‘The Tech’ writes on
Now more than ever, The Tech’s mission of maintaining an accurate record of MIT events and reporting on important changes has become essential in keeping our community informed and together, even as we spread across the globe.
COVID-19 live updates: Tenure clock extension, new support funds created
Under the policy, non-tenured faculty can serve as assistant professor or associate professor without tenure for a combined maximum of nine years rather than eight. In addition to the Student Life, Wellness and Support Fund, MIT has created two funds, the MIT Covid-19 Emergency Fund and the MIT Covid-19 Research Fund, to aid MIT’s response efforts.
MIT pushes undergrads to accelerate move out timeline
Undergraduate students who move out by the end of Sunday will be provided with free storage and reimbursed up to $500 for “travel change expenses and new reservation costs," according to the Division of Student Life's website.
Move out date, classes canceled, online instruction
Undergraduates who wish to request an exception to remain on campus or request financial support for their departure from campus must fill out an online form by noon March 13.
Committee on the Undergraduate Program proposes flexible Pass/No Record grading policy
The proposed changes place no restrictions on either the timing or classes converted to P/NR. All subjects would be eligible for P/NR designation, including GIRs and major or minor requirements.
Five MIT students named Putnam Fellows
Sah, Zhang, and Zhu were all participants in 18.A34 (Mathematical Problem Solving), a Putnam seminar for first year, run by Yufei Zhao ’10, professor of mathematics and a former Putnam participant.
Undergraduates required to move out of dorms and FSILGs by March 17
Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, undergraduates living in MIT dorms, fraternities, sororities, or independent living groups (FSILGs) are required to move out by noon March 17. Classes will be canceled March 16–20, extending to spring break, which runs March 23–27. Classes will resume in online-only formats March 30.
Reif announces new travel and events policies in response to COVID-19
MIT will “postpone, cancel, or ‘virtualize’” in-person MIT events with more than 150 attendees, including CPW and “other signature spring semester conferences and celebrations,” the policies state.
Open advising hours and higher-level tutoring announced in math department
Peskin said that the open advising hours were partly implemented due to the high number of undergraduate students within the math department (about 400 students) compared to faculty members (just over 40). This imbalance “requires every member of the math faculty to be an advisor,” Peskin said.
6.0001/2, 6.009, and 8.02 switch away from Piazza
6.0001/2 switched to Ed Discussion, an alternate third-party platform. 6.009 switched to “the forum,” a site instructor Adam Hartz ’11 built using the platform Discourse, an open-source software. 8.02 switched to a MITx discussion forum hosted on the MITx Residential platform.
Burton Conner discusses transition in community meeting
BC President Sara Aaronson told The Tech that because BC culture is closely tied to its nine floors, “some are worried about losing physical access to people they’ve built strong ties to and are comfortable with” through the renewal.
Meal Plan Working Group holds forum
When a student raised the concern that increasing meal swipe minimums decreases student flexibility, Hayes said that MIT inherently has flexible dining options by making dining dollars optional and allowing students to choose their dining plan. Hayes noted that other peer institutions require all students to be on the same meal plan.
New Vassar floor plans, dining, and rooming details released
NV will also contain a grocery market, called “Tim’s Market.” Founders’ group member Tingyi Lu ’23 said at a NV info social March 1 that because the NV dining hall will serve only brunch and dinner, the store will serve as a “breakfast marketplace” similar to the pick-a-lunch program in Walker Memorial.
Associate advisor applications, CPW event submissions, PE classes
Submit your applications to become a first-year associate advisor and/or orientation leader by 5 p.m. Friday.
Michael Sipser reflects on time as School of Science dean
“I have research ideas that I want to explore of a mostly mathematical, theoretical computer science nature. But I have to get back into it. There’s a certain amount of rebooting to start to think about mathematics again.”
MIT Dining to increase meal plan commitment minimums for Class of 2024
MIT Dining will employ a phased implementation beginning with the Class of 2024 this fall: the meal swipe commitment will increase to 225 for first-year students, 190 for sophomores, and 160 for juniors and seniors.
Changes to political science undergraduate committee
Stewart added that the political science department recently changed its major requirements to make the undergraduate thesis optional.
NASEM working groups release sexual misconduct prevention recommendations
The new IDHR office will have an immediate impact on students because it will serve as a “centralized resource” for students, faculty, and staff facing harassment-related issues.
Mocha Moves: Cirque de Moleil
MIT Mocha Moves performed this past weekend at their Spring 2020 show Cirque du Moleil. Dance performances spanned a variety of styles featuring urban hip-hop and contemporary pieces. The show's hosts also shared the spotlight through interactive minigames featuring audience members, many of whom were former MIT Mocha Moves members.