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
LEAD’s webpage states that the workshop, designed for staff members, would have included an “implicit bias test” for participants and techniques for “disrupting microaggressions.”
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.
MIT Medical provider tested positive for COVID-19
Stuopis wrote that the affected individual “is isolating at home” and “doing well.” Additionally, MIT responded to the positive case with “swift action.”
Simmons dining worker tests positive for COVID-19
Dinner service for Simmons residents was temporarily moved to Lobdell Dining Hall in the Student Center for the evening following Hayes’ email.
MIT launches COVID-19 wastewater testing pilot initiative
The project is a partnership between the biological engineering department’s Alm Lab; MIT Facilities; the Office of Environment, Health and Safety; Housing and Residential Services; and MIT Medical.
City of Cambridge requires all residents over age of five to wear face coverings in public places, businesses, common areas of residential buildings
Regardless of pod affiliation or physical distancing, students living on campus are required to wear face coverings in “all outdoor common areas, including walkways, courtyards and roof decks.”
MIT Libraries update service policy for fall
MIT Libraries also began delivering and providing contactless pickup of physical items such as MIT-owned books and other media Sept. 28.