Tufts Weekly

Tufts Weekly. It is the official, student-run newspaper of Tufts University, published in print and online from its headquarters in Curtis Hall on the university's Medford, Massachusetts campus. Founded in 1980, it provides comprehensive coverage of campus news, arts, sports, and opinion, serving as a primary news source for the university community. The publication operates under the umbrella of Tufts University Media and is financially supported by the Tufts Community Union Senate and advertising revenue.

History

The publication was established in 1980, emerging during a period of significant growth for student media at Tufts University. It was created to offer an alternative weekly publication schedule and editorial perspective to the existing Tufts Daily, which had begun publication a few years prior. Throughout its history, it has chronicled major campus events, including visits by notable figures like Desmond Tutu and John Kerry, student activism surrounding issues such as divestment and Title IX, and the development of major university initiatives. The newspaper has maintained its weekly print edition for decades while adapting to the digital age, with its archives serving as a valuable historical record of life at Tufts University.

Content and sections

The print and digital editions are organized into distinct sections covering a wide array of topics relevant to the Tufts University community. The "News" section reports on university administration decisions, Tufts Community Union Senate activities, and campus events, while "Features" provides in-depth profiles of students, faculty, and local community members. "Arts & Entertainment" reviews performances at Cohen Auditorium, exhibitions at the Tufts University Art Galleries, and local cultural happenings in Somerville and Boston. The "Opinion" section publishes editorials from the editorial board and columns from students, often debating policies from the Office of the President or national issues. "Sports" covers Tufts Jumbos varsity athletics, NESCAC competitions, and intramural sports.

Staff and organization

The publication is managed entirely by undergraduate students, with editorial leadership typically including positions such as Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, and Section Editors for News, Features, Arts, and Sports. Staff members are drawn from across the university's schools, including the School of Arts and Sciences, the School of Engineering, and the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life. The organization operates under the guidance of Tufts University Media and receives its budget allocation from the Tufts Community Union Senate Finance Committee. Veteran staff often mentor new writers and editors, maintaining institutional knowledge and journalistic standards aligned with the Society of Professional Journalists code of ethics.

Impact and recognition

As a primary campus publication, it plays a crucial role in informing the student body, fostering debate, and holding campus leadership accountable. Its investigative reporting has influenced discussions on campus safety, university endowment management, and diversity and inclusion initiatives led by the Office of Institutional Diversity. The newspaper's work has been recognized with awards from collegiate media associations, and its alumni have pursued careers at major outlets like The Boston Globe, The New York Times, and National Public Radio. It serves as a vital training ground for aspiring journalists, providing practical experience in reporting, editing, and media management within the Tufts University ecosystem.

Digital presence

The publication maintains a robust online presence through its website, which features daily updates, multimedia content, and expanded versions of print stories. Its digital strategy includes active engagement on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to distribute content and interact with the Tufts University community. The website hosts extensive digital archives, allowing access to decades of past issues that document the history of Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, and student life. Online-exclusive content often includes podcasts, photo galleries from events like Spring Fling, and live coverage of major campus events such as Commencement addresses.

Category:Student newspapers published in Massachusetts Category:Tufts University Category:Publications established in 1980