The source material for Dartmouth’s latest Valentine’s Day feature appears to have gotten lost somewhere between the Hopkins Center and Baker Library. What should have been a collection of campus romance stories turned into a technical mishap that left readers staring at website code instead of heartwarming tales.
The annual “Big Green Love Stories” tradition typically showcases how Dartmouth students, alumni, and community members found romance on campus or through college connections. Past editions have featured everything from study group meetcutes in Berry Library to proposals on the Green, offering a lighter take on campus life during the depths of winter term.
This year’s digital stumble reflects broader challenges facing campus media and communications in an increasingly complex online environment. The garbled web content suggests either a content management system error or a publishing workflow breakdown — technical issues that have become more common as institutions rely heavily on digital platforms.
For students hoping to submit their own love stories or read about campus romance, the timing couldn’t be more frustrating. Valentine’s Day falls during the heart of winter term, when Dartmouth students traditionally seek any excuse to celebrate connection and community amid the seasonal isolation of the Upper Valley.
The missing content also represents a lost opportunity to highlight the diverse ways students build relationships at Dartmouth, from traditional dating to the platonic bonds formed through Greek life, club sports, and academic collaborations. These stories often serve as informal recruitment tools, showing prospective students the social possibilities beyond academics.
While the technical glitch may seem minor, it underscores how digital infrastructure shapes campus storytelling. When systems fail, voices get lost — particularly important during a term when students most need reminders of human connection.
The Dartmouth communications team has not yet responded to requests for comment about when the love stories might be properly published or whether submissions remain open for this year’s edition.
