Policy Reminders and Tomorrow's Booster Deadline (for graduate students)

TL;DR: Reminders and clarifications about grad student policies responding to Omicron; COVID-19 booster deadline is tomorrow, January 14; Tim Tickets required for all non-MIT guests; Food/drink prohibited at events with limited exceptions. 

Dear Graduate Students and Residents,

In alignment with the Institute's response to the Omicron variant, we write to share reminders and clarifications to the posted COVID-19 graduate student policies, which are also highlighted within this brief one-pager. 

• Proof of COVID-19 Booster Due Tomorrow: The Institute requires that MIT community members get a COVID booster shot and upload proof no later than tomorrow, January 14, 2022. Students who do not submit documentation of their completed booster shot by the deadline as required will lose building access (except for their residence hall) and their registration for IAP/spring term classes will be put on hold. View the full policy. 

  If you do not have access to booster vaccines where you currently reside, please email vaccine-requirement@mit.edu immediately for assistance. Find a booster clinic in Massachusetts close to you at https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/.

• *NEW* Tim Tickets required for all non-MIT guests: In addition to the standard residence hall guest policy and effective immediately, Tim Tickets must be used for all non-MIT guests (including overnight guests) to ensure all guests are fully-vaccinated and boosted or have a religious belief or medical condition that prevents them from receiving the vaccine. View the full policy.

• Food/Drink at Events is Prohibited (With Limited Exceptions): Food and drinks, including grab and go, are not permitted at events in residence halls, FSILGs or for student organizations. Limited exceptions include house-sponsored events of 10 or fewer persons that are coordinated by house teams or house executive board members (e.g., a study break). View the full policy.

We continue to monitor rapidly unfolding pandemic conditions and will adapt student policies as necessary going forward. Please watch for additional updates.

Sincerely,

Suzy Nelson
Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life

P.S. If you have any questions about the Institute’s updated isolation protocols and resources, please visit this helpful resource or email the following:

• For vaccine and booster questions, email vaccine-requirement@mit.edu

• For testing questions, email covidapps-help@mit.edu

• For questions about student life policies, quiet period, food/drink/guests, or isolation, email dsl-reply@mit.edu