Harvard Appoints New President, Expands Free Tuition, Nears Federal Settlement, and Gears Up for Fall Sports

Good morning, Harvard community. Today is Monday, August 25, 2025, and here are the latest updates from our campus. Currently, it's mostly cloudy in Cambridge with a temperature of 66°F (19°C). As the day progresses, expect temperatures to rise to a high of 79°F (26°C) by mid-afternoon, with a chance of thunderstorms around 4 PM. Be sure to carry an umbrella if you're heading out later today. In recent developments, the Harvard Corporation has appointed Alan M. Garber as the university's 31st president. President Garber, who previously served as interim president and provost, will lead the university through the 2026–27 academic year. His extensive experience in academia and administration is expected to guide Harvard through these challenging times. In a significant move to enhance accessibility, Harvard has announced that starting in the 2025–26 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 make a Harvard education more attainable for a broader range of students. Harvard and the Trump administration are reportedly nearing a settlement that would involve the university investing $500 million in vocational and educational programs and research. This agreement is expected to restore access to federal funding and conclude ongoing federal investigations. The settlement follows a series of disputes, including the revocation of over $2.6 billion in research funding and federal contracts earlier this year. The recent federal funding freeze has significantly impacted Harvard's research community. Many scientists have faced challenges in continuing their work, with some labs forced to close or seek alternative funding sources. The university has allocated $250 million to support ongoing research efforts, but concerns remain about potential long-term setbacks in scientific advancements. Looking ahead to the fall season, the Harvard Crimson football team is gearing up under the leadership of second-year head coach Andrew Aurich. The team has been selected to finish first in the Ivy League preseason poll, and fans are eagerly anticipating a strong performance this year. For those interested in exploring Harvard's natural landscapes, the university is offering free monthly bus trips to the Harvard Forest, located 70 miles west of Harvard Square. These trips are open to students, faculty, fellows, and staff, providing an excellent opportunity to engage with the university's ecological research initiatives. That's all for today's update. Stay informed and take care.