Supporting Yourself Through an Election
Related Resources
Post-Election Drop-in Support
The offices below are holding special virtual drop-in hours or increasing staff availability to support students during the week of November 2, 2020.
Student Support Services (Undergraduate Students)
S3 will have open office hours from 10:00 AM–4:00 PM ET on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday after the election for students to drop in and speak with a dean. Students can access office hours through the S3 homepage or directly through the S3 Help Queue (certificates required).
Students are also invited to gather with peers and an S3 dean in a virtual waiting room to talk about reactions, worries, and ways to manage stress. This will be offered from 12:00–2:00 PM ET on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Students are welcome to drop by for as much of the time as they wish. Please look for a Zoom link on the S3 homepage.
GradSupport (Graduate Students)
GradSupport will offer drop-in office hours from 10:00 AM–12:00 PM and 2:00–4:00 PM ET on the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday after the election to provide a supportive space for students to process their reactions. Students can access GradSupport office hours through this Zoom link.
Student Mental Health & Counseling Services
Clinicians will be available from 12:00–4:00 PM ET starting Tuesday, November 3 through Friday, November 6 to respond to any mental health-related inquiries or urgent concerns from students, including concerns related to the election. Any student who is experiencing distress is encouraged to call 617-253-2916. Students may call this number 24/7 for any urgent concerns.
Additionaly, be sure to check out their tips for managing stress during the election cyle. Active Minds, an organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness among college students, has also put together tips for coping with election stress.
Events & Programs
MIT Reboot
Monday, November 2 – Wednesday, November 11MIT Reboot is a time to recharge and take a break. We are inviting students, staff and faculty to find moments to refresh and enjoy one of the many events being held. We encourage you to review the schedule and participate in any way that works for you.
View the Schedule for MIT Reboot 2020
Bridging Divides Around US Politics: Creating Change in How We Engage With Each Other
ORSEL, the PKG Center, and the Commons
Part I: Thursday, October 29 from 4:00–5:00 PM ET
Part II: Monday, November 9 from 4:00–5:00 PM ET
This hands-on, two-part workshop is for people who wish conversations and interactions between people who disagree politically could be more constructive, especially on social media. Sponsored by Radius and joined by facilitators from The Commons Project, we will explore and discuss: (1) How are our relationships and interactions changing in the current political environment, online and offline? (2) What strategies or actions, online and offline, can we use to increase the quality of our conversations and cooperation?
Register for this workshop
COMIT: 2020 Election Debrief for Students
The PKG Center
Join the student leaders of the Civic Organizers @ MIT (COMIT) to debrief the election!
Email beckerd@mit.edu to be added to the first-to-know list!
First-Year Community Engagement Series: Civic & Political Engagement
The PKG Center
Tuesday, October 27 from 7:00–8:00 PM ETJoin the PKG Center for a panel of 2 activists from the two ends of the political spectrum who will talk about their journeys working together and combating divisiveness in middle America. This is a part of the PKG’s first-year series, but all are welcome!
RSVP for this event
Gather With Your Light
ORSEL and the PKG Center
Tuesday, November 3 at 8:30 PM ETJoin peacebuilders around the United States to gather & #ShineOnTheVote in your own community in the ‘commons’ or center of your town. After your precinct has closed, come together to light a candle, shine a flashlight, turn on a porch light, or carry a lantern. Using a light source will identify you as someone who is looking for a peaceful, free, fair, respectful & safe democratic electoral process.
Learn more at navigatingtogether.mit.edu
Post-Election Check-in for Students
Office of Minority Education
Wednesday, November 4 from 12:00–1:00 PM ET or 1:00–2:00 PM ETThis event will open with polls on the outcome of the election and move to an open conversation about the way people are feeling. This will be followed by a relaxation activity and a discussion of different self-care practices. Students may attend either the 12:00 PM or 1:00 PM session.
Join on Zoom or contact the Office of Minority Education with any questions.
For general resources to care for your wellbeing, visit the Staying Well page.