The fall of 2023 brought many changes to Fordham University’s campus, from the closing of the McShane Campus Center dining hall to updated safety policies.
Destination dining was introduced in the fall, replacing the central Marketplace with two smaller halls and various food trucks and carts. While there were mixed opinions on the temporary dining halls, most students enjoyed the introduction of the CHOMP food truck.
COVID-19 regulations that marked the 2022-23 academic year were also removed. Isolation dorms were converted back to regular use, testing was not as easily accessible and vaccination was no longer required.
After the strike down of affirmative action in June, Fordham addressed how they would adapt admissions. Notably, they decided to extend the university’s test-optional policy through the 2025 admissions cycle.
Fall 2023 also brought changes to the Fordham Resident Assistant Union and graduate student union, with each group progressing in their bargaining and the graduate students holding a rally in November.
Fordham students also became involved with global movements, including the March to End Fossil Fuels and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Fordham welcomed two new staff members in the fall. Beth Markowitz was hired as the director of first- and second-year advising at Fordham College at Rose Hill, and Tokumbo Shobowale became Fordham’s new chief financial officer as well as senior vice president and treasurer.
New York City faced severe flooding in September, and Fordham was not excluded. Six inches of rain created rivers and waterfalls throughout the campus, and several basements were flooded. Classes continued as usual, but many professors opted to move them to Zoom.
The university’s overnight guest policy discussion ramped up in the fall, with mixed opinions among students. However, the decision on whether the policy would change was not finalized until the spring.
In November, Public Safety announced there had been a security breach in Walsh Hall. An unknown person had entered the building and one of the suites, spraying its inhabitants with a fire extinguisher. This event caused changes to Walsh Gate security, making it more difficult for students to “piggyback” and enter simultaneously through the turnstile.
The United Student Government began to implement plans to vote on the student activities fee referendum for the second time. The referendum was passed in the spring.
Additionally, the Bronx Night Market announced it would be closing permanently in October. However, it reopened in April for its seventh season.
Students will have a lot to look forward to this fall, with the long-awaited opening of the new McShane Marketplace and various club events and activities.
