Author: Liz Stoker

Board of Trustees member Meyer Koplow ’72, in conjunction with Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe, announced that academic programs at Brandeis are to be potentially trimmed in order to save long term funds. To clarify, “To be concrete, what we’re talking about are academic programs that would be phased out, ” says Jaffe.

 The Aronin case carried on Jan 24th, during which justices of the Union Judiciary heard oral arguments presented for and against the removal of Aronin from office. 

 Housing options for students planning on studying abroad have expanded to include suites in the Village and Ziv Quad . Entire suites will be occupied by students planning to study abroad in the spring, opening up the previously filled suites to midyear or transfer students arriving at that time.

 In a town hall meeting held last Saturday, the Constitutional Review Committee heard a proposal concerning the allocation of Student Union Finance Board funds to chartered University clubs. Those posing the proposal suggested that clubs are not encouraged to fundraise and raise awareness due to the simplicity of being granted funds, and that the Finance board currently exerts excessive control over chartered clubs.

 Students applying for a Justice Brandeis Semester were recently informed that on-campus housing will not be provided for them during the duration of their semester program, but that they will be eligible following the completion of the program. For those wondering, a Justice Brandeis Semester is ‘”…an engaging, immersive academic program in which small groups of students explore a thematic topic through inquiry-based courses linked to real-world experiential opportunities.”

 The South Street crosswalk near the entrance of campus will now be periodically featuring Waltham police officers , who plan to educate Brandeis students in the usage of walk buttons and crosswalks, as well as to issue speeding cars in the area tickets. The measure is admittedly a reaction to safety hazards, and an attempt to enforce more lawful pedestrian and vehicular habits on the crosswalk. 

 A growing number of fundraising events aimed at benefitting Haiti are scheduled to be held, including the sale of Valentine’s Grams, the hosting of concerts, vigils and various spectator sports with prices attached.

The US News and World Report, known for its college ranking system, has announced Usen Castle to be one of the eight coolest dorms in the US. The article refers to the structure, not the students within it; that is entirely your call.

 The W. M. Keck Foundation has recognized Brandeis as a national leader in the study of active matter, a substance that, despite being non-living, can move independently. The foundation has therefore awarded the University one million dollars to continue conducting research on active matter.

 The newly available presidential search website offering ongoing information on the University’s hunt for a new president confirmed that a search firm will be chosen by the end of February. Brandeis alum Meyer Koplow, the current Chair of the search committee and member of the Board of Trustees, informed the Hoot that a presidential search firm  will be necessary to take the initiative in the presidential search. 

 “A Heart Full of Grace”, the MLK event featuring poetry, music and performances recently held at Shapiro campus theater featured not only a reprisal of many of Dr. King’s speeches by various guest speakers, but a plea for social justice, namely engaging in projects aiding Haiti. Brandeis student Shaina Gilbert ’10, a Haitian-American was among the speakers to express the necessity of reaching out to Haiti in this time of need. There is no doubt that this event was enriched by the inclusion of the Haiti’s current needs, the meeting of which is entirely in the spirit of Dr. King’s focus on kindness, social outreach and justice. Brandeis students have been involved with projects concerning Haiti for years ; the recent engagement of further students in outreach, such as the ‘Hope for Haiti’ vigil, is merely an expansion of Haiti’s special place in the Brandeis social consciousness. 

 Citing a 25$ budget shortfall , Meyer Koplow ’72, a member of the Board of Trustees, has announced that cuts to academic programs at Brandeis must be made. Some of the projected losses include the removal of certain majors, PhD programs and Master’s programs. Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffee has apologized for the imminent cuts, explaining that ‘the Board gave [the administration] no choice.’ Koplow insists that Brandeis will retain the programs that ‘make [Brandeis] special,’ though he failed to elucidate further.

 Those following the charges made against Union Secretary Diana Aronin should set aside time this Sunday, as the UJ has announced that the trial will be made public . You can catch the circus at the Lemberg Academic Center starting at 4 p.m. 

 Lastly, if you haven’t had the H1N1 strain of flu this year or would rather not have it again, the Health Center is offering shots free of charge. Since shortages are still apt to occur, those particularly opposed to spending a week between the bed and bathroom should hurry to the Health Center as soon as possible.