COVID-19


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2020: A Year in Review

Oh, 2020. For a year that took so much from us, it certainly wasn’t lacking in news. From the advent of remote learning to a nationwide reckoning with racial injustice, the College grappled with new challenges and longstanding issues alike. Here’s a look back at the headlines that shaped this historic ...


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news

Fall COVID-19 regulations keep campus case count low, but raise mental health concerns

December 24, 2020 2:05am

Dartmouth’s mask requirements, weekly testing and restricted gatherings seem to have successfully staved off the virus this fall. Even as students returned to campus for the College’s first term of on-campus operations amid the pandemic, COVID-19 positivity rates remained below a tenth of a percent. However, some students and parents raised concerns that the regulations came at a cost to mental health, as gathering rules meant many students weathered the pandemic largely alone.


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ED applicants reflect on virtual admissions process

December 20, 2020 2:00am

Newly admitted members of Dartmouth’s Class of 2025, who had to get to know, apply to and interview with the College entirely remotely, faced unique challenges in what proved to be an especially competitive early decision admissions cycle. Out of a record-breaking 2,664 applicants, the College admitted 566 students on Thursday.


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Eighty-six students removed from campus fall term

December 9, 2020 9:40pm

The College revoked the on-campus privileges of 86 students who violated COVID-19 policies during fall term, Provost Joseph Helble announced in a livestream on Wednesday afternoon. In a change from the policies announced at the start of fall term, all students asked to leave campus for violating COVID-19 rules can now return after two terms, rather than the original four terms.


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College to offer increased opportunities for in-person engagement this winter

December 9, 2020 9:39pm

Following a fall term that saw dorm access restrictions and the closure of many indoor gathering spaces, students will have additional opportunities for social interaction and outdoor activity this winter, Provost Joseph Helble announced during his weekly livestream on Wednesday. These adjustments will allow students to engage with each other without concerns of violating the “Community Expectations” agreement, according to Helble.


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sports

Q&A: Athletics director Harry Sheehy on winter sports cancellation

November 14, 2020 2:52pm

The Ivy League announced on Thursday that all winter intercollegiate athletic competition has been canceled, with the start of spring sport seasons delayed until at least the end of February. The league added that postponed fall sports — including football — will not be moved to the spring. For the third time this year, the Ivy League became the first Division I conference to cancel its upcoming athletic season.


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Q&A: Hanover’s ‘Ring Man’ Rod Swain on being part of the Dartmouth community

November 13, 2020 2:00am

Known for his popular jewelry and amiable personality, Rod Swain — also known as the “Ring Man” who sells jewelry at an outdoor stand between Molly’s Restaurant and Hanover Town Hall — has long been embraced by students as a member of the Dartmouth community. As he approaches his 12th year selling jewelry in Hanover, Swain sat down with The Dartmouth to talk about how his business, Sterling Silver, has played a part in the community. 


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Students and professors confront new post-Thanksgiving exam dates

November 12, 2020 2:05am

In a normal fall term, students wrap up exams before Thanksgiving. This year, however, the final examination period will run from Nov. 30 to Dec. 4 — after both the holiday and fall move-out. While the College says the delay — which allows for students to travel during lower-traffic times — will reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, many students and professors have raised concerns.


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Hanover restaurants face Main Street outdoor dining closure

November 10, 2020 2:00am

As the town braces for winter weather, outdoor dining on Main Street in Hanover officially closed on Oct. 31. In an effort to offset an anticipated decline in business this winter, local restaurants have begun to consider alternative ways to increase profits.


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Dartmouth Skiway to reopen for winter term

November 9, 2020 2:05am

As one of only two college skiways in the entire country, the Dartmouth Skiway faced unique demand as it determined its reopening plan for this upcoming season. After closing due to the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the Skiway plans to reopen for its winter operations on Dec. 19 with limited capacity. 


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Students sent home after police bust Halloween parties

November 6, 2020 2:15am

Dartmouth’s campus lacked its regular fraternity parties and student gatherings this Halloween weekend, but some students still found unsanctioned ways to celebrate. Over 70 students participated in large off-campus gatherings — at least one in Hanover and another in Lebanon. Nineteen of the students who attended the Lebanon party received underage drinking citations, and many students from both parties have since been sent home for the year.


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Local election officials predict smooth Election Day

November 3, 2020 2:15am

As COVID-19 cases rise across the region, voters in Hanover and neighboring towns can expect a different experience at polling stations this Election Day. Despite the need for pandemic-related precautions, election officials are optimistic that the thousands of absentee ballots already cast will make for a manageable day at the polls. 


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Title IX office revises COVID-19 policy exception for parties involved in sexual harassment, assault reports

November 2, 2020 2:10am

In a decision that sparked concern among students and sexual violence prevention advocates, a Title IX office policy implemented at the start of fall term stated that individuals involved in reported cases of sexual assault or harassment would still face discipline for COVID-19 policy violations if they were found to have hosted an unauthorized gathering. However, according to the office’s since-revised policy, alleged victims and perpetrators will no longer face action for health violations, except in “egregious” cases.