Seth Lloyd denies he hid Epstein’s identity from MIT, says he followed MIT policies
Lloyd wrote that he “actively inquired about MIT’s proper procedures for accepting donations” from his departmental administrator before putting Epstein’s accountant in touch with MIT officers.
Pre-registration, MLK Day, spring meal plan change
Pre-registration for spring is due today by 5 p.m. The late fee is $85.
ICE to potentially conduct site visits to MIT
In an interview with The Tech, Vice President for Research Maria Zuber said that the original memo was not precipitated by any event or recent notification from the DHS. “This was basically a general update to a very small community of people at MIT,” Zuber said.
MIT admits 687 students in Early Action admissions
There were 6,792 applicants (73.1 percent) deferred to be “reconsidered without prejudice” in the Regular Action round, while 1,622 students (17.5 percent) were rejected.
MIT card readers to be replaced
MIT community members can exchange their card for an upgraded one free of charge at the Atlas Service Center.
Prof. Jeffrey Grossman named new head of Department of Materials Science and Engineering
He aims for a “holistic” view, looking beyond classes and curriculum at “the entire experience when you’re here.”
Goodwin Procter report says senior members of MIT’s administration approved Epstein’s donations to MIT
According to the report, Jeffrey Epstein made ten donations to MIT totaling $850,000 between 2002 and 2017.
Pre-registration, insurance waivers, UROP applications
Pre-registration deadline for IAP is Jan. 10.
Israel Ruiz, MIT executive vice president and treasurer, to step down
Ruiz developed renewal plans for the MIT campus, guided by the MIT 2030 framework, and helped transform the nearby Kendall Square. He also helped launch the online course programs MITx and edX — created in conjunction with Harvard University.
Three seniors and two alums named 2021 Schwarzman Scholars
According to MIT News, the recipients were selected from over 4,700 applicants for a program “complemented by internships, career development mentors, high-profile speakers, and opportunities to travel throughout China.”
MIT affiliates sign statement against Citizenship Amendment Act
The statement reads, “We strongly condemn the increasingly violent suppression of these citizens’ protests … that have left several dead. We praise the courage, dignity, humor, resolve, and dynamism with which the students and ordinary citizens continue their protest.”
New apartment-style graduate residence to be built on Vassar Street
Rates for the residence hall will be determined by the building’s condition as well as the rates charged for similar on- and off-campus housing options.
HMMT reorganizes in response to cultural concerns
The reorganization includes changes in the staff selection process and the creation of a committee on diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Six faculty members elected AAAS fellows
In an email to The Tech, Lauffenburger wrote, “To me the central significance of this honor is its recognition of contributions to the advancement of science broadly, in my case predominantly the creation of biological engineering here at MIT.”
UA, GSC finalize members for two new student committees
The Undergraduate Association and Graduate Student Council selected student members for two newly-created committees, the Student Committee on Guidelines for Outside Engagements and the Student Committee on Campus Climate and Policies around Discrimination and Misconduct Nov. 12. Five undergraduate and five graduate student members were selected for each committee from a final pool of ten undergraduates and ten graduates.
Hayden library to close for renovations Dec. 19
The last day to browse or request Hayden’s general book collections will be Dec. 15.
Winterfest, last day of classes, pre-registration
Winterfest is being held December 9 at Charles M. Vest Student Street and the Koch Institute Lobby from 3:30–5:00 p.m.
Four more MIT seniors declared 2020 Rhodes Scholars
Woltz, Vasconcelos, and Yamoah are all currently conducting research with the Engineering Quantum Systems Group in the Research Lab for Electronics.
EAPS community gathers at teach-in to discuss Shell donations to Green Building
Supran cited Shell’s donations to MIT and Chevron’s collaboration with Stanford as “the fossil fuel industry’s invisible colonization of academia.”
Thanksgiving break, W20 closure, IAP/Spring pre-registration
There will be no classes Thursday and Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday.