Sparse attendance plagues faculty meetings
In a first for this semester, the November faculty meeting reached quorum on Wednesday when more than 30 faculty members showed up. MIT has about 1,000 faculty members.
Gender-inclusive policies expanding
MIT Residential Life & Dining is planning to initiate gender-inclusive housing policies across campus, expanding upon the implementation of such a policy in Random Hall and Senior House. Students opting for gender-inclusive housing would be able to room with people of different genders and gender identities, which would be ideal for students who have preferences about the gender identities of their roommates.
NEWS BRIEFS
The official results of the Cambridge Municipality Council and School Committee elections show no changes in the winners from the previous unofficial results, simply the order of the candidates elected. Four new city councillors: Dennis Benzan, Marc C. McGovern, Dennis J. Carlone, and Nadeem A. Mazen ’06 were elected, while two incumbents: Ken E. Reeves and Minka Y. vanBeuzekom were defeated. Two city council seats will be filled by MIT alumni: Mazen is also MIT’s head squash coach, and Leland Cheung MBA ’12 was reelected.
Task force releases new report on MIT education
In an email to the MIT community yesterday, President L. Rafael Reif released the preliminary report of the Institute-wide Task Force on the Future of MIT Education. Last February, Reif charged the Task Force to explore “bold” possibilities of the future of MIT education both on campus and for those around the world, in addition to evaluating MIT’s financial model and pricing structures. The work was split among three working groups, focused on the future of the MIT education and facilities, the global implications of edX, and a new financial model for education.
Bexlians modify illustrations in new community space
Former residents of Bexley Hall had to modify illustrations in the Pritchett Lounge in Walker Memorial last week that were deemed offensive by the Campus Activities Complex (CAC). In August, the former Bexley residents were given use of the room in Walker Memorial, meant to serve as a community space, following the closure of Bexley in May.
Athena clusters scheduled to be renovated or closed
MIT’s Athena clusters, which have not seen a significant upgrade since their creation in the 1980s, will soon be receiving a long-awaited upgrade. Although construction in several buildings will lead to the temporary closure of some clusters and three will be permanently closed, there are plans to renovate the Student Center cluster, and eventually, other public computing spaces.
Haiyan aid lagging
BASEY, Philippines — When Typhoon Haiyan hit this coastal town, residents ran for Saint Michael the Archangel Church. Now, 10 days later, more than 100 of them remain.
Broad Institute receives $100 million donation
To build on a decade of biomedical research at the Broad Institute in Cambridge, the real estate magnate and philanthropist Eli Broad will announce Thursday that he and his wife, Edythe, are providing another $100 million to the genomics center that bears their name.
Underclassmen Giving Campaign raises over $8000
The Undergraduate Giving Campaign (UGC) ended on Nov. 1, raising a total of $8674.82. The UGC collects donations from freshmen, sophomores, and juniors for one week per semester to fund Expedition Grants from MIT’s Public Service Center, which support undergraduate public service projects abroad.
IN SHORT
Shawarma Shack is now open on the second floor of the student center in the Lobdell Food Court. Operated by the owners of Pacific Street Cafe, Shawarma Shack serves Middle Eastern dishes with Moroccan flair, including shawarma, falafel, kebobs, grape leaves, and other Halal dishes. It is open Sunday thru Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New ASA resource eligibility proposal
The resources for which MIT student groups can be eligible may be subject to new restrictions introduced within key Association of Student Activities (ASA) proposed policy changes. The proposal describing those restrictions — the “openness” proposal — would implement a tiered ASA resource eligibility system based on the group’s membership policies regarding sex/gender, undergraduate/graduate student status, class year, GPA, and major.
Crandall passes at 92
Stephen H. Crandall, the Ford Professor of Engineering Emeritus at MIT, a pioneer in random vibrations and rotordynamics, and a leader in transforming mechanics into an engineering science, passed away Oct. 29, in Needham, Mass. He was 92 years old.
DuPont CEO Ellen Kullman is 2014 Commencement speaker
Ellen Kullman, the CEO and chairwoman of DuPont, will deliver the keynote Commencement speech in June 2014, MIT is expected to announce today. She will be the fourth speaker in five years at the helm of a science or technology company.
Lobby 10 to be renamed ‘Memorial Lobby’
On Nov. 18, Lobby 10 will be officially renamed “Memorial Lobby.”
Prof. emeritus Bloomfield dies
Professor emeritus of political science Lincoln Palmer Bloomfield died Oct. 30 of respiratory failure. He was 93.
Walsh elected the 48th Boston mayor
One thought prevailed as state Representative Martin J. Walsh and Councilor at Large John R. Connolly battled for mayor of Boston: The road to City Hall would lead through the heart of the city and its southernmost precincts. On Election Day, that appears to be exactly what happened.