Introduction to the Undergraduate Advisory Group
The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s (SCC) Undergraduate Advisory Group (UAG) is a committee of around 25 undergraduate students who represent a broad range of majors in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) and other computing-related programs. The group was first formed in April 2020 and advises the college’s leadership on issues, offers constructive feedback, and serves as a sounding board for innovative new ideas.
Members and Their Roles
UAG members are a diverse group of students who are passionate about computer science and AI, and how these fields connect with other disciplines. They are also passionate about MIT and eager to enhance the undergraduate experience. Matthew Caren, a jazz musician who majored in computer science and engineering, and minored in music and theater arts, is one such member. He was drawn to the college because of its focus on the applied intersections between computing, engineering, the arts, and other academic pursuits.
How the UAG Works
The UAG meets monthly with SCC dean Dan Huttenlocher and Deputy Dean Asu Ozdaglar to discuss challenges in the student experience and offer recommendations. The group’s suggestions are frequently implemented, and they have been instrumental in shaping the college’s curriculum and broader college issues. UAG program manager Ellen Rushman notes that the group’s members feel safe bringing up issues that aren’t always positive, and that their input has been invaluable.
Achievements of the UAG
One example of the UAG’s impact is the design of the new SCC building. The architects presented their renderings at a UAG meeting, and the group’s feedback led to changes in the floor plan to include more hybrid study and meeting booths. Another example is the development of a course visualization website, NerdXing, which helps students find paths that were taken by other students with similar interests.
NerdXing: A Course Visualization Website
NerdXing is a tool that allows students to visualize potential courses based on their major and interests. The website uses a dataset of EECS course enrollments over the past decade to develop a graph that shows the most popular courses and the typical sequence of classes taken. The tool aims to show students how they can choose classes that go far beyond just filling degree requirements.
Conclusion
The Undergraduate Advisory Group is a unique and valuable resource for the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing. The group’s members are passionate about computer science and AI, and are eager to enhance the undergraduate experience. Through their monthly meetings with the college’s leadership and their various projects, the UAG is empowering students to strengthen the college and the experiences it offers them.
FAQs
- What is the Undergraduate Advisory Group (UAG)?
The UAG is a committee of around 25 undergraduate students who represent a broad range of majors in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) and other computing-related programs. - What is the purpose of the UAG?
The UAG advises the college’s leadership on issues, offers constructive feedback, and serves as a sounding board for innovative new ideas. - How does the UAG work?
The UAG meets monthly with SCC dean Dan Huttenlocher and Deputy Dean Asu Ozdaglar to discuss challenges in the student experience and offer recommendations. - What are some examples of the UAG’s achievements?
The UAG has been instrumental in shaping the college’s curriculum and broader college issues, and has developed a course visualization website, NerdXing, to help students find paths that were taken by other students with similar interests. - What is NerdXing?
NerdXing is a course visualization website that allows students to visualize potential courses based on their major and interests.
