News Briefs
Approximately 20 percent of freshmen, sophomores, and juniors donated to this year’s Underclassmen Giving Campaign last week, topping the participation rate of last fall. A total of $3,521 was raised to fund Public Service Center expedition grants for the January Independent Activities Period.
MIT Statement Regarding Stabbing Incident — Oct. 25, 2007
We are deeply troubled by this violent act upon one of our students. We are supporting him, his family and friends, and others in our community. We are heartened by the progress he has shown in his recovery.
Official Arrest Report Narrative (Cambridge Police Officer Mark J. McHale) — Oct. 23, 2007
On the above date and time I was assigned to Car #3 along with Officer Caulfield. We were dispatched to #500 Memorial Drive #246 on a report of a stabbing. This is an MIT dorm building with multiple dorm rooms on several floors. While in route we were up dated by ECC that the suspect was a female who is the ex-girlfriend of the victim. ECC provided us with her name, Anna Tang an Asian female and that she was wearing a black coat. We were also informed that Ms. Tang may be on foot as she does not have a vehicle.
OLPC Requests Monetary Donations to Buy Laptops
In a major strategy shift, the Cambridge, Mass. foundation that plans to provide laptop computers to poor children around the globe is asking wealthy individuals and corporations to help pick up the tab by purchasing hundreds or thousands of the machines.
Sophomore Allegedly Stabbed by Wellesley Student Seven Times
A sophomore was stabbed seven times in his Next House residence on Tuesday, Oct. 23, prompting a review of housing security policies.
MIT’s First Student Life Dean To Retire at End of School Year
Dean for Student Life Larry G. Benedict will retire at the end of this academic year. As the Institute’s first dean for student life, Benedict drew fresh attention to improving the student experience, resulting in the construction and renovation of several dormitories and the expansion of residential dining among other initiatives.
College Tuition Rising at More Than Double the Inflation Rate
Tuition and fees at public and private colleges and universities rose at more than double the rate of inflation, the College Board said in reports released Monday morning.
MIT Plummets in Public Service Rankings; Texas A&M Now Ranked First
While most know about MIT’s slide into seventh place in <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>’s college rankings this year, some might be surprised to learn that in another magazine, MIT fell from first to 13th. This year, political magazine <i>The Washington Monthly</i>, which evaluates schools based on service to the country, ranked Texas A&M University first.
Cardboard Boats Compete In Head of the Zesiger Race
MIT held its first annual Head of the Zesiger Cardboard Boat Regatta Friday, Oct. 19. The event, held one day before the 43rd annual Head of the Charles Regatta, took place in the Zesiger Center Pool and ended with only one boat afloat.
Subcommittee Chosen To Refine Curriculum, Collect GIR Feedback
During last week’s faculty meeting, the MIT Task Force on the Undergraduate Educational Commons announced the formation of a subcommittee to collect feedback on the task force’s recommendations that were released in October 2006 and determine more specific recommendations for changing the curriculum.
BU Launches $1.8 Billion Plan to Expand Faculty
Boston University officials outlined an ambitious 10-year, $1.8 billion strategic plan Thursday to add 150 professors, dramatically lower the school’s student-faculty ratio, and pour money into salaries to allow BU to vie for the nation’s top professors.
$160 Million Raised In Campaign So Far Campaign to Raise $500 Million in Total
Since its launch in 2006, the Campaign for Students has raised $160 million out of the targeted $500 million over five years.
Advocacy Group Pushes Colleges to Limit Credit Card Offers to Students
Andrew Shapransky, a freshman at Vassar, says that even if credit cards are as common as pizza among college students, “I have no intention of getting one.”
FutureBOSTON Project Invites Open Dialogue Regarding City
With world-class universities, innovative young companies, and a vibrant arts community, Boston is no slouch at attracting talent. But FutureBOSTON, an urban development project and competition organized by MIT, insists that the city can — and must — do better.
Group Hosts Gambling Lecture‘Bringing Down the House’ Author Is One of Three Speakers at Forum
Approximately 75 people attended the Technology & Culture Forum at MIT lecture, “Gambling: Face to Face or interface?” held Wednesday evening in 10-250. The lecture featured bestselling author Ben Mezrich, famous for his novels about the MIT Blackjack Team.
News Briefs
Sewage problems struck Burton-Conner late Monday evening, Oct. 15, resulting in a temporary water cutoff. According to the Information Services and Technology 3DOWN status page, a resultant drain leak damaged network infrastructure at Burton-Conner, leaving the dormitory without Internet access.