VOLUME CVI, NUMBER 23 PASADENA, CALIFORNIA Ideas xchanged at Student Faculty onference

By ALEX SIEGEL Last Tuesday students Policies Committee (APC) also and faculty met to discuss key intends to make it easier for un­ academic issues at the biennial dergraduates to get credit for do­ Student Faculty Conference. In ing research. addition to the committees for Furthermore, the Quality of specific academic divisions, four Life Committee is discussing the other committees make sug­ need to set lower time limits on gestions affecting everyone at exams, especially during mid­ Caltech. These four, the Honor terms. Currently, professors often Code, Quality of Life, Humani­ give exams of six hours or longer, ties and Social Sciences, and making it difficult for students to Core Curriculum Committees, fit all their exams into a reason­ presented their findings to anyone able time period. The committee at Caltech who attended their ses­ also encouraged professors to sions in Ramo Auditorium. inform students how long they Almost all members of should work on exams when the the Caltech community take the professors set time limits at 12 or Honor Code very seriously. It al­ even 24, not realizing that some lows students to take exams on students will actually spend the their own schedule, collaborate full time on the exam. The new on certain problem sets and take policy will dissuade Professors advantage of other privileges that from assigning infinite time finals could only exist under such a sys­ or midterms simultaneous with tem. The Honor Code committee problem sets. discusses issues related to the In order to appoint an admin­ maintenance of the Honor Code istrator who could better handle itself. This past year the commit­ the undergraduates' issues, the tee has discussed plans to create Quality of Life committee ad­ an Honor System Representative, vised the creation of a Dean of a faculty member in each option Undergraduate Studies along who would better inform the fac­ with numerous minor changes ulty about the Honor Code. He or to the administration. In order she would make professors more to increase student awareness of aware of the Board of Control : www.ac-peope.coonarovpIc.tm and how it handles honor code Fo' reals yo? John Brewer will discuss the dispute over the authenticity ofthis alleged Leonardo violations. This could reduce the Continued on Page 4, Column 1 da Vinci painting as part of the Watson Lecture Series. problem of professors' personally dealing with students who violate the Honor Code. ush Adtninistration Art Battles Science in The committee also proposed an elected Conduct Review Com­ mittee (CRC) representative from Critic Kurt Gottfried a Da Vinci Detective each house. Currently the CRC handles non-academic Honor Code violations, however its only to Discuss Science, Story By MARK WHEELER elected official is the CRC Chair. In 1920, says the California years he has been working on a Under the new system, each house Institute of Technology's John series of essays on art markets would elect a CRC representa­ olitics at Caltech Brewer, the art dealer Joseph and values, including essays on tive, much as they do the Board By DEBORAH WILLIAMS-HEDGES Duveen dismissed an alleged forgery, reproductions, cultural of Control (BoC) representatives Cornell University professor Wars and Crisis Stability and Leonardo daVinci painting, "La patrimony, patronage, and the from each house and the two reps of physics and noted science ad­ Nuclear War. Belle Ferronniere," as a copy or responsibilities of the curator. at large. The committee also as­ visor Kurt Gottfried will present The event will be hosted by a fake. His opinion initiated a Brewer is the author of, among sured students that the previous the third keynote address in the the Social Activism Speaker decade-long lawsuit and court­ other works, The Pleasures of BoC Chair and Secretary will 2004-2005 season of the Social Series, which focuses attention room drama dubbed "the battle the Imagination: English Cul­ send details of Honor Code-relat­ Activism Speaker Series at the on current social and political ed decisions and statistics about California Institute of Technol­ issues by inviting prominent of the experts," in which the art ture in the Eighteenth Century, violations to the California Tech ogy. Gottfried is the cofounder activists and experts to share connoisseur's eye and the tools and A Sentimental Murder: of the Union of Concerned Sci­ their experiences and perspec­ for publication. of modem science were locked Love and Madness in the Eigh­ entists, a nonprofit organization tives with the Caltech commu­ in conflict. teenth Century. The Honor Code Committee that promotes scientific integrity nity and the public. This series also outlines the House Steward­ On Wednesday, April 13, at 8 in government policy. He will is coordinated with the help of p.m., Brewer, the Eli and Edye Caltech has offered the Wat­ ship Committee in order to im­ speak on the relationship be­ the Caltech Y, and is made pos­ prove communication between Broad Professor of Humanities son Lecture Series since 1922, tween science and politics from sible by contributions from the and Social Sciences and pro­ when it was conceived by the students and the housing office. It both a historical and a current Moore-Hufstedler Fund, Stu­ fessor of history and literature, late Caltech physicist Earnest will help to define murals as sepa­ perspective. This event will dent Affairs, the Alumni Asso­ will present his talk, "Art and rate from graffiti, a decision that take place on Tuesday, April 19, ciation, Campus Life, the Diver­ Watson as a way to explain each house would make individu­ at 8 p.m., in the Beckman Insti­ sity Program Fund, the Graduate Science: A Da Vinci Detective science to the local communi­ ally and for which some houses tute Auditorium at Caltech. It is Student Council, Jack and Edith Story," in which he will discuss ty. Seating for this free public already have guidelines. It will free and open to the public. Roberts, and the Associated Stu­ the changing relationship be­ event in Beckman Auditorium also be available to mediate con­ Gottfried has served on the dents of Caltech. tween technology and the hu­ on the Caltech campus is on a flicts over damage to the houses. Council on Foreign Relations The Beckman Institute Au­ man eye in the task of identify­ first-come, first-served basis, Caltech students are famous and as a senior staff member of ditorium is located on the west ing and attributing great works beginning at 7:30 p.m. for studying hard, overloading the European Center for Nuclear side ofthe Caltech campus. Free of art. His talk is part of the For more information, con­ with classes, and being bitter. The Research. He recently co-au­ parking is available in the lots ongoing Ernest C. Watson Lec­ tact Public Events at 1 (888) Quality of Life Committee seeks thored a report entitled Restor­ south of Del Mar Boulevard ture Series. 2CALTECH, (626) 395-4652, ing Scientific Integrity in Policy between Wilson and Chester av­ to improve upon this lifestyle. For Brewer's chief areas of re­ or [email protected], or visit Making, focused on document­ enues, and in the Wilson Avenue search interest are eighteenth­ www.events.caltech.edu. instance, the Quality ofLife com­ ing the alleged misuse of sci­ and Holliston Avenue parking mittee is still discussing whether century British history and Individuals with a disability entific research by the Bush structures between San Pasqual literature, the history of early­ can call (626) 395-4688 (voice) to lower the maximum number of Administration. Thousands Street and Del Mar Boulevard. modem Europe, the history and or (626) 395-3700 (TDD). units upperclassmen may take be­ of scientists signed statements theory of consumption, twen­ All lectures will be available fore needing an overload petition in support of its call to action. For more information, visit from 54 to 51 or even 48, but any Gottfried has written two phys­ http://sass.caltech.edu or contact tieth-century historiography, online at Caltech's Streaming such changes will not happen un­ ics textbooks and was the senior Greg'Fletcher, Caltech Y, (626) and contemporary issues in Theater, til after next year. The Academic author of The Fallacy of Star 395-6163. cultural policy. In the last few http://today.caltech.edu/theater. 2 THE CALIFORNIA TECH COMMENTARY APRIL 18, 2005 See Green Dragon and meet the director: Green Dragon, showing at Caltech this week, is Timothy Bui's beautiful portrayal of South Vietnamese refugees waiting for assimilation into their new homeland, America. In 1975, refugee camps across America housed the hundreds of thou­ o sands of South Vietnamese fleeing the o collapse of their homeland's government. Concentrating on those at Camp Pendleton and the friendships that formed among the Because Dilbert Will Not Tell such provisions. They would also that would encourage students to refugees tbemselves and between the refu­ You How to Make Mal Bearable be available to help communication attend classes. One idea was to give gees and the American camp officers, Bui flow when damage occurs to the short problems to students at the weaves a tender tale of renewed hope and by Meng-Meng Fu houses. start ofclass. Another was to take Last Tuesday, the biennial Caltech students attendance. Some even insisted that noble love in the midst of despair. A mon­ Student Faculty Conference, are known for studying hard, lecture notes be removed from the Summer Work Study: tage of elegant vignettes, Green Dragon composed ofcommittees ofboth overloading with classes, and internet. While these ideas were not Information and applications for 2005 brings enlightening attention to an often students and faculty at Caltech, generally being bitter. Whether this well received by the undergraduates Summer Work Studyare available in tbe overlooked aspect of tbe Vietnam War. met to discuss a number ofkey is true or not, the Quality ofLife in the auditorium, the committee also Financial Aid Office. If you are interested Come this Thursday, April 21, at 7:30 issues. Aside from the Academic committee seeks to improve the discussed more popular plans such in SummerWork Study, please submit the pm to Baxter Lecture Hall to meet Timo­ Divisions which have their own lifestyles ofundergraduates. One as recommending a short course committees, there were four other change that the Quality ofLife to teach professors how to teach. required application as soon as possible, thy Bui himself after a screening of Green committees that make suggestions committee is still discussing is the Perhaps a better idea, which some butno later tban June 1, 2005. Your entire Dragon and embark on a heartwarming affecting the entirety ofCaltech. issue ofthe maximum units students students have since suggested, is to financial aid application must becomplete look at one of tbe world's most infamous These committees, including the can take before needing an overload let the students decide for themselves by June 1, 2005 in order to be considered and bloodiest wars. Honor Code Committee, the Quality petition. No official decisions have whether they need to go to a certain for Summer Work Study. Ifawarded, tbe ofLife Committee, the Humanities Scholarship Opportunity: yet been made, in fact, a number class or not. The idea being that ifa work study funding will begin July 1, and Social Sciences Committee, and ofstudents expressed concern in class is taught well it will probably The California State Society is current­ the Core Curriculum Committee, regard to lowering the overload be attended. 2005. ly accepting applications for the Bono­ presented their findings to anyone units from 54 for upperclassmen to There are also plans to One Act Theater: Capps Congressional Internship Program related to Caltech who was willing a possible 51 or 48. At this time, it create a better ombudsperson system for the Fall 2005 term. This internship op­ and able to attend their sessions in appears unlikely that any changes in all courses. There would be a An Evening of One Act Theater will portunity is especially appropriate for stu­ Ramo Auditorium. will be implemented for next year. student ombudsperson in each class be performed Monday, April 18th at 7:00 Almost all members of The Academic Policies Committee that could improve communication pm. The ampitheater outside Sherman dents who are interested in working in a the Caltech community take the (APC) also intends to make it easier between professors and the students Fairchild Library will be outfitted with California congressional office. The Cali­ Honor Code very seriously. It allows for undergraduates to get credit for in their class. Students could also lights and speakers, acting as a distinc­ fornia State Society provides a stipend of students to take exams on their own doing research. improve relations with faculty by up to $2000 to the Bono-Capps interns to schedule, collaborate on certain tive stage. Seating will be on tbe grass, so The Quality ofLife inviting professors to dinners in the help defray their expenses. Students can problem sets and take advantage ofa committee is also discussing the houses more frequently. There are bring a blanket, chair, or be prepared to learn more about the scholarship and get number ofother privileges that could need to set lower time limits on also talks ofplanning social events sit on the grass. The plays are completely only exist under such a system. The exams, especially during midterms. for both students and faculty in each produced by the students, and this year an application by going to www.cssdc. Honor Code committee discusses Currently, professors often give specific option as well as a plan to we will perform Fight Dreams; Left to org/intemship.html issues related to the maintenance six or more hour exams which build a Student Center which could Right; The Dumbwaiter; Oh My God, Not The deadline for applying for the fall ofthe Honor Code itself. This past make it difficult for students to fit be finished as soon as five years Another Play; and I am Herbert. Tickets term is 8 July 2005. year the committee has discussed all their exams into a reasonable from now. plans to create an Honor System amount oftime. The committee also Although Caltech is a are free, since tbe production was made Representative, which would be a encouraged that professors inform science and engineering oriented possible by a generous grant from the faculty member in each option who students as to how long they are school, many people feel that Moore-Hufstedler Fund, the MOSH, and to be covered in the first five weeks. would better inform the faculty expected to work on exams when is important for students to be ASCIT. However, OAT is asking for do­ The problem sets and exams were about the Honor Code. This could the professors set time limits at 12 exposed to the Humanities and nations so that they can produce more one filled with errors due to the recent raise awareness ofthe Board of or even 24 hours when they expect Social Sciences in order to get a act events. changes to the class. The committee Control and how it handles honor much less work, not realizing that good education. The Humanities suggests that Chemistry Ib needs code violations amongst professors. some students will actually spend the and Social Sciences committee looking to take minors just because a better website and an overhaul of This could reduce the problem of full time on the exam. Infinite time exists to discuss issues that affect it looks good on their resume even the curriculum. Another problem is professors personally dealing with exams will be strongly discouraged. the Humanity and Social Sciences though they have no interest in that the Organic halfofChemistry students when violations ofthe Professors will also be told not at Caltech. In a recent survey on the the subject. The committee made Ib lacks a textbook. There are Honor Code occur. to assign problem sets ifthey ASCIT website, students were asked it clear that ifminors were to be currently plans to get permission The committee also simultaneously give midterms. ifthey would have taken minors created, it will probably not be this to use some chapters oforgallic proposed an elected Conduct Review In order to create an had they been offered from their year. Though students and faculty chemistry textbooks specifically for Committee (CRC) representative administrator that could better freshmen year at Caltech. While on the committee could not come the Chemistry Ib class. from each house. Currently the CRC handle the undergraduates' issues, only 161 students took the survey, 46 to a consensus on the issue ofHSS Math 2a is now handles Honor Code violations the Quality ofLife committee students said they almost certainly minors, students in attendance Differential Equations while Math that are not academic related, advised the creation ofa Dean of would have pursued an HSS minor, strongly supported the idea and 2b is now Probability and Statistics. however its only elected official Undergraduate Studies along with while 71 others said they were discussion on the topic lasted for These two classes have switched is the CRC Chair. Under the new a number ofminor changes to the somewhat likely to have pursued nearly an hour. positions in order for Differential system, each house would elect a administration. There are plans to a minor. The HSS committee, Caltech students are Equations to be taught before CRC representative, much like the give students access to unofficial however, feels that HSS minors faced with nearly two years of Physics 2b, Quantum Mechanics. Board ofControl (BoC), which has transcripts online. In order to would take students away from the Core requirements in Math and The Physics 2a class, currently a member from each house as well increase student awareness ofthe HSS majors which were created with Science classes that, at times, can be split between Thermodynamics and as two reps at large. The committee "web ofsupport" at Caltech, such the sole purpose in mind ofbeing painful. Luckily, since all students Waves, is also under review. There also assured students that statistics as the Counseling Center or Health second majors. An HSS major is are required to take them, they are are hopes that either the textbook detailing Honor Code violations Ads, the committee plans to publish purposefully lighter than most ofthe the first classes to receive attention can be changed or else that students and related decisions will soon be statistics as to how often students other majors and creating minors when a problem exists. In fact, they be allowed the choice between published by the previous BoC Chair use these organizations, as well as seems to be unnecessary. Some get their own SFC Core Curriculum Thermodynamics and Waves much and Secretary, in the Tech. providing a handbook for incoming students argued that HSS majors, committee to propose changes to as they have a choice between The Honor Code freshmen that would provide as light as they are, still cannot fit core classes. Practical and Analytical physics. committee also outlines the House valuable contact information. For their schedule. The HSS committee Freshmen are introduced Many problems would arise from Stewardship committee which instance, 18% ofundergraduates and is also worried that minors would to Caltech via Mathia, a rigorous such a choice and they are still being has been formed to improve 20% ofgraduate students use the encourage students to limit their Calculus-based proofclass. Though examined. communication between students counseling center. breadth ofhumanities classes so that many students have complained The Student Faculty and the housing office. They would Addressing a number all ofthem would give credit towards about the class through the online Conference has made some good help to define murals as separate offaculty members who have their minor instead ofallowing surveys, the Core Curriculum suggestions that can improve Caltech from graffiti, a decision which would complained about lower class students to experience different committee feels that the point ofthe in the near future. It remains to be be made individually by each house attendance, the Quality ofLife humanities. Finally, they are worried class is to give freshmen a wake up seen as to how many changes are though some houses already have committee has toyed with ideas about "trophy hunting," or students call that Caltech isn't an easy school. actually put into affect, how quickly, Making Math la easier would defeat and how effective they become. The Student Faculty Conference will Zhiyun Guan (art) one ofthe primary purposes ofthe meet again in 2007 to follow up on Robert Barish (text) class, to encourage cooperation on problem sets. Some suggestions for the suggestions that they made this improving it include changing the year and to propose new ones. What d~s your name Hey, Mel! mean In Chinese? subject to an equally difficult logic Yoohoo! It means "She class, or giving students a printed The California Tech who bludgeons guide detailing how to do a proof. Caltech 40-58. Pasadena, CA 91125 Students entering Caltech editorial desk: (626) 395-6153 the overly gullible advertising desk: (626) 395-6154 are assumed to have a strong editorial e-mail: [email protected] (] with a giant background in Physics. Those ---- mallet on the who do not have such a strong VOLUME CVI, NUMBER 23 background are told to enter Physics head!" Ia Section I, taught by Jerry Pine. Adam Craig Lisa Tran The special section has its own work Managing Editor Business Manager separate from that ofPhysics Ia itself. There have been numerous A.R. Sheive Robert Morell complaints about Physics la Layout Guy Circulation Section I and the Core Curriculum The Tech is published weekly except during committee is addressing them by vacation and examination periods by the As­ recommending changes to the sociated Students of the California Institute class. The plan is to offer a separate of Technology, Inc. The opinions expressed herein are strictly those of the authors and course (like Math 8 is for Math la) advertisers. that could allow students without a Letters and submissions are welcome; e­ sufficient background in physics the mail submissions to [email protected] as ability to catch up. plain-text attachments, including the author's name, by Friday of the week before publica­ While the curriculum of tion. Sorry the Tech does not accept anony­ Chemistry Ia at Caltech, taught mous contributions. The editors reserve the by Professor Nathan Lewis, is right to edit and abridge all submissions for any reason. All written work remains property well organized and planned out, of its author. Chemistry Ib was fairly disorganized The advertising deadline is five p.m. Friday; during this past year. The course all advertising should be submitted eleetroni­ was changed from seven weeks cally or as camera-ready art, but the Tech can also do simple typesetting and arrangement. of"physical" chemistry and three All advertising inquiries should be direeted weeks of"organic" chemistry to an to the business manager at business@tech. equal five weeks ofeach. Because caltech.edu. For subseription information, ofthis, too much curriculum needed please send mail to "Subscriptions." THE CALIFORNIA TECH COMMENTARY APRIL 18, 2005 3 McGriddles appy our Does Prefrosh Week~ end Work: By JEFF PHILLIPS By JONATHAN MALMAUD but I he silently doubted me. Before The only way to end a proper Ask me what could top a warm McPrefix. The prefrosh for whom Caltech dinner he told me he was leaning to­ night at Tech, the kind of night McGriddle in the morning. Ask The secret to getting a Mc­ competes annually are some of the wards Caltech but afterwards took smartest students in the country and the defensive, "I have to think about that keeps you up well into that it right to the paper. Ask loud Griddle and fries at the same it." second dusk the outside world enough that the people around time, I discovered last week, the world. After being #1 in the USA Today rankings several years ago, A lot of prefrosh come to Caltech considers daybreak, is to walk you start looking askance. Ifyou is timing. It is no secret that Caltech has seen a drop in number of expecting to meet socially immature over to McDonald's on the cor­ are not around anyone else, fold McDonald's makes food in ad­ applicants at the same time as Har­ nerds, see something like ballistic ner of Holliston and Colorado this paper up and move out of vance. Arrive just after breakfast vard's and MIT's have soared. While rolls, and never understand that Tech sometime after five for the holy your room. Unfold it again in a has ended, long enough after that Caltech graduate school is certainly has a range of nerdiness and social grail of morning food: that in­ public place, within earshot of they've started serving fries, but at the very top tier in the world, antics like any other tech school. We need not do what MIT does during somniac's treat, that partier's fi­ someone who gets noticeably before the McGriddles in the many now question the value of the undergrad school. I do not have hard their prefrosh weekend; according nal nightcap, that munchy to end uncomfortable around those who supply chain are all claimed, and to my high school friends, they pre­ speak to their periodicals, and statistics but it seems more people all munchies, that sweet reward you might just walk away with outside of Caltech now assume that tended to be homogeneously athletic, for the frosh on core finishing his cry, "What could fucking top a breakfast and lunch in the same MIT is the more prestigious place well-rounded, and normal. Tech is sets right before morning collec­ warm McGriddle in the morn­ bag. Timing is everything: just to go. Perhaps this is because virtu­ different. Tech is eccentric. Tech is tion, the McGriddle. ing?" like at Moe's Tavern, McDon­ ally no one besides some affirmative nerdy and proud of it. But not every­ In the long histories of bacon, If that nosy Neville responds, ald's McGriddle Happy Hour action students are accepted to MIT one is a nerd, and we are not socially immature except when we want to eggs, cheese, sausage and pan­ tell him to mind his own busi­ lasts for about a half hour. but rejected from Caltech. Perhaps it is because MIT rejected 60% of the be. cakes, each of which stretches ness, because you are trying to Now that all five of you who The other major problem was that back to the dawn ofrecorded his­ read. The only thing better than current CIT students who applied read this whole article will be Granted, Caltech does prank bet­ prefrosh weekend just was too boring tory, never has a combination of a warm McGriddle is a warm competing for those few remain­ ter. But this situation of low respect, for some people. 1 overheard more these appealed to the late nighter McGriddle with french fries. ing McGriddles, things will be especially from prospective students, than one prefrosh mention that MIT's and the early riser quite like the The trouble is that McDonald's dicey, but if you call ahead, 449­ must stop. We all know that Caltech prefrosh weekend was more enter­ McGriddle. 82% daily choles­ officially starts serving fries 9597, McDonald's can save a is at least as hard and probably a lot taining. My prefrosh complained terol value and 143% savory when it stops serving break­ McGriddle or two for you. Come harder than any other school in the about the time lag between organized country. It has the highest concen­ activities. Friday evening featured goodness can be yours in this fast. Until 10:30 AM the deep in a large group with any regu­ only basketball and mic-night, caus­ nine-bite miracle of culinary sci­ frier brims not with generously larity and the management might tration of world-class scientists to undergrads. It should attract the best ing prefrosh to spend time chilling ence. When you realize that the salted fries but with relatively take notice and reward your de­ and brightest. in the computer labs and host rooms syrup comes from flavor pockets flavorless hash-brown-nugget­ mand with an official overlap, so Perhaps one reason is prefrosh rather than meeting new people. within the McPancake wrap, you things so generic and so below tell your friends. You can start weekend. I interviewed a pair of Still, prefrosh weekend definitely will find yourself one step closer the standard of real hash browns with that guy you freaked out by prefrosh who both told me they saw does a lot of things right. It lets the to enlightenment. that they don't even warrant a yelling at your paper. virtually nothing ofany house except more social prefrosh talk to a lot of the one in which they stayed. Thus different students and helps dispel a their entire view of Caltech social lot of myths about Caltech, especial­ life hinged on a random assignment. ly that of the infamous ratio, which Imagine if the current by-choice Av­ my prefroshies thought was still in ery students had to choose between the 4:1 range. It is a huge factor in Caltech and MIT and saw nothing getting prefrosh who click with one but Ricketts during their pre-frosh the houses where they eat to come weekend or vice-versa. Guess which here. Both of my test subjects said college they would choose. We know that they are more likely to come to that almost all science-oriented per­ Caltech after having seen prefrosh sonality types will fit in somewhere weekend. Kudos to the houses for here. The prefrosh do not. I would spending the time to make their own not have come here ifI had stayed in prefrosh events. one of the mor eccentric houses dur­ The next step in improving pre­ ing prefrosh weekend. frosh weekend is to look at the num­ It would help tremendously to have bers. I want to see whether people more campus-wide social events dur­ who come to prefrosh weekend de­ ing prefrosh weekend where the pre­ cide to enroll here more than those frosh could meet and mingle with the who do not. I also want to see whether undergrads. Then they would find certain houses are having more posi­ other Techers of their personality tive or negative effects on prefrosh types. Both the prefrosh I talked to than others. The ultimate victory for said the only undergrads they talked Caltech, though, is to enroll the best to extensively were their hosts, my students at the expense of the rest of roommate and me. The only events the tech schools for a score ofMIT-I, -:-...... ". Celebrate Passover with where they could have met Techers Caltech-7. from other houses were the campus Hugat Haverim! barbeque and some ofthe open-house byM~~day at Last events like Rickett's dry bar. Even at (proud supporter of magnifying glasses) ht different 'rom all others these, most of the prefrosh seemed After two late issues, the Tech is More Eating - Less Cooking! too anxious to mingle extensively. finaly on time, thanks to the help of The eccentric acts put on by the our lovely new layout editor A.R. More Friends - Less Relatives! Sheive, lovely cartoonists Z. Guan More Rustic - Less Formal! houses do further harm. When rolls and J. Reynolds, lovely student writ­ More Singing - Boredom! started flying at Lloyd dinner I saw ers M. Fu, J. Phillips, A. Siegel, and one of my prefrosh cringe and knew J. Malmaud, our lovely press release Friday - April 29, 6:00 pm at that instant that MIT just scored writers M. Wheeler and D. Williams­ a huge point with him. I explained Hedges, and a slew of lovely, atten­ tion-seeking professors and admin­ that it was a rare event and that many istrators. Please send Tech-related houses always eat dinner peacefully, death threats to tech@ugcs.

After school Program Needs Renting big Rooms Temple City Graduate Student To Teach Math $550/mo-l year lease move in ASA From April 30th Females preferred, non-smokers, include 3:30-6:30 MON-FRI utilities, laundry, whole house, quiet $20+/HOUR Health Insurance available. neighborhood, nice big backyard, pool Contact 626 232-3480 [email protected] Annie (626) 712-4770 after 7pm 4 THE CALIFORNIATECH NEWS APRIL 18, 2005 gourakic, Damien, Will Coulter, Lisa Seeman, David DiCato, Nick Students, Faculty lacker Interhouse Hutz (as chair ofcommittee). We talk about whether representation from all 7 houses (or lack of) is Confer Party Inspires an issue and after thorough dis­ cussion, we vote. Vote: 6-0-0 (approved) Continued from Page I, Column I tudent to Write 3. Staff Awards to be decided and done tonight by the BoD. the "web of support" at Caltech, in sometimes grueling Math and 4. Warner and Dima tell us that including the Counseling Center Science classes. Luckily, since all Article for the ech Midnight Donuts will be happen­ and Health Ads, the committee students must take them, the Core ing on Thursday night because of plans to publish statistics on how Curriculum Committee promptly ByMAYRAH. PreFrosh weekend the BoD pre­ often students use these organiza­ assesses any problems and pro­ pares to carry ridiculously heavy tions and to provide a handbook poses changes to make the core Blacker House's M.e. Escher of the room. Proceeding further themed interhouse on Saturday through the lounge, guests were tables from Fleming at II:20pm. of valuable contact information classes bearable. April 9th was probably the most amazed to find that they were in 5. Warner reminds us that the for incoming freshmen. Students Freshmen get their first taste successful Blacker party in four another paper room, but this room Club Fair is occurring on Satur­ will have access to unofficial of Caltech via Mathia, a rigor­ years (since Egyptian Interhouse, was lying on its side. The table day afternoon from 3:30 to 5pm transcripts online. ous, Calculus-based proof class. 2001). Officially the party began was suspended from the wall, for all the Prefrosh to be exposed Addressing a number offaculty Though many students have com­ at 9pm and by IOpm the dance the couch was sideways, the light to the campus clubs. ASCIT will members who have complained plained about the class through floor was packed! DJ Petey Pie switch was on the ceiling, and the have a table as well... and to keep about lower class attendance, the the online surveys, the Core Cur­ played a lively mix of dance mu­ mattresses were on the floor. The it fresh and hot, Warner promises Quality of Life Committee has riculum committee feels that the sic that kept people going past 2 sideways room provided much mixing and Digga-digga-DJ-joy toyed with ideas that would en­ point ofthe class is to show fresh­ a.m. when the party was officially amusement and definitely amazed as well. courage students to attend class­ men how challenging Caltech supposed to shut down. However, the non-sober students. The exit 6. As the wind brushes her hair es. One idea was to give short courses can be. Some suggestions the bar was closed at 2 a.m., as from the lounge was across from aside, Michelle Wyatt reminds us that the Honor Code handbook problems to students at the start include changing it to an equally promised by security. Hundreds a tunnel, metallic and lighted on attended and admired the clever the inside. revisions are under way and that of class. Another was to take at­ difficult logic class and giving BOC by-laws need to submitted tendance. Some even insisted that students a guide detailing how to ways in which the moles made Overall the party was magnifi­ M.C Escher's bizarre, impossible cent and was an enjoyable night by May 16th to be included in lecture notes be removed from the write a proof. print. internet. Although undergradu­ Students entering Caltech typi­ paintings into a fantastic party. for most who attended. For those who missed the party, 7. Overcome with the intensity ates in the auditorium roundly cally have a strong background in of the ASCIT meeting, Peter Fol­ denounced these suggestions, Physics. Those who do not have or didn't manage to catch all the details, you will feel like you ey fully staples his index finger. recommending a short course such a strong background enter were there. ASCIT Brief trauma ensues. to teach professors how to teach Physics la Section I, Jerry Pine's Scaffolding with steps leading 8. Parvathy reminds the hot proved more popular. Perhaps a section. The special section has up to the tree house in Blacker's BoD and Caltech citizens that better idea, which some students its own work separate from that courtyard greeted guests, from Minutes the Club Budget Meeting is to be have since suggested, is to let the of Physics la itself. In response the left, as they entered the party held this coming Sunday (end of students decide for themselves to complaints about section I, through the Ricketts House. The PreFrosh weekend) at Brennen whether they need to go to a cer­ the CCC has proposed a separate tree house was originally con­ April 14, Conference Room from 6pm un­ tain class or not, relying on com­ course in the spirit of Math 8 that structed for Post-Apocalyptic tilllpm. petent teaching to draw students could allow students to catch up Interhouse, 2002; it was stripped 9. Todd confesses that he has to lecture. to the level of physics they need and parts were repaired for use 2005 more money than he knows what They decided that yet another for Phla. this year. Staircases mimicking to do with... thus, he plans to start By PARVATHY MENON a Prank Club. way to improve classes was to While the committee lauded the painting "Relativity," com­ Present: Warner Leedy, Pe­ 10. Peter reveals that the AS­ improve the ombuds system for Professor Nathan Lewis' organi­ plete with sideways stairs and an ter Foley, Dima Kerna-tootired­ M.C. Escher manikin dressed in CIT/house dues next academic all courses. A student ombud­ zation ofthe curriculum ofChem­ tospellname-skiy, Meng Meng year is going to be very different sperson in each class could im­ istry la, it took steps to amelio­ "Blacker Wear," lead up to the Fu, Michelle Wyatt, Todd tree house from Blacker Breeze­ than want currently occurs - fees prove communication between rate the roiling chaos of this past Gingrich, Parvathy Menon will be paid as part of tuition. De­ professors and the students in year's Chemistry lb. Instead of way. Unfortunately, Safety did Introduction: not allow for use of the amazing tails to come. their classes. Students could also seven weeks of "physical" chem­ 1. Call to Order, 5: 11 PM staircases, brainchild of Drew istry and three weeks of"organic" 2. Warner announces his rec­ improve relations with faculty by Helstley, due to too small a tread Meeting adjourned 5:55 PM. inviting professors to dinners in chemistry, the course covered five ommendations for the ASClT You too should be vegetarian, width. The stairs were narrow and ExComm - himself, Corinna Zy- the houses more frequently. The weeks of each. Because of this, banned in favor ofkeeping poten­ Pal"vathv Menon committee also considered plans the lectures crammed too much tially inebriated or high-heeled for social events for both students information into the first five attendees alive. and faculty in specific options as weeks, and recent changes to the As always, Blacker's court­ well as a Student Center, which class resulted in many errors in yard was flooded and the dance could open as soon as five years homework sets and exams. The floor was above water. The dance from now. committee suggests that Chemis­ floor was painted with a tessellat­ Although Caltech is a science try Ib needs a better website and ing pattern of green, black, and and engineering school, many an overhaul ofthe curriculum. An­ white lizards, appropriately so people feel that a good education other problem is that the Organic since the dance floor was in the must include humanities and so­ half of Chemistry Ib lacks a text­ shape of a giant lizard, which had cial sciences. The Humanities and book. The committee plans to get a paper mache head and feet. The Social Sciences Committee exists permission to use some chapters dance floor was lit from below, to ensure that a Caltech education of organic chemistry textbooks by replacing a few lizards with exposes students to plenty of art, specifically for the Chemistry Ib plexi-glass and pacing light bulbs underneath. Freshman Keegan literature, language, and social class. McAllister is to thank for much studies. In a recent ASClT web Math 2a is now Differential of the clever lighting at the party. survey of 161 students, 46 stu­ Equations while Math 2b is now Above the dance floor was a sliv­ dents said they almost certainly Probability and Statistics. These er origami decoration with blue would have pursued an HSS mi­ two classes have switched posi­ lighting from the inside. nor had they had the chance their tions so that students can learn Speaking of origami, the freshman year, while 71 others Differential Equations before Blacker dining hall ceiling has said they were somewhat likely taking Physics 2b, Quantum hundreds of cranes and other im­ to have pursued a minor. The Mechanics. The committee will possible looking origami deco­ HSS committee, however, feels also review Physics 2a, currently rations. Also hanging from the This is a hasty rendition of an ad made by a young Stephen King when that HSS minors would take stu­ covering both Thermodynamics ceiling was a human sized metal he worked for the UMaine newspaper. Stephen King is a scary man, he has a shotgun, and probably hasn't bathed for days. You should dents away from the HSS majors, mobius strip with ants crawling and Waves. Hopefully, either the probably listen to him. which are available only as second course will have a new textbook over it. Blacker alumnus, Nate Austen, class of 2002, welded the We are currently accepting anything that's fit to print. Articles should majors and, as such, are already that better fits the curriculum or be in plain text or Word docs with single spaces between sentences. purposefully lighter than most of else students will get to choose metal decoration and made the Images should be jpegs. the other majors. Some students between Thermodynamics and ants from huge nuts and appropri­ argued that HSS majors, as light Waves much as they choose be­ ately shaped pieces of metal. The Email questions or as they are, still cannot fit their tween Practical and Analytical dining hall was also the residence submissions to of the bar, where three bartenders [email protected] schedules. The HSS committee physics. Many problems would served drinks and socialized with also worries that minors would arise from such a choice, and the guests. A table with non-alco­ encourage students to limit their the committee is still examining holic drinks was close by. Across e California Tech breadth of humanities classes to them. from the bar was table setup for Caltech 40-58 those that would give credit to­ The Student Faculty Confer­ milkshakes, generously provided Pasadena, CA 91125 wards their minors instead of ex­ ence has made some good sug­ for by Blacker's RAs, John and periencing different humanities. gestions that can improve Caltech Amanda Bender. Finally, they worry about "trophy in the near future, but how many A fabricated room with paper hunting" students who would take of these changes happen, how walls and ceiling is what could minors just because it looks good quickly, and how effective they been seen of Backer lounge from but who would have no interest in become are all open questions. the dining hall entrance. A table the subject. The committee made The Student Faculty Conference setup with snack food, includ­ it clear that minors will probably will meet again in 2007 to follow ing mobius strip, checkered, and not be available this year. up on the suggestions that they other themed and non-themed Caltech students face nearly made this year and to propose items, much or it baked by Black­ two years of Core requirements new ones. er members, was in the comer