Goals, Mission, and
Organization

Key Matters

Issues important to student life

DSL Data: Data is the lifeblood of MIT. We have compiled and will continue to add data pertinent to DSL on this page to make it easier for community members to find now and in the future. These data are also available elsewhere on the DSL website and on other MIT websites.

East Campus Renovation: Both East Campus parallels closed after MIT’s 2023 Commencement exercises and will remain unoccupied for the duration of the renovation period, which is expected to last for two academic years. Teams from DSL and HRS continue to work with EC residents to help identify community priorities. This engagement and outreach effort includes the formation of the East Campus Transition Team (ECTT), which is composed of resident student leaders, members of the house team and staff across DSL.  A Renovation Advisory Committee (RAC) was also formed which includes students, alumni, faculty, Institute leaders and DSL staff.

Free Expression Resources: A rolling list of link to important information on free expression, postering, protests, demonstrations, speakers, events, and more.

Good Samaritan Amnesty Policy: The health, safety, and general welfare of MIT students are of the utmost concern to the faculty, staff, students, and administration of the Institute. The following Good Samaritan Amnesty Policy has been established to reduce barriers related to seeking help during medical emergencies or situations when someone is believed to be the victim of a crime or significant policy violation even if there is no medical emergency. All students are required to seek immediate medical attention in circumstances when they or others with them experience the potentially dangerous effects associated with the use of alcohol or prohibited substances.

Graduate Housing Working Group: Stakeholders from across campus work together to ensure that the Institute is well-positioned to evaluate and respond effectively to the housing needs of MIT’s graduate student community. The aim of the GHWG is to analyze and report on major forces impacting the supply and availability of graduate student housing in the Greater Cambridge area while also assessing demand for different types of on-campus housing options.

Murals and Artwork in Residential Buildings: The Chancellor’s Office charged the 2018-2019 Undergraduate Housing Working Group to develop principles and best practices for the creation and curation of artwork in ways that do not involve art directly applied to permanent building surfaces. The aim of the group was to advance support for creative expression and to ensure effective stewardship of the significant investments in renewal for many years to come. Note: The new policy resulting from this work was posted on October 26, 2023.

Student Organization Working Group: Chancellor Nobles and Vice Chancellor and Dean for Student Life Nelson charged this working group to consider the strengths and areas for improvement in MIT’s practices relating to student organization governance, financial, space resource management, membership policies, and risk management protocols. The working group will prepare a report with recommendations and advice that will be delivered to Chancellor Nobles.

W20: A New Vision for the Student Center: MIT is reimagining the Student Center as a campus hub for wellbeing, performing arts and dance, healthy eating, and community building, with enhancements that encourage students to slow down, care for their minds and bodies, and connect with others. The plans include an innovative Wellbeing Lab and targeted enhancements across four floors and outside, encompassing a network of flexible student spaces, community areas, infrastructure updates, and much more.

West Campus Graduate Residence:  This project on Vassar Street will add approximately 675 new beds to MIT’s housing stock and will enrich connections with the surrounding neighborhood. Construction is expected to proceed through the end of the summer of 2024. Located adjacent to Simmons Hall on the site of Building W89 and the West Lot parking area, the residence will encompass two new-construction buildings consisting of studios and one-, two-, and four-bedroom units, some with exterior entries.

Key Matters Archive: Important, completed initiatives.