The maturation of the graduate student life grant process continues to be a source of pride in the ODGE. Originally, the grant process was undertaken as an experiment to establish a framework around which to consider graduate student life. Today, the process is more a proving ground for activities, programs, and events that support community building for graduate students.

In October 2007, in the seventh round of request-for-proposals, the dean's selection panel reviewed another 27 grants and recommended funding 16 of those. Overall, between June 2002 and December 2007, the panel has reviewed 186 proposals and has awarded funding to 111 initiatives.

One challenge of the grant process is how to institutionalize those seminal ideas that stand the test of time; that should be integrated into the fabric of graduate student life at the Institute. While the dean has identified a handful of projects for which he has budgeted annual funding, the need remains for a funding source to sustain these efforts on a more permanent basis.

A team representing the Alumni Association and the ODGE worked hand-in-hand to create an expendable Fund for Graduate Community. In June 2007, this Fund was renamed The Ike Colbert Fund for Graduate Community as one way to continue the outgoing dean’s legacy by creating and sustaining innovative programs for graduate students as their changing needs evolve.

Stepping into the role of Dean for Graduate Education in July 2007, Professor Steven Lerman decided to use some of the existing Fund to create a pilot program of Graduate Community Fellows. Working hand in hand with senior staff in the ODGE, the Fellows focus on creating programs for unique constituencies, such as programs for women or international students; and on refining existing programs such as the Graduate Student Life Grants process and the ODGE ’s diversity efforts.

Currently, MIT's "giving" website identifies the Fund as one of MIT's priorities for giving in support of student life and learning.

January 2008