Argana Falafel opens in the Launchpad in the Student Center
Argana Falafel, a Middle Eastern and halal food vendor, opened in the Launchpad in the Student Center on Sept. 3, 2025.
YouTube streamer IShowSpeed makes a visit to MIT
On Sept. 5, 2025, American YouTuber Darren “IShowSpeed” Watkins Jr. made a surprise visit to MIT, which drew significant attention from students and passersby.
77 first-year students receive FYRE offers, a significant increase from 2024
This year, 113 first-year students participated in the First-Year Resident Exchange (FYRE), a program that allows first-year students to move to another dorm during orientation week.
Flooding in Next House temporarily relocates 28 residents
On August 20 at around 2:15 pm, a pipe in the eastern wing of Next House’s fourth floor (4E) burst, causing significant water damage.
East Campus reopens following two years of renovations
MIT’s East Campus (EC) dormitory reopened in August 2025 following two years of renovations.
Warmer weekend to round out the summer
Lots of stellar days this past week. Today is no exception with a high in the upper 70s and a gentle breeze.
Boston Globe publishes article about Kornbluth’s handling of cancer research scandal at Duke
On Aug. 13, The Boston Globe published an investigative article about President Kornbluth’s role in a case of research misconduct when she was Vice Dean for Basic Science at the Duke School of Medicine.
The Division of Student Life introduces the Student Group Funding Council
Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, student organizations will apply for funding through the Student Group Funding Council.
Temperatures to rebound for the weekend
Weather wise, this weekend will be pleasant with highs around 80°F and lots of sunshine.
MIT Admissions will no longer participate in Schoolhouse Dialogues pilot project
MIT Admissions will no longer be a Schoolhouse Dialogues university partner, and applications for the 2025-2026 cycle will not be able to include the Dialogues portfolio as an optional supplement.
Continued sunshine and warmth
As the start of the semester draws near, we have reached peak summer weather in Boston.
Rank and File Caucus proposes amendment to MIT Graduate Student Union constitution
In April 2025, the Rank and File Caucus launched a petition calling for an amendment to the MIT Graduate Student Union (GSU) constitution that requires all external partisan political collaborations to receive general membership approval.
The Institute launches Understanding MIT advertising campaign in Washington’s metro stations
In late June, students reported seeing about 15 Understanding MIT ads in the Capitol South metro station in Washington D.C. near the U.S. Capitol.
The Big Beautiful Bill raises MIT’s endowment tax rate from 1.4% to 8%
On July 3, Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, a spending and tax bill that will raise MIT’s endowment tax rate from 1.4% to 8%.
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The last day to petition for the August or September Advanced Standing Exams (ASE) is Thursday, July 10.
UN Special Rapporteur accuses MIT and other leading universities of “partnering with Israeli institutions in areas directly harming Palestinians”
On July 3, Francesca Albanese presented a report to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) detailing the involvement of international institutions, including MIT, in supporting the Israeli military throughout its 21-month operation in Gaza.
Instructor and former graduate student sue MIT for antisemitism
On June 25, William Sussman and Lior Alon, along with The Louis D. Brandeis Center Coalition to Combat Anti-Semitism, filed a lawsuit against MIT and Professor of Linguistics Michel DeGraff, accusing them of antisemitism.
Over 200 sign open letter criticizing Professor Alex Byrne’s role in report on pediatric gender dysphoria treatment
The recent news has stirred controversy within MIT and throughout academia.
Cooler temperatures in store for the weekend
After an unsettled week with plenty of rain, the weekend is shaping up to be pretty nice. High 70s with a mix of sun and clouds will make it nice to head outside without it being too hot.
Office of the Vice President of Finance removes access to the Brown Book
In early June, the Office of the Vice President of Finance (VPF) deleted the Report of Sponsored Research Activity, or Brown Book, from their website.