Important Student Center update

Dear MIT community members,

During the extreme cold snap last weekend, water pipes in the Student Center (W20) froze and subsequently burst, causing significant damage to spaces and systems on the first, second, third and fourth floors, and in the basement. As staff assess the damage, the Student Center will remain closed. Staff are working diligently to estimate when critical systems can get back online and the building can reopen.

Out of an abundance of caution, the Division of Student Life and the Department of Facilities are planning for an extended closure. At this time, staff from Dining, the Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement team, the Campus Activities Complex, and related offices are working on plans so student groups and staff who have offices in W20 can get back into their spaces. Staff members are working with event hosts on contingency plans. And we will have more information about dining and food options once the damage is fully assessed. Updates will be posted on the Student Life website as information becomes available.

We recognize this may be an inconvenience for members of our community. Please know that our teams are working day and night to both address the damage and support the community with needed services. We ask for your understanding and patience as staff work through this situation.

Please reply to this message or email w20updates-reply@mit.edu if you have any questions.

Best regards,

Suzy Nelson and Joe Higgins