released a statement regarding the racial struggles on campus, the protests sparking from the death of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.
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A classroom in East Village.

Northeastern details NUflex program

Ingrid Angulo and Jessica Silverman
June 11, 2020
As Northeastern gears up for students’ return this fall, the university has clarified details about its new flexible learning program called NUflex. The program will allow students to choose whether they attend classes in person — in conjunction with public health guidelines — or online with the assistance of new classroom technology.
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Northeastern offered financial assistance to students going through hardship with money given to the university by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Students express frustration with CARES Act funding

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
June 7, 2020
Of the $5.8 million given to Northeastern by the federal government, about $4.2 million of that money has gone towards emergency funding for students. It is unclear whether all of the money given to the university has been allocated to students since the last May 22 update.
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Cameron Woods is a rising fourth-year international affairs and economics major.

[UPDATED] SGA communications director resigns

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
June 5, 2020
Cameron Woods, a rising fourth-year international affairs and economics major, resigned Thursday from his role as SGA’s executive director of communications.
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Kuznetsova and Opet will take office July 1 to serve a one-year term.

Kuznetsova, Opet elected to head 2020-2021 SGA

Jessica Silverman and Isabel Stephens
March 23, 2020

Kate Kuznetsova and Billy Opet have been elected president and executive vice president of the Student Government Association, or SGA, as announced at Monday night’s SGA Senate teleconference. The pair...

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SGA confirms first executive director for diversity, equity, inclusion

SGA confirms first executive director for diversity, equity, inclusion

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
March 11, 2020
The Student Government Association, or SGA, officially confirmed fourth-year criminal justice major Sade Adewunmi as the association’s first-ever Executive Director for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in their full-body session Feb. 24.
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Northeastern’s faculty senate passed a resolution in which they recommended changing the Teacher Rating and Course Evaluation, or TRACE.

Faculty senate passes resolution to amend TRACE evaluations

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
February 19, 2020
In their meeting Wednesday, Northeastern’s faculty senate passed a resolution in which they recommended changing the Teacher Rating and Course Evaluation, or TRACE. The proposed revisions include making the survey itself shorter and adding questions regarding diversity and inclusion.
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David Nica, a fifth-year economics major and the external vice president of NUCR explains his organizations referenda questions to SGA.

Referenda approved include evening academic advising, increased ISEC access

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
February 5, 2020
The Student Government Association, or SGA, agreed upon the referenda questions for students to vote on in the March elections. Of the 16 referenda questions proposed by student organizations, SGA passed five.
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Students emails begin transition to Microsoft Office 365

Students emails begin transition to Microsoft Office 365

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
January 25, 2020
In SGA’s weekly senate meeting Jan. 13, Associate Vice President of Engagement and Experience Marcus Robinson met with senators and discussed the transition of students’ email addresses from G Suite to Microsoft Office 365.
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SGA passed two resolutions creating positions for an Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as a Vice President for Sustainability. 

SGA adds new positions to cabinet, executive board

Jessica Silverman, deputy campus editor
December 1, 2019
The Student Government Association, or SGA, passed five resolutions, two of them creating new positions on both the executive board and the cabinet, at a full body session Nov. 25.
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SGA Vice President for Academic Affairs Hanna Nuttall gave a presentation on the new program.

SGA hosts textbook exchange town hall

Jessica Silverman, news staff
November 14, 2019
The Student Government Association, or SGA, held a town hall Tuesday to discuss its new textbook exchange program and answer student questions about the initiative.
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Alumni relations grants fourth- and fifth-year students access to alumni networking service.

Fourth- and fifth-years to gain access to alumni networking service

Jessica Silverman, news staff
November 6, 2019
Northeastern Office of Alumni Relations grants fourth- and fifth-year students access to alumni networking service.
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Pete Buttigieg made a stop at the Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston on Oct. 29.

Pete Buttigieg brings presidential campaign to Boston fundraiser

Jessica Silverman, news staff
November 4, 2019

Democratic Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg held a grassroots fundraising event at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston on Oct. 29. He answered questions from the audience ranging from climate change...

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SGA officials pictured, from left, Billy Opet, Chris Brown, Keiler Dunbar, Gabby Nobile and Hanna Nuttall.

SGA discusses potential changes to Rebecca’s, SAF, GSuite at town hall

Jessica Silverman, news staff
October 23, 2019
President Brown shared his efforts to have Rebecca’s Cafe, a favorite among students, open on weekends.
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Chris Brown and Gabby Nobile respectively serve as president and executive vice president of SGA.

SGA follows through on stipend funding shift

Jessica Silverman, news staff
October 16, 2019
Stipend funding was cut from $21,250 to $5,500, which will be shared by five board members who requested need-based stipends.
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