10 can’t-miss events on campus this October

In this file photo, students walk to class against a backdrop of fall foliage. Photo by Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

October is full of events on Northeastern’s Boston campus, including an audio engineering workshop series, a chocolate and cheese tasting, and a day to destroy your old electronic devices.

Immigration

Immigration is a controversial issue that often divides people. But Javier Hidalgo, who is an associate professor of leadership studies at the University of Richmond, argues that immigration restrictions go beyond political parties and cross into morality. Hidalgo will be on campus Monday, Oct. 1 to present his new paper, which argues that laws against immigration are both  immoral and unjust. The Department of Philosophy and Religion will host the lecture from 1:35 to 2:40 p.m. at 900 Renaissance Park.

Founder’s Day Celebration

On Wednesday, Oct. 3, Northeastern turns 120! To celebrate the milestone, head to Snell Quad from 12 to 2 p.m. for cupcakes, selfies with Northeastern’s mascot, Paws, and other festivities. Oh, and don’t forget to sign the birthday card!

Audio like a Pro

Want to launch a podcast or record a hit song, but don’t know the difference between a pop filter and a boom microphone? The Audio Engineering Workshop series is a great place to get started. Every Thursday in October, go to the Audio Recording Studio in 210 Snell Library to learn the ins and outs of audio engineering, including how to use recording equipment and editing software. The hourlong workshop takes place twice during the day: first at 12 p.m., then later at 6 p.m. You can now register for the first class on Oct. 4.

Social Media, Artificial Intelligence,  and Democracy

Artificial intelligence, as with any new technology, can be used to elevate our society or bring it down. In 2016, AI was used to spread misinformation about the presidential election through social media platforms. It can also be used to steer users toward more favorable content. But how much do you really know about AI? Join award-winning journalists and innovative scholars on Oct. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a discussion on whether artificial intelligence is a threat or an asset to our democracy. The conference is free, but space is limited. Register now to save your seat in the Raytheon Amphitheater.

Artists Talk

In between the artificial intelligence panel discussions, stop by Blackman Auditorium to catch a conversation with artist Nick Cave. In his most famous work, Soundsuits, Cave handcrafted wearable fabric structures from recycled objects and discarded materials to create an avant-garde ensemble. Scott Edmiston and Sarah Kanouse, from the College of Arts, Media, and Design, will lead the conversation with Cave, which will take place from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Data Destruction Day

Do research papers clutter your desk? Do mysterious thumb drives take up your precious drawer space? We sincerely hope you don’t still have floppy discs. But if you do, the Office of Information Security invites you to Data Destruction Day on Monday, Oct. 15. There will be hard drive shredding trucks on campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. near Snell Library Quad, ready to destroy printed documents, CDs, DVDs, tapes, hard drives, floppy discs, thumb drives, zip drives, and any other electronic devices containing data, for FREE.

Break into Tech

Did you know that a single algorithm can determine the shortest distance in a network of relationships? It’s the same algorithm that helps computer scientists fight cancer and handpick your newest Netflix obsession with complete accuracy. Break into Tech on Oct. 17 is an event for both tech- and non-tech-savvy individuals. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., learn how to analyze and manipulate data using this algorithm. Register for the free event, which will be held in room 136 of the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex and hosted by the College of Computer and Information Science.

Calling all Foodies

Like free samples of chocolate and cheese, but don’t like the judgment from Costco employees? On Oct. 23, Xhibition Kitchen invites you to join Chef Adam Centamore for an afternoon of FREE chocolate and cheese tasting. From 12 to 1 p.m., sample artisanal cheeses and explore the wide world of chocolate in the best way possible: by eating it! Learn about their different origins and styles, and how they pair with your other favorites foods. The two best sweet and savory treats in same place for free?! Need we say more?

The Market

On Wednesday, Oct. 24, the brand new What’s Poppin’ space on campus will be filled with Northeastern entrepreneurs and business owners, who will showcase the latest fall flavor trends. From 4:30 to 7 p.m., taste test food and beverages from the Northeastern graduates behind some of your favorite local brands, including Amie Bakery, Fancypants Bakery Co., and Eat Your Coffee.

Athletics

Northeastern’s athletics teams will be busy this month. The men’s hockey team will play three home games at Matthews Arena, including two games against Union and one against St. Cloud State. The women’s soccer team will play its final two home games of the regular season at Parson’s Field in Brookline, first against Elon on Oct. 7, then against Drexel on Oct. 18. The women’s hockey team has back-to-back games against Colgate at Matthews Arena on Friday, Oct. 12 and Saturday, Oct. 13. A complete athletics schedule is available on the university’s athletics website.