Student life
An MIT education is about more than what’s taught in the classroom; it’s about learning by doing. MIT’s student life programs provide these crucial learning experiences, and help prepare the Institute’s students for service to society.
To the Institute, these programs are imperative. Today’s world calls for a new kind of leader—one who can motivate, inspire, and marshal teams of people to address problems of global scale. An education that provides opportunities for students to both learn and practice their skills in a variety of contexts offers the best hope for addressing the world’s most difficult problems. And, it provides a foundation for the intense collaborative work these students will be doing tomorrow.
MIT funds a host of campus programs and activities that encourage students to pilot their own leadership strategies and define for themselves the roles they want to play in life. Whether it’s through creating a system to speed the regeneration of coral reefs, breaking a pole-vaulting record, or leading an international group of students in the design of a more efficient vehicle, the experience of learning by doing—translating personal experience into valuable knowledge—has become an essential element of learning at MIT.
The development of student life programs offers a significant opportunity for financial backing and sponsorship by MIT alumni and alumnae.
The following areas represent high-priority student life programs that are essential to MIT:
- Athletics
- Public service
- Leadership
Student Stories
Cristina Thomas
Planetary scientist and producer for the MIT Musical Theatre Guild
Cristina is a graduate student in Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, researching the origins of meteors in Professor Richard Binzel’s research
Planetary science and musical theatre. Supporting students makes connections like these possible
Overviews
Arts
Challenging students creatively
“The arts are a vital contributor to the world of creativity at the Institute,” says Philip Khoury.
Athletics
A training ground for leaders
For many students, sports and recreation are a key part of preparing for a lifetime of achievement. MIT owes them the opportunity to act on that aim.
Crew
Training, discipline prepare rowers to strive for excellence
Crew instills discipline and an ability to work as part of a finely-tuned team that sticks with rowers long after they walk out of the MIT boathouse.
Fencing
A complement to academics that is physically and mentally demanding
Fencing requires creativity and problem-solving, and goes hand-in-hand with the Institute's academic culture.
Fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups (FSILGs)
Reinvigorating the FSILGS
A key change is in the works to boost FSILGs’ memberships ranks, and help solidify their finances as well.
Hobby Shop
Tools for design, creativity, and hands-on learning
The MIT Hobby Shop is a place where members can create anything they can imagine — learning design and machining skills along the way.
Leadership
Providing tools and opportunities to create 21st century leaders
Leaders are made, not born, and MIT plays an important role in that process.
Libraries
Providing skills to locate, interpret, and evaluate information
The MIT Libraries are playing a greater role than ever in meeting students’ educational and research needs.
Playing fields
Student athletes excel on fields of play
MIT lags when it comes to offering the highest quality space and equipment for its teams. New artificial turf fields are a must.
Public Service Center (PSC)
Meeting challenges locally and globally
The MIT Public Service Center encourages students to apply their inventive and entrepreneurial talents to public service.
Religious life
Seeking answers in science and faith
Providing opportunities for religious involvement at MIT is part of educating and meeting the needs of the whole person.
Sailing
Sailing teaches determination, teamwork, and leadership
An important aspect of sailing at MIT is that it is both a competitive sport and a recreational program.
Soccer
Engineers to build on winning first season with new head coach
MIT is now raising funds to endow a full-time men's soccer coach position.
Student life
An essential part of an MIT education
MIT encourages its students to pilot their own leadership strategies through campus programs and activities. Here’s the overview.
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