Student Support Services (S3)
S3 provides friendly and accessible support for undergraduate students, helping them navigate a wide variety of issues, including both personal and academic concerns.
Whether you have a personal challenge that’s affecting your studies or you’re considering taking time away from the Institute, we are here to help undergraduate students overcome academic and personal challenges through support, guidance, advocacy, and referrals.
Over 75 percent of all students will visit S3 at least once during their years at MIT, most often with a combination of academic and personal challenges. We work together with you to sort everything out and ensure your ongoing success at the Institute.
Please note that S3 does not provide treatment or therapy. Our close partners at MIT Student Mental Health and Counseling Service provide a number of services related to mental health support should you need it.
Are you a Graduate Student?
Please visit our colleagues in GradSupport for support resources.
Are you faculty or staff?
For non-urgent or academic guidance about an undergraduate student, please email s3-support@mit.edu or call 617-253-4861. For more urgent concerns, visit DoingWell at MIT.
What We Do
S3 can help in a number of different areas including:
- Assisting with plans and communication with faculty when extenuating circumstances get in the way of your courseworks — illness or injury, struggles with mental health, relationships/family issues
- Identifying and connecting you with various Institute resources to support your journey
- Supporting your adjustment to MIT and while helping you find your community
- Talking through how to help a friend who is struggling
- Navigating academic difficulties or review by the Committee on Academic Performance (CAP)
- Locating resources for emergency expenses
- Reviewing options should you need to take time away from MIT
- View the S3 2024-2025 Student Satisfaction survey
Meeting With S3
There are two different options for meeting with an S3 representative:
Appointments
In addition to having more time, appointments are also best if you want to follow up with a specific S3 staff member as you can use the S3 appointment form to schedule a meeting. Common topics include:
- Chronic health challenges
- Family or relationship difficulties
- Academic skill development
Drop-ins
Drop-ins can be the first step towards a larger conversation or they might be all you need to take care of a more concrete situation. Common topics include:
- A current, short term illness like strep throat
- A question about resources at MIT
- Advice around planning ahead for an absence
Leaves and Returns
Many students (about 100 each year) choose to take time away from MIT. S3 works closely with each individual student to set up a plan for their time away, as well as for their return. Students consistently tell us that they are relieved by how smooth the process is.
You can read more about both the types of leaves on our Requesting a Leave page, and the process for returns on our Requesting a Return page, or schedule an appointment to discuss further.
Important Resources
MIT is full of wonderful resources for students, but navigating them can sometimes be overwhelming. No matter what the concern, don’t hesitate to be in touch with someone in our office. If we can’t provide you with assistance we’ll be sure to refer you to another individual or office that can. Below are some frequently utilized resources.
Resources
Excused Absences (OX)
If extenuating medical or personal issues prevent you from completing some aspect of a course, receiving a temporary OX grade may be a helpful option.
DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
Student Support Services (S3) is committed to providing advocacy, support, and resources to undocumented and DACA students in our MIT community.
Committee on Academic Performance
The Committee on Academic Performance (CAP) is a standing committee of the Faculty concerned with the academic performance of undergraduates.
Contact Us
Student Support Services values your privacy. However, health and safety concerns, sexual misconduct reports, or legal requirements may require sharing information with relevant parties. We encourage you to discuss any privacy concerns with your S3 dean.