There is much more to an MIT education than study and research in classrooms and laboratories. Numerous activities and services are available that complement academic pursuits and provide opportunities for students to grow and develop new interests. This section describes just a few of the activities that define campus life.
There are more than 300 cocurricular clubs and activities at MIT (many open to both faculty and students), including the Outing Club, the Solar Car Club, the Debate Team, the FM local broadcasting station (WMBR), the MIT Society for Women Engineers, the Student Art Association, Model UN, Circle K, the Black Students' Union, the Latino Cultural Center, the Asian American Association, and the South Asian American Students Association.
Many students are actively engaged in service work either through the Public Service Center or on their own. Groups such as the Intrafraternity Council and Alpha Phi Omega, the national service fraternity, Share a Vital Earth, and Educational Studies Program sponsor active social service programs. For example, the Educational Studies Program provides opportunities for MIT students to work with area high school students.
MIT also has a number of groups oriented toward different backgrounds and lifestyles. Over 30 international student groups sponsor a rich array of programs, including discussion groups and social events. The International Students' Association sponsors a newsletter, assemblies, and other events. MIT has an active organization of Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Friends at MIT (GAMIT), which organizes weekly awareness programs and discussion groups, and sponsors social events throughout the year. The Technology Community Women (TCW) is composed of spouses of MIT students, undergraduate as well as graduate, and sponsors monthly programs as a social and service organization. Other interest groups focus on bridge, chess, ham radio, and strategic games.
For more information, contact the Association of Student Activities, Room W20-401; check out the ASA website at http://web.mit.edu/asa/www/; or contact the Student Activities Office, Room W20-549, telephone 617-253-6777.