2008-2009 GRT Application

Overview

Tutors—or Graduate Resident Tutors (GRTs), as they are officially known—have been an essential component of dorm life at MIT ever since the residential system was inaugurated in the 1960s. Although they are not tutors in the academic sense, they most assuredly serve as tutors and mentors in the broader, more humanistic sense of caring for the welfare of others. Tutors at MIT are graduate students (and often their partners or spouses) to whom the care of undergraduates has been entrusted.

GRTs serve within the residential life system at MIT as members of the House Team. Each residence has its own House Team led by a Housemaster, (and, in some cases, an Associate Housemaster) who is a resident member of the faculty or staff. Typically a GRT is assigned to a particular area within a residence, such as a hall, floor or entry. The purpose of the House Team is to develop and support the residential community, and the GRT plays a primary role.

The job of the Graduate Resident Tutor (GRT) is to foster a supportive, safe, and positive living environment for, and to build a community atmosphere among, undergraduates in MIT residence halls. This responsibility includes encouraging personal growth, providing outlets for managing stress, and facilitating positive interpersonal relationships. GRTs are also responsible for implementing community standards, managing behavioral concerns, enhancing student safety and security, and promoting mutual respect between and among the residents they serve. In undertaking this position, GRTs become part of a residence team led by the Housemasters and including other GRTs, the Residential Life Associate and the House Manager.

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for the GRT position include evidence of solid judgment, sensitivity, and the ability to work with students, colleagues, and faculty. This position is considered employment—at least 10 hours per week. To be eligible to apply for a GRT position, individuals must be full-time enrolled graduate students registered at MIT, or in a combined program with MIT and another institution. A bachelor’s degree is required to be a GRT. Applicants must also be registered in a multi-year program (typically 3 or more years) and be at a point in their studies where they will likely be staying at MIT for several more years.

Specific to Interested MIT Undergraduates

MIT undergraduates may apply in the senior year, but must be admitted to a MIT graduate program by mid-April prior to accepting a GRT position. Applicants must provide official notification in writing (copy of letter or email) to the Assistant Dean for Residential Life Programs to clear her/his GRT application. Anyone who was an undergraduate at MIT may not serve as a GRT in the same house where s/he lived unless s/he left MIT three or more years prior to applying. Students finishing their undergraduate degree and continuing on in a one-year Masters program (i.e., MEng) are not eligible to apply for the GRT position.

Specific to Interested International Students

International students on any type of visa who already have a Research Assistantship or Teaching Assistantship requiring at least 10 hours of work per week are not eligible for the GRT position and should not apply. Acceptance of a GRT position would result in violation of US law, as total employment would exceed twenty hours per week. The Residential Life Programs Office consults with the International Students Office as well as the Graduate Students Office on all International student applicants and takes advice from these offices as to eligibility.

GRT Visibility and Availability

Due to the nature of the position, GRTs must reside in their designated apartments in their assigned dormitories. All candidates must be in residence from mid-August until the end of the academic year, including the December and May final examination periods. Time away from campus is granted by permission of the Housemaster. Since the GRT position requires visibility and availability to residents, GRTs should limit significant time away (research, personal travel, etc.) to the summer term, winter holidays, or IAP.

Mission

The job of the Graduate Resident Tutor (GRT) is to foster a supportive, safe, and positive living environment and to build a community atmosphere among undergraduates in MIT residence halls. This responsibility includes encouraging personal growth, providing outlets for managing stress, and facilitating positive interpersonal relationships. GRTs are also responsible for implementing community standards, enhancing security, and promoting mutual respect among the residents they serve. In undertaking this position, GRTs become part of a residence team led by the Housemasters and including other GRTs, the Residential Life Associate (RLA) and House Manager.

Responsibilities

Graduate Resident Tutors should expect to spend at least 10-12 hours per week involved in the following types of activities. Student or building emergencies may require a greater time commitment.

• Establish continuing personal connections with students in the entry or on the floor
• Facilitate development of community standards consistent with Institute regulations, state laws, and student health, safety, and welfare
• Spend informal time with students and be routinely visible and available to students on the assigned floor or entry
• Help residents of the floor or entry get to know one another
• Create a sense of community on the floor or entry by providing study breaks, community building, or issues-oriented programs
• Identify and respond to student needs for information, especially about MIT resources; provide assistance with personal problems
• Coordinate with other GRTs, the Housemaster, and/or Residential Life Associate (RLA) in planning of residence hall events
• Be knowledgeable about, and make students aware of, MIT policies and procedures, e.g., alcohol and other drugs, harassment, event registration, fire safety
• Respond to violations of Institute policy and/or state law as well as student emergencies
• Inform Housemaster and RLA of key incidents in the residence hall, and problems with students requiring follow-up of a student conduct, medical or mental health nature
• Respond to roommate concerns, facilitate conflict resolution, and make appropriate referral to the Institute’s mediation program
• Promote health and safety within the residence halls
• Provide tutoring assistance in subject areas of expertise
• Attend all required training programs (sessions in August, during IAP, and scheduled in-services)
• Participate in meetings called by the Housemaster and RLP staff
• Develop effective working relationships with Housemaster, RLA, and House Manager
• Maintain effective relationships with offices such as Campus Police, MIT Medical, and all areas of the Dean’s Office
• Other duties as assigned

Compensation

Free room for twelve months per year and a stipend of $1460 for the 2008-2009 academic year.