The Stratton School for Charm, formerly known as the MIT Charm School, will conduct its traditional annual session on Friday, Feb. 2, the final day of Independent Activities Period (IAP).
Among new events will be a fashion show with students and staff modeling business and casual attire for the workplace. The show, sponsored by the Office of Career Services and Pre-Professional Advising, begins at 4pm in the Stratton Student Center lobby. It is expected to become an annual affair.
The more than 30 classes in the curriculum include "Walking," "E-Mail Etiquette," "Table Manners," "Buttering Up Big Shots" and "How to Tie a Bowtie," all Charm School core courses.
Sessions are scheduled for noon-4pm throughout the Stratton Student Center. Students may take as many courses as they wish.
The traditional degrees will be presented. The CB (bachelor of charm) is awarded for completing six subjects, the CM for eight and the PhD for 12. No prerequisites, theses or dissertations are required.
The day will conclude with Commencement ceremonies in the Student Center lobby, following the fashion show. Charm School Headmaster Larry G. Benedict, who is also the Dean for Student Life, will deliver the keynote address before presenting the degrees. Previous speakers have included Miss Manners, President Charles M. Vest and Chancellor Lawrence S. Bacow.
The School for Charm alma mater, sung to the tune of Arise, All Ye of MIT, will be sung by the Chorallaries at the ceremony.
This will be the eighth session of the School for Charm . The program, inaugurated in 1993 by Professor Travis R. Merritt of literature, brings together all sections of the MIT community, including students, staff, faculty and administrators in a lighthearted atmosphere. Professor Merritt has been the dean of Charm School since its inception.
For additional information, contact coordinators Assistant Dean Katherine G. O'Dair, kodair@mit.edu, x8-5487; Residential Program Administrator Tracy F. Purinton, purinton@mit.edu, x3-4158; or senior office assistant Leonard A. Wong, lenwong@mit.edu, x3-2696.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on January 10, 2001.
