Introduction to the MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s Undergraduate Advisory Group

The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s Undergraduate Advisory Group (UAG) is a unique committee that brings together around 25 undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds and majors. These students advise the college’s leadership on various issues, provide constructive feedback, and serve as a sounding board for innovative ideas. One such student is Matthew Caren ’25, a jazz musician who majored in computer science and engineering, and minored in music and theater arts.

The Formation and Purpose of the UAG

The UAG was first formed in April 2020, with the goal of representing a broad range of traditional and blended majors in electrical engineering and computer science (EECS) and other computing-related programs. The group’s ethos is centered around bringing together smart and interesting individuals with diverse interests, leading to cool discussions and interactions. As Caren explains, "If you very intentionally bring together a bunch of smart, interesting, fun-to-be-around people who are all interested in completely diverse things, you’ll get some really cool discussions and interactions out of it."

The UAG’s Impact on the College

The UAG has a direct line of communication with the college’s leadership, including Dean Dan Huttenlocher and Deputy Dean Asu Ozdaglar. The group meets monthly to discuss challenges in the student experience and offer recommendations. According to Caren, "They make time in their insanely busy schedules for us to explain where the holes are, and what students’ needs are, directly from our experiences." The students’ feedback has been instrumental in shaping the college’s curriculum and broader issues.

The UAG’s Achievements

One notable example of the UAG’s impact is the redesign of the new SCC building. In 2021, the architects presented their renderings to the UAG, seeking student feedback. The students’ strong opinions about the need for open-plan, community-building spaces led to a change in the floor plan. Caren notes, "It’s super cool walking into the personalized space and seeing it constantly being in use and always crowded. I actually feel happy when I can’t get a table."

Empowering Students to Strengthen the College

The UAG has also empowered students to take matters into their own hands. For instance, Julia Schneider, a rising senior and co-chair of the UAG, joined a subgroup to find a solution to the challenge of understanding the numerous courses available to students. The subgroup developed a course visualization website, NerdXing, which aims to help students discover new courses and create personalized paths. Schneider explains, "We are MIT students. We have the skills to build solutions. This group of people not only brings up ways in which things could be better, but we take it into our own hands to fix things."

Conclusion

The MIT Schwarzman College of Computing’s Undergraduate Advisory Group has made a significant impact on the college, providing a platform for students to share their thoughts and ideas. Through their efforts, the UAG has helped shape the college’s curriculum, building design, and student experience. As Schneider notes, "This group is unique in the sense that it’s a direct line of communication to the college’s leadership." The UAG’s achievements demonstrate the power of empowering students to take an active role in shaping their educational experience. By working together, students and faculty can create a more inclusive, innovative, and effective learning environment that benefits everyone involved.