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| All MIT international students required to do Fall 2021 Online Check-in |
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View short video explaining the process
New and Continuing students should upload documents on iMIT
We are asking ALL MIT International Students (New AND Continuing) to complete the Online Check-In Procedure. *Note: You can complete eforms 1 and 2 before your arrival to the US.
The Online Check-In process should be completed in iMIT as follows:
- Login to iMIT (http://imit.mit.edu): Select “Upon Arrival” menu, then Select “Fall 2021 Online Check-In”
- ALL Students: Complete section “1. Student Status” and section “2. Student Category” (New/Transfer or Continuing Student) now, even before arrival to the U.S.
- New/Transfer Students (arriving to the U.S. to begin in-person study in Fall 2021): Complete section “3. Online Check-In Forms” only AFTER your arrival in the U.S.
- Continuing Students (pursued in-person coursework in the U.S. at MIT in Spring 2021 or earlier): Complete section “3. Online Check-In Forms” either AFTER your arrival in the U.S.
If any questions arise, please feel free to contact the ISO (iso-help@mit.edu). Thank you for your assistance and we look forward to the Fall semester with you.
NOTE: If your plans for Fall 2021 change after submitting the Online Check-In, PLEASE return to iMIT and CANCEL the previous submission and resubmit the new eform to confirm your plans.
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| MIT Updates Vaccine Information and Returning to Campus Guidance |
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MIT continually updates its guidance on vaccine information and guidance for return to campus (including testing, masking, dining, indoor activities, and related issues) for the Fall 2021 semester for students, faculty and staff.
Please be sure to review the updates on the MIT Now website:
https://now.mit.edu/
https://now.mit.edu/policies/reentry-to-campus-students/
The MIT Medical vaccine information page has also been updated, including updates to the FAQ (including a specific section on commonly asked questions from international students). Please review the Vaccine Information page/FAQ: https://covidapps.mit.edu/vaccine-information |
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| Reporting in iMIT Your Scheduled Visa Interview AND Visa Approval Information |
Report on iMIT
Don't forget to update once visa is approved |
In order to help track visa processing experiences at U.S. Embassies/Consulates around the world, and to help advocate for our students, we ask for your assistance in reporting when you have secured your visa interview appointment and when you receive your visa.
You can complete this reporting in iMIT with the following steps:
*Login to iMIT (https://imit.mit.edu)
*Click on the left-hand menu “Admissions”
*Click on the button “Visa Interview & Approval”
*Select the appropriate E-Forms, complete the information, and click “Submit”
Please note that if your visa interview appointment changes, please go into iMIT and submit a new “Visa Interview Scheduled” eform. Thank you very much for your assistance. |
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| J-1 Students Working On-Campus in Fall 2021- request authorization in iMIT |
| ISO verification for J work authorization is required every year |
A reminder to all students in J-1 status (Form DS-2019) who will be working on-campus in Fall 2021 (including research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, other on-campus positions), you need to request an updated authorization from the ISO in SEVIS. J-1 regulations require that the ISO verify each year if a J-1 student is working on-campus.
The process to request the J-1 On-Campus Employment authorization is very easy:
(1) Login to iMIT (https://imit.mit.edu)
(2) Select the left-hand menu “J-1 On-Campus Work Authorization”
(3) Read the instructions and complete the eform (start date for RA/TA/Fellowships will be 09/01/2021 unless your job starts at another designated date)
(4) Click “Submit”The ISO will complete the notification in SEVIS and send you a letter via email for your records.If any questions arise, please feel free to contact your ISO Advisor.
Thank you for your assistance. |
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| Limited In-Person Office Hours for Fall Semester at ISO |
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The ISO has resumed limited in-person office hours for the Fall 2021 semester beginning Monday, August 9. In-Person services will be primarily to support emergency issues only.
*ISO Advisors will continue to conduct appointments remotely via Zoom, and can be reached by email and by phone.
**Visa documents will continue to be requested and processed online via iMIT, and the documents will be sent to students electronically (if possible) or via express mail.
***Most orientation and programming will be offered online, with limited in-person events as allowed.
In-Person/Walk-In Office Hours (emergency situations):
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Wednesdays: 1:00pm - 3:00pm
Please continue to consult the ISO website (https://iso.mit.edu) for extensive resources and guidance, and instructions on online/remote support services. As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the ISO by email (iso-help@mit.edu) or by phone (617-253-3795) or contact your ISO Advisor directly.
We look forward to joining you back on campus this Fall! |
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| Receiving USCIS Notices on Pending OPT/STEM OPT Applications - Contact ISO |
| Contact your ISO Advisor |
| As a reminder to students, if you receive any notification from USCIS either regarding the rejection or denial, or a request for additional evidence, for an application (such as OPT, STEM OPT Extension, Change of Status, etc.), before you respond to that request from USCIS please be sure to consult with your ISO Advisor first. Such requests may require new documentation issued by the ISO. |
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| Networking in the American Context: Where, When, What, Why, & How |
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday, September 23
12:00pm - 1:00pm
REGISTRATION OPENS AFTER SEPT 7, 2021 |
Does the idea of networking stress you out? Or worse, do you avoid it because it sounds so unpleasant? In this workshop, we’ll lay out the basics of networking, informational interviewing, and the expectations for professional relationships in the U.S. You’ll learn why a strong basis is crucial for your career first steps and how to go about mastering the art of networking in the US.
This workshop is a collaboration of the International Students Office (ISO) and Career Advising and Professional Development (CAPD), as part of the Career Exploration Series in CAPD.
Sign up required on Handshake:
https://app.joinhandshake.com/events
REGISTRATION WILL OPEN AFTER 9/07/2021 |
| REGISTER |
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| Online Zumba Classes With Liz |
| Mondays at 7:30 PM ET |
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Westgate is offering Zumba classes for the MIT community. The classes are online and free of charge. We would like to thank the MIT GSC Funding Board for sponsoring this event.
Mondays at 7:30 PM, starting on July 19 and ending on October 4, 2021.
Please sign-up to receive the Zoom link.
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| Online Yoga Classes With Neha |
| Thursdays at 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM ET |
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Westgate is offering Yoga classes for the MIT community. The classes are online and free of charge. We would like to thank the MIT GSC Funding Board for sponsoring this event. Thursdays at 7:30 PM, starting on August 12 and ending on October 28, 2021.
Please sign-up to receive the Zoom link.
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| SP: Orientation Brunch |
| August 29, 2021, 11 AM – 12 PM
Location: SP Graduate Dorm Multipurpose room
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Join us for the first Brunch of Fall to welcome our new residents to SP and get to know more residents! A variety of Brunch foods from pancakes, beans, eggs, pastries and fruits will be served for all to enjoy!
Contact: sp-brunch-chair@mit.edu
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| MIT Sandbox: Info Sessions |
August 31, 12:00 - 1:00 PM /
September 10, 12:00 - 1:00 PM |
MIT Sandbox applications for new teams open on September 1st – join an info session to learn more
Did you know that MIT Sandbox provides funding and mentorship to help you explore your innovative idea as an entrepreneur? Join us for an information session where you will learn more about the program and how Sandbox provides up to $25K in seed funding, mentorship, and training to support your entrepreneurial journey!
- Not a competition
- Open to all MIT undergraduate and graduate students from all schools
- Focused on student-driven entrepreneurship
- Supports students at all stages of the start-up process - from idea to launch
- Applications are due by September 15th
Register for a virtual info session:
Learn more about the program |
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| GSC ARC Networking Event |
August 31, 2021, 7:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: TBD |
GSC ARC (Committee on Academics, Research, and Careers) is organizing a networking event!
Come to meet new MIT fellow students and to know what MIT has to offer in terms of professional development, social activities, and much more! The location of the event will be defined soon. Food will be provided.
If you are interested, please fill in the form (the form is mandatory to participate) and please, if you have any question, contact us!
Hope to see you there!
RSVP here |
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| Ashdown House: Orientation Dessert Night |
September 2,2021, 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Location: Ashdown House Courtyard and Hulsizer Room (NW35-1121) |
Sit down and chat with people while enjoying a variety of desserts! Several dessert options will be available including fruit, cookies, cake, pastries and ice cream. Hot beverages will also be provided!
Contact: ashdown-coffee-chair@mit.edu
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| iREFS: "Managing Up Your Advisor or Supervisor" Workshop |
| September 14, 2021, 3PM |
Hope you are staying safe and doing well. MIT iREFS are organizing a workshop, "Managing Up Your Advisor or Supervisor" on September 14th (Tuesday) at 3 PM.
Our relationships with research advisors and professional supervisors have a tremendous effect on our well-being and growth. This workshop will teach principles and skills to help you “manage up” your supervisors here at MIT and beyond, creating more positive, productive working relationships. Skills will include identifying the overlap between your interests and your advisor's, advocating for your own needs, and optimizing your day-to-day interactions.
The workshop will be taught by Dr. Diana Chien and Dr. Jesse Dunietz, Senior Program Manager and Instructional Designer of the School of Engineering Communication Lab.
If you are interested in attending the panel, please RSVP here. The first 30 to sign up will be reimbursed $12 for lunch (please note that MA sales tax will not be reimbursed). The detailed instructions for reimbursement will be sent to the participants after the event.
We would love to see you at the workshop! Mark your calendars.
Here is the zoom link for the event:
https://mit.zoom.us/j/92866594137
Please feel free to reach out to us at irefs-contact@mit.edu in case you have any questions or concerns. |
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| MIT Spouses & Partners Connect: Orientation Events |
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MIT Spouses & Partners Connect / 50th anniversary year - open to all significant others of MIT students, postdocs, and staff
WHERE TO FIND MS&PC DURING ORIENTATION
- ISO GRAD WELCOME ON ZOOM:
August 31 at 5:30 p.m.
- GRADUATE GRAD FAIR in-person
September 7th at 12 to 2pm
More information coming soon
MS&PC ORIENTATION EVENTS:
- INFORMATION SESSION on Zoom
August 30 at 6 pm
Ask questions about life in Boston and how to participate in our various meetings and activities.
Please register here - bit.ly/infosession_mspc
We will have breakout rooms on different topics to welcome and answer newcomers’ questions. Breakout room topics will be: Career/Education; Parenting; Daily Life; MS&PC and MIT; and English Learning.
September 8 at 10 AM
Join the tour and get to know about the public art collection of MIT. This is a great opportunity to meet new and old friends.
Please register here - bit.ly/mspc_arttour
- COUPLES and FAMILIES BOSTON SCAVENGER HUNT in person
September 11 at 11 AM
Meet other MIT couples and families while competing for a fun prize. Enjoy the sights Boston has to offer while solving riddles that will teach you more facts about this amazing city. Boston's hidden treasures and surprises are waiting for you!
This is a competitive game.
Please register here - bit.ly/mspcriddle
- NEWCOMER OFFICE HOURS on Zoom
Every other Monday at 10 AM starting September 13
Meet with Jennifer Recklet Tassi, the Program Manager, and Viktoriia Palesheva, the Program Assistant, and ask your questions about life at MIT and in Boston. Please register so we know that you are coming.
- WEEKLY WEDNESDAY MEETINGS on Zoom
Every Wednesday at 10 AM starting on September 15
MS&PC meets via Zoom: https://mit.zoom.us/j/585674692 (password: 139032). Hosted by the MS&PC staff. Join other members of MS&PC for guest speakers, interactive games, and interesting conversation.
- PRIVATE CONSULTS on Zoom and in person
Facilitated by Program Manager, Jennifer Recklet Tassi, this private appointment via Zoom or in-person (outdoors) is a time to ask questions, voice concerns, and reimagine your life here in Boston. We can spend the time talking about whatever is on your mind - from job search and career development to navigating a new city to figuring out how to make your experience in Boston productive and meaningful.
Appointments will be available at various times during the week.
Book a 30 minute private Zoom appointment here: https://mspc.youcanbook.me/
Book a 30 minute private in-person outdoors appointment here: https://meet-on-campus.youcanbook.me/
MIT Language Conversation Exchange - open to all members of the MIT community
We connect people across MIT for conversation, cultural exchange, and friendship.
How to find a conversation partner at MIT so you can practice a language you are learning or want to improve with a native speaker.
Visit our website: http://lce.mit.edu
• Search and contact native speakers of languages you want to practice for one-on-one conversation held at your convenience
• Watch this video to learn how our website works
• Join our new Slack Space: https://bit.ly/lce-slack
• Join or create channels for the languages you are interested in
• Practice your writing skills while meeting other people at MIT who share your language interests
Get in touch with the LCE
Email us at lce@mit.edu
Follow us on Facebook @MITLCE |
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| Graduate Certificate in Technical Leadership Courses for Fall 2021 |
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"Amplify Your Technical Education to Build a Better World!”
Our Graduate Program in Engineering Leadership is offering a Graduate Certificate in Technical Leadership. A summary of the interim certificate requirements is linked and attached.
Leadership education develops skills applicable across career paths, from leading research labs to leading project teams in engineering. Enroll in one or both of our Graduate Courses for Fall 2021, which qualify towards our Certificate in Technical Leadership. This certificate is designed to provide important skills that MIT graduate students can draw from to "make a positive difference" in their chosen careers. Grounded in research but experimental and engaging in delivery, these highly valued classes will provide enduring benefits for our graduate students – and future coworkers. *PhD candidates can also explore the option of using these class to satisfy the requirements for your doctoral minor.
GradEL Courses for Fall 2021 (**Open to all grad students!):
6.928J Leading Creative Teams (Same subject as 15.674 [J], 16.990 [J])
It takes a team to deliver impactful technical achievements and this class equips students with foundational skills for leading problem-solving teams and one’s own professional development.
M/W, 2:30-4pm • Units: G3-0-6 • 37-212
Instructor: David Nino (dnino@mit.edu); Jin Wu (jinwu@mit.edu)
6.927 Negotiation & Influence Skills for Technical Leaders
Expand your natural tendencies and learn experientially both the theory and practice of interpersonal negotiation, influence and overcoming difficult relationship situations.
T, 1-3pm • Units: G2-0-4 • 66-144
Instructor: David Nino (dnino@mit.edu); Jin Wu (jinwu@mit.edu)
***For more information, visit our website.
*If you are interested in earning our certificate, please email Lisa Stagnone (lstag@mit.edu) and David Niño (dnino@mit.edu) |
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| Wellness Events & Resources |
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| GradLink Resources |
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Hello MIT grad students:
Want to brighten up your feed with resources to keep you at your best physically, emotionally, and financially? Follow us for humor, events, inspiration, and resources to help you thrive and connect!
Instagram @mitgradstudents
Facebook @MIT Grad Link
Twitter @mitgradstudents |
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| SOME: Acronym for self-care |
| Sleep, Outside, Mindfulness, Exercise |
Instead of an “all-or-nothing” approach to self-care, you can choose SOMEthing from the list and do SOME of it today. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to work for you. SOME activities signal to your body and mind that you are listening to, appreciating, and taking care of yourself.
S is for Sleep: Sleep experts recommend creating a bedtime routine that allows the body and brain to slow down and prepare for sleep. Bedtime Unwind is a 13-minute routine which includes three simple stretches to relax before bed - or anytime you could use a mind-body break.
Check out Bedtime Unwind here.
O is for Outdoors: An outdoor walk can boost creativity and focus. A study has found that both walking and being outside could lead to more creative thinking. While the association is not well understood, it is an easy-to-implement strategy.
M is for Mindfulness: Mindfulness practice: You have to eat anyway - might as well enjoy it mindfully! To start, simply look away from any technology and look directly at your food for a moment. Notice color and texture. Next, take in aroma. Finally, take one mindful bite and chew slowly and mindfully. Pay extra attention to the genius of your tongue.
E is for Exercise: You've probably heard this one a lot, but let this be another sign for you to workout while watching TV. You can do push-ups, crunches, jumping jacks, and squats while focusing on your show. Want an extra nudge? Bring your jump rope, dumbbells, resistance bands, or any other fitness tools near your TV to help remind you to use them.
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| COMMUNITY WELLNESS WEBSITE |
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MIT International Students Office
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
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Office Hours:
9:00-16:00 (M-F)
Closed (W) 10:00-11:30
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