The mission of the MIT Orientation program is to assist new students in their transition to MIT by providing programs and services which outline the Institute’s academic requirements as well as social/developmental opportunities and to welcome students to the MIT community, introducing them to each other, upperclass students, staff, and faculty.
GOALS
The goals and purpose of MIT’s orientation are:
- Introduce students to the first-year curriculum and programs, and help them select options and register. Provide diagnostic and placement testing: in math, writing, and swimming for all first-year and transfer students; and in the core subjects (chemistry, biology, and physics) for those wishing advanced standing.
- Offer support and information on available resources, including programming for special groups:
- Transfer students
- Women
- Under-represented minorities
- International students
- LBGT students
- To provide the best possible experience for entering students by ensuring quality service during the orientation program through collaboration with various MIT departments.
- Allow students to move in and become comfortable in their new home.
- To provide continued evaluation of the orientation program to continue to adapt the program to meet the needs of each class of entering students.
- To provide workshops and discussions associated with student development (i.e. alcohol/drugs, campus safety, time management, rape awareness, diversity, etc.)
- To promote an atmosphere which values diversity, health and safety.
- Introduce students to Cambridge and Boston.
- To provide leadership and learning opportunities for upper-class students as orientation coordinators, leaders and committee members through comprehensive selection, training, supervision and evaluation programs.
- To prepare first-year student parents on the personal and academic development changes that will take place during their students first year in college.
- To encourage students to join activities and athletics, and do community service.