MIT requires all faculty and staff to be vaccinated to work on campus
The email writes that the decision to require the vaccine was based on “understanding of the science behind the vaccines, their established safety and efficacy, and their wide availability across the state and country.”
Geathers and Chen re-elected as UA president and vice president in 2021 election
The UA presidential election and elections for all positions (president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, social chair, and publicity chair) in the four Class Councils were uncontested.
Class of 2024 declares majors
The School of Engineering retained its first place in terms of first-year enrollment, with its share increasing from 67.9% (751 students) to 69.5% (744 students).
Proposal to increase first-year spring credit limit passed at May faculty meeting
Faculty then voted on the motion to increase the spring credit limit, which passed with 95 votes of yes and 12 votes of no.
Chancellor Cynthia Barnhart to step down July 1
Barnhart: “We recognize that before even thinking about a solution to a problem, we should go to the students and get their reactions. We know that top down decision-making doesn't work.”
MIT announces new climate action plan for the next decade
In order to accomplish this, MIT will introduce a new organizational structure in the plan that will “help amplify MIT’s voice, increase involvement across the community, and improve accountability,” Zuber said.
Juneteenth recognized as Institute holiday
Juneteenth has been adopted by MIT as an Institute holiday, effective this summer, President L. Rafael Reif wrote in an email to the MIT community May 5.
Late spring warmth
It is a cruel irony that schedules final projects and exams at the same time as such beautiful weather!
Last week of classes, Commencement reminders
May 20 is the last day of classes. Final exams will take place from May 24 to May 27.
Name recordings
Graduating students received email invitations from Name Coach, a name pronunciation service, to record their names for Commencement in an email April 30.
Graduate student stipend rates to increase by 3.25%
Waitz, Schuetz, and Zuber wrote that there will be no change in housing rates while the price of MIT’s Student Extended Insurance Plan will decrease by approximately $180 for the upcoming academic year.
MIT to require COVID-19 vaccine for all students
All MIT students should be vaccinated before the fall semester begins and should share their current vaccine status via COVID Pass.
UA Wellness offers free menstrual cups to MIT students
This project is one among multiple efforts by UA committees to promote sustainable and cost-effective menstrual products in the MIT community.
MIT to open local, minority-owned food vendors in Student Center
The student survey was sent out on Sunday, May 2 via email, and asked students to rank the food options for each of three kiosks; these options would replace the previous vendors — Cafe Spice, Shawarma Shack, and Shinkansen Bullet Train.
UA Council votes in favor of divestment in consensus decision
MIT Divest Co-Chair Arnav Patel ’21 and member Jess Cohen ’22 wrote in an email to The Tech that the Council’s decision “brings a lot of momentum to pushing the Institute to divest from the fossil fuel industry.”
Graduate Student Council releases results of advising survey
40% of respondents were “dissatisfied with their department’s support in finding an advisor, reporting advisor behaviors, and communicating how to leave an advisor.”
A calming homestretch
Enjoy the near-average temperature while we are racing toward the end of the semester.
Student holiday, name recordings, ring sales
May 7 is a student holiday. No classes will take place.
Graduate students with US-based appointments expected to return by summer or fall
Some graduate students will be expected to return during the summer by June 1, while most will be expected to return for the fall by September 1.
MIT to hold on-campus celebration for Classes of 2020 and 2021 next spring
Graduating students can also expect smaller virtual and in-person events to supplement the online ceremony, as well as opportunities for photos on Killian Court.