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MIT Faculty Newsletter  
contents Vol. XXVI No. 1
September / October 2013

This issue of the Faculty Newsletter features commentary on two edX courses, our Beyond the Classroom feature "Students and Institute Governance," and an article by MIT's first Institute Community and Equity Officer.

Spotlight
walking in snow
The MIT Physics Department's Experience with edX
Prof. John Belcher relates his department's expierience teaching 8.02x.
My Experience Teaching 3.091x
Prof. Michael Cima offers his reflections on teaching "Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry" online.
From The Faculty Chair:
Initial Thoughts

Faculty Chair Steven Hall's first contribution to the FNL.
 
Editorial
Not Blameless, But Not to Blame
Editorial Subcommittee
In his transmittal letter, President Reif urges everyone in the MIT community to read Professor Abelson's committee's Report to the President, MIT and the Prosecution of Aaron Swartz, in its entirety.
Report to the President, MIT and the Prosecution of Aaron Swartz
Reprinted is the Introduction to the report submitted by Prof. Hal Abelson and his committee at the request of MIT President Rafael Reif.
Regretted Omission
An editorial in the May/June 2013 issue of the Faculty Newsletter made reference to a new motto for MIT – Mens, Manus et Cor – proposed by Prof. James H. Williams, Jr.
Newsletter Editorial Board Elections
Following procedures outlined in the Policies and Procedures of the MIT Faculty Newsletter, an Institute-wide election for new members of the FNL Editorial Board . . .
From The Faculty Chair
Initial Thoughts
Steven R. Hall
This is my first Faculty Newsletter column as Chair of the Faculty. Like my predecessors, I hope to use the column as a way to communicate with faculty . . .
The MIT Physics Department's Experience with edX
John Belcher
I give a brief summary of the Department’s planning for and experience with 8.02x, an online physics course offered last spring through edX.
My Experience Teaching 3.091x
Michael Cima
Developing 3.091x, “Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry,“ was a terrific but exhausting experience. I was lucky to be building upon more than 40 years of . . .
In Memoriam
Pauline Maier
Harriet Ritvo
The History Faculty will feel very different this fall without Pauline Maier. It will seem more subdued without her exuberant laugh, and poorer in less immediately . . .
Beyond the Classroom
Students and Institute Governance
Robert Redwine
Having been on the MIT faculty since 1979, I have noted that a topic that comes up frequently in faculty-student interactions outside the classroom is the issue of . . .
Creating a Culture of Caring:
MIT's First Institute Community and Equity Officer
Edmund Bertschinger
“Today, I can tell you for certain that the world will respect you for what you know. And for what you know how to do. But I also want the family of MIT to be famous for . . .
Resolution for Presentation to the MIT Faculty:
"Establish a Campus Planning Committee"
The HASS Exploration (HEX) Program
Diana Henderson, Christine Walley
The HASS Exploration (HEX) Program (formerly known as the First Year Focus Program) is looking to expand its roster of subjects. The Office of the Dean for . . .
Request for Preliminary Proposals for Innovative Projects
The Office of Faculty Support seeks preliminary proposals for faculty-led projects to enhance the educational experience of MIT undergraduates.
Nominate a Colleague for the MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program
The MacVicar Faculty Fellows Program recognizes MIT faculty who have made exemplary and sustained contributions to the teaching and education of . . .
Teaching this fall? You should know . . .
. . . the faculty regulates examinations and assignments for all subjects.
Letters
Disturbed by Abelson Report
Kenneth R. Manning, Patrick H. Winston
We were much disturbed to read, on page 69 of the Abelson Report [Report to the President, MIT and the Prosecution of Aaron Swartz], about a meeting between . . .
Letters
Praising America's Public Libraries
Ann J. Wolpert
In his article entitled “How Online Education Might Impact the Future of Mathematics Departments,” published in the May/June 2013 issue of the MIT Faculty Newsletter,
M.I.T. Numbers
Class of 2017 Enrolled Students: Admissions Statistics
M.I.T. Numbers
U.S. News & World Report:
Ranking the Top 10 Engineering Graduate Schools
M.I.T. Numbers
U.S. News & World Report:
Ranking the Top 10 Business Graduate Schools
   
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