Dear OVC colleagues,
I hope that 2023 is off to a good start for you and yours.
I was really struck at the January All Hands meeting by the presentation by OVC’s very own professor Kim Vandiver on the evolution of maker culture at MIT. Kim has been a first-hand witness to this, as founding director of the Edgerton Center (among many other hats he wears). We’re all familiar with MIT’s motto, Mens et Manus ; learning by doing has always been part of the Institute’s DNA. But as Kim shared, the past few decades have been something of a renaissance in maker culture, and it has taken a lot of effort (for example, through Project Manus) to “open up the labs” for students to use anytime to pursue passion projects, or just tinker.
For me, it underscores a bigger takeaway: that MIT is always evolving, experimenting, and finding clever ways to teach and support students’ academic and personal growth. There are examples everywhere, including the recent pilot on social impact Experiential Learning Opportunities (ELOs); the construction of the 17,000 square foot, state-of-the-art, community makerspace in the Morningside Academy of Design (MAD); and even the new MIT Museum’s Maker Hub and Learning Labs. Now more than ever, learning is happening everywhere on campus. And that is as it should be.
Sincerely,
Ian
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Reframing the First-Gen Experience
Since 2012, the annual First-Generation Summit has brought together hundreds of first-gen undergraduates, graduate students, and allies to collectively design new ways of viewing the first-gen label.
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D-Lab Marks 20 Years
In this video commemorating MIT D-Lab's 20th anniversary, students, alumni, and staff talk about the special role that D-Lab plays in students' lives, how it shapes their futures, and the unique value it brings to MIT.
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Experimentation Flourishes at the ESG
Over the past few years, the Experimental Study Group has conducted several successful educational pilots, such as combining project-enhanced teaching with maker-space training, and teaching GIRs in tandem, such as the fundamentals of computation as applied to concepts in physics.
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Patriots Recognize MIT TEJI
The Educational Justice Institute, part of the Experimental Study Group (ESG), is one of six local organizations recently honored by the New England Patriots for their work on social justice and racial equality. Coach Bill Belachek and several Patriots players delivered the good news, which includes a grant of $82,500.
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Residential Scholars Enrich the On-campus Living Experience
From community events to mentoring, residential scholars find living in the same halls as students is rewarding and fun.
Startups Take Root in Senior Capstone Class
Over the years, dozens of student products from Class 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes) have inspired startups.
In the Media: Kornbluth, Barnhart and Nobles on Women in STEM
President Sally Kornbluth, Provost Cynthia Barnhart, and Chancellor Melissa Nobles speak with Radio Boston host Tiziana Dearing about the importance of representation for women and underrepresented groups in STEM.
Karenna Groff ’22 Named NCAA Woman of the Year
The graduate student in biological engineering is the second MIT student-athlete ever to earn Woman of the Year honors.
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DATA POINTS: Quality of Life Survey
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MIT administers an Institute-wide survey every two years to better understand the lives of staff, faculty, postdocs, and students. Results from the 2022 Quality of Life survey are now available on the Institutional Research website. OVC results will be shared at the next All Hands meeting.
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FROM OVC HQ: News You Can Use
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Implementing MIT's Strategic Action Plan
The Institute Community and Equity Office and Human Resources are offering several workshops for all members of the MIT community about the Institute's Strategic Action Plan for Belonging, Achievement, and Composition. These workshops aim to help participants gain a better understanding about the plan itself, and how your local unit can contribute.
Free Books from MyLife Services!
Did you know you can get two free books per year from MyLife Services’ KGA Online Bookshelf? Books are available on topics such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; mindfulness; fitness; sleep; and more! Here's how:
- Go to KGA Services
- Click on sign in/sign up for an account (top right)
- Sign in and go to Tools > KGA Bookshelf
- Click on books to view the description and/or order from KGA
- Confirm your shipping address and click on “request book”
All set! You'll receive an email confirmation shortly afterward.
New Employees and Promotions
A warm welcome to the staff who have recently joined OVC, and congratulations to those who have received promotions!
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Winter Family Day
Feb. 28, 10 am-3pm, Kendall MIT Open Space
OVC All Hands Meeting
March 13, 2-3 pm (on Zoom; link will be emailed prior to meeting)
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