Course 6-7 curriculum restyled as explosive rise of machine learning takes hold in academia
Early this month, the Registrar’s Office published an updated MIT Bulletin for the 2024–2025 academic year and introduced significant modifications to course curricula for numerous departments, including Course 6-7 (Computer Science and Molecular Biology).
Duane Boning appointed as the new Vice Provost for International Activities
MIT has announced the appointment of Duane Boning as the new Vice Provost for International Activities (VPIA), effective September 1 of this year. Boning, a long-standing member of the MIT community and the Clarence J. LeBel Professor in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, will oversee the Institute's global engagements and policies. Boning's appointment is seen as a continuation of MIT’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that address global challenges.
State police respond to road rage shooting near Sailing Pavilion
On August 18 at around 5 p.m., state and city police swarmed an intersection of Memorial Drive near the MIT Sailing Pavilion in response to an incident that has since been labelled a “road rage shooting.”
EECS updates 6-4 curriculum
On August 21, EECS Undergraduate Officer Dr. Katrina LaCurts sent an email to the EECS undergraduate mailing list regarding an update to the Artificial Intelligence and Decision Making (6-4) curriculum.
MIT launches Philippe A. Embiricos fellowship to drive maritime innovation
MIT has introduced the Philippe A. Embiricos Fellowship in Ocean Engineering, with help from a substantial $500,000 donation from Libra Philanthropies. This fellowship is specifically designed to encourage and support Greek talent, fostering the next wave of leaders in maritime innovation.
Former MIT-owned edX’s parent company goes bankrupt
On July 27, 2U Inc., the online education firm that acquired edX from MIT and Harvard for $800 million in 2021, announced its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing.
Zesiger pool assault under police investigation, new facility policies implemented in response
On July 25, a Timely Warning notice was made public following five reported incidents of indecent assault and battery on a child under the age of 14 at the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center. The assault is said to have occurred on July 24 between 7:30 a.m. and 8:50 a.m. while the victims were swimming in the lap pool. The suspect, described as a male around 30 years old with a mustache, was last seen wearing a lime green shirt and carrying a duffel bag.
Division of Student Life to introduce new free expression policies
MIT is set to introduce new policies and clarify existing ones aimed at balancing free expression, respectful dialogue, and safe campus operations, as announced in an August 15 email from the Student Organizations Leadership & Engagement Office. Vice President and Dean for Student Life Suzy Nelson announced that the finalized policies, developed with significant input from students, were to be shared in the coming weeks as the fall semester approaches.
MIT commits to upholding anti-discrimination, harassment policies
As the fall semester draws near, MIT is reaffirming its dedication to fostering an inclusive and safe environment for all members of its community. In a recent emailed announcement on August 19, Sarah Rankin, Director of the Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR) and MIT's Title IX and VI Coordinator, emphasized the importance of understanding and adhering to the Institute's anti-discrimination and harassment policies.
Institute sees precipitous decline in racial minority enrollment for incoming class year
MIT’s incoming Class of 2028 is the least racially diverse in recent memory. In the Institute’s first admitted class following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down affirmative action, 16 percent of students are Black, Hispanic, Native American and Pacific Islander, a significant decrease from the 25 percent in an aggregated profile for the previous four classes.
Sunny Skies Welcome the Class of 2028!
Boston is rolling out the red carpet for the class of 2028 with sunny skies shining overhead for the start of Orientation! Temperatures are not too warm either - high 70s - so be sure to explore MIT and its surrounding areas! I like to walk along the Charles river or in Boston Commons when it's nice out! If it's getting warm in the dorms, take shelter where there is AC (dorm dining halls/stud) and crack open a window at night! Welcome home to MIT!
Linguistics for Liberation or for Domination?
I will not be silenced. I will continue to speak out against injustice, both in the classroom and beyond. The struggle for academic freedom is a struggle for the very soul of the university, and it is a struggle that we cannot afford to lose. We must all be willing to engage in this battle if we are to uphold fundamental principles of democracy and justice.
The subliminal mindf**k America: Green Day and the pitfalls of anti-establishmentarianism
Green Day had sweet-talked me into an image of them as the working class heroes of a new anarchist generation—but as someone whose politics runs quite leftist, much of the meta-messaging in the concert fell quite flat.
Jessica Shand G performs Transmutations at the MIT Media Lab
If there was one main takeaway listeners got from Transmutations, it was immersing themselves in the rich soundscapes and letting their minds drift off to another world.
The Matter Family is Back!
For those of you who are wondering where Auntie Matter went, she’s doing great. She graduated in 2019, dabbled a bit in 2023, but has been disappointed that none of you ever volunteered to pick up where she left off... Anyways, after scrolling through last semester’s MIT Confessions, she started to get worried.
Radio Silence
I could scream and yell and plead for help all I want, but I will never get a response. All I will be met with is radio silence.
(A Bit Of) Attention Is All You Need (To Give)
When giving someone space they might not need is the default option.
Prof. Steven Flavell on researching neural circuits in C. elegans and being named an HHMI Investigator
C. elegans is a little roundworm, about a millimeter long and barely visible to the naked eye. And it only has 302 brain cells.
