How do you ask for a date? Should you speak to strangers in an elevator? At what point in an interview do you ask about salary? What do you say in a thank-you note for a gift you hate? Is it rude to talk on a cell phone on the T? Which fork do you use?
These questions and many others will be answered during the seventh Charm School tomorrow (January 22) in Lobbies 7 and 10 and the Bush Room (10-105). Etiquette-related subjects will be taught from noon-4pm. No registration is required. The one-day semester ends with "Commencement" ceremonies in Lobby 10 from 4:30-5pm. The schedule:
Noon -- Opening ceremonies featuring the Logarhythms, Lobby 7. Classes start (Lobbies 7 and 10).
2pm -- "Who Wants to be a Charminaire" with host Samuel Jay Keyser, Lobby 7.
Ballroom Dance lessons/exhibition (refreshments offered), Lobby 13.
Commencement check-in starts, Lobby 13 -- redeem your Charm School credits.
3pm -- Door Prize drawings, Lobby 13 ($50 gift certificates to J. Crew, Abercrombie & Fitch and Banana Republic; winners must be present to claim prizes).
4pm -- Final ballroom dance performance, Lobby 13.
Commencement lineup, Lobby 13.
4:25pm -- Graduate prize drawings, Lobby 13. "Bachelor's degree" earns a $25 certificate to Miracle of Science; "master's" earns a $50 certificate to Cheesecake Factory; "PhD" earns a $75 gift certificate to Sydney's Grill at University Park Hotel (winners must be present to claim prizes).
4:30pm -- Chorallaries lead Commencement procession; Commencement featuring Dean of Charm Travis R. Merritt, Lobby 10.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on January 26, 2000.
