U. Affairs

Google, U. partner to create AI lab at Palmer Square

As part of the ongoing partnership between the University and Google, a new Google AI lab will open next week at 1 Palmer Square under the leadership of computer science professors Elad Hazan and Yoram Singer, focusing primarily on machine learning.

UHS takes preventive measures after Ocean County measles outbreak

In response to an ongoing measles outbreak 50 miles from campus, UHS officials are reaching out to students they believe to be at particular risk of catching the virus, providing them with information about symptoms and safety measures.

U. receives ‘D’ on mental health report, condemns report's findings

The study report — titled “The Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health in the Ivy League” —  gave the University a “D” and claimed that the University’s policies pertaining to leave of absence were often unclear and, at worst, discriminatory. The paper focused on the leave of absence policies for each Ivy League school and argued that the language of the policies leads to discrimination against students.

CPUC addresses discipline proposals, Ban the Box again

Once again, President Eisgruber argued against “Ban the Box” initiatives at the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC) meeting. University administrators and campus partners also presented on potential changes to academic integrity discipline as well as details of the expanded campus, like specific new buildings.

Psychology professor Graziano passionate about music, ventriloquism, writing novels

Today, during the last 15 minutes of the last lecture in NEU 200: Functional Neuroanatomy, psychology professor Michael Graziano ’89 introduced a special guest lecturer — Kevin, his orangutan puppet.

U. townhall on punishment for sexual misconduct

The audience was tense, and seemed frustrated with the Title IX office’s numerous privacy constraints, including their inability to discuss specific cases or precedence. Many, like first year Electrical Engineering graduate student Michael Soskind, appreciated the value of holding meetings but also hoped that the town hall would generate “more tangible recommendations that can be implemented by the University.” 

Elite degrees, but at what cost?

Nearly all of the female students interviewed said the culture of the department had led them to seek therapy. “We used to joke that the women in our department all went to therapy to deal with the men in our department,” said one former graduate student who was in the department in the 2000s.  Still, those in charge say the department is ultimately a positive environment for women. 

Asian American Studies program to be created by September 2018

University faculty are working to create an Asian American Studies certificate program by September 2018. The creation of the program will be the culmination of the work of University students, alumni, and faculty who have  researched, petitioned, protested, negotiated, and advocated for the creation of an Asian American Studies program for nearly 30 years. 

House passes tax bill, U. and other institutions object to higher ed provisions

The House tax bill contains several provisions to which colleges and universities object, including the removal of tax deductions for student loan interest. The bill would make graduate student teaching and research income taxable, and would tax endowments of private universities with at least 500 students and where the value of the school’s endowment is more than $250,000 per student, an elite group which includes the University. 

U. President Eisgruber declines proposal to house, educate Puerto Rico students

University President Christopher Eisgruber ’83 rejected a proposal to provide a semester of housing and education for students currently attending college in Puerto Rico whose educational plans have been affected by Hurricane Maria.

Committee on Naming to solicit suggestions on titles for two campus structures

At the behest of the University’s Board of Trustees, the Committee on Naming, a special branch of the Council of the Princeton University Community (CPUC), is soliciting suggestions for the names of two notable structures on campus, the easternmost arch of East Pyne and a public garden visible from Nassau Street that is currently under construction. 

Vertical farming: Key to meeting U. Sustainability Plan

Dr. Paul Gauthier, a postdoctoral research associate in the Geosciences department, created the Princeton Vertical Farming Project (PVFP) this past April. The project, situated in Moffett Laboratory, was funded by the University’s Office of Sustainability and is directly related to the University’s Sustainability Plan.

Princeton-CUNY biophysics center set up with $13-million grant

A $13-million grant from the National Science Foundation was awarded for setting up CPBF, according to Joshua Shaevitz, co-director of the program and University professor of physics and the Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics. This is one of 11 Physical Frontiers Centers funded by the Physics Division of the National Science Foundation Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences. 

News and Notes: U. completes updates to CAS and dual-factor authentication

Wilson Dining Hall to offer early breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on weekends

Last week, Wilson College dining hall opened for breakfast – early. It was not brunch, and it was early enough for students with morning commitments to fill their bellies beforehand. At 7:30 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, Wilson College is now open for breakfast.

CPUC meeting discusses prison divestment, University centers

Divestment from private prisons and upcoming programming by campus resource centers were the two main topics discussed at the first Council of the Princeton University Community meeting of the 2017-2018 academic year this Monday.

Dean of Faculty advises against international travel

Dean of the Faculty Deborah Prentice sent an email to University faculty members Saturday morning advising against travel outside the United States in the coming days.

Department of Justice finds U. in compliance with ADA

The Department of Justice and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey reached an agreement with the University with regards to the University’s protocol and procedural practices relating to students with mental health disabilities, according to a University press release. A compliance review of University policies began in May 2014, and the Justice Department did not find any instances of non-compliance after years of review.

Updated: U. accepts 15.4 percent of early action applicants

The University offered admission to 770 students from a pool of 5,003 applicants through the single-choice early action program for the Class of 2021, according to Dean of Admission Janet Rapelye. This represents the largest application pool the University has received in the last six years, a 18.3 percent increase over last year's round of early applicants. 

U. completes new building to house departments, programs

The University completed an extensive renovation of the former Frick Chemistry Laboratory at 20 Washington Street, which will provide a new home to ten academic departments and five international programs, including the Department of Economics.