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.
Several MIT Turing Award winners endorse Biden for presidency
The Turing Award winners’ endorsement states that “Joe Biden and Kamala Harris listen to experts before setting public policy,” which is “essential when science and technology may help with many problems facing our nation today.”
PE, add date, flu shots
Flu vaccines are available at the Johnson Athletic Center from 8 a.m.–4 p.m for Covid Pass participants until Friday. In order to register for Spring classes, all MIT students must submit proof of receiving a flu shot by Oct. 30.
Remembering Sergio Dominguez (1997-2020)
Sergio Dominguez ’22 died suddenly Sept. 22, President L. Rafael Reif wrote in an email to the MIT community Sept. 23. Dominguez majored in Course 6-9 (Computation and Cognition) and lived in New House and East Campus.
Spring classes that ‘can be taught effectively online’ to remain virtual
Waitz and Barnhart wrote that they plan to “engage students, staff and faculty in an accelerated assessment effort… to make a determination” for the spring “as soon as we can.”
Dining commits to improving food quality amidst student complaints
MIT Dining “got the message that we have to recommit to delivering the quality and variety of food that students deserve.”
Two positive COVID-19 tests reported at McGovern
Researchers in the lab conduct “work on diagnostic assays to detect the same part of the [SARS-CoV-2] viral genome” that MIT Medical’s tests detect.
UA Diversity Council established to promote diversity, equity and inclusion
The Council’s charter writes that the Council “will work closely with the Institute Community & Equity Office to elevate the DEI needs of undergraduate students through policy, statements, and recommendations.”
MISTI launches new initiatives for 2020-2021
If public health conditions do not permit travel Summer 2021, MISTI plans to continue offering remote internships and research opportunities.
Final exams schedule, seniors PE, career week
The schedule for final exams is available online at finalexams.mit.edu.
MIT opens new Johnson Athletic Center COVID-19 testing site
MIT Medical Director Cecilia Stuopis wrote in an email to The Tech that MIT Medical is currently able to “handle around 4,000 tests a day” but that this number will grow to 10,000 tests a day once the Johnson site is “fully operational.”
Sloan goes remote for week after MBA students seen in large gathering
According to a webinar presentation Sloan held Sept. 17, both gatherings were held in public parks, were initiated by a small group in accordance to MIT COVID-19 policy but “grew organically” and included students who did not social distance or wear masks.
MIT to ‘reconsider’ retail eateries in student center
Dunkin’ Donuts reopened Sept. 22. Its franchisee, which also operates the Cambridge Grill, “is cautiously considering plans for reopening the Grill based on Dunkin’s volume in the coming weeks,” Hayes wrote. Anna’s Taqueria, Cafe Spice, Shinkansen, and Shawarma Shack remain closed. La Verde’s has not given MIT Dining “a timeline for their reopening.”
Barnhart discusses COVID-19 response, next steps at faculty meeting
After Barnhart’s presentation, faculty members discussed MIT’s more conservative approach towards COVID-19, as well as whether facilities would be equipped to ramp up or ramp down functionality if needed.
Minor completion date, career week
The deadline for submission of the Minor Completion Form for final-term seniors is Friday.
Virtual Fall Career Fair series to begin Sept. 21
Unlike previous years, MIT will not have a student holiday during the career fair. Additionally, there will be no official Interview Day, and each company will coordinate its own interviews.
Five percent of upperclassmen take leave of absence
25 sophomores, 76 juniors, and 70 seniors opted to take leaves of absence (LOAs) for the fall term, Student Support Services Associate Dean James Collins wrote in an email to The Tech.