Co-sponsorships and Fronting

MIT supports collaborations between student organizations and external partners. These collaborations must be student-led, comply with Institute policies, and ensure the appropriate use of MIT resources while reinforcing transparency, student autonomy, and responsibility. 

To ensure that collaborations with external partners reflect MIT’s mission, values, and policies, student organizations are encouraged to reach out to SOLE before entering into any external collaborations.

What is Fronting?

Fronting occurs when a non-MIT individual, group, or organization gains access to MIT resources (such as space, services, or funding) without the full knowledge, consent, or control of a formally recognized student organization. Because student organizations must retain full control and responsibility for their events and activities, fronting is a violation of MIT policy. 

Co-Sponsorship Guidelines

To ensure that all events are genuinely student-driven and compliant with MIT policies, co-sponsored events must meet the following criteria:

• Student Leadership and Oversight
  • Events must be planned and directed by MIT student leaders.
  • Students must be actively involved in all aspects of the event, including planning, promotion, logistics, and on-site execution.
  • The sponsoring student organization must serve as the primary point of contact for all MIT communications.
  • Student leaders must be present from setup through conclusion and cleanup.

• Financial Responsibility
  • All event-related financial transactions (e.g., ticket sales, vendor payments, reimbursements) must be managed through the student organization’s MIT account.
  • Non-MIT entities may not collect funds, sign contracts, or make financial commitments on behalf of MIT.
  • All proceeds from events, including online ticket sales, must be processed through the MIT student organization account.

• Event Logistics
  • Prior to reserving space for an event with an external cosponsor, student leaders must consult with SOLE to discuss the details of their collaboration and to ensure appropriate event-planning support. 
  • Student leaders must be aware of all event needs and work directly with MIT staff regarding planning and logistics.
  • Events must comply with MIT safety, accessibility, and conduct policies.

• Marketing and Publicity
  • All promotional materials must clearly identify the MIT student organization as the host or primary sponsor.
  • Event promotions should be posted on the student group’s official website or social media platforms.
  • Non-MIT partners may be acknowledged as co-sponsors; they may not be presented as the lead or primary host.
  • All non-MIT partners must comply with MIT’s use of Institute name policy. 
• Use of MIT Facilities
  • Non-MIT groups may only use MIT facilities by partnering with a student organization under the following conditions:
    • The event meets all co-sponsorship criteria listed above.
    • The collaboration receives prior written approval from SOLE and other relevant offices.

Compliance and Enforcement

If a student group is found not to be in control of an event—through lack of planning, inadequate financial or promotional oversight, or some other cause—consequences could include:

• Denial of event registration
• Event cancellation
• Recovery of event-related costs from the student organization and event cosponsors
• Revocation of recognition for the student organization
• Loss of future funding eligibility and space reservation for the student organization 
• Referral for disciplinary action