2011 Freshman Pre-Orientation Program

Discover Energy: Learn, Think, Apply

Monday, August 22 through Friday, August 26

The Program

Energy – where it comes from, how to use it efficiently and how to reduce negative environmental impacts from its production, conversion, distribution and use – is arguably the most critical environmental, economic, and social challenge facing the world today. By establishing the MIT Energy Initiative (MITEI), MIT President Susan Hockfield committed to an ambitious research and education program aimed squarely at the pressing problem of improving energy management. Another component of MITEI is “walking the talk” at MIT by increasing energy efficiency and reducing both costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The DELTA FPOP will acquaint you with the wide range of activities at MIT, introduce you to important topics within the energy arena, and help you to get to know each other and current MIT students active in energy. We will begin the program with an introduction to energy and a tour around campus to demonstrate MIT's own energy use, CO2 emissions, and environmental management strategies. Then we will spend a day focusing on either solar energy or energy storage. The next day, we will focus on climate change and its relationship to energy systems and challenges via an interactive game, discussion with faculty, and a tour of Boston locations that may be impacted by climate change. The week will conclude with current students sharing the many ways in which you can get involved with energy over your four years at MIT, from joining a student group to taking the Energy Studies Minor to finding a UROP.

In sum, you will have many opportunities to meet and talk with faculty, staff, and students who can help you connect with energy and associated environmental education opportunities on campus. In addition, the program will include planned social activities to help you to get to know your fellow classmates who share your interest in energy and with whom you will likely collaborate in classes, research, and/or student group activities.

Join DELTA to get an insider’s view on energy across MIT!

DELTA Specifics:

Dates: Monday, August 22 through Friday, August 26.
Place: Freshmen will be housed in their assigned dormitory.
Available Spaces: 25
Cost: $50. The cost includes all meals, local transportation, and materials; The MIT Energy Initiative will cover the remaining balance.

Quotes from past participants:

“[The DELTA FPOP] had everything – a good crowd, trips to Boston and around MIT, interesting and stimulating activities.”

“The speakers all brought interesting perspectives to the topic, the chance to explore Boston was great, and the best part was getting to meet a lot of fascinating people.”

“[The DELTA FPOP] got me even more excited about pursuing energy-related classes, clubs, and UROPs at MIT. Talking to students and professors especially gave me a really useful inside perspective on all the many available opportunities. I was also inspired to look into many different majors that I hadn’t previously considered.”

“The information is generally presented in an interesting way. It was great to meet so many people from the entire MIT community.”

“This is a great introduction to MIT energy activities for freshmen. Also, I loved the high amount of interaction with upperclassmen.”

What Will We Do?

Our activities during DELTA will include a visit to a wind turbine, discussions about energy topics with faculty, staff, and students, hands-on exercises, tours around MIT and Boston, and social activities. Below is a tentative itinerary.

Monday, August 22 – Meet your fellow FPOPs

Tuesday, August 23- Intro to Energy

Wednesday, August 24- Energy sources: Focus on Solar or Storage (TBA)

Thursday, August 25- Energy issues: Focus on Climate

Friday, August 26- Energy at MIT

Click here to see last year’s schedule.

Contact information

Amanda Graham
Director, Education Office
617-253-8995
agraham@mit.edu