MIT Plummets in Public Service Rankings; Texas A&M Now Ranked First
While most know about MIT’s slide into seventh place in <i>U.S. News & World Report</i>’s college rankings this year, some might be surprised to learn that in another magazine, MIT fell from first to 13th. This year, political magazine <i>The Washington Monthly</i>, which evaluates schools based on service to the country, ranked Texas A&M University first.
Cardboard Boats Compete In Head of the Zesiger Race
MIT held its first annual Head of the Zesiger Cardboard Boat Regatta Friday, Oct. 19. The event, held one day before the 43rd annual Head of the Charles Regatta, took place in the Zesiger Center Pool and ended with only one boat afloat.
Subcommittee Chosen To Refine Curriculum, Collect GIR Feedback
During last week’s faculty meeting, the MIT Task Force on the Undergraduate Educational Commons announced the formation of a subcommittee to collect feedback on the task force’s recommendations that were released in October 2006 and determine more specific recommendations for changing the curriculum.
BU Launches $1.8 Billion Plan to Expand Faculty
Boston University officials outlined an ambitious 10-year, $1.8 billion strategic plan Thursday to add 150 professors, dramatically lower the school’s student-faculty ratio, and pour money into salaries to allow BU to vie for the nation’s top professors.
$160 Million Raised In Campaign So Far Campaign to Raise $500 Million in Total
Since its launch in 2006, the Campaign for Students has raised $160 million out of the targeted $500 million over five years.
Advocacy Group Pushes Colleges to Limit Credit Card Offers to Students
Andrew Shapransky, a freshman at Vassar, says that even if credit cards are as common as pizza among college students, “I have no intention of getting one.”
FutureBOSTON Project Invites Open Dialogue Regarding City
With world-class universities, innovative young companies, and a vibrant arts community, Boston is no slouch at attracting talent. But FutureBOSTON, an urban development project and competition organized by MIT, insists that the city can — and must — do better.
Group Hosts Gambling Lecture‘Bringing Down the House’ Author Is One of Three Speakers at Forum
Approximately 75 people attended the Technology & Culture Forum at MIT lecture, “Gambling: Face to Face or interface?” held Wednesday evening in 10-250. The lecture featured bestselling author Ben Mezrich, famous for his novels about the MIT Blackjack Team.
News Briefs
Sewage problems struck Burton-Conner late Monday evening, Oct. 15, resulting in a temporary water cutoff. According to the Information Services and Technology 3DOWN status page, a resultant drain leak damaged network infrastructure at Burton-Conner, leaving the dormitory without Internet access.
Future of New Dorm Uncertain
Construction for the new graduate residence NW35 has remained on budget since its $11.5 million overrun in February 2007 and is slated to finish in August 2008. Meanwhile, few plans for the old Ashdown House, W1, have been finalized.
Two Nobel Prize Winners MIT-Affiliated
Former MIT economics professor Eric S. Maskin and former graduate student Mario R. Capecchi were among the recipients of the Nobel Prizes in Economics and Medicine this year, respectively.
Police Log
<i>The following incidents were reported to the MIT Police between Sept. 6 and Oct. 11, 2007. This summary does not include incidents such as false alarms, general service calls, larcenies, or medical shuttles.</i>
Postol Speaks Against U.S. Characterization Of Missile Defense Site
Professor Theodore A. Postol ’67, a well-known critic of missile-defense systems, has accused the U.S. of mischaracterizing missile defense capabilities in ongoing discussions with Russia.
News Briefs
LaVerde’s Market returned to 24-hour service this week as new staff were hired for night shifts. The Student Center market is now open from 7 a.m. Sunday to midnight Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Noose Left on Columbia Professor’s Door
A day after a noose was found hanging on a black professor’s office door at Columbia University’s Teachers College, protesting students chanted “no diversity, no university” and confronted university officials at two emotional meetings on Wednesday.