GSC issues statement against DHS’s proposed student visa policies
The proposed rule, published Sept. 25, states that it would amend DHS regulations “by changing the admission period of F, J, and I aliens from duration of status to an admission for a fixed time period.”
Glen Shor named MIT’s Executive Vice President and Treasurer
Shor: I would say first of all, now more than ever, I'm extraordinarily proud to be a member of the MIT community. MIT is really living its values and showing its ingenuity and resilience in response to COVID-19.
CAPD releases graduating student survey results
The survey seeks to “determine the plans of graduating students and data that will assist the staff” to “provide the best related and graduate school-related service to MIT students,” the GSS website writes.
SHARP, spring housing applications, Veteran’s Day
The Student Housing Assistance Review Process (SHARP) application is due at noon Nov. 5 for seniors.
Schwarzman College of Computing launches AI Policy Forum
The AI Policy Forum website writes that the forum will develop a policy framework building on “high-level principles on social and ethical issues such as privacy, fairness, bias, transparency, and accountability.”
LEAD postpones microaggressions and bias workshop after Trump executive order
Dozier wrote that “the outcome of the general election will almost certainly affect the execution of this order,” making it difficult to decisively anticipate the impact of the order until the results of the election are known.
Andrea Ghez ’87 awarded 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics
Ghez is currently the Lauren B. Leichtman and Arthur E. Levine Professor of physics and astronomy at the University of California, Los Angeles. She received a B.S. in physics at MIT, and is the 38th MIT alumnus to receive a Nobel Prize.
Spring semester delayed by two weeks, spring break canceled
Danheiser and Canavan added that spring break was removed “to avoid the usual travel away from MIT.” Six break days, consisting of two four-day weekends and two three-day weekends, have been designated instead.
Virtual Family Weekend, UROP deadline, flu shots
Virtual Family Weekend is Oct. 23-Oct. 24.
MIT enters Phase 3 of research ramp-up
Although many restrictions have been lifted, the guidelines recommend that research not requiring in-person work should remain remote.
MIT staff to be given ‘up to two hours’ of paid leave to vote
Previously, the MIT Employee Policy Manual allowed staff members to request two hours of unpaid time for voting on Election Day. The petition writes that not providing paid time off “discourages workers from voting.”
New Vassar scheduled to open January 2021
Friedrich wrote that “members of the New Vassar Founders’ Group convened earlier this month to continue community planning efforts for MIT’s newest undergraduate residence.”
Flu vaccines, second quarter PE and half-term classes
Flu vaccines are available at MIT Medical flu clinic in the Johnson Athletic Center from 8 a.m.–4 p.m for all Covid Pass participants and enrolled students until Friday.
Get Out the Vote festival encourages students to vote
Performers at the event included Yo-Yo Ma, Duckwrth, Joyce Wrice, Bren Joy, Brandon Banks, Raye Zaragoza, HOAX, Mariela Shaker, the Couchsleepers, Solstice Fayemz, and Lil Seyi. MIT’s Asian Dance Team, Bhangra, Mirchi, and Casino Rueda dance groups also contributed performances.
Simmons pod program paused after pod ‘intermingling’ incidents
Members of separate pods intermingling violated the agreement signed by pod members, which states that students must “exercise strict social distancing with those outside their pod.”
MIT considering delayed start to spring semester
The delayed start date would be Feb. 16 or 17 instead of Feb. 1. IAP will remain remote and run Jan. 4–29.
MIT celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day
MIT’s virtual Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration included a sunrise ceremony, musical performances, a fireside chat, and a series of presentations by members of the indigenous community on campus.
All MIT students in U.S. required to take flu shot by Oct. 30
Students seeking exemptions to the flu shot can fill out an online form, although exemptions will only be granted for medical or religious reasons.
Indigenous People’s Day, half-term finals, flu shots
Indigenous People's Day is Monday. No classes will be held. Tuesday will follow the Monday schedule of classes.