University policy states that when a student wishes to earn a better grade in a course, the course must be repeated. A course substitution will only be approved when it is not possible for the student to repeat the course, and the subject matter of both courses is substantially alike.  As before, the Graduate School of Engineering permits at most 8SH (2 courses) to be repeated (or, in rare instances, substituted).

To read the updated policy please click here

• Enabling Engineering: Design and build real devices. Every Thursday 7pm, 237 Forsyth. More info here.

• GWISE presents: Skills workshop. March 4, 2014, 2pm, Dodge Hall

• GWISE presents: Resume/CV speed dating. March 31, 2104, 5pm, Raytheon Amphitheater.

• The Communicating Science Workshop for Graduate Students (ComSciCon) The Communicating Science Workshop for Graduate Students will be held June 12 - 14, 2014 in Cambridge, MA. The series of workshops provides a unique professional development experience to graduate students engaged in, and committed to, communicating the results of research in science and engineering to broad and diverse audiences. Apply to attend by March 1, 2014. More info here. 

• The National Academy of Engineering, Engineering For You (E4U) Video Contest - Submission due date is March 31, 2014 - The National Academy of Engineering is holding an Engineering For You  Video Contest, which asks contestants to submit a 1 to 2 minute video showing engineering contributions that serve human welfare and the needs of society occurring anywhere between the time period of 1964 - 2064. The competition is open to individuals or teams in six categories, including but not limited to K-8 graders, High school students grades 9-12, full and part-time college students from 2 and 4 year colleges, including graduate school. The best video will be awarded $25,000, and top videos in each category will receive up to $5,000. The deadline for submission is March 31, 2014. For more info and to enter go here. 
  

• MIE creates a Smart Bike to keep you safe on the road. Full article here.

• MIE chair, Pr. Hanchen, discuss snowfall on a nanoscale. Full article here.

• Pr. Furth presents at the Tedx talks on the NU campus. Full article here. 

• RISE: 2014 Research, Innovation and Scholarship Expo. More info here. Submit an abstract by February 21, 2014.
• Department of Energy's EERE Science and Technology Policy (STP) Fellowships.

  The next step in the educational and professional development of leaders in energy efficiency and renewable energy, providing an opportunity for scientists and engineers with relevant energy technology experience to participate in research, development, demonstration, (RD&D) and analysis projects at DOE's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO), in Washington, D.C. More info here. Application deadline is May 31, 2014.

• The Graduate Student Government offers limited funding for conferences, competitions and activity travels. For more information and to apply click here.

• 2014 DHS Secretary's Honors Program for Recent Graduates - The Department of Homeland Security Secretary's Honors Program (SHP) is now accepting applications for the following fellowships: Information Technology, Policy, Management and Emergency Management. Application dates vary among fellowships. For more information, and to apply, go to www.dhs.gov/secretarys-honors-program.

You can find additional funding opportunities on our fellowship Webpage.

You may feel like hibernating until spring arrives, but Boston has lots of winter fun to offer!

Free (or almost free) activities

• Carnevale 2014: Multi-cultural events through March 30, 2014. Full schedule of events here. 
• Build a snowman or organize a snowball fight with friends. 
• Go sledding - or ice skating-  the Larz Anderson Park or one of the many fun hills around Boston.
• Museum of Fine Arts- Free on Wednesday nights.
• Institute of Contemporary Arts - Free on Thursday nights.
• Get a Boston Public library card and get discounted or free passes to a variety of Boston point of interests such as the New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science.

A few ideas

• Go ice skating under the stars at Frog Pond or one of the many local ice skating rinks.
• Treat yourself to a half-price show via Half-price ticket booth in Copley square or Goldstar.com.
• Get your Olympic game on and try cross-country ski at Weston Ski Track.
• Hit the slopes of Mt-Wachusett in MA, Killington in VT, or Loon Mnt in NH.