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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Last Day of Summer Session, First Day of Classes for 2023 Fall Semester
The last day of classes for the summer session is August 18.
A brief stormy pause to an otherwise pleasant weekend
Clear skies are coming to Boston as high pressure moves in from the west. Cloud cover will increase into Friday, when heavy rain and some thunderstorms are expected to move through the Northeast. Then, pleasant temperatures and comfortable humidities will return over the weekend. It’s a great time to enjoy some outdoor activities in Boston as the summer term is wrapping up!
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."
Warm, sunny days to soak up the summer
A string of warm, sunny days are coming for Boston following Independence Day weekend.
A cooler end to the spring season
Expect to see cloudy skies in Boston with scattered showers throughout the next few days.
Sunny skies welcome commencement celebrations
Warmth will flood campus today and tomorrow. With the warm weather, it is important to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen.
Undergraduate Association President Recalled
The MIT student body recalled the Undergraduate Association (UA) President David Spicer ’23. According to UA Election Commissioner Dankwa Buckle, 36.03% of the student body cast a ballot. 93 percent of students voted “Yes” on the recall election, which was initiated after a series of posterings by Spicer. The 2023-2024 UA President will be Andre Hamelberg ’24.
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.