Faculty and Resident Scholar Opportunities
The student on-campus experience is shaped by live-in faculty Heads of House and faculty and academic professionals in the Residential Scholars Program. This structure fosters a rich communal space as students, faculty, and visitors interact and share their passions and interests.
Faculty Heads of House
Residence Halls are led by live-in faculty, called Heads of House, who offer academic and personal support to residents. Heads of House, as well as Associate Heads of House, often live with their spouses or partners and families. They work with the House Team comprised of live-in Area Directors, House Operations Managers, and other staff.
Available Head of House positions are advertised by the Vice Chancellor for Student Life to faculty mailing lists.
Residential Scholars
The Residential Scholars program is a live-in residential experience for visiting or permanently appointed MIT faculty members and professionals from the community. These individuals share their expertise, interests, and wealth of life experiences with the MIT student community.
Getting to know some of the students and renewing our optimism in the leaders and innovators of the future has been the best part of the role. I’ve enjoyed setting up small, intimate events where you can talk in more detail to a few students. It’s well worth it!
Jeff Behrens, Residential Scholar 2023
Apartments
The Residential Scholar program is based in four undergraduate residence halls: Simmons Hall, New House, Maseeh Hall, and New Vassar. Each Residential Scholar is assigned a one- or two-bedroom apartment, depending on the residence hall and availability, as well as the size of the family residing with the Scholar. Scholar apartments are established in each residence hall and cannot be changed to accommodate larger families.
Amenities and Benefits
Each apartment:
- Is offered at below-market rates, similar to other on-campus graduate housing apartments
- Includes utilities and WiFi
- Come fully furnished
- Includes a 10-meal per week meal plan to use at residential dining halls — for scholars and their families
Other Costs and Considerations
Residential Scholars are responsible for additional expenses, including:
- Apartment insurance — The Institute is not responsible for any expenses incurred due to damage and Scholars are encouraged to purchase their own coverage.
- Expenses related to moving in and out.
- Parking — Available for a fee.
Residents must follow all housing policies, including the pet policy.
Appointments
Appointments follow the academic calendar, running from September 1 through June 1 of the next year. The deadline to apply for the 2025 academic year is April 1, 2025.
Visiting Scholars and Postdocs
While on-campus housing is prioritized for members of the MIT student community, visitors, postdocs, and affiliates are eligible to live in on-campus graduate housing, subject to housing availability.