The Oxford Union Debating Society, founded in 1823, is one of the world’s most prestigious debating societies, affiliated with the University of Oxford. It has hosted numerous influential speakers and debates, including historical figures like Winston Churchill and Malcolm X. Over the years, it has played a vital role in shaping public discourse and fostering critical thinking among students. The society’s iconic debating chamber and rich tradition of lively debates have made it an enduring institution in the world of debate and public speaking.
“In an era of cancellation and defenestration we sometimes forget that we both cannot go on like this and that we have been here before. We know this because our greatest writers and artists have addressed this question in their own times.
When Roger [Scrouton] was going through his own battle with the shallows I often thought of Shakespeare’s rarely performed but great play Timon of Athens. Timon has the whole world before him. He is surrounded by friends and admirers. He is generous to all. Yet he falls on hard times and when he does absolutely everybody deserts him. He is left with nothing and nobody, and risks being filled with despair and rage. It does not help that he is shadowed by the cynical philosopher Apemantus, who has warned him that just such a desertion might occur.”
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“And therefore, I said, Glaucon, musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul, on which they mightily fasten, imparting grace, and making the soul of him who is rightly educated graceful…”
“No citizen has a right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training…
what a disgrace it is for a man to grow old without ever seeing
the beauty and strength of which his body is capable.”
— (Plato, Republic 403d)
Athena with Hermes, God of Sport
Today we slice horizontally through the multitude of technical and policy silos applicable to seasonal recreational and competitive sport activity. We limit our examination to the conformance catalogs of ANSI. ASHRAE. ASTM, AWWA, ICC, IEEE, IES, NFPA, NSF International, and UL.
Relevant changes proposed for the next revision of the International Building Code:
Last year we examined the standards that applies to the 2024 Paris Olympics; worth a second look this year and in anticipation of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles
The IAPMO code development process is one of the best in the land. Its Read-Only Access — needed for light research — is also the best in the land; unlike other ANSI accredited standards developers (who shall be un-named). The current edition is dated 2024, with the 2027 revision accepted public input until March 3, 2025 according the schedule linked below:
Are they hedge funds with a side hustle in teaching, research and building construction? Are they tricked out memorial gardens for philanthropists? In either case leaders of educational settlements are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.
University endowments are comprised of money or other financial assets that are donated to academic institutions. Charitable donations are the primary source of funds for endowments. Endowment funds support the teaching, research, and public service missions of colleges and universities.
In the case of endowment funds for academic institutions, the income generated is intended to finance a portion of the operating or capital requirements of the institution. In addition to a general university endowment fund, institutions may also maintain a number of restricted endowments that are intended to fund specific areas within the institution, including professorships, scholarships, and fellowships.
The largest philanthropic gift ever given to a United States college or university is the donation of $9.6 billion made by MacKenzie Scott to various organizations, including several universities, in 2020. Scott, the ex-wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, made the donation as part of her commitment to give away the majority of her wealth to charitable causes. The universities that received donations from Scott include historically black colleges and universities, community colleges, and research universities such as the University of California, San Diego, and Johns Hopkins University. The donation was considered significant not only for its size but also for its focus on supporting organizations that serve underrepresented and marginalized communities.
There are several standards and best practices that are generally followed by universities and colleges when accepting charitable gifts. These standards are designed to ensure that the gift is used effectively and that the interests of both the donor and the institution are protected. Some of the key standards include:
Transparency and accountability: Universities and colleges are expected to be transparent about how gifts are used and to provide regular reports to donors on the impact of their gifts.
Due diligence: Universities and colleges are expected to conduct due diligence on potential donors to ensure that their gifts do not create conflicts of interest or ethical concerns.
Gift acceptance policies: Many universities and colleges have established gift acceptance policies that outline the types of gifts that will be accepted and the procedures for accepting them.
Donor recognition: Universities and colleges are expected to recognize donors in an appropriate and meaningful way, while avoiding actions that could be seen as an endorsement of the donor’s business or political interests.
Ethical fundraising: Universities and colleges are expected to follow ethical fundraising practices, including avoiding pressure tactics or misleading information, and ensuring that donors are aware of any tax implications of their gifts.
Overall, universities and colleges are expected to act in the best interests of both their institution and their donors, and to maintain high standards of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct when accepting charitable gifts.
Named after its major donor — co-founder of Analog Devices — this Frank Gehry designed holds the top spot for highest absolute cost per square foot of any US university research — just shy of $500 million in today’s dollars.
The project replaced a “temporary” structure from World War II known for fostering innovation, particularly through the MIT Radiation Laboratory. The new center was intended to continue this legacy by housing the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), the Laboratory for Information and Decision Systems (LIDS), and the Department of Linguistics and Philosophy, while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration through its innovative design.
— Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (@MIT) May 23, 2017
The donations were driven by MIT’s goal to consolidate its computer science, electrical engineering, and artificial intelligence departments into a state-of-the-art facility to encourage the exchange of ideas and technology. The project, completed in 2004, faced challenges, including cost overruns and a subsequent lawsuit against Gehry and contractor Skanska USA for alleged design and construction flaws, such as leaks and drainage issues. This lawsuit was amicably resolved in 2010. Despite these issues, the Stata Center remains a landmark of MIT’s campus, celebrated for its bold architecture and role in fostering innovation.
Bill Gates, who donated $20 million through the William H. Gates Foundation, resulting in one of the center’s towers being named the Gates Tower.
Alexander W. Dreyfoos Jr. (MIT class of 1954), who gave $15 million, leading to the naming of the Dreyfoos Tower.
Morris Chang of TSMC and Charles Thomas “E.B.” Pritchard Hintze (an MIT graduate associated with JD Edwards, now Oracle), who also provided significant funds.
Steven Kirsch, founder of Infoseek, who contributed $2.5 million specifically for the construction of the center’s auditorium.
Site and survey standards play a crucial role in the planning, development, and management of large college campuses. They are wildly interdependent with the politics of the host community. Some considerations:
Optimal Land Use: Large college campuses often have extensive land holdings. Site and survey standards help ensure that the land is utilized efficiently, with consideration given to factors such as building placement, parking areas, green spaces, and pedestrian pathways. This optimization enhances the functionality of the campus while also preserving natural resources and promoting sustainability.
Safety and Accessibility: Standards for site surveys include considerations for safety and accessibility. This involves ensuring that buildings are constructed in compliance with relevant codes and regulations to minimize hazards and risks. Additionally, accessibility standards ensure that campus facilities are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal access to education.
Infrastructure Planning: Site and survey standards are essential for planning the infrastructure of a large campus. This includes utilities such as water, electricity, sewage, and telecommunications. Proper planning ensures that these essential services are efficiently distributed throughout the campus to support academic, residential, and administrative functions.
Environmental Considerations: Large college campuses often have a significant environmental impact. Site and survey standards can incorporate measures to minimize this impact, such as sustainable landscaping practices, stormwater management systems, and energy-efficient building designs. By adhering to these standards, campuses can reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to environmental conservation efforts.
Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is essential for any large-scale development project, including college campuses. Site and survey standards ensure that campus construction and expansion projects adhere to zoning laws, environmental regulations, building codes, and other legal requirements. Compliance with these standards mitigates the risk of fines, legal disputes, and delays in project implementation.
Aesthetic and Cultural Considerations: Large college campuses often serve as cultural landmarks and focal points within their communities. Site and survey standards may include guidelines for architectural design, landscaping, and historical preservation to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the campus and celebrate its cultural heritage. By maintaining a visually appealing and culturally rich environment, campuses can attract students, faculty, and visitors while fostering a sense of pride and belonging among the campus community.
In summary, site and survey standards are essential for the effective planning, development, and management of large college campuses in the US. By ensuring optimal land use, promoting safety and accessibility, planning infrastructure, addressing environmental concerns, ensuring regulatory compliance, and enhancing aesthetics, these standards contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the campus environment.
Core standards for college campus land use typically encompass a range of factors including zoning, building placement, infrastructure, environmental considerations, accessibility, and aesthetics. While specific standards may vary depending on the institution and its location, here are some common core standards:
Zoning and Land Use Regulations: Compliance with local zoning ordinances and land use regulations governing the allowable uses of the campus land, such as residential, academic, administrative, recreational, and green spaces.
Building Placement and Density: Guidelines for the placement, size, and density of buildings on the campus to optimize land use, preserve green spaces, and maintain a cohesive campus layout.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Infrastructure: Design standards for sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and pathways to ensure safe and convenient pedestrian and bicycle circulation throughout the campus.
Vehicle Circulation and Parking: Standards for vehicular circulation, parking lot design, and parking space allocation to accommodate the transportation needs of students, faculty, staff, and visitors while minimizing congestion and maximizing safety.
Utilities Infrastructure: Requirements for the provision of essential utilities such as water supply, electricity, sewage, telecommunications, and internet connectivity to support the functional needs of campus facilities.
Environmental Conservation: Standards for sustainable landscaping, stormwater management, energy efficiency, waste management, and environmental stewardship to minimize the campus’s environmental footprint and promote ecological sustainability.
Accessibility: Compliance with accessibility standards outlined in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that campus facilities, pathways, and amenities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, including wheelchair users, visually impaired individuals, and those with mobility impairments.
Historical and Cultural Preservation: Guidelines for the preservation and adaptive reuse of historical buildings and cultural landmarks on the campus, as well as provisions for incorporating cultural elements and artwork into new development projects.
Aesthetic Design Guidelines: Standards for architectural design, landscaping, signage, lighting, and public art to enhance the visual appeal and cohesive character of the campus environment while reflecting the institution’s identity and values.
Safety and Security Measures: Implementation of safety and security measures, such as lighting, surveillance cameras, emergency call boxes, and landscaping strategies, to ensure a safe and secure campus environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
These core standards provide a framework for the effective planning, development, and management of college campus land use, supporting the institution’s educational mission, fostering a vibrant campus community, and enhancing the overall quality of campus life.
Join us today at 16:00 UTC when we update our understanding of titles in the various applicable standards catalogs that affect the safety and sustainability of these “cities-within-cities”
New update alert! The 2022 update to the Trademark Assignment Dataset is now available online. Find 1.29 million trademark assignments, involving 2.28 million unique trademark properties issued by the USPTO between March 1952 and January 2023: https://t.co/njrDAbSpwBpic.twitter.com/GkAXrHoQ9T
