Resources

Members of the MIT community—our students, staff, and faculty—are uniquely positioned to use their voice and expertise to make sure that the contributions fundamental science makes to society are understood and valued, that policy decisions are grounded in scientific fact, and that our government funds scientific research. Below are just a few resources to help our MIT community members and those interested individuals outside of our community advocate for science. Science Advocacy at MIT Academics for the Future of Science Academics for the Future of Science is a student-run, non-partisan organization focused primarily on building an informed advocacy community online and organizing advocacy for federal research funding, offering an online tool for participating in twice-yearly email campaigns at key points in the Congressional budget process. MIT Climate Action Charged with implementing MIT’s Plan for Action on Climate Change, the MIT Climate Action committee brings together MIT leadership, faculty, staff, postdocs, and students to develop solutions “to minimize emission of carbon dioxide, methane and other global warming agents into the atmosphere, and to devise pathways for adaptation to climate change, through the active involvement of the MIT community, proactively engaged with industry, government, academia, foundations, philanthropists and the public.” The Climate Action website also provides a helpful list of climate groups at MIT. MIT Washington Office The MIT Washington Office connects our campus community with the policymakers in our nation’s capital. The Washington Office help develop and share MIT’s institutional perspectives in such areas as science, education, and research security, and help faculty and students navigate the D.C. policy world. The MIT Washington Office helps MIT faculty and students bring their thinking to bear on policy challenges. The Office also gives policymakers a window into the latest MIT research to help them develop informed positions that will strengthen our country and the world. MIT Science Policy Initiative The MIT Science Policy Initiative is a student-run program that works closely with MIT faculty, the MIT Washington DC office, and other advocates to educate students on the challenges facing the science community at the local and national levels. The initiative organizes monthly discussion meetings around presentations and current events, four-day Science Boot Camps during IAP for grad students and postdocs, Executive and Congressional visit days, where students meet with agencies and Congressional representatives, and policy and advocacy workshops and panels at the annual American Association for the Advancement of Science conference. National Science Advocacy Groups American Association for the Advancement of Science The American Association for the Advancement of Science is the world’s largest multidisciplinary science society, with science advocacy and communication making up a significant part of its mission. Among its many resources: science communication workshops and seminars, training fellowships for public engagement, and information resources for science policy advocacy. American Chemical Society The American Chemical Society’s Act4Chemistry is a legislative network that offers programs and tools for advocating for chemistry at state and federal levels. ACS also offers public policy fellowships and guidance for arranging visits to lawmakers. American Physical Society The American Physical Society provides action alerts for physics-related issues, guidance for writing to Congress and organizing meetings with representatives, and a directory of Congressional social media. American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Policy Blotter provides updates on the latest developments in national policy and legislation related to molecular life sciences and opportunities to participate in ASBMB-run advocacy campaigns. An advocacy toolkit is also available for ASBMB members. Science Coalition The Science Coalition is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization focused on supporting federal funding for science. It provides a toolkit with guidance on how to talk about why federal funding is important and guidance for contacting representatives, hosting local showcases of federally funded research, and engaging with the public and the media, as well as informational resources. Union for Concerned Scientists Founded in 1969 by MIT students, the Union for Concerned Scientists works advance to advance science-based solutions for a safer and healthier planet. The website offers specific guidance for engagement with media and policymakers, as well as specific calls to action.  

We believe that making a better MIT for every member of the community—students, staff, and faculty—is a prerequisite to making a better world. Success in our endeavors requires a safe and supportive environment that helps us face difficulties with persistence and resilience. We are committed to providing resources for the physical, emotional, and intellectual well-being of our community members, and believe that we have a shared responsibility to treat one another with respect and integrity. Community Resources What is MIT’s policy on harassment? Whom do I contact in my department if I experience or observe harassment or abuse? What are my other options for addressing harassment or violations of MIT policy if I am a student or if I am a faculty or staff member employed at MIT? Where can I find student resources for conflict resolution? Where can I find support for mental and physical health? For students For staff, postdocs and faculty MIT Benefits Community Wellness MyLife Services Where can I find MIT resources for diversity, equity, and inclusion? What does the School of Science do to support diversity, equity, and inclusion?

The MIT School of Science is committed to the safety and well-being of all the members of the community. The School of Science has organized the Incident Response Team to coordinate our response to emergencies and serious incidents during and after the event. After calling emergency services, please contact your department, lab or center’s team member to alert them to the situation. Learn about emergency and safety services.

The School of Science is pleased to offer the Science Quality of Life (SQoL) program designed to build community within the school, promote inclusiveness for students, staff, and faculty, and support the well-being of our community members. The program’s goals are to: Build community and foster a sense of inclusion. Provide faculty, staff and students opportunities to interact and socialize outside of the current research-driven activities and events. Integrate academic and social aspects of life within the school. Improve communications and outreach. Build collaborations and connections with other community groups. Projects need not be ambitious in scope, so long as they encourage positive connections within the community. Proposals can be submitted under three broad categories – it is possible for a proposal to be applicable to more than one category. These are: Community building Inclusion and belonging Mentoring Examples of activities could include: workshops, seminars, wellness programs, book clubs, team building activities, and others. Due to the overwhelming response we received for previous cycles, and in the spirit of maximizing inclusion and approving as many applications as possible, the following should be noted: The funding cap for this cycle will remain at $2,000 – as opposed to $3,000 in previous years; Proposals that have matching funds from departmental and/or other sources will be viewed favorably by the selection committee; In the event that we need to prioritize between multiple similar eligible proposals, preference will be given to proposals that have not received QOL funding in the past. Please contact the Dean’s Office at sos-dean-sqol@mit.edu for additional information. Proposal process and guidelines Proposals are reviewed and funded twice per a year with notifications made within 30 days of the submission deadlines noted below: The submission deadline for this cycle is January 17, 2025. Apply at: https://mitfunding.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1955870 Eligibility: Applicant’s and co-applicant’s primary appointment must be in the School of Science and have the means (outside of funding needs) to execute their proposal. Please be sure to include the following information in your proposal: Detailed description of the event or activity Rationale for how this will build community within the School Clarify that the effort is achievable within the proposed time frame and budget Explain how your proposal makes a difference in the quality of life of participants. A list of the types of people who you expect to attend the event (faculty, staff, students, with their affiliated units) A detailed budget. Please note: In general, funding will not cover equipment (cameras, computers, furniture). Proposals for house parties or research will not be considered. In addition, these funds cannot support charities. Proposal authors are expected to volunteer their time; stipends for the organizing team will not be considered. Please note that when picking your primary department, you must select the DLC that will be managing the award (PILM, MIBR, BCS). After funding The lead applicant is expected to work with their School of Science unit to utilize funds. Grant recipients will be asked to submit a summary report at the end of the semester describing their planning, activities, schedule, budget, and community participation and impact. We would also appreciate any photos of your events or activities, if available.

At the MIT School of Science, we celebrate the achievements of faculty, staff, students, and alumni. Awards and Honors Our talented community has been honored with many awards. MIT School of Science Awards Undergraduate and Graduate Teaching Prizes The School of Science annually awards teaching prizes for faculty excellence in teaching. Nominations for awards are submitted in the late spring. Dean’s Fellowship The Dean of the School of Science offers a fellowship to students nominated by their departments to support their graduate studies. Staff Excellence Awards The Staff Excellence Awards program recognizes the significant contributions School of Science staff members make to the MIT community, particularly for accomplishments that go beyond their typical roles and duties. Spot Awards Infinite Mile Award Infinite Expansion Award

This year, advance degree receipients in the MIT School of Science will particpate in a Commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 28, 2025 at 3pm in Kresge Auditorium. Last year, graduates participated in the 2024 ceremony, which you can watch below. Frequently asked questions ADA Seating Please fill out this form. Regalia Please refer to the Commencement site for additional information about obtaining regalia for the ceremony. Guest tickets Each graduating student will be allotted 4 guest tickets. Guest tickets are provided to candidates who are on the degree list and participating in Commencement. You will receive an email in mid-May with instructions for downloading digital guest tickets (PDFs). The tickets themselves will be available at the end of May—they are not released on completion of regalia orders. Where do I pick up my diploma? For more information about diplomas, please visit: registrar.mit.edu/transcripts-records/diplomas. Advanced degree recipients may pick up their diplomas on the first floor of the Stata Center (Building 32) during the following times: Thursday, May 30: 10:00am to 6:00pm Friday, May 31: 10:00am to 3:00pm Please bring your diploma case with you for pick-up; while not required, this will allow you to place the paper within right away. More details about diplomas – paper and digital – are available on the Registrar’s Office website. How do I order graduation photos? Photo ordering information for the Class of 2024 will be mailed directly following the ceremonies from GradImages. Graduates will receive an email and a hard copy packet will be sent to the mailing address on file. Where is my program and/or departmental reception? Following the main school reception, graduates are invited by their home departments for program-specific receptions and celebrations. Please contact the individual program director or department for more information about the time and location for these events.