Harvard News: New Dean, Free Tuition Expansion, International Student Battle, Research Funding, Fall Sports & Forest Initiatives

Good afternoon, Harvard community. Today is Monday, August 18, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Currently, it's mostly sunny in Cambridge with a temperature of 64°F (18°C). Temperatures are expected to rise to a high of 72°F (22°C) by mid-afternoon, with clear skies continuing into the evening. David Deming has officially begun his tenure as the new Dean of Harvard College. An economist specializing in education and labor markets, Deming previously served as the director of the Malcolm Wiener Center for Social Policy. He succeeds Rakesh Khurana in this role. In a significant move to enhance accessibility, Harvard has announced that starting this academic year, undergraduate students from families earning less than $200,000 annually will receive free tuition. Additionally, families earning under $100,000 will have health insurance, housing, and other expenses fully covered. This initiative aims to support middle-income families and promote diversity within the student body. The university is currently navigating challenges following the federal government's decision to revoke Harvard's certification for enrolling international students. This action, taken in May, has been temporarily halted by a federal judge. President Alan M. Garber has condemned the move as "unlawful and unwarranted," emphasizing its potential impact on thousands of students and scholars. The administration continues to work towards a resolution to ensure the inclusion of international students in our community. Harvard scientists have expressed concerns over potential setbacks in research progress due to a freeze in federal funding. The university has committed at least $250 million of its own resources to sustain ongoing research efforts. However, faculty members warn that delays could have long-term effects on scientific advancements. Looking ahead to the fall, the Harvard Crimson football team is preparing for the upcoming season under the leadership of second-year head coach Andrew Aurich. The team has been selected to finish first in the Ivy League preseason poll, generating excitement for the games ahead. The Harvard Forest is offering free monthly bus trips for students, faculty, and staff to explore the 4,000-acre laboratory and classroom located 70 miles west of Harvard Square. These trips provide an opportunity to engage with educators and learn about ongoing ecological research. Additionally, applications are open for remote, part-time graduate student internships focusing on Eastern Woodlands Raptor Ecology and Indigenous Forestry, as well as K-12 Climate Education. That's all for today's update. Stay informed and engaged, and we'll be back with more news soon.