MIT administration releases results from 2024 Quality of Life survey
On June 5, the Office of the Provost released the results of the Quality of Life 2024 Survey. Open to responses from faculty, staff, postdoctoral scholars and students, the survey was open for a month between February 15 and closed on March 19. 11,746 students and employees from both the Institute’s campus in Cambridge and the Lincoln Laboratory responded in total for 43% response rate. Undergraduates responded at a rate of 38%, a slight increase from the response rate two years prior of 35%.
UA shares report regarding UROP student experiences
In an email to the undergraduate community on May 22, the MIT Undergraduate Association (UA) released the “Final Report on the MIT Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.” Paul Irvine ’24, UA Chair of Public Affairs (UAPA), stated that the report, which was written by himself, Lindsay Bolino ’24, Enoch Ellis ’26, Miguel Buitrago ’26, and Haylea Brock ’27, is a compilation of what the UA has learned regarding the student experience with undergraduate research at MIT.
Barnhart PhD ’88 announces formation of the Future of the Arts at MIT Committee
In an email to the MIT community on June 3, Provost Cynthia Barnhart PhD ’88 announced the formation of the Future of the Arts at MIT Committee to “advise the Institute on new ways to envision the place of the arts in our community.” Course 8 (Physics) Professor Peter Fisher PhD ’88 will chair the committee. Members of the committee include several MIT faculty and individuals from outside of the Institute, including Paola Antonelli, curator of design at the Museum of Modern Art and Paul Ha, director of the List Visual Arts Center.
MIT holds OneMIT commencement ceremony
The Institute held its OneMIT commencement ceremony today on May 30. Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87 gave the commencement address and MIT President Sally Kornbluth delivered the charge to the graduates. Chair of the MIT Corporation Mark P. Gorenberg ’76 presided over the ceremony. At times, the proceedings were disrupted by protests led by a pro-Palestinian contingency countered by a pro-Israeli group.
MIT Office of Minority Education to be potentially renamed and undergo organizational changes
A meeting between the MIT Office of Minority Education (OME) and OME-affiliated students took place on May 9. Diep Luu, Associate Dean of the Office of the Vice Chancellor, Director of the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC), and Interim Director of the OME presented future directions for the OME. A Q&A session followed.
MIT Commencement Ceremonies features OneMIT Ceremony for Class of 2024
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2024 will take place on a three-day span from Wednesday, May 29, through Friday, May 31. Similar to proceedings at the 2023 commencement, all graduates are invited to attend a 90-minute OneMIT ceremony on Killian Court at 3 p.m. on Thursday May 30.
Theater Arts major to be renamed 21T
Beginning in the fall of 2024, MIT’s “Theater Arts” major will be renamed Course 21T, distinguishing itself from the traditional music major titled 21M. Prior to this change, Course 21T was designated Course 21M-2: the Music major will still be titled Course 21M-1.
Institute administration attend the GSU’s TransMIT grievance community meeting
On May 15, the Graduate Student Union (GSU) held a “grievance community meeting” for its transgender individuals in response to the Institute’s current policies on legal sex versus gender within its databases. The MIT administration requested the meeting to fully grasp the current policy’s impact on the community.
May 15 open faculty meeting celebrates faculty and holds amendment votes
The May 15 monthly faculty meeting included the presentation of the James R. Killian Jr. Faculty Achievement Award, the results of votes on the J- grade modifier and a proposed amendment to the Faculty Newsletter (FNL) policies, and the elections for Faculty Chair and other committees.
Eleven MIT undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni win Fulbright fellowships for 2024-2025
Eleven MIT undergraduates, graduate students, and alumni won Fulbright fellowships for the 2024-2025 cycle. According to a press release from MIT News, MIT has been a “Fulbright Top-Producing Institution for five years in row.”
Two MIT alumni charged in $25 million cryptocurrency heist
Anton Peraire-Bueno SB ’24 and James Peraire-Bueno SM ’21 SB ’19 were taken into federal custody on May 14. They were charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering, and are accused of stealing about $25 million in cryptocurrency from the commonly used Ethereum blockchain.
Institute remember military service members on Memorial Day
In an email sent to the MIT community on May 24, Interim Vice Chancellor for Undergraduate and Graduate Education and Course 16 Professor Daniel Hastings SM ’78 PhD ’80, called for the community to “salute the Amercians who have given their lives in defense of our nation.”
New Course 6 Major proposed in Electrical Engineering with Computing, 6-1 to be eliminated
On March. 14, Katrina LaCurts, Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) Undergraduate Officer and Professor Joel Voldman SM ’1997 PhD ’2001, faculty head of Electrical Engineering (EE), announced sweeping changes to the EECS department at MIT in the email to the EECS community. The most salient of these changes include the retirement of the existing 6-1 degree and the merger of 6-1 (Electrical Science and Engineering)and 6-2 (Electrical Engineering and Computer Science) into a singular renamed and renumbered major titled 6-5, Electrical Engineering with Computing.
Undergraduate Association releases 2024 election results
2112 total undergraduates, or 46.15 percent of the undergraduate student body, cast ballots.
“Earthshot” petition urges MIT administration to decarbonize by 2035
The Earthshot petition received 279 votes to urge the Institute to decarbonize by 2035.
ChatMIT: Sam Altman on Start-ups, GPT, and the AI Revolution
Altman: “We have a ton of work in front of us.”
Referendum 2 proponents speak at Undergraduate Association Council meeting
Referendum #2 speakers call for an ad hoc committee “to handle the interpretation and implementation of the referendum.”
MIT eliminates diversity statements in faculty hiring
On May 5, the President Sally Kornbluth announced that the Institute will no longer include diversity statements as part of the application process for faculty appointments. The move to eliminate such statements for hiring is purportedly the first amongst elite universities.
Class of 2026 holds Ring Delivery ceremony
The MIT Class of 2026 held their Brass Rat Ring Delivery ceremony on the evening of May 5 at the Prudential Center in Boston. The ceremony symbollicaly marks reaching the halfway point of one's time at the Institute. This year marked the 97th Brass Rat, a tradition begun in 1929 by C. Brigham Allen '29.
Dorm Row plunges into darkness following manhole explosion
At approximately 1 a.m. May 6, a manhole explosion near W85 (Westgate Apartments) and Tang Hall caused power outages to numerous buildings along the Amherst Alley, also known as Dorm Row. The Cambridge Fire Department were present at the scene and at the time of this writing, are investigating what happened. No injuries were reported, but power has yet to be restored to the affected buildings.
Hazardous material alarm goes off in Building 13 on two consecutive days
On April 17 and 18, the MIT community was alerted to a hazardous materials alarm triggered in Building 13. Emergency services responded to both incidents. On April 17, the building closed for nearly two and half hours, while the April 18 closure was for less than 20 minutes.
NASA’s budget cuts for the Chandra X-ray Observatory could leave a gaping hole in the field
NASA’s recently released budget plan for the next 5 years drastically erodes funding for Chandra to nearly nothing. In other words, NASA plans to terminate the program—and hundreds of scientists around the world are furious.
Kornbluth administration provides seed fund for Artificial Intelligence research
The recent funding developments were part of an initiative her administration began last semester, where 27 AI research teams were funded in an earlier round back in September.
Housing and Residential Services organizes Q&A for McCormick Hall residents
Housing and Residential Services organizes Q&A for McCormick Hall residents
Student sexual harassment and misconduct survey released
Student sexual harassment and misconduct survey released.
Undergraduate Association Holds Elections
The Undergraduate Association holds elections. Two referendums are also on the ballot.
MIT offers admission to 1,275 applicants for class of 2028
MIT Offers Admission to 1,275 applicants for Class of 2028
Isaac Dobie ’27 captures NEWMAC Men’s Basketball Rookie of the Year
Isaac Dobie ’27, from Kitty Hawk, N.C., was named the New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Men's Basketball Rookie of the Year for the 2023-34 season, making him the seventh Engineer to claim the honor.
President Kornbluth Announces $75 Million Funded Climate Project
President Sally Kornbluth announced the Climate Project at MIT, a $75 million effort to power initiatives in decarbonization, climate renewal, and community and policy advancement.
An introduction from Karl W. Reid ’84, SM ’85: MIT’s new Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
In an Institute Community & Equity Office newsletter, Karl W. Reid ’84, SM ’85, MIT’s first Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, introduced himself to the MIT community with a note titled, “Coming Full Circle.” Reid highlighted his long ties to the Institute, from his past leadership positions to his upbringing.
In Memoriam: Edward B. Roberts ’58 SM ‘58 SM ‘60 PhD ‘62
Professor Edward Roberts ’58, SM ’58, SM ’60, PhD ’62, of the Sloan School of Management, passed away on Feb. 27.
In Memoriam: Ken Johnson, Jr.
Ken Johnson Jr., Director of DAPER Communications Promotions and Marketing, passed away on Feb. 12. Johnson was in his eighth season at MIT.
Lessons Learned from Moungi Bawendi’s Nobel Lecture
Even after winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, Bawendi says that he still needs to “learn more.”
MIT releases 2024 Quality of Life Survey
In an email dated Feb. 15, President Sally Kornbluth encouraged the MIT community to complete the 2024 MIT Quality of Life Survey.
Flagship Pioneering CEO, Moderna co-founder, Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87 to deliver Class of 2024 Commencement address
Noubar Afeyan PhD ’87, an American-Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist best known for co-founding the biotechnology company Moderna, will speak at the 2024 OneMIT Commencement Ceremony May 30.
In Memoriam: Emma Pearl Wilmer-Shiles ’18 G, Lochie Ferrier ‘19
In a statement to the MIT Community, President Sally Kornbluth announced the deaths of Emma Pearl Willmer-Shiles ’18 G and Lochie Ferrier ’19 in a plane crash off the coast of California. A San Francisco native, Willmer-Shiles studied mechanical engineering as an undergraduate. At the time of her passing, Willmer-Shiles was a second-year graduate student in Architecture. Ferrier was an alumnus of the AeroAstro Department and was working as an aeronautical engineer at the time of his passing.
Reflecting and Looking Forward: President Sally Kornbluth
In her first year as MIT President, Sally Kornbluth has implemented initiatives and faced challenges. Her listening tour culminated in a number of findings, ranging from the ethics of artificial intelligence to concerns over living expenses on campus. Kornbluth led the Institute through the Supreme Court ruling overturning affirmative action and its response to the crisis in the Middle East. Kornbluth sat down with The Tech to reflect on her tenure so far as President.
Karl Reid ’84, SM ’85 named Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
In a statement to the MIT community, President Sally Kornbluth announced that Karl Reid ’84, SM ’85 will become the new vice president for equity and inclusion (VPEI) beginning March 3rd. Reid currently serves as Senior Vice Provost and Chief Inclusion Officer at Northeastern University. Professor Daniel Hastings SM ’78, PhD ’80 served as the interim Institute community and equity officer following the departure of John Dozier in June of 2023.
Standing Together Against Hate panels announced
In a recent email, the Institute revealed several upcoming events this year “to build understanding and foster respectful dialogue.”
Kornbluth addresses MIT community in the new year
On Jan. 3, MIT President Sally Kornbluth began the new year by addressing the current challenges on campus and her vision for progress in a campus-wide statement.
MIT Medical reinstates masking mandate for clinical staff
In an email to the MIT community, Dr. Cecilia Stuopis, Chief Health Officer of MIT Medical, stated that MIT Medical would implement a masking requirement for all clinical staff in Cambridge and Lexington care centers starting Jan. 8. Other local healthcare systems, including Mass General Brigham, have enacted a similar policy.
661 Admitted Early to Class of 2028
In an announcement by Chris Peterson SM ’13, MIT admitted 661 students to the class of 2028 out of 12,563 students who applied early, equivalent to 5.26%. This marks a slight uptick from the previous year: the class of 2027 had an early action acceptance rate of 4.72%.
President Kornbluth to testify in Congress Dec. 5
MIT spokesperson Kimberly Allen said that President Kornbluth “welcomes the opportunity" to testify before the committee.
MIT Undergraduate Association hosts free food event
On Nov. 20, the MIT Undergraduate Association (UA) organized a free food event for students outside of the Stratton Center. The line for the Zinneken’s food truck extended to Massachusetts Avenue as students awaited waffles.
Burton-Conner residents to be fined by Housing and Residential Services for ‘vandalism’
Since reopening in August 2022, BC has had minor issues with painting the walls. In contrast to previous incidents though, recent content on the wall was deemed by some as “reactionary vandalism.”
MIT administration responds to Lobby 7 protest
At 10:43 P.M. Nov. 9, President Sally Kornbluth sent an email to the MIT community regarding a protest and counterprotest that occurred in Lobby 7 and the Infinite Corridor. According to Kornbluth, the administration “informed all protestors that they must leave the lobby area within a set time, or they would be subject to suspension.” In an email from Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life Suzy Nelson dated Nov. 9, protestors were instructed “to not disrupt living, working, and learning spaces at MIT,” and protest in “only approved protest venues.”
Senior Associate Dean of Housing and Residential Services clarifies proposed housing rate changes
"The exact price of the one rate was not discussed in detail, but it would likely be a new blended rate tied to the financial aid allowance," Friedrich wrote.
Ayomikun Ayodeji ’22 announced Rhodes Scholar
Ayodeji sat down with The Tech to share his journey and passions regarding energy systems and management in Africa.
LIGO researchers surpass the quantum limit
On Oct. 23, LIGO researchers at MIT, Caltech, and other institutions reported that they had surpassed the quantum limit. This marked a significant advance in quantum squeezing, a method for reducing quantum noise to obtain more precise measurements. Researchers will now be able to measure a larger volume of the universe by analyzing gravitational frequencies.
Moungi Bawendi speaks about approaching challenges, mentoring trainees, and the developing field of quantum dots
My job is to keep up the enthusiasm and persevere. Research is slow and things don’t usually work the first time. You have to have a vision of what you want, and you have to solve problems.
2023 MIT security and fire safety report released
The MIT Police Department released its Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Sept. 19. The report highlights the policies undertaken by MIT to reduce crime and mitigate risk, as well as the resources available to victims of violent crimes. Furthermore, the report contains statistics on crimes committed on campus and in non-campus locations ranging from 2020 to 2022. The statistics encompass crimes reported to MIT Police, other campus security agencies, and local police agencies.
Professor Moungi Bawendi wins 2023 Chemistry Nobel Prize
On Oct. 4, Moungi Bawendi, the Lester Wolfe Professor of Chemistry, was announced as a winner of the 2023 Chemistry Nobel Prize by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences for his work in “the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.” Bawendi shared the prize with his postdoctoral advisor, Louis Brus of Columbia University, and Alexei Ekimov of Nanocrystals Technology.
Tentative Agreement Reached with the MIT Graduate Student Union
In a brief statement to the MIT community, the MIT Bargaining Team negotiating with the MIT Graduate Student Union (MIT GSU) have announced a tentative agreement. The GSU will now have to vote on ratifying the agreement.
Maria Zuber becomes Presidential Advisor; Search for Vice Provost of Research Begins
In an email to the MIT Community, President Kornbluth announced that Maria Zuber, Professor of Geophysics, will become MIT’s Presidential Advisor for Science and Technology Policy. Zuber is currently Vice President for research at MIT, with previous roles as the department Head for Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences as well as a stint at NASA.
SOLE announces reopening timeline of the Student Center
In an email to the MIT community, Student Organizations Leadership and Engagement (SOLE) laid out a reopening timeline for the Stratton Student Center. The Student Center, which was closed in February due to water pipe explosions, has been undergoing renovations for the past seven months.
MIT to invite students and employees to participate in Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Surveys
In an email to the MIT community dated Aug. 17, Chancellor Melissa Nobles announced mandatory harassment prevention training for faculty, staff and third year graduate students for the fall 2023 semester. Additionally, during the 2023-24 academic year, MIT will invite members of the community to participate in a sexual harassment and misconduct survey. According to the email, students were surveyed by the Institute in 2014 and 2019, but the upcoming survey will “mark the first time the Institute is surveying staff and faculty.” The survey will be confidential and voluntary.
MIT Information Systems and Technology unveils new notification system
Mark Sillis, Vice President for Information Systems and Technology at MIT, wrote in an email to the MIT community Aug. 9, that the IST department is “implementing a new notification system called MIT Atlas Alert,” which will provide “prompt notifications” of disruptions to IT services including internet, phone, and email. Atlas Alert will be conveyed via email, the Atlas mobile app, and text messages, and is intended to reach the community through multiple channels in the event that one system is down.
Search for Institute Community and Equity Officer begins
Following the recent departure of Institute Community and Equity Officer (ICEO) John Dozier, President Sally Kornbluth announced the creation of a search committee in a national search for a Vice President for Equity and Inclusion. In her announcement Aug. 4, President Kornbluth wrote that because “health of our community” is dependent on the Institute’s ability to respond to challenges in equity and inclusion, the new ICEO leader would report directly to her.
Former President Trump Indicted on charges stemming from 2020 election
On Aug. 1, Former President Donald J. Trump was indicted on four counts relating to his attempt to overturn the 2020 election, which culminated in a deadly insurrection in the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The indictment , which was filed by special counsel Jack Smith, contains charges including conspiracy to defraud the United States, witness tampering and conspiracy against the rights of citizens, and obstruction of an attempt to obstruct an official proceeding.
U.S. Women Stumble in World Cup
The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team had a rocky start to the World Cup which began on July 20. After beating Vietnam 3-0 in their opening match, the squad has drawn their last two matches 1-1 and 0-0 with the Netherlands and Portugal respectively. The team has advanced to the Round of 16, where they will face a strong Sweden team on Aug. 6.
U.S. Department of Education investigating legacy admissions at Harvard
On July 25, the U.S. Department of Education opened a civil rights investigation into the legacy admissions policy at Harvard University. This move comes after the Supreme Court ruled affirmative action unconstitutional on June 29, prompting further scrutiny of the college admissions process.
Affirmative action brought down by Supreme Court
On June 29, the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action, ruling that race-conscious admissions processes at Harvard and the University of North Carolina were unconstitutional. In a video to the MIT community on July 1, President Sally Kornbluth said she wanted to "express my profound frustration with these decisions." She added that such an action "threatens our mission."
Professor Gilbert Strang ’55 Retires after 66 Year Career at MIT
Gilbert Strang ’55, the MathWorks Professor of Mathematics, taught his last class on May 15, marking the end of a 66-year-long career at MIT. Strang graduated from MIT in 1955 and joined the faculty in 1962. According to an article by MIT News, Strang was a member of the National Academy of Sciences and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
MIT Commencement Ceremonies features OneMIT Ceremony for Class of 2023
Commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2023 will take place on a three-day span from Wednesday, May 31, through Friday, June 2. Similar to proceedings at the 2022 commencement, all graduates are invited to attend a 90-minute OneMIT ceremony on Killian Court. The Class of 2023 undergraduates will receive their diplomas at Killian Court on Friday, June 1. Ceremonies for Master’s and Doctorate degrees are spread out across all three days of Commencement.
President Kornbluth reflects on first months of presidency at MIT
The inauguration for President Sally Kornbluth was held May 1, 2023. Before assuming the role of MIT’s 18th president, she was provost at Duke University for eight years. Kornbluth succeeds L. Rafael Reif, who stepped down at the end of 2022 after serving ten years in the office.
The Boston Marathon Bombings, ten years later
Through this tragedy, the city revealed its true character that has manifested itself time and time again: a place of adaptability, resilience, and heart.
MIT victorious at 83rd Putnam Mathematical Competition
MIT won the 2022 William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, a prestigious math competition for undergraduate students in North America and Canada.
First approved drug for Rett Syndrome orignates from MIT Professor’s Lab
On March 10, Acadia Pharmaceuticals’ drug for treating Rett Syndrome was approved, the first ever for the condition. The basic scientific research for the drug originated in Professor Mriganka Sur’s lab in the MIT’s Brain and Cognitive Sciences Department.
MIT Offers Admission to 1,259 applicants for Class of 2027
MIT admitted 1,259 out of 26,913 applicants via early and regular action applications for the Class of 2027. This was a 20% decrease in the number of applicants from the previous year.
Inauguration Schedule for President Kornbluth Released
According to an email from MIT Institute Events, the Inauguration events for President Sally Kornbluth, MIT’s 18th president, are set to take place on Friday, April 29, and Monday, May 1, 2023.
CPW 2023: Prefrosh Converge on Campus for Food, Friends and Fun
The first day of Campus Preview Weekend (CPW) has concluded. It is the second in-person CPW since the start of the pandemic, and one of the hottest in recent memory.
Alumni Wang Pool to close for renovation on March 27
On March 27, the Alumni Wang pool will be closed for renovations. The rest of the Alumni Wang fitness areas will remain open, although MIT Recreation cited the possibility of disruptions.
Ryan Wilson Shatters NCAA Division III Records in the Indoor 1-Mile and 800 Meter Distances
Ryan Wilson ’22 obliterated the NCAA Division III Records in the Indoor 1-Mile and the 800 meter events at the meets held at Boston University. On Feb. 10, Wilson ran a 3:55.29 at the David Hemery Valentine Invite, well below the vaunted four-minute barrier and more than a full second ahead of the previous record. Two weeks later, at the Last Chance Indoor National Qualifier, Wilson ran a 1:46.61, topping a record set exactly 11 years prior by Ben Scheetz of Amherst College.
Protestors demand transparency from cambridge police following fatal shooting
On the evening of Feb. 13., protestors demonstrated in the memory of Sayed Faisal, a 20-year old UMass Boston student who was fatally shot by Cambridge police in Cambridgeport on Jan. 4.
Student Center to partially reopen on Friday, certain floors will remain closed
In an email to the MIT community sent on Feb. 15, 2023, Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life Suzy Nelson and Vice President for Campus Services Joe Higgins announced updates regarding the Stratton Student Center (W20) closure.
MIT Medical Director Cecilia Stuopis urges vigilance with COVID-19 and other respiratory illness
MIT Medical Director Cecilia Stuopis urged the MIT community to continue taking precautions against COVID-19 amidst a rise in rates of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses in the Boston area earlier this winter.
Kornbluth greets MIT community after assuming presidency
President Sally Kornbluth described the excitement of moving into her new role and discussed her goals for the spring semester in an email to the MIT community sent on Jan 4. The email is her first official communication since assuming the presidency on Jan. 1.
Brent D. Ryan and Anne White named as new associate provosts
The associate provosts will work in conjunction with Barnhart “to support Dr. Kornbluth’s initiatives and priorities related to research administration and space management and campus planning.”
MIT’s assets drop 5.3%, largest decrease in seven years
MIT reported a loss in net assets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022. According to the Report of the Treasurer, the Institute’s return on pooled investments saw a 5.3% loss in the fiscal year.
President Reif reflects on his decade of presidency and 40 years at MIT
Reif: “An area that I would also like to think survived the test of time is what I’ve tried to convey not in an announced way, but by constantly speaking about it — in public, at Convocation, at Commencement — is a caring community.”
MIT hosts first in-person Fall Career Fair in three years
The in-person Fall Career Fair was held in the Johnson Athletic Center Sept. 23. The event was organized by MIT Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD) and the student career fair committee.