News Briefs
The Department of Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation has announced that last summer’s $40 access fee will now be permanent — the fee will continue for summer 2008. DAPER charged students an access fee for the first time last summer. Previously, access to DAPER facilities had been free for all students year-round.
Yunus Chosen as ’08 Class Speaker
Muhammad Yunus, recipient of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize for his work in microlending and alleviating global poverty, is MIT’s 2008 Commencement speaker.
Tenure at MIT Still Predominantly a Male Domain
Just one out of 25 faculty members granted tenure this year at MIT is female, a gender imbalance that appears to contrast with the university’s decade-old effort to boost the status of women.
Randolph Defines Role of MIT Chaplain
Having worked at MIT for 28 years in a several different positions, Robert M. Randolph brings a wealth of experience to the table as MIT’s first Institute chaplain.
Bldg. W1 to Undergo Complete Renovation
Building W1, the current graduate dormitory Ashdown House, will be completely renovated before reopening as an undergraduate residence in the fall of 2010, administrators said yesterday.
Girls Sweep Top Honors at Siemens Science Contest
Girls won top honors for the first time in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, one of the nation’s most coveted student science awards, which were announced Monday at New York University.
Falling Limb From Baker Tree Injures Student
A senior was injured by a falling tree limb at Baker House Saturday, according to Campus Police Captain David Carlson.
News Briefs
A safe was stolen from the Student Life Programs Office sometime over the weekend, prompting the cancellation of checks and a delay in student group reimbursements.
One Laptop Per Child Sees Surge in National Orders
Despite slower-than-expected sales and tough competition from commercial rivals, the One Laptop Per Child Foundation of Cambridge is enjoying a surge of new orders.
Wikipedia Will Pay Illustrators for Work
The foundation that runs Wikipedia has finally agreed to pay contributors to the online encyclopedia a modest fee for their work. But it won’t pay the thousands of people who participate in creating the wiki pages just artists who create “key illustrations” for the site.
Alumnus Kirsch Develops Advanced Spam Filtering
Twenty-five years ago Steven T. Kirsch ’80, built a better mouse. Now he believes he has found a way to create a better trap — for spam, not mice — if he has enough time to finish his project.
Freshmen In Next House Can Take Part In REX
Beginning next fall, freshmen placed in Next House during the summer will be able to participate in Residence Exploration and enter the Housing Readjustment Lottery. McCormick Hall was not included in the change.
Life Is Interesting for Only Male Student at Wellesley
To many women, he is simply “the boy.” They know who he is, even if they do not know his name. They know his story, even if they have never spoken to him.
New Bose System Ready for Next Step
Fifty years ago, Amar G. Bose ’51, the founder of Bose Corp., was a car nut. A geeky kind of car nut.
IFC Elects Leaders; No Rush Chair Found Yet
On Wednesday, Alberto Mena ’09 and Reid C. Van Lehn ’09 were elected president and vice president of the Interfraternity Council, respectively. Mena said that one of his primary goals is to improve IFC transparency and communication.
MIT Launches Clean Energy Contest With $200,000 Cash Prize
If soaring oil prices don’t provide enough encouragement to develop alternative energy, MIT has come up with an extra incentive: $200,000 in cash.