Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Bostons City Hall Plaza

They couldn’t get out of on-campus housing. So they got domestic partnerships

May 26, 2021

In attempts to secure an exemption to escape on-campus housing and its nearly $20,000 annual price tag, some students are taking an unorthodox leap—getting...

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker

Massachusetts reports 337 new coronavirus cases, large laboratory reporting lag

May 14, 2021

Massachusetts reported 337 new coronavirus cases Friday, down by nearly half from the 616 new infections reported Thursday. The death toll rose by 18.  The...

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.

Massachusetts reports 472 new coronavirus cases, zero COVID-19 deaths

May 11, 2021

Massachusetts reported 472 new coronavirus cases Tuesday, up slightly from the 446 new infections reported Monday. The death toll rose by zero.  Tuesday’s...

The entrance to a vaccination clinic in downtown Boston.

Vaccines now available for students at Tufts Medical Center

April 29, 2021

Students can now receive the COVID-19 vaccine at Tufts Medical Center, just over a month after the formal partnership with the hospital fell through, Emerson...

An in-person class taking place at Emerson.

Emerson changes course, pivots to fully in-person fall semester

April 21, 2021

In a shift from previous plans, Emerson will transition to a fully in-person academic semester on all campuses this fall for students, who will now be...

The first comedic arts class as freshmen, when they entered the college in 2016.

First comedic arts major graduates reflect on program one year later

April 21, 2021

Following their 2020 graduation, Emerson’s first comedic arts class is finding new ways to do what they love in the midst of the pandemic—from hosting...

A clinician fills a syringe with a COVID-19 vaccine from a vial.

State vaccine eligibility expands to cover all Emerson students

April 19, 2021

When the clock struck midnight on Monday, 1.7 million Massachusetts residents—including any Emerson students who didn’t yet qualify—became eligible...

Snow dusts the Norman Lear statue in the 2 Boylston Alley

Nor’easter brings April snowfall and student bitterness

April 16, 2021

Emerson students woke up Friday morning to snowflakes outside their windows, an unexpected—and for many, unwelcome—sight after a spell of relatively...

Trash bins in the cafeteria.

Green efforts ongoing as Emerson searches for new sustainability manager

April 16, 2021

As Emerson prepares to hire a new sustainability manager, the college is pushing forward in its effort to create a more environmentally friendly campus.  Cathy...

The new awnings installed in the 2B alley.

Emerson lifts most restrictions as COVID fears ease

April 14, 2021

Emerson will lift most of the restrictions implemented on April 7 to slow down the unprecedented spread of COVID-19 amongst the community since late March...

An ECPD patrol vehicle.

ECPD faces backlash for social media posts on autism

April 7, 2021

Content Warning: This article discusses harmful and ableist stereotypes against autistic people, violence against autistic people and disabled people,...

Pictured above, Performing Arts Department Chair Bob Colby.

Robert Colby, chair of performing arts, dies at 70

April 5, 2021

Robert Colby, chair of the performing arts department who worked at Emerson for 44 years, died early Monday morning in Beth Israel Hospital after a lengthy...

About 70 staff union members lined the hallway elbow-to-elbow on the lower level of the Max Mutchnick Campus Center while college administrators entered room L-151 for a contract negotiation with the union’s bargaining committee in April. Chris Van Buskirk / Beacon Archive.

No benefit restoration in sight despite strong financial outlook

April 5, 2021

Emerson’s financial state remains stable as the end of the 2021 fiscal year draws near, but college officials remain uncertain when they can reinstitute...

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker

Massachusetts reports 2,263 new coronavirus cases

April 3, 2021

Massachusetts reported 2,263 new coronavirus cases Saturday, a rise from the 2,160 new infections reported Tuesday. The death toll rose by 36.  Saturday’s...

The Bobbi Brown and Steven Plofker Gym

Emerson reports highest COVID spike to date, reportedly traced to athletic teams

April 3, 2021

Emerson reported 15 new positive COVID-19 tests on Saturday split over two days of testing—just two days after an email from the college warned of increased...

The first graduating cohort of the Speech@Emerson program on Aug. 23, 2020.

Speech@Emerson grows to college’s largest graduate program

March 29, 2021

In just three years, Speech@Emerson has become the largest graduate program at the college, with 654 students enrolled as of 2020.  The program, which...

The exterior of the Kasteel Well castle

Kasteel Well students reflect on departing the castle

March 29, 2021

On March 2, 2020, the 76 students studying at Emerson’s Kasteel Well campus gathered in a cramped dining hall awaiting an update on spring break, expecting...

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker

Massachusetts reports 1,817 new coronavirus cases

March 28, 2021

Massachusetts reported 1,817 new coronavirus cases Sunday, a rise from the 2,362 new infections reported Saturday. The death toll rose by 29.  Saturday’s...

On-campus spaces see loosened capacity limits

On-campus spaces see loosened capacity limits

March 28, 2021

Room capacity limits in some indoor spaces on Emerson’s campus were increased last week, a result of low positive COVID-19 tests and a declining positivity...

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker.

Massachusetts reports 1,678 new coronavirus cases

March 21, 2021

Massachusetts reported 1,678 new coronavirus cases Sunday, a slight decline from the 1,880 new infections reported Saturday. The death toll rose by 33.  Cases...