Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College's student newspaper

The Berkeley Beacon

Editor of The Beacon Chris Van Buskirk.

Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21

Chris Van Buskirk graduated in 2021. He worked for the State House News Service and MassLive before moving on to the Boston Herald as a state house reporter in May 2023.

Latest from Chris Van Buskirk
Ansin Building of Emerson College

Former student sues college over ‘insufficient’ learning experience last spring

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 17, 2021

A former student is seeking a tuition and fee refund in response to Emerson College's decision to move classes online last spring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a lawsuit pending in...

When students return to Emerson this spring, many will pass through Logan Airport.

[Photo] Epidemiologists say risk of college reopening diffused by regulations

January 21, 2021

When students return to Emerson this spring, many will pass through Logan Airport.

Former Editor-in-Chief Chris Van Buskirk in front of a very legendary establishment.

After 1,033 days, an editor says farewell

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
June 30, 2020

It was a Tuesday around 6:50 p.m. when shots rang out across Boston Common. Students were told to shelter in place several minutes later but a young reporter had managed to barrel down nine flights...

The new restrictions could force the college to alter its reopening plan.

[Photo] Incoming first-year students look towards an altered first semester at college

June 14, 2020

The new restrictions could force the college to alter its reopening plan.

Four members of the National Guard and one member of the Military Police stood guard at the edge of Wednesdays protests.

Here’s a timeline showing how protests stayed peaceful in Boston

Demonstrators rallied on Boston Common Wednesday afternoon to voice outrage over the killing of George Floyd and other victims of race-based police brutality. Below is a list of live updates from the protest....

Protesters face off with police in the area of Tremont St. and Stuart St.

Timeline shows how Boston became a war zone

Peaceful protests over the police killing of George Floyd erupted into chaos late Sunday night as people set fire to a police car and looted businesses. Below is a timeline of events from The Beacon's...

Cut Short

Cut Short

The Beacon Magazine interviewed 16 different seniors to get their perspective on how the coronavirus pandemic upended their final year on campus. All of the words in this edition are their own, with no...

Abigail Semple

Abigail Semple

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
May 10, 2020

I was in the Student Government Association office with my roommate and he went out and bought a balloon from CVS and I was doing reimbursements. It was just one of those moments where I was like, that’s...

Chris Van Buskirk, Editor, The Berkeley Beacon

Letter from the Editor: The world is changing

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 13, 2020

The view from the third floor of 172 Tremont St. may not look different from only a week ago but the tone and anxiety permeating Boston is tangible.  Excuse the cliche, but one could cut through the...

First year students left to right: Carrie Aubin, Chloe Shaar, Eva Charbonnnier, and Isabella Espejo, calling their parents about the colleges decision to shut the Boston campus down.

College asks students to leave dorms, moves ELA classes online

By Parker Purifoy and Chris Van Buskirk
March 13, 2020

The college announced that all students must vacate campus residence halls in both Boston and Los Angeles by March 20—a dramatic reversal of an earlier decision that gave students the option to stay. Students...

Students crossing the bustling Boylston/Tremont intersection.

College transitions classes online, dorms to remain open amid COVID-19 outbreak

By Parker Purifoy and Chris Van Buskirk
March 10, 2020

Emerson College joined on Tuesday a series of universities and colleges across the state that have transitioned classes online in response to the rapidly spreading COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus.  The...

The view of Boylston St. from The Little Building.

[Photo] Derogatory graffiti found in Little Building, second incident this week

January 26, 2020

The view of Boylston St. from The Little Building.

A World Health Organization graphic detailing the number of confirmed cases around the world. Photo credit: World Health Organization

College advises awareness of Coronavirus symptoms

By Chris Van Buskirk and Parker Purifoy
January 25, 2020
In a statement released Friday, the college urged students to be vigilant in recognizing Coronavirus symptoms following two confirmed cases of the disease in the United States.
Piano Row residence hall

Swastikas found in Piano Row stairwell prompt ECPD investigation

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 22, 2020

Emerson police are investigating the source of four swastikas "scrawled" in Piano Row after a student reported the graffiti early Wednesday morning, according to college officials. The discriminatory,...

Beacon Archives

Swastikas found in Piano Row stairwell

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 22, 2020

Emerson police are investigating the incident. Read the latest updates here.  The college found four swastikas "scrawled" in Piano Row stairwells Wednesday morning, according to college officials. In...

A snow blower clears the way for students to walk in the 2 Boylston Place alley.

Welcome back to the reality of living in Boston

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 18, 2020

Light snow blanketed downtown Boston Saturday as students and residents experienced a renewed winter wonderland following a weekend of spring-like temperatures. A forecast for the night detailed...

Boston police detain an individual during the Straight Pride Parade. Photo by Montse Landeros / Beacon Correspondent

Top Ten Stories 2019: Everything from NBA team stuck in elevator to Marlboro merger

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 31, 2019
his year saw everything from the acquisition of a new college to a professional NBA team getting stuck in an elevator. With 2019 drawing to end in a few hours, senior editors at The Beacon compiled a list of their top ten stories of the year. All the lists were then averaged out to create the one here.
Editor of The Beacon Chris Van Buskirk.

Letter from the Editor: Incredible journalism isn’t the only thing to be proud of this semester

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 15, 2019
Editor-in-Chief Chris Van Buskirk reflects on the fall 2019 semester, the accomplishments and failures of The Berkeley Beacon, and looks forward to holiday break and spring 2020.
Affiliated Faculty Union President Barry Marshall whispers to Emerson Colleges President of the American Association of University Professors Gian Lombardo during Thursdays faculty council meeting.

[Photo] Union representatives join President's Council for duration of Marlboro negotiations

January 20, 2020

Affiliated Faculty Union President Barry Marshall whispers to Emerson College's President of the American Association of University Professors Gian Lombardo during Thursday's faculty council meeting.

President M. Lee Pelton addresses faculty council attendees on Thursday.

[Photo] Emerson administration, faculty, and staff respond to Emerson Students of Color Week of Action demands

February 14, 2021

President M. Lee Pelton addresses faculty council attendees on Thursday.

Students gather outside Marlboro Colleges dining hall after an emergency board of trustees meeting in early December 2019.

Emerson College seeking to liquidate Marlboro College campus before July

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 14, 2019
Emerson College President M. Lee Pelton and Marlboro College President Kevin Quigley acknowledged Saturday Emerson's desire to sell the Vermont campus.
Marlboro College President Kevin Quigley looks on as a speaker addresses an audience of Marlboro College students, alumni, and residents on Dec. 14, 2019.

[Photo] Challenge to Marlboro College Board of Trustees seeks alternate solution to merger

December 14, 2019

Marlboro College President Kevin Quigley looks on as a speaker addresses an audience of Marlboro College students, alumni, and residents on Dec. 14, 2019.

Debunking common misconceptions around the Emerson-Marlboro merger

Debunking common misconceptions around the Emerson-Marlboro merger

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
November 14, 2019

Emerson College did not purchase Marlboro College  The Vermont school donated its $30 million endowment and real estate, valued at more than $10 million, to Emerson. The endowment will permanently...

Students play soccer at Marlboro college in early November. Beacon Archive.

Merger fuels anxiety among Marlboro students

By Parker Purifoy and Chris Van Buskirk
November 7, 2019

MARLBORO, Vt.—The rumors and talk circulated for years. General anxiety about what would happen to the future and legacy of Marlboro College lingered on the wooded hilltop campus.  When the news...

Beacon Archive.

Boston Police treating sophomore’s death a homicide

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 3, 2019

Update 10/3/19: Boston Police are investigating the death of Daniel Hollis as a homicide. Update 10/3/19: Boston Police identified Daniel Hollis as the victim in an assault and battery Saturday.  Boston...

SGA Executive Treasurer Abigail Semple.

Students question executive treasurer’s motivation behind fee amendment

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 26, 2019

Executive Treasurer Abigail Semple’s fee amendment that would bar some student organizations from charging participation fees follows a months-long hiring dispute with the EVVYs.  The EVVYs twice...

SGA Executive Treasurer Abigail Semple.

[Photo] SGA officials denounce Treasurer’s proposed fee amendment

September 19, 2019

SGA Executive Treasurer Abigail Semple.

Editor of The Beacon Chris Van Buskirk.

Letter from the Editor: Ushering in a new era for The Berkeley Beacon

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 4, 2019

As another school year begins, I want to take a moment to address some changes both in our paper and on campus.  Little Building finally opened and Boylston Street is finally clear of scaffolding—something...

Workers painted over the scaffolding in front of Little Building where over over 12 students were publicly accused of sexual assault.

College removes graffiti accusing more than 12 students of sexual misconduct

By Maya Gacina, Chris Van Buskirk, and Parker Purifoy
April 18, 2019

The college does not plan to investigate who posted a list of more than 12 students accused of sexual misconduct onto Little Building’s Boylston Street scaffolding on Thursday, according to a college...

Junior Abigail Semple recieved the fewest votes out of the top three candidates for executive treasurer in the spring 2019 election. Beacon Archive

EIV business manager secures SGA executive treasurer despite losing race

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 11, 2019

Junior Abigail Semple will assume the Student Government Association executive treasurer position for the 2019–20 academic year after sophomore Joseph Davidi and freshman Brady Baca both declined the...

The student was assaulted in front of Barnes & Noble at Emerson. Beacon Archive

Student injured in assault on Boylston Street

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 9, 2019

An unidentified person assaulted an Emerson student walking towards the Boylston Place Alley on Boylston Street Monday evening, according to the Emerson College Police Department. At approximately...

BFD trucks blocked off traffic heading southbound at the Stuart and Tremont Streets intersection. Tomas Gozalez / Beacon Staff

Fire breaks out in high rise under construction on Stuart Street

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 4, 2019

The Boston Fire Department extinguished a two-alarm fire that broke out in a 24-story high rise under construction next to the Wilbur Theatre at the corner of Stuart and Tremont Streets. No injuries were...

Members of SGA watch as freshman Brady Baca gives an impassioned speech during spring election press night two days before announcing his departure from the executive treasurers race. Anissa Gardizy / Beacon Staff

Baca drops out of SGA executive treasurer’s race amid criticism

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 31, 2019

Freshman Brady Baca dropped out of the Student Government Association executive treasurer’s race on March 28, leaving junior Abigail Semple as the only actively campaigning candidate for the position. Baca...

Junior Abigail Semple recieved the fewest votes out of the top three candidates for executive treasurer in the spring 2019 election. Beacon Archive

EIV business manager to challenge Baca for SGA executive treasurer

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 28, 2019

Junior Abigail Semple launched her write-in campaign and joined a contentious Student Government Association executive treasurer’s race on Tuesday as freshman candidate Brady Baca continues to face criticism...

New England Treatment Access (NETA) in Brookline.

Recreational cannabis dispensary opens in Brookline

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 23, 2019

New England Treatment Access opened its doors Saturday at 9 a.m. as the first dispensary to offer non-medical cannabis in the greater Boston area. The dispensary, about a 10-minute walk from the Green...

Freshman Brady Baca is running for Executive Treasurer of SGA despite not having served on the treasury team. Photo by Xinyi Tu

SGA officials criticize candidate’s campaign for executive treasurer

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 21, 2019

Sophomore Joseph Davidi dropped out of the spring 2019 Student Government Association executive treasurer race which leaves freshman challenger Brady Baca with a likely victory in April, as the only actively...

Emerson College commuters can expect regular Blue Line service Monday morning. Courtesy of the MBTA.

MBTA to resume Blue Line service Monday morning

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 17, 2019

The MBTA plans to resume Blue Line service for morning commuters on March 18 after suspending service between the Logan Airport and Wonderland stops for three days. The restoration of damaged signal...

Residents return to Orient Heights after toxic 9-alarm fire

Residents return to Orient Heights after toxic 9-alarm fire

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 16, 2019

Residents returned to the Orient Heights neighborhood in East Boston late Friday night after a massive nine-alarm fire carried smoke and toxic fumes over the area.   Hundreds of firefighters battled...

SGA officials call for streamlined communication platforms at college

SGA officials call for streamlined communication platforms at college

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 14, 2019

Several Student Government Association members advocated for the college to consolidate its methods of communication to students at the March 12 Joint Session meeting. SGA officials voiced their complaints...

The college purchased the Walker Building adn 116 Boylston St. in 1998. Whisky Saigon moved into the space in 2013. Photo by William Bloxham / Beacon Correspondent

Nightclub Whisky Saigon to leave Boylston Street by June 2019

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 13, 2019

Whisky Saigon, a nightclub that neighbors the Emerson campus, will vacate 116 Boylston St. by June 30. The college accepted an offer earlier this year to end the nightclub’s lease before it expires in...

Emerson’s cost of attendance increased from $19,303 per year in 1990 to $67,832 in 2019. Cullen Granzen / Berkeley Staff

Pelton supported Boston’s effort to attract Amazon’s second headquarters

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 22, 2019

President M. Lee Pelton offered support for the City of Boston’s bid to become the second location for Amazon’s headquarters, according to public records released to the Beacon on Jan. 8. The Emerson...

Interior renovations to 172 Tremont St. will cost the college approximately $3.1 million.  Maia Sperber / Beacon Correspondent

Public records detail $1.1 million increase for 172 Tremont project

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 13, 2019

Interior renovations to The Commons at 172 Tremont St. tacked on $1.1 million more than the college initially anticipated, according to City of Boston public records. The college expected to spend...

SGA Executive President Jess Guida appointed herself as the board of trustees representative without a vote. Photo courtesy of Beacon Archives.

SGA president overrides voting precedence

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 6, 2018

Student Government Association Executive President Jess Guida appointed herself as the board of trustees representative without a vote at a Sept. 18 joint session meeting. In an interview with the Beacon,...

Courtesy of Beacon Archives

Students from Southern California rattled by Thousand Oaks shooting

By Maya Gacina and Chris Van Buskirk
November 9, 2018

The college offered support to students from Southern California on Thursday following a mass shooting, less than two weeks after Jewish students grappled with a separate massacre in a Pittsburgh synagogue. Associate...

Beacon Archives.

College applied for final 172 Tremont St. building permit, expected opening in March

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 30, 2018

The college is expecting a final building permit authorizing all construction related tasks for The Commons at 172 Tremont St., according to a college official. Director of Construction Management...

Freshman Laura Dinn held up a handmade sign at the Trump Doesn’t Represent Us Rally on Thursday night.  Photo by Abbey Finn / Beacon Correspondent

Student protest disavows Trump administration

By Diana Bravo, Rice Foster, and Chris Van Buskirk
October 27, 2018

About 30 students gathered at the Parkman Bandstand to protest the Trump administration as part of the “Trump Doesn’t Represent Us Rally” organized by student group Time to Rise on Oct. 25. According...

Cullen Granzen / Beacon Staff

Emerson students oppose Sen. Jeff Flake at City Hall Plaza

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 4, 2018

Three Emerson students clutched a banner reading “#StopKavanaugh” in front of a rally of hundreds at City Hall Plaza Monday morning. Just days before, senior Erin Swauger, sophomore Annie Noel, and...

Bostons City Hall Plaza

Student organizers relocate Flake protest to City Hall Plaza

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 29, 2018

A student-led protest calling on Republican Sen. Jeff Flake to reject Judge Brett Kavanaugh is taking place at City Hall Plaza Monday. Mayor Marty Walsh,  Sen. Elizabeth Warren, and Candidate Ayanna...

Faculty were presented with awards during their monthly meeting. Chris Van Buskirk / Beacon Staff

Faculty recognized and honored at award ceremony

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 29, 2018

The Faculty Assembly recognized and honored members of the Emerson community at its first meeting of the year on Tuesday. About a dozen faculty members received departmental awards and recognition...

The Colonial Theatre

College cancels Senator Jeff Flake appearance

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 28, 2018

The college canceled Senator Jeff Flake’s appearance at the Colonial Theatre Monday for Forbes 30 Under 30 event citing safety concerns surrounding a potential protest, according to President M. Lee...

Beacon Archives.

Boston Zoning Commision approves 172 Tremont St. renovation

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 20, 2018

The college can begin interior renovations on The Commons at 172 Tremont St. after the Boston Zoning Commission unanimously approved the new use of the building on Sept. 12, according to a college official....

Interior construction on The Commons should begin by the end of the week. 
Kyle Bray // Beacon Staff

Bathrooms at 172 Tremont exclusively gender-neutral

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 15, 2018

The Commons at 172 Tremont St. exclusively features gender-neutral bathrooms—the first building to do so—according to college officials. The college decided to make bathrooms part of an effort...

archive

Professor’s cause of death confirmed amid controversy

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 6, 2018

The death of visual and media arts associate Professor Robert Todd has been confirmed as a suicide, according to The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Boston. President M. Lee Pelton announced...

Business Services decided to eliminate the $1.75 cost for laundry services after student complaints about affordability.  Photo: Cullen Granzen / Berkeley Beacon

On-campus students wash and dry for free

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 6, 2018

Students no longer pay for each load of laundry after the college decided to eliminate the cost. Business Services Director Karen Dickinson said students who live in residence halls can swipe their...

Deceased VMA Professor found responsible for sexual harassment

Deceased VMA Professor found responsible for sexual harassment

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
September 4, 2018

Former Professor Robert Todd was “found responsible for engaging in sexual harassment” following a Title IX investigation that took place before his death, according to a statement President M. Lee...

Freshman Cindy Tsai wrote The Nuances of Racism in Theatre School. Photo courtesy of Tsai.

POWER demands immediate removal of musical theater head

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 27, 2018

Musical Theatre Program Head Scott LaFeber maintains his position despite a petition released by Protesting Oppression With Educational Reform on April 21 calling for his immediate removal. Incoming...

Beacon Archives

College receives its largest donation

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 19, 2018

The college received the largest single donation in its 138-year history—$4 million. In an email to the community on April 18, President M. Lee Pelton said the donation from an anonymous benefactor...

Executive Treasure Ian Mandt heads the Financial Advisory Board. Cassandra Martinez / Beacon Archives

New SGA initiatives aim to improve college

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 19, 2018

The Student Government Association introduced three expansive documents suggesting solutions to what it claims constituents view as the college’s most pressing problems—academics, finance, and transparency....

Annual budget requests totaled $901,326 for 2018-2019., according to SGA.  Graphic by Laura King / Berkeley Beacon

Organizations request more funding than 2017-18

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 12, 2018

The Student Government Association’s annual budget requests totaled $901,326, a $153,465 increase from last year. ABR allows SGA-recognized organizations, and SGA itself, to apply for a yearly budget....

Sophomore Kathryn Garelli found insects in her lunch from the Dining Center on Wednesday afternoon. Courtesy of Kathryn Garelli.

College apologizes for caterpillars in Dining Center food

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 7, 2018

The college’s Sodexo liaison apologized for serving broccoli with insects at a town hall meeting on April 6. Division of Student Affairs officials, Erik Muurisepp and Duncan Pollock, joined with...

A display of posters hung on the door of the Multi-Purpose Room holding SGA accountable for a lack of visibility among students. Curtsey of The Student Government Association.

SGA under fire for lack of innovation

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 5, 2018

An unknown party posted flyers criticizing the Student Government Association on the door of the Multi-Purpose Room on April 3 before the organization’s weekly meeting.   About 80 fliers and 10 Berkeley...

SGA signs onto Divest Emerson campaign

SGA signs onto Divest Emerson campaign

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
April 4, 2018

The Student Government Association pledged to support Earth Emerson’s efforts to withdraw the college’s investments from fossil fuels. The Divest Emerson campaign protests the college’s indirect...

SGA Executive President Jess Guida appointed herself as the board of trustees representative without a vote. Photo courtesy of Beacon Archives.

Guida wins SGA executive president

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 31, 2018

Student Government Association Class of 2019 President Jessica Guida garnered enough votes to win the executive president position over challenger Christopher Henderson-West. Guida managed to draw...

Two SGA candidates run against each other in the first opposed election since Spring 2015. Photo: Daniel Peden for The Berkeley Beacon

Two candidates run for SGA executive president

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 29, 2018

Polls for the Student Government Association election opened midnight March 28. The race for executive president pits SGA Class of 2019 President Jessica Guida and Class of 2020 President Christopher Henderson-West...

SGA debates openly supporting gun control reform

SGA debates openly supporting gun control reform

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 28, 2018

Senior Matt Mogavero asked the Student Government Association to increase their involvement in the state-level gun control debate at their weekly joint session meeting on March 27. Mogavero spearheaded...

Students fees to fund student leadership scholarship

Students fees to fund student leadership scholarship

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 24, 2018

The Student Government Association discussed plans for a student-leader scholarship funded in part by the appeals account on March 20.     While most of the specifics of the grant are still under...

WATCH: SGA holds press night ahead of election

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 22, 2018

The Student Government Association held its elections press night for spring 2018 candidates on March 20. Press night gives candidates a platform to read speeches and field questions from potential...

Students say Enough! to gun violence

Students say “Enough!” to gun violence

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 15, 2018

Freshman Eliana Ulloa said she remembers feeling her crying mother’s tight grip after mass school shootings like Sandy Hook. Ulloa felt school was no longer a safe environment. A few weeks before the...

SGA approves two appeals on snow day

SGA approves two appeals on snow day

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 14, 2018

The Student Government Association approved two appeals for the Communications, Politics, and Law Association and Alpha Phi Omega online via Google Forms on March 13. The snowstorm on March 13 led...

Courtesy of Beacon Archives

College releases 2017 climate survey results

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
March 1, 2018

The college released the second Emerson360: Community Climate Survey, which highlighted an apparent lack of communication between senior administration and employees, on Feb. 28. The Climate Survey,...

Patty De La Garza presents a new space allocation policy to SGA // Chris Van Buskirk, Berkeley Beacon Staff

SGA endorses space-allocation policy

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 28, 2018

The Student Government Association unanimously endorsed a new policy that would help the college standardize the guidelines and rules for assigning and re-assigning space oncampus on Feb. 27.   Senator...

SGA moves election sign-up online

SGA moves election sign-up online

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 28, 2018

The Student Government Association moved candidate registration online to ease the sign-up process for their upcoming spring 2018 election. The election sign-up form asks for basic information about...

Forum to offer insight on college’s finance

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 27, 2018

The Dean for Campus Life announced a student town hall forum on the college’s finances in an email to the Emerson community on Feb. 22. The forum will provide an opportunity for students to learn...

Jane Powers leads the group responsible for evaulating mental health issues at Emerson.
Lala Thaddeus / Beacon Staff

College evaluates mental health policies

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 22, 2018

Emerson applied to JED Campus, a program created by the national nonprofit The Jed Foundation, in an attempt to improve mental health policies and resources on campus. The Healthy Minds Study,...

SGA grant appeals to EIV, Sigma

SGA grant appeals to EIV, Sigma

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 14, 2018

The Student Government Association granted appeal requests to Emerson Independent Video and Sigma Phi Theta on Feb. 13. EIV approached the Financial Advisory Board with an original appeal of $11,825...

Class of 2018 will go without a yearbook. Courtesy of Gregory Massimino Garcia

Yearbook deactivated due to low membership

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 8, 2018

The Emersonian did not recruit enough members for the 2017-2018 academic year, which means the class of 2018 will be the first senior class without a yearbook. This year, a third-party service...

SGA Board of Trustees Representative Raz Moayed plans to deliver a presentation based on student concerns to the Board of Trustees on March 9. Chris Van Buskirk // Berkeley Beacon

SGA discusses plan for Board of Trustees meeting

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 7, 2018

The Student Government Association’s Board of Trustee representative wanted to know if SGA members had seen any change in their respective programs in response to the  #ThisIsEmerson protest on...

SGA approves election timeline, grants appeals

SGA approves election timeline, grants appeals

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
February 1, 2018

The Student Government Association approved an election timeline for spring 2018 on Tuesday. Elections this spring will determine SGA officials for the fall 2018 semester. In recent years, most candidates...

Phishers target eCommon direct deposit page

Phishers target eCommon direct deposit page

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 26, 2018

The college took down eCommon’s direct deposit page until further notice after two email attacks affected faculty accounts on Friday, Jan.19. A phish, or fraudulent email, from [email protected]...

SGA aims to increase visibility with new projects

SGA aims to increase visibility with new projects

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 25, 2018

The Student Government Association Executive Board faced a slew of issues in their first semester, which began with a student protest and ended with the Faculty Assembly voting out their chair, Marketing...

SGA appoints new chief justice, commissioners

SGA appoints new chief justice, commissioners

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 24, 2018

The Student Government Association appointed a new chief justice, honors commissioner, and accessibility commissioner on Tuesday, Jan. 23. SGA unanimously approved junior Lizzie Northey for chief...

ECPD

Incident Journal

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 24, 2018

The Incident Journal is provided to the Beacon weekly by the Emerson College Police Department. Beacon staff edit the Incident Journal for style and clarity, but not for content. Wednesday, Jan. 17 A...

Firefighters on scene after reports of fire in Center Stage. Photo: Chris Van Buskirk // Berkeley Beacon

Minor fire in Center Stage, no injuries

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 22, 2018

Center Stage faced minor water damage after a fire started in Whiskey Saigon and transferred to the cafe. The nightclub also sustained minor damage to it's exterior walls. The Dining Center will reopen...

Uncommon Project moves into second stage. Photo: Chris Van Buskirk/Berkeley Beacon.

Uncommon Update: New projections support immigrants

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 20, 2018

The Uncommon Project entered its second stage when the 15 story white sheet covering the Little Building was cut in half, and a new cycle of artwork began.   The large-scale projection displays...

College raises tuition for next academic year

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 18, 2018

The college increased overall tuition by 4.5 percent, and room and board by 4.1 percent, making individual annual charges $46,016 for tuition and $17,690 for a double room with board. Vice President...

Ching-Bush cites active communication with students as the most important step in any sanctioning process.  Photo courtesy of Beacon Archives.

New assistant dean for campus life hired

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
January 18, 2018

The college hired Elizabeth Ching-Bush to fill the new role of assistant dean for campus life. Ching-Bush, who started working on Jan. 8, is tasked with leading a restructured community standards...

Three candidates for the assistant dean of campus life presented in the Emerson Skybox.
ASHTON LYLE / BEACON CORRESPONDENT

Search for assistant dean of campus life nears end

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 7, 2017

The search for an assistant dean for campus life has been narrowed to three candidates, with a final decision expected from Associate Dean for Campus Life Erik Muurisepp this week. The newly-created...

Projections transform Little Building into a work of art

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
December 2, 2017

    Eerie music, a growing crowd, a mysterious countdown projected onto the Little Building—it was almost a dystopian scene on Boston Common Friday night. When the countdown ended,...

Pelton addresses colleges diversity shortcomings in letter

Pelton addresses college’s diversity shortcomings in letter

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
November 30, 2017

President M. Lee Pelton wrote in his annual State of the College letter that the college’s failure to live up to its diversity, inclusion, and social justice promise was unacceptable. Members of...

Emerson Mobile App. Photo: Derek Palmer for Emerson College

SGA seeks to better Emerson’s mobile app

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
November 16, 2017

The Student Government Association discussed ways to make the Emerson mobile app more relevant to students’ daily activities at their Tuesday meeting. The conversation came after receiving an email from...

The people of Virginias 16th District elected alumnus Chris Hurst to the House of Delegates.
COURTESY OF CHRIS HURST

Emerson alumnus wins Virginia House seat

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
November 8, 2017

Emerson alumnus and Democrat Chris Hurst won Virginia’s 12th House District delegate position on Tuesday, beating incumbent Republican Joseph Yost, who has held the position since 2011. Hurst...

Student Government Association discusses response to faculty chair’s memo

Student Government Association discusses response to faculty chair’s memo

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
November 2, 2017

The Student Government Association discussed the recent memo by Faculty Assembly Chair Anthony Lowrie at their Tuesday meeting. They resolved to respond to the memo in a way that will be heard...

Unopposed candidates win SGA election

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 19, 2017

The results of the Student Government Association special election are in—with unopposed candidates Matthew Enriquez and Gregory Massimino-Garcia winning their elections for class of 2020 Vice President...

Retail space reserved in Little Building

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 12, 2017

The first floor of the Little Building is set to be converted to a commercial retail space as renovations to the building continue said Arthur Mombourquette, senior associate vice president of real estate....

SGA seeks solution for designated smoking area

By Chris Van Buskirk, Former Editor-in-Chief/Emerson ‘21
October 12, 2017

As construction on the Little Building continues, Emerson smokers lack an appointed smoking area, and now flock to the Boylston Street sidewalk. A designated smoking area existed at the side entrance of...

Load More Stories

Comments (0)

The Berkeley Beacon intends for this area to be used to foster healthy, thought-provoking discussion. Comments are expected to adhere to our standards and to be respectful and constructive. As such, we do not permit the use of profanity, foul language, personal attacks, or the use of language that might be interpreted as libelous. Comments are reviewed and must be approved by a moderator to ensure that they meet these standards. The Berkeley Beacon requires a valid email address. The email address will not be displayed but will be used to confirm your comments.
All The Berkeley Beacon Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest