Welcome home (undergraduate students)
Dear students,
I’m delighted to welcome you to campus!
Whether you’re a returning student or joining us for the first time, you likely already know that a powerful part of the MIT experience is the huge menu of opportunities beyond the classroom – for innovation, exploration, and hands-on learning.
Students create MIT's wonderfully unique community through their curiosity of spirit, enthusiasm for learning from people with different views and backgrounds, and effective leadership. We hope you’ll consider taking up one of the hundreds of chances to step into such leadership roles. Whether you choose to lead a club, team, or publication, or to take on a role in one of our residences or fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups, staff in the Division of Student Life (DSL) will be here to support you when you do.
In DSL, we have some leadership news of our own. I will be retiring in late October. Fortunately, I leave you in the expert care of our outstanding DSL staff, under the talented leadership of our incoming vice chancellor for student life, Akirah Bradley-Armstrong. With more than two decades of experience in student affairs, Akirah currently serves as vice chancellor for student affairs and success at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her first day at MIT will be October 19, and I know she is looking forward to meeting all of you.
Below, I share some timely updates and resources for the fall. Whether you’re new to the community or continuing your MIT journey, we’re glad you are here!
Sincerely,
Suzy M. Nelson
Vice Chancellor for Student Life
A New Way to Connect, Anytime and Anywhere
MIT Health, in partnership with DSL, has launched a new online peer support program called Togetherall. This is a free 24/7 support service for MIT students to anonymously find peer support from other undergraduate and graduate students. It includes tailored self-help modules on anxiety, sleep, stress management, and more. You can chat virtually, individually, or in groups with peers from other campuses worldwide. Togetherall joins a range of support options available to students.
Bringing New Ideas to the Dining Table
To meet student requests for convenient mid-day food options, Campus Dining continues to experiment with ways to bring lunch to Main Campus. Following a successful start last spring, the Lobby 4 pop-ups are back this fall with iconic local restaurants taking turns providing affordable lunch options. Additionally, stop in at Dean’s Beans in Stata and use your meal plan to grab a Tap & Go lunch.
Updated Handbook for Student Organizations and Student Event Planning Guide
If you belong to one of our 400+ student organizations, check out the Student Organization Handbook. It offers everything you need on essential policies, event planning and registration guidance, leadership resources, and a new streamlined Event Planning and Space Use Guide.
MIT Athletics
The Engineers boast one of the top programs in the NCAA, and this is the perfect time of year to catch a game and cheer on our student-athletes and teams. Team activities are also a great way to connect. Consider participating in the fun and social club or intramural sports, or take advantage of MIT Recreation group exercise classes, which are now free!
McCormick Hall Closes for Renewal, but Community Continues
The two-year renewal of McCormick Hall started over the summer. While dorms are welcoming McCormick community members into their residences, the McCormick house team and exec will continue to host events and maintain traditions until the house reopens. Stay connected to learn more about community gatherings.
Register to Vote
Election season is almost here. If you are a U.S. citizen age 18 or older, please visit mit.turbovote.org to check your voter registration and update your address. You can also use TurboVote to request an absentee ballot and make a voting plan before the semester gets underway.
Understanding Key Policies
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 (Good Samaritan) Policy - Seek help in a medical emergency involving alcohol or prohibited substances;
- The federal Title IX law and MIT's sexual misconduct and discriminatory harassment policy and Title IX resources, which address sexual misconduct prevention and response;
- The Massachusetts state law on hazing and MIT's own anti-hazing rules, which contribute to a positive student life experience; and
- 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.