Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 00:01:28 EDT To: advise-feedback@mit.edu From: "Kris M. Schnee" Subject: Important Question A question- in the notes for the Unified Proposal, it's stated that there should be dedicated time for students to explore the various dorms and FSILGs, but in the proposed Orientation schedule it's not clear when this would take place. The closest mentions of this are one day for "ResOpenHouses"- hardly a full Rush weekend- and three days of "Social explorations" which take place after the housing lottery ends. You *do* mean that there will be a Rush weekend (for students to tour the housing options before choosing one) somewhere in the final schedule, right? A prompt answer would be very helpful. Thanks. --- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 01:28:55 EDT To: "Christopher D. Beland" From: William Dichtel Subject: Re: Important Question Beland, My understanding is that there is a day, maybe two near the close of orientation that the IFC will have a chance to indroduce the FSILG system to the frosh, either a midway, carnival, open houses, something like that. A formal rush kickoff/rush lasting a few weekends would most likely happen later, probably in september. -Will --- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 01:32:23 EDT To: "Christopher D. Beland" , abbeyrd@MIT.EDU, wdichtel@MIT.EDU, trup@MIT.EDU, zlscott@MIT.EDU, madmatt@MIT.EDU cc: "Kris M. Schnee" From: "C. M. R. Rezek" Subject: Re: Important Question DRAFT response: [needs improvement] Hi Person, Your question is a good one. A more final draft of the Orientation section should be posted by Friday, but I'll do my best to give you an interim answer. We believe that FSILGs should not be restricted from contacting freshmen or housing open houses during Orientation. This is not necessarily mean that organized rushing will occur during Orientation - our proposal recommends that the IFC determine the schedule and rules for Rush. Chris Rezek SAC [blah blah] --- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 01:47:37 -0400 To: abbeyrd@MIT.EDU, wdichtel@MIT.EDU, trup@MIT.EDU, zlscott@MIT.EDU, crezek@MIT.EDU, madmatt@MIT.EDU, kschnee@MIT.EDU From: "C. M. R. Rezek" Subject: Aha Hey Kris, So you got my answer while it was still in draft form, which isn't a big deal since this is an open process. If the other people in this group would like to add to that answer I'm sure they will speak up. Chris Rezek Strategic Advisory Committee to the Chancellor --- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 1999 02:00:50 EDT To: "Kris M. Schnee" cc: "Christopher D. Beland" , abbeyrd@MIT.EDU, wdichtel@MIT.EDU, trup@MIT.EDU, zlscott@MIT.EDU, crezek@MIT.EDU, madmatt@MIT.EDU, advise-feedback@MIT.EDU From: "Matthew L. McGann" Subject: Re: Important Question Hi Kris, Let me try to add some context to Chris and Will's responses. The Orientation schedule is very much a work in progress. It certainly needs some improvement. You rather astutely point out that Orientation does not have a Residential focus. This occurs for several reasons. One, freshmen will now only be able to choose between 11 residence halls, instead of nearly 50 living group options. Because the number of choices is reduced, not as much time is necessary. Secondly, institutional data shows that the biggest strength of MIT's residence system is its element of choice; on the other hand, the data also shows that residence selections is a very stressful time for a non-negligible number of students. By reducing the focus on residence selection but still allowing for freshmen choice, we address both the need and the strength in the system. Additionally, the value of residence selection as a social introduction to the Institute cannot be forgotten. Our Orientation would employ after-hour events (Orange Tours, late night movies, etc.), as well as a dedicated day or weekend, Residence Midway, and summer information, to help introduce students to the residence halls. Also, as Chris and Will have pointed out, we have decoupled FSILG rush and dorm selection. I won't repeat their comments here. In any case, I hope this helps answer your question. If this has been inadequate, or you think there is a way we can improve our system, please contact us again, or feel free to talk to any of us offline. Thanks! -- Matt .. .... - ..-. .--. Matthew L. McGann '00 President, MIT Undergraduate Association Baker House 327 http://www.mit.edu/~madmatt/ 617.225.7327 madmatt@mit.edu