Student Resources

The Office of Graduate Education (OGE) at MIT provides advice and counsel on a variety of issues including faculty/student relationships, changing your advisor, conflict negotiation, funding, academic progress, interpersonal concerns, and a student’s rights and responsibilities. They also offer a number of services to current and prospective graduate students as well as departments, including student support and development; diversity- and community-building; advice on fellowships and financial wellbeing; oversight of policies and procedures; and support for graduate admissions and the Graduate Student Council. You can find a number of resources for prospective and graduate students alike, information about graduate fellowship opportunities as well as financial assistance, information about policies and procedures, details and forms for petitions, as well as programming around diversity and community building.

They can also help with excused absences and provide clarification about Graduate Policies and Procedures.

The following Deans are available meet with students:

• Associate Dean Suraiya Baluch
• Assistant Dean Gaurav Jashnani
• Assistant Dean Elizabeth Guttenberg
• Assistant Dean Beth Marois
• Senior Associate Dean Blanche Staton

To schedule appointments, please email gradsupport@mit.edu or call (617) 253-4860.

Graduate Community Fellows are a group of graduate students who work closely with OGE on projects and assignments that enhance graduate community in unique projects, ranging from financial literacy to teaching development.

Institute information about RA and TA appointments.

The Graduate Student Experience Grants program is a request-for-proposal process that invites graduate students, spouses, faculty, and staff to submit creative ideas that kick-start community-building projects.

The Chemistry Graduate Student Committee (CGSC) is an organization of MIT students who advocate for chemistry graduate student rights and interests. The CGSC organizes periodic forums for graduate students and postdocs in the department to discuss a wide range of topics including academic program concerns, laboratory issues, and aspects of graduate student life. These meetings are designed to gauge student opinion and brainstorm new ideas on these and related topics. Committee members meet regularly with the Department Head and Associate Head to provide feedback to the faculty and the Department of Chemistry administration on the concerns of graduate students and postdocs.In addition, the CGSC sponsors extracurricular events like monthly TGIFs, a summer outdoor movie series, a Boston Harbor boat cruise, career panels, and a summer volleyball league. The CGSC members also represent the Department of Chemistry at the Institute level through involvement with the MIT Graduate Student Council (GSC). CGSC is always looking for new members with interest in contributing to the department in a meaningful way.

Women+ In Chemistry (WIC+)‘s  mission is to support cis and trans women, non-binary people, and others who are marginalized on the basis of gender.Their mission is to foster a sense of community in the department, facilitate connections with the greater community, support the professional development of department members, and advocate for people of all genders and for gender diversity in the department and the entire chemistry community.

Chemistry Alliance for Diversity and Inclusion (CADI) is a student-run organization at MIT that supports the success of underrepresented identities in the Chemistry Department at MIT and beyond. CADI’s goal is to provide a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all underrepresented communities in Chemistry. CADI is committed to providing social and professional networking experiences within the Department of Chemistry to assist our community members in building meaningful connections and support systems.

CADI holds a variety of events including a winter craft fest, orientation donut social hour, outdoor summer pizza social, movie nights and more! CADI also represents its members in the department with representatives on the Chemistry Quality of Life Committee (QoL), and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Committee (DEIC). We are always excited to welcome new members and ideas!

Chemistry Resources for Easing Fiction and Stress (ChemREFS) is a group of Chemistry graduate students who are trained and certified in conflict resolution and mediation. Their mission is to improve the graduate student experience in MIT Chemistry by serving as a confidential resource for chemistry graduate students, faculty, and staff. ChemREFS organizes group events, but can also serve as a confidential resource with opportunities for one-on-one conversations and mediation. They’re here to listen and talk through possible solutions if you have a problem—big or small, in lab or at home. They are available to meet one-on-one and also host a weekly “office hour” through our ChemConvos program.

The Chemistry Application Mentorship Program (CAMP) seeks to provide assistance to individuals applying to MIT’s Chemistry Department for graduate school. It is a volunteer-based, student-run program that matches applicants with current graduate students in order to provide assistance for traditionally underrepresented groups in graduate school.

MIT is committed to the safety and well-being of all members of the community. To report an emergency dial 100 from any campus phone or 617-253-1212 from all other phones. Other important information about safety and security is included below:

• MIT ALERT is the Institute’s emergency notification program, designed to provide information and advisories via a number of communication channels including Institute voicemail, email, and text message, for the safety and security of the MIT community. All MIT students, faculty, and staff should review their MIT Alert settings on the MIT Alert page (you will need an MIT Certificate).
• Extensive information about emergency preparedness is also available online here.
• Information about emergencies, including closures due to weather, is available online here.

The MIT Ombuds Office is a confidential* and independent resource for all members of the MIT community, including students, faculty, employees, alumni, and employees of Lincoln Lab, to constructively manage concerns and conflicts related to your experience at MIT. They support your success in work and studies by helping you to analyze concerns, clarify policies and procedures, and identify options to constructively manage conflicts. They also provide systemic feedback to strengthen MIT and promote a fair and respectful culture.

Room 10-213, 617-253-5921

To set-up an appointment, please email Kalina Schloneger or call 617-253-5921 (you may leave a confidential voicemail).

*The only exceptions to this pledge of confidentiality are situations that present a risk of serious and immediate harm to yourself or others.

Contact the Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response (IDHR) Office for more information about resources and reporting options for bias incidences related but not limited to race, religion, sexual orientation, disability, and gender, including sexual harassment and sexual assault.

VPR is MIT’s primary, on-campus resource for preventing and responding to interpersonal violence, including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.  Their prevention specialists work with the entire campus to educate and raise awareness.  Their hotline is available 24 hours a day to support survivors in deciding what to do next. All of their services are free and confidential.

24/7  Hotline: 617-253-2300
Questions about advocacy services: VPRadvocate@mit.edu
Questions about education or outreach: VPReducation@mit.edu

The ISO serves all incoming and currently enrolled international students at the Institute. The ISO assists students in maintaining their legal status in the United States, provides support for their dependents, and promotes interaction with and integration into the MIT community at large. Chemistry ISO Advisor: Ms. Janka Moss, ISO Office: E18-219, 617-253-3795, iso-help@mit.edu

The Graduate Student Council exists to enhance the overall graduate experience at MIT by promoting the general welfare and concerns of the graduate student body, creating new programs and initiatives to provide opportunities for growth and interaction, and communicating with the MIT Administration and Faculty on behalf of graduate students. The GSC is led by the Executive Committee and has various committees and boards to address graduate student issues.

Disability and Access Services (DAS) models best practices for access, enabling people of diverse abilities to engage with MIT. Disability and Access Services (DAS) enables an accessible campus experience at MIT by:

• Ensuring access for qualified students with disabilities
• Consulting on digital accessibility, assistive technology, and user experience

Students with disability & access needs: das-student@mit.edu, Room 5-104

The Registrar’s Office manages enrollment, registration and graduation and all other aspects of student academic records. This also includes the academic calendar, enrollment certifications, and loan deferment letters. Suites 5-115 and 5-117, Monday-Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm, registrar-www@mit.edu

In the event of student emergencies, DSL staff and others from across MIT volunteer for the Dean On-Call system, which is just a phone call away.

Map of restaurants and grocery stores around MIT campus.

The Office of Graduate Education provides information on various fellowship aid resources. If you receive a fellowship, please make sure you contact Jennifer Weisman in the Chemistry Education Office with all information about your fellowship.

Student Financial Services provides financial aid, collects payments, coordinates jobs, and advises on financial literacy. They provide information geared towards graduate students, as well as helpful information about viewing and paying your bill. Main Contact: Room 11-120, MWF 9:00am – 5:00pm, TR: 10:00am – 5:00pm, 617-258-8600, sfs@mit.edu

The Office of Graduate Education lists a number of resources available for students with financial concerns. This includes SwipeShare, a program for students who experience food insecurity to access dining hall swipes. Graduate students who wish to receive donated meal swipes should email Naomi Carton. Students with families who are experiencing food insecurity may apply for a Family Food Grant. The ARM Coalition (Accessing Resources at MIT) also provides information and resources.

As Teaching Assistants, Research Assistants, or fellows paid by MIT, graduate students are considered MIT employees and can access financial information relating to their stipend online via Atlas (MIT certificates required). Through Atlas students can download/print pay stubs, update tax withholding information, enter direct deposit information, and retrieve electronic copies of W2s (annual earning form, used for filing federal and state tax returns).

The iGrad Financial Literacy Portal is customized for MIT with videos, articles, a job board, searchable scholarship database, and interactive modules on a wide range of topics, including emergency funding, credit card management, identity protection, spending-smarts, etc.

Housing & Residential Services offers many resources related to Graduate & Family Housing. Get information about applying for graduate housing, graduate residences, and off-campus housing. W59-200, 617-253-2811, graduatehousing@mit.edu, offcampus@mit.edu

The MIT Work-Life Center is here to meet the personal and professional needs of our diverse, global community — whatever they may be. Whether you are a member of the faculty or staff, a student or postdoctoral associate or postdoctoral fellow, call on them whenever you need a solution, big or small. Whatever your phase of life, whatever your challenge, they are here to lend support and connect you to resources and support systems, no matter where you are located. In addition to one-on-one consultations, they offer a wide range of programs that address specific life issues and events. NE49-5000, 617-253-1592, worklife@mit.edu

LBGTQ+ Services supports numerous student, employee, and alumni groups as well as other departments and initiatives on campus aiming to foster equity, intersectionality, and the continuum of social justice. From individual student support to organizational development and institutional policy advocacy, LBGTQ+ Services’ support, programming, and educational endeavors aim to enhance the experiences of MIT’s LBGTQ+ community. LGBTQ@MIT: 617-253-5440, lgbt@mit.edu

MIT Rainbow Lounge, Walker Memorial Second Floor (50-250) [Temporarily Closed, Information about online programs and services is available here.

The Office of Multicultural Programs (OMP) plans a variety of programs and events that seek to celebrate culture and educate others in areas related to social justice and how to carry out inclusive practices in the MIT Community. They collaborate with campus partners, student organizations, and community resources to plan these events. All programs and events are free to MIT students.

Nina DeAgrela, Assistant Dean – Office of Multicultural Programs, (
617) 253-0225 
tonina@mit.edu
SPXCE Intercultural Center, W31-110, Du Pont Athletic Gymnasium)

With a student-centered approach, the Social Justice Programming & Cross Cultural Engagement Intercultural Center (SPXCE, pronounced “space”) works to foster a more inclusive, equitable, and affirming MIT campus climate. As a collaborative initiative between the Office of Multicultural Programs and LBGTQ@MIT, the SPXCE provides intersectional social justice education, support, community-building, and leadership development. The SPXCE serves as a place where students can feel at home and exist in their wholeness while exploring all of their identities authentically with compassion and care.

Aside from the staff offices for OMP and LBGTQ@MIT, the SPXCE also offers a social lounge, study space, chalk wall, kitchenette, computer lab, all-gender restroom, a projector and screens, moveable white boards, and information on additional campus and local resources.

The SPXCE is open Monday through Friday from 10am – 8pm and is in Building W31, Suite 110. [Temporarily Closed]

Comprised of over 20 chaplains and 40 student groups, the Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life (ORSEL) reflects the diversity of the institute’s community. Through regular opportunities for worship, meditation, prayer, and study, the office is a resource for students, faculty, and staff, of all faith traditions and belief systems. The chaplains provide religious, spiritual, and educational programming, as well as confidential* counseling and crisis support.
*Chaplains who are ordained clergy within their religious traditions are confidential resources for members of the community.

Religious Activity Center, W11, 617-253-7707

MIT/GAIN is a free, 24/7 confidential service that can make life easier for students and their families. One call puts you in touch with work-life experts who can provide personalized resources and referrals across a wide range of topics: Legal; Work & Career; Parenting; Financial; Home & Daily Living; Wellness. 844-MIT-GAIN, info@mitgain.com

The CARE Team supports all students through challenges they may experience during their time at MIT. Its primary function is to support students during hospitalizations, including discharge and follow-up care. The CARE Team is a student-focused resource that empowers students to be in control of their own personal information, treatment plans, and future.

MIT Medical provides routine and urgent medical care as well as mental health and counseling services for the MIT community, including students.

MIT Medical’s Urgent Care Service is open daily for urgent, but non-life-threatening emergencies. (617-253-1311, 24-hour assistance at 617-253-4481).
MIT Medical is located in Building E23, main number is 617-253-4481

MIT Medical’s Student Mental Health and Counseling Services works with students to identify, understand, and solve problems, and to help transform that understanding into positive action. MIT Mental Health is available to anyone in the MIT community with problems, questions, or concerns.

Student Mental Health and Counseling Services is available for telehealth visits (if you are physically in Massachusetts only) and in-person appointments. To make an appointment, call 617-253-2916 during regular weekday hours. Mental health clinicians are available 24-hours a day for urgent matters, please call 617-253-2916 for assistance.

The health insurance fee for Chemistry graduate students will be paid by the Chemistry Department if they do not have alternate health insurance coverage that meets the Massachusetts guidelines. Students are automatically enrolled in the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP), which provides for routine and emergency medical care. Please contact the Health Plans Office for more details about student coverage. Student may also buy health insurance coverage for family members (spouse, partner and/or children) as well as waive health insurance if they have existing coverage elsewhere. There are specific wavier deadlines each year and you will need to waive every year.

Enrollment Questions: Health Plans Office, E23-308, 617-253-4371, Phone Hours: M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm, stuplan@med.mit.edu
Coverage Questions: Member Services, E-23, 3rd Floor, 617-253-5979, Phone Hours: M-F, 8:00am – 5:00pm, mservices@med.mit.edu

The MIT Graduate Student Dental Plan is available to all MIT graduate students enrolled in a degree-granting program. The dental plan is offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and is separate from the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP). You are not automatically enrolled in the dental plan. If you want dental coverage, you must enroll during the open enrollment period from July 15–August 15, 2022. You will have to pay for the plan and for any dental bills that are not covered by the dental insurance. Your dental coverage will last from September 1, 2022–August 31, 2023. You cannot sign up outside of the July 15–August 15 window unless you lose your existing dental insurance or experience a “qualifying life event”—like getting married or having a baby. If you join in the middle of the year after a qualifying life event, you will receive a single bill, but only for the months you receive coverage.   Other dental plans with different enrollment periods may be available through the Massachusetts Health Connector or University Health Plans.

Community Wellness at MIT Medical works with the entire MIT community to provide the resources and programs that can help you make healthy choices. Their offerings include: Exercise and Fitness; Spouses & Partners Connect; Sleep; Stress Reduction, Mindfulness, and Relaxation; Sexual Health; Health and Wellness Coaching; Eating Healthfully; Family Support; MedLinks; and MindHandHeart.  They work with all members of the MIT community. Room E23-3^rd Floor, 617-253-1316

Alcohol & Other Drug Services (Alcohol & Other Drug Services (AODS) is committed to preventing high-risk behaviors and promoting a healthy, safe environment at MIT. They work with students, alumni and staff to develop and sustain prevention programming, provide early intervention services, and build coalitions to address MIT-related health issues. Their website includes information about getting help and support, programs and resources, weekends@MIT, and policies. Building W20-507, 617-258-6499

ENGINEERyourHEALTH PLUS is a referral program for MIT Students with the goal of enhancing the student life experience through fitness, exercise, wellness and recreational opportunities.

Career Advising & Professional Development guides all students as they explore and prepare for careers, global opportunities and health professions. They offer many services to help graduate students explore career options and get internships and jobs. In addition to in-person services, they provide a comprehensive Career Development Handbook. Building E17-294, capd@mit.edu

The WCC @ MIT offers free professional advice to MIT undergraduate students, graduate students, post-docs, faculty, lecturers, staff members, spouses, alums, visiting scientists and scholars. The WCC is staffed completely by communication experts. The WCC also provides specialized help to those for whom English is a second language and offers practice in pronunciation and conversation. Register or Schedule an Appointment Online. E18-233, 617-253-3090, writing-center@mit.edu.

Research guide and expert librarian to support research in chemistry. Ye Li, Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Librarian. Building 14S-136M, 617-253-9795

The Teaching + Learning Lab (TLL) collaborates with faculty, teaching assistants, and students to promote excellence in teaching and learning throughout the Institute. TLL offers courses, programs, and reference materials related to teaching and learning that graduate students may find useful.

MIT Spouses & Partners Connect is a dedicated network for the significant others of MIT students, postdocs, staff, and faculty who have relocated to the Boston area. They organize activities that help you meet people, discover work and career opportunities, improve your English, share experiences and passions, and get information about living and parenting in Boston.

As of September 1, 2018, MIT graduate students have access (according to eligibility) to two different leaves when they give birth or undertake significant responsibilities for a newborn child or a child newly placed with them: Childbirth Accommodation and/or Parental Leave. Students must initiate planning with their department; the Office of Graduate Education (OGE) provides final review and approval. Please review the full details about the policy, including eligibility information.

The MIT Work-Life Center offers a comprehensive network of resources to assist MIT community members in finding or using child care services for children of all ages, as well as an internationally recognized program of services to support those in the community who are raising children, including biological and adoptive parents, step-parents, guardians, grandparents, extended family, foster parents, and others responsible for children’s care.

The MIT Grant for Graduate Students with Children is a need-blind grant available to all full-time PhD students who have a child That resides with them at least half-time throughout the year. Grant funds have the goal to alleviate the financial hardship of student parents, and can be used to cover expenses such as child care, health care, and housing.

When regular care isn’t available during work hours, Backup Care is available for the kids of graduate students.