Editorial: Columbia should stop sending graduation gowns to landfills
More than 5 million graduation gowns are tossed each year. Columbia doesn't have to keep contributing to that number, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial
Editorials solely represent the views of the Columbia Chronicle.
These stories are determined through debate by members of the Chronicle Editorial Board.
Board members for Spring 2026 are Eleanor Lusciatti, Xochitl Duron, Amelia Baird, Riley Hannon, Anastasia Mccarthy
Editorial: Columbia’s student work cap risks hurting the students who rely on campus jobs most
The college said a projected decline in federal work-study funding led it to cap most student workers at 15 hours per week. But reducing hours equally across campus does not affect all students equally, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial: A last-minute change undercut student voice at Columbia event
The administration changed a student moderator role ahead of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s visit to the college last week without public explanation, raising questions about its commitment to student leadership at high-profile events, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial: Columbia’s momentum must extend beyond recruitment
This spring’s Admitted Students Days brought record registrations and early deposits to Columbia. The long-term success will depend on whether the college delivers on the experience students expect when they enroll, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial: Columbia’s course consolidation is necessary. But it could dilute critical courses
The shift to broader, interdisciplinary courses may ease degree requirements, but it also risks compressing subjects that require sustained focus and dedicated instruction, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial: Columbia planned for housing shortages. Students weren’t clearly told
After eliminating two residence halls, Columbia may have anticipated the need for additional housing and placed students on a housing waitlist without clearly explaining what that meant. Students only received firm assurances after rooms had already filled and the Chronicle reported the shortage, writes the Editorial Board.
Editorial: Columbia is cutting leadership. Now show the numbers.
The college laid off three senior administrators, including a former interim president and a long-time chief of staff under former President Kwang-Wu Kim. But layoffs alone do not prove fiscal discipline. If the college expects us to trust there will be a turnaround, it must account for how money is spent, saved and lost.
Editorial: Columbia must make student voting an institutional priority
Illinois held one of its most consequential elections in decades on March 17. A high-stakes election is a test of how well institutions like Columbia reach students who are not already engaged, writes The Editorial Board.
The investiture marked a new era. Now the work begins
President Shantay Bolton’s investiture brought celebration and reason for optimism. But as the college's $40 million deficit looms, the community deserves more than a ceremony, writes The Editorial Board
Editorial: Columbia must prioritize student scholarships
Columbia paused its annual Persistence Scholarship gala ahead of President Shantay Bolton’s investiture and plans a new fundraiser in the fall, but the college has yet to explain how it will sustain one of its student scholarships, writes The Editorial Board.
Editorial: As Columbia closes Dwight Lofts, it eliminates a key support system for students new to the college
Even though it makes sense to close the residence from a financial perspective, Columbia has yet to explain how it will replace this crucial community space for first-year and transfer students, writes The Editorial Board.
Editorial: One event is not enough. Columbia students deserve permanent sexual health resources
The college’s Center for Student Wellbeing hosted a sexual health event last week, but with no permanent health center on campus, occasional events can only go so far, writes The Editorial Board.