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 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.
Graduate Student Union bargains with MIT administration on discrimination and economic proposals
The MIT Graduate Student Union (GSU) and MIT administration participated in six bargaining sessions in 2023. Issues debated ranged from discrimination and harassment services to safety and tuition.
A community statement on MIT’s response to hate speech
n the only response from the MIT administration, the Institute opted to call this speech “extreme” and full of “provocative terms.” We will call it what it is: hate speech.
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.
MIT Monologues 2023 takes place, featuring 17 student-written pieces & 250+ attendees
Ma: “The purpose of Monologues is simply a space for marginalized genders and if you give that space, beautiful things will happen no matter what.”
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Mar. 4 is the last day to add full-term subjects to one’s registration or to change grading methods for those subjects.
Springing, blooming, and flourishing (indoors)
The predictably unpredictable weather during the transition to spring is upon us as we see sunny conditions interrupted by cloud blankets and sprinkles of rain this weekend. Expect a storm system moving through the south of Cambridge to bring along light rain and possibly even snow on Saturday; definitely keep an eye out for slushy conditions and dress in layers. We’ll still be able to enjoy a scatter of sunshine before then on Friday, so make sure to get yourself a necessary dose of photosynthesis before bunkering down for the weekend.
Wintry Mix in March
Today (Thursday morning): Chance of rain (60%). High around 49°F (9°C). South winds 8–10 mph.Tonight (Thursday night): Partly cloudy. Low around 31°F (-1°C). Northwest winds 13–16 mph.Friday: Cloudy with a chance of rain (30%). High around 40°F (4°C) and low around 32°F (17°C). Northwest winds 10 mph.Saturday: Cloudy with a chance of snow showers (80%). High around 38°F (3°C) and low around 27°F (-3°C). North winds 20–25 mph.Sunday: Mostly cloudy (30%). High around 36°F (2°C) and low around 27°F (-3°C). North winds 9 mph.
Return of wintry weather into the weekend
After an unseasonably warm January in Boston this year, we have the return of wintry weather as we close out the week and into the weekend.
Class of 2026 attend the “Night at the Museum”
The Night at the Museum event was held on the evening of Feb. 5 at the Museum of Science for the class of 2026. The event was hosted by the Office of the First Year (OFY) before the start of the spring semester, and over 500 out of 1,136 first-years attended.
MIT Holds 49th annual MLK celebration
MIT marked its 49th Annual Celebration of the Life and Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr on Feb. 8. The event was organized by the Institute Community and Equity Office, and hosted by President Sally Kornbluth. Dr. Angela Davis, an activist and author, gave the keynote address, and additional speakers included undergraduates, graduate students, and staff. The celebration also featured a musical performance by The MastaDonis Project, a black-led Boston-based jazz group.
Minor Completion Date, PE Registration Date
Deadline for submission of Minor Completion Form for final-term seniors is Feb. 24.
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 Information Systems and Technology addresses internet disruptions
Mark Silis, Vice President for Information Systems and Technology (IS&T), addressed the “series of disruptions in service to MIT’s wireless network” in an email to the MIT community on Feb. 15, 2023. According to IS&T, the connection issues stemmed from a series of recent updates made to improve “the security and stability” of MIT IT systems.IS&T is “cautiously optimistic” that they have isolated the issue and will continue to carefully monitor the situation. Silis advised students and staff with trouble connecting to Wifi to restart their devices, check the MIT 3Down website for system updates, and email servicedesk@mit.edu or call 617-253-1101.
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.
Cheney Room Reopens Following Renovations
The official reopening of the MIT Margaret Cheney Room (MCR), room 3-308, took place on Feb. 7, 2023 after closing for renovations in the summer of 2022. The reopening was marked by an open house hosted by the Women and Gender Services (WXGS).
Half-term add date, Presidents’ Day
Deadline to add half-term subjects offered in the first half of the term is Feb. 17.
Brooding Clouds, a Sad Valentine’s Day for the Sky
Seems like Mother Earth had a stormy Valentine’s Day as the forecast for the next five days has clouds.