Welcome back! (undergraduate students)

Dear students,

The Infinite is alive with motion again – a sign that a new academic year has begun. Whether you are new to MIT or continuing your journey as a student, welcome to campus!

We’re glad to share several positive developments in terms of student life. East Campus is now up and running after a two-year renovation, W20 is humming with activity, and Concord Market is open seven days a week. Our student athletes have been on campus preparing for the fall season, and the first-year class just participated in a wonderful student orientation. We have recently launched a simplified funding process for student organizations and a comprehensive review of the entire on-campus dining program. Students have been part of each of these projects, and their insights and ideas have made all the difference.

Our shared life on campus

Students have also worked to improve the guidelines that help us sustain an atmosphere of openness and respect. At MIT, we pride ourselves on treating each other with civility and care, especially in times of disagreement and conflict. This belief is embodied in the fundamental principles written by the Ad Hoc Committee on Academic Freedom and Campus Expression (CAFCE), which state:

With this in mind, we have refined some important policies related to electronic expression, postering, and campus events and demonstrations. Please take a moment to review these and other policy information below my signature.

As we start a new semester, please know that we are here for you. It’s the heart of what we do! So don’t hesitate to reach out to me or a member of the Division of Student Life Team.

Best wishes,

Suzy M. Nelson
Vice Chancellor for Student Life

MIT Athletics

Did you know that the Engineers won four (!) NCAA Championships this past year? Grab some of your friends and cheer on our athletes and teams. And try out MIT Recreation classes for free the week of September 8 (see Soar Into Fitness) or consider participating in club or intramural sports, which offer easy and fun social opportunities for everyone.

Streamlined Funding for Student Organizations

Following the recommendations of the Student Organization Working Group (SOWG), we’re continuing to streamline funding requests and make it easier for student leaders to manage group finances. For instance, as of last month, student leaders were able to request support from the Student Group Funding Council by submitting a single application through Engage instead of having to apply to multiple funds. This builds on spring ’25 efforts to make financial reporting and accounting easier for organizations. We will continue to assess these changes and look forward to making further improvements.

Updated Handbook for Student Organizations and Student Event Planning Guide

Leaders and members of our 300+ student organizations should check out the revamped Student Organization Handbook. It’s your go-to guide for essential policies, event planning and registration guidance, and leadership resources. Please also review our streamlined Event Planning and Space Use Guide.

East Campus Reopens

After a two-year closure for renewal, East Campus has reopened its doors. The comprehensive renovation encompassed 19 hall lounges, 10 hall kitchens, the Talbot Lounge, and enhanced community amenities, including a fitness room, a maker space, and a beautifully restored central courtyard.

Expanded MIT Shuttle Service for Groceries

In response to student input and in partnership with MIT Parking & Transportation, the grocery shuttle program is expanding. One shuttle serves Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods in Cambridge on Fridays and some Sundays. A Sunday bus service to Costco and Target in Everett will now include a stop at Aldi in Medford. Additionally, a new route serving Star Market and Market Basket in Somerville will run every Saturday and every other Sunday, increasing access to budget-friendly grocery stores for our community. (Consult maps and schedules or the MIT Mobile app.)

Reimagining Dining on MIT’s Campus

We have launched a comprehensive review of the entire on-campus dining program — from food options to facilities — to ensure students can conveniently access good food at a good value. Be part of this planning process by completing a forthcoming dining survey in late September. Your feedback will play a vital role in shaping dining on campus.

Policy Updates

Throughout last year, we worked closely with the students, faculty, and staff on CAFCE to clarify the rules for campus protests and demonstrations. Based on their guidance, the new policy – which has been added to MIT Policies and Procedures – aims to ensure that essential Institute activities continue while supporting MIT’s Statement on Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom.

The new policy makes the rules easier to understand and offers updates on who can organize a demonstration and how far in advance events need to be registered: Organizers must now contact demonstration-planning@mit.edu at least three working days before any demonstration, unless the demonstration will be fewer than five people and meets certain other criteria in the policy. Even then, organizers are strongly encouraged to contact demonstration-planning@mit.edu in advance. Engaging in good faith with the staff responding to this email address is the most important step in planning any demonstration.

Language in the campus postering policy has also been updated for clarity.

Other Key Policies to Review

The Mind and Hand Book contains important information about policies intended to help you stay safe and healthy, including the following:

• MIT’s Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act statement — MIT’s policy, potential sanctions, and resources to prevent substance and alcohol abuse
• The Amnesty for Help-Seeking Policy — Seek help in a medical emergency involving alcohol or prohibited substances
• The federal Title IX law and MIT's sexual misconduct policy and Title IX resources, which address sexual misconduct prevention and response
• MIT’s anti-hazing website provides an overview of the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act,  Massachusetts’ state law on hazing, and MIT's own anti-hazing rules, which help ensure a positive student life experience
• MIT Police's Annual Security and Fire Safety Report outlines important information about campus safety, crime prevention, and how MIT Police can support community members