MIT Residential Life System
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Overview |
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Housemasters and Graduate Residence Tutors | |
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Residence Hall Security - The "Nightwatch" Program |
The Institute residence life system seeks to further the aims of MIT's educational mission by providing an environment which will enhance academic progress as well as the overall personal growth and development of students. Both undergraduates and graduate students are part of this community. Traditionally, MIT students bring great talents and skills to the Institute and have sought responsibility for the general well being of the community. In turn, the residence system works to provide a worthwhile and supportive environment that will foster self-governance respect for community standards, tolerance of, and appreciation for the pluralism existing within the community.
The residence community also provides opportunities for the development of leadership, interpersonal skills and coping skills to enhance students' academic and personal development. Residence hall governments and social committees are but two examples.
Residence in an Institute-approved house is a privilege which carries a responsibility to respect the physical facility and the rights of those who live and work there. It is necessary for each member of a living group to be cooperative with, tolerant, and understanding of others.
MIT students have accepted considerable responsibility for the establishment and administration of regulations necessary for the general well being of the residence community. Each resident of an Institute House is expected to abide by the basic standards, established by both the House student governments and Institute officers. Students who do not do so may lose their privilege of residence, and may be subject to disciplinary action. The Dean for Student Life may require a student to withdraw temporarily, but immediately, from MIT housing while the procedures applicable to such actions are followed.
Students living in Institute Housing are required to fill in a confirmation form or sign a License Agreement, which state that the student has read "Standards and Procedures for Students at MIT" and agrees to abide by its stipulations therein. Any changes in Housing policies will apply immediately after notification to the student government and posting of this information within each appropriate House. The Confirmation Card is also a contract for the full rent for the entire academic year.
Housemasters and Graduate Residence Tutors
Each Institute Residence Hall has at least one faculty member in residence and several graduate residents (GRT's) who live in-house with the students. These individuals and their families, selected jointly by the residents of the house and the Dean's office, are chosen because of their knowledge of the Institute and their abilities to relate well with students. They may serve as informal counselors, academic tutors, initiators of study breaks, and resources for information on how to navigate successfully through MIT.
Housemasters are senior faculty members (and spouses) who live in campus residences. They take part in the life and spirit of the houses, and bring their personalities and professional experiences to add to the well being of the residence. Housemasters are involved with their residents in many ways, perhaps most importantly as more experienced advisors, counselors, and problem-solvers.
One role of the Housemasters is to help guide the Graduate Resident Tutors. GRTs are assigned to areas in the undergraduate houses. They are meant to act as resources and to play integral support roles within the houses. The GRT, or tutor, is the one who should be there for undergraduates when they need guidance. In many cases, GRTs can be invaluable resources for helping undergraduates resolve many kinds of questions and problems. They also coordinate educational and social events to provide a respite from the rigors of academic life at MIT.
Residence Hall Security - The "Nightwatch" Program
Ensuring that the residence halls are safe and secure is a top priority at MIT. At night, there is a security watchperson assigned to each hall. When the watchperson begins their shift, they secure the ground floor. Later they staff front desks in order to watch the main entrances. The watchperson makes periodic rounds in the hall from the top floor to the basement-checking all public areas for intruders or problems. If you have any questions on security, please contact the Security Night Manager at x3-1500. House Masters and GRT's work with House Managers, house governments and students to help set the tone of each floor. The various houses do have different identities and styles. This diversity is one of the strengths of the MIT residential program.
