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 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) through a recognized student organization without the full knowledge, consent, active involvement, and control of that organization and/or MIT. Allowing an external entity to direct, manage, or operate an event on behalf of a student organization may constitute fronting, is a violation of MIT policy, and may result in disciplinary action. Student organizations must retain primary responsibility for planning, managing, and conducting their events and activities.
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.
- Events must comply with all MIT policies.
Marketing and Publicity
- All promotional materials must clearly identify the MIT student organization as the host or primary sponsor.
- Non-MIT partners may be acknowledged as co-sponsors, but 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. SOLE may consult with other campus stakeholders, as appropriate.
Internal Partnerships
MIT also supports collaborations between student organizations and faculty, staff, and DLCIs, but these partnerships are subject to the same conditions as any collaboration with an external organization. All events, programs, and other activities resulting from an internal collaboration must remain student-led, comply with Institute policies, and ensure appropriate use of Institute resources. Internal partners may not direct or control student organization operations, leadership, or decisions.
MIT faculty, staff, and DLCIs are expected to use their own resources (e.g., space, funding, staffing, communications) to support the goals and objectives of any student organization with whom they partner.
Student organizations are encouraged to consult with SOLE before entering into any internal or external collaboration, especially when questions arise about sponsorship, student leadership, event ownership, or resource utilization.