2026–2027
MIND AND
HAND BOOK
MIT Mind and Hand Book
The
Mind and Hand Book
is the guide to MIT's expectations of student behavior as a
student at MIT. This book contains standards, guidelines, regulations, and procedures
pertaining to academic integrity and non-academic behavior and policies for all
undergraduate and graduate students, including those residing in Institute-approved
housing, living groups, and off campus.
The Institute reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or changes to these policies
at any time. The most updated version of the
Mind and Hand Book
is located online at:
http://handbook.mit.edu
.
The
Mind and Hand Book
is published by the MIT Division of Student Life.
For questions about any policies or procedures, contact the Office of Student Conduct
and Community Standards via email at
osccs@mit.edu
.
The
Mind and Hand Book
© MIT 2016.
ii
Table of Contents
I
Introduction ..................................................................................................1
1.
MIT Values Statement ...............................................................................1
2.
Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom ..........................................2
II
Policies Regarding Student Behavior .............................................................3
1.
Academic Integrity ....................................................................................4
A.
Cheating ..............................................................................................4
B.
Plagiarism ............................................................................................5
C.
Unauthorized Collaboration ..................................................................5
D.
Falsification of Information or Data .......................................................5
E.
Research Misconduct ...........................................................................5
F.
Other Examples of Academic Misconduct ...............................................6
G.
Facilitating Academic Misconduct ........................................................6
2.
Alcohol and Other Drugs ...........................................................................7
A.
Alcohol Policy ......................................................................................7
B.
Other Drug Policy (Prohibited Substances) ............................................8
C.
Requirement to Obtain Medical Assistance for Emergencies
Involving Alcohol and Prohibited Substance…………………………………………………….9
D.
Institute Imposed Sanctions for Violations of Alcohol and
Prohibited Substances
Policies…………………………………………………………………………10
E.
Help-Seeking (Good Samaritan) Amnesty Policy .................................. 10
3.
Amnesty for Help-Seeking Policy ............................................................. 12
4.
Physical Abuse and/or Reckless Endangerment ....................................... 14
5.
Community Well-Being ........................................................................... 14
6.
Copyright Infringement ........................................................................... 14
7.
Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment ........................................ 16
A.
Preamble ........................................................................................... 16
B.
Reporting Options and Resources for Students .................................... 16
C.
MIT’s Response .................................................................................. 17
D.
Interim Action & Supportive Measures During Investigations ................ 18
E.
Freedom of Expression/Academic Freedom ......................................... 18
F.
Nondiscrimination Policy .................................................................... 18
G.
Discriminatory Harassment ................................................................
19
H.
Sexual Misconduct .............................................................................
21
I.
Intimate Partner Violence ....................................................................
25
J.
Stalking .............................................................................................
26
K.
Non-Retaliation ..................................................................................
27
L.
Title IX Sexual Harassment .................................................................
27
8.
Disorderly Conduct ................................................................................ 31
9.
Fire Safety .............................................................................................. 31
iii
10.
[place holder]
11.
Gambling and Raffles. ........................................................................... 33
12.
Hacking ................................................................................................ 33
13.
Harassment ......................................................................................... 36
14.
Hazardous Materials ............................................................................. 37
15.
Hazing .................................................................................................. 38
16.
Improper Use of Institute Name and Logo ............................................... 43
17.
Improper Use of Institute Property......................................................... 43
18.
Institute Expectations of Student Behavior and Integrity......................... 44
19.
MIT ID Card ........................................................................................... 44
20.
Non-Retaliation and Whistleblower Policy ............................................. 45
21.
Off-Campus Misconduct ....................................................................... 46
22.
Property Damage and Destruction ......................................................... 46
23.
Protests and Demonstrations ................................................................ 46
24.
Theft .................................................................................................... 46
25.
Threats, Intimidation, and Coercion ....................................................... 46
26.
Unauthorized Access ............................................................................ 47
27.
Weapons and Dangerous Objects ........................................................... 47
III
Policies Regarding Residence Halls and Apartments ................................... 48
1.
Residence Hall Murals ............................................................................ 48
2.
Smoking in the Residence Halls ............................................................... 48
3.
Events in the Residence Halls .................................................................. 48
4.
Security in the Residence Halls ............................................................... 48
5.
Postering in the Residence Halls ............................................................. 49
6.
Rooftop Common Spaces in Residence Halls ........................................... 49
IV
Policies Regarding Fraternities, Sororities,
and Independent Living Groups ................................................................. 49
1.
Approved Institute Housing ..................................................................... 50
2.
Judicial Procedures ................................................................................ 51
3.
Interim Action ........................................................................................ 51
V
Other Selected Institute Policies ................................................................ 52
1.
Common Policies to Note ........................................................................ 52
2.
Bicycles and Personal Wheels on Campus ............................................... 53
3.
Statement on Drug-free Campus and Workplace Policies ......................... 55
4.
Emergency Contacts, Missing Person,
Missing Student Notification Policy ......................................................... 55
5.
Protection of Personal Privacy................................................................. 56
6.
Student Leave Policies ............................................................................ 56
VI
Complaint, Reporting, and Disciplinary Procedures .................................... 57
VII
Resources ................................................................................................ 58
ii
VIII Review and Revisions……………………………………………………………………………………….….
59
1
I.
Introduction
As the Institute’s mission states, MIT is committed to generating, disseminating, and
preserving knowledge, and to working with others to bring this knowledge to bear on the
world’s greatest challenges. An MIT education combines rigorous academic study and
the excitement of discovery with the support and intellectual stimulation of a diverse
campus community.
The
Mind and Hand Book
takes its name from
Mens et Manus
, MIT’s Latin motto meaning
“mind and hand.” It serves as a guide for students in navigating the community
expectations that make this educational community so vibrant.
MIT expects that all students come to the Institute for a serious academic purpose and
expects them to be responsible individuals who conduct themselves with high
standards of honesty and personal conduct. It is MIT’s philosophy to maintain rules and
regulations consistent with efficient administration and the general welfare of the MIT
community.
Fundamental to the principle of independent learning and professional growth is the
requirement of honesty and integrity in the conduct of one’s academic and nonacademic
life. Maintenance of a healthy living and learning environment requires that all members
of the community exercise due respect for the basic rights of one another.
Each student is responsible for reading and understanding the Institute’s expectations
which are documented in the
Mind and Hand Book
, available online at
handbook.mit.edu
,
and the
Academic Integrity Handbook
, which is available online at
integrity.mit.edu
. By enrolling at MIT, students voluntarily agree to comply with the
standards of performance and behavior that are described in the
Mind and Hand Book
and the
Academic Integrity Handbook
.
I (1). MIT Values Statement
Excellence and Curiosity
We strive for the highest standards of integrity, and intellectual and creative
excellence. We seek new knowledge and practical impact, in service to the nation
and the world.
We prize originality, ingenuity, honesty, and boldness. We love discovery and
exploration, invention and making. We delight in the full spectrum of human
wisdom.
Drawing strength from MIT’s distinctive roots, we believe in learning by doing, and
we blur the boundaries between disciplines as we seek to solve hard problems.
2
Embracing the unconventional, we welcome quirkiness, nerdiness, creative
irreverence, and play.
We accept the risk of failing as a rung on the ladder of growth. With fearless
curiosity, we question our assumptions, look outward, and learn from others.
Openness and Respect
We champion the open sharing of information and ideas.
Because learning is nourished by a diversity of views, we cherish free expression,
debate, and dialogue in pursuit of truth – and we commit to using these tools with
respect for each other and our community.
We strive to be transparent and worthy of each other’s trust – and we challenge
ourselves to face difficult facts, speak plainly about failings in our systems, and
work to overcome them.
We take special care not to overlook bad behavior or disrespect on the grounds of
great accomplishment, talent, or power.
Belonging and Community
We strive to make our community a humane and welcoming place where people
from a diverse range of backgrounds can grow and thrive – and where we all feel that
we belong.
We know that attending to our own and each other’s wellbeing in mind, body, and
spirit is essential. We believe that decency, kindness, respect, and compassion for
each other as human beings are signs of strength.
Valuing potential over pedigree, we know that talent and good ideas can come from
anywhere – and we value one another’s contributions in every role.
Together we possess uncommon strengths, and we shoulder the responsibility to
use them with wisdom and care for humanity and the natural world.
I (2). Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
As stated in
MIT’s Statement of Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom
, MIT
unequivocally endorses the principles of freedom of expression and academic
freedom as essential to its mission.
The policies included in the
Mind and Hand Book
are not intended to discipline
students for engaging in protected expression. However, expression must occur
within established parameters. As stated below in Section II, MIT does not protect
some forms of expression, such as threats, harassment, or plagiarism, and may
restrain the time, place, and manner of expression to ensure that the essential
3
activities and operations of the Institute are not disrupted.
To learn more about what freedom of expression means at the Institute, community
members are encouraged to visit the
MIT Free Expression website.
II.
Policies Regarding Student Behavior
All members of the MIT community are expected to conduct themselves with proper
respect for one another and each other’s property. The Institute promotes the principle
that every person brings unique qualities and talents to the community and that every
individual should be treated in a respectful manner.
All members of the MIT community are expected to conduct themselves with
professionalism, personal integrity, and respect for the rights, differences, and dignity
of others.
1
These standards of personal conduct apply to all communications, whether
oral, written, or through gestures. Community members are also expected to treat the
property of both the Institute and other community members with appropriate care and
respect.
The Institute reserves the right to take any action that it deems necessary or appropriate
to protect the intellectual integrity, safety, and well-being of the campus community,
including interim measures such as temporary suspension. To that end, MIT students are
expected to abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the Institute, as well as city,
state, and federal laws. Students are expected to be familiar with the Institute’s
expectations of them, which are found in the MIT Bulletin, in the
Mind and Hand Book
,
and in the
Institute Policies & Procedures.
MIT expects that members of the MIT community will not engage in behavior that
endangers their own sustained effectiveness or that has serious ramifications for their
own physical and mental health, safety, welfare, academic well-being, professional
obligations, or for that of others. In situations where an individual student’s physical
illness or emotional difficulties affect not only the student, but also others in the
community, it is the Institute’s responsibility to consider the well-being of the
community as well as the individuals.
Off-campus misconduct may be a basis for MIT disciplinary action if the Institute
considers that such alleged misconduct may have violated Institute policy and
expectations of civility, integrity, and respect. Student status in no sense renders an
individual student immune from the jurisdiction of civil or criminal courts and other
governmental authorities. MIT actions will consider applicable law as well as the
policies and procedures of the Institute and the standards of behavior expected of
1
Source:
Policies & Procedures 9.2: Personal Conduct and Responsibilities Towards
Students and Employees
4
members of the educational community.
MIT internally handles some incidents that might give rise to civil or criminal liability.
This is done with the understanding by the outside community that MIT deals seriously
with such offenses. As is the case for many universities, local authorities often rely on
MIT to resolve such issues as long as the internal policies and procedures are effective
and adequate. MIT action by itself, however, does not preclude the possibility of other
judicial remedies.
If an infraction causes a student to be involved both in Institute disciplinary proceedings
and in criminal proceedings, the Institute generally will not delay or stop the internal
process until after the criminal proceedings have been concluded. For more information,
contact the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, room W32-105, 617-
258-8423,
osccs@mit.edu.
II (1). Academic Integrity
Fundamental to the academic work students do at MIT is an expectation that students
will make choices that reflect integrity and responsible behavior. MIT anticipates that
students will pursue their studies with purpose and integrity. The cornerstone of
scholarship in all academic disciplines is honesty. MIT expects that students will work
with honesty and integrity.
The aim of this policy is to make available information on prohibited academic
misconduct. Further information about the below policy, including clarifying guidance
on the policy and resources on acceptable academic conduct, can be found in
MIT’s
Academic Integrity Handbook
.
Cheating, plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, and other forms of academic
misconduct are considered serious offenses for which disciplinary penalties can be
imposed. Academic misconduct includes but is not limited to the following examples:
A.
Cheating
Cheating involves taking unfair advantage when completing academic work.
This can include, but is not limited to:
Copying other students’ work.
Using any material or aid not authorized by the person giving the test,
project, or other assignments (e.g., websites, cell phone, calculator,
notes, previous testing materials) that could provide an unfair academic
advantage. This includes distributing unauthorized materials (e.g., giving
access to test information to others, etc.).
Changing the answers on an exam for re-grade.
5
Misrepresenting a family or personal situation to get an extension.
Forging a faculty member’s signature for an academic form.
Falsifying data or claiming to have done research that one did not do.
Claiming the work of others as one’s own by deliberately not citing them.
Signing in for another student who is not in attendance, requesting this
action of others, or signing into class and not attending the entire class
period.
Assisting another student in doing any of the above.
B.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the appropriation of another person’s ideas, words, processes,
results, assertions, data, or figures without giving appropriate credit or
acknowledging that one has done so. This can include, but is not limited to:
Copying, partially or entirely, any material without acknowledgment of the
source.
Partial or incomplete citation of work or ideas.
Acknowledging the source but failing to present the material in one’s own
words or paraphrasing without acknowledging the source (improper
paraphrasing).
Submitting the same or substantially the same academic work for multiple
courses without instructor(s) permission (self-plagiarism).
C.
Unauthorized Collaboration
Collaboration is a key component of a student’s MIT education. By working with
other students on projects, labs, and papers, students carry on a long tradition
of contributing to the knowledge that will shape the future of our world.
Students are responsible for understanding the accepted level of collaboration
for each of their classes. The accepted level of collaboration and the specific
requirements for documenting your collaborative efforts vary greatly from
class to class, even within the same department. Instructors determine the
collaboration policy for each class. If the policy is not clearly described in the
online course materials or in a class handout, ask your instructor how much
collaboration is permitted. Students should make sure they know where to
draw the line between collaboration and what could be considered cheating.
D.
Falsification of Information or Data
Misrepresenting or misleading others with respect to academic work or
6
misrepresenting facts for academic advantage. This can include, but is not
limited to:
Fabrication of documents submitted in connection with academic work.
Falsifying data or claiming to have done academic work that one did not do.
E.
Research Misconduct
Research misconduct is fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research
activities or deliberate interference. The full policy can be found in MIT’s
Policies & Procedures 10.1: Procedures for Dealing with Academic Misconduct
in Research and Scholarship
.
F.
Other Examples of Academic Misconduct
Having someone complete work for you, including the use of commercial
tutoring or paper-writing services, or doing the work for someone else.
Engaging in an act of bribery or coercion. Bribery refers to soliciting,
receiving, or giving an item of value in exchange for academic work.
Taking, misplacing, or damaging property if the student knows or
reasonably should know that an unfair academic advantage would be
gained.
Destroying/altering the work of others or of resources to prevent other
students from accessing them.
G.
Facilitating or Being Complicit in Academic Misconduct:
Assisting another student in doing any of the above academic misconduct
examples. This includes, but is not limited to:
Sharing academic work or previous course materials with another student
without the permission of the instructor.
Communicating with an individual(s) during an examination without the
instructor’s permission.
Completing another student’s academic work for them.
Academic integrity and misconduct are explained more fully, including how to avoid
engaging in academic misconduct, in the
Academic Integrity Handbook
.
Early in the term, the instructor should communicate specific expectations regarding
academic conduct and collaboration in the subject. See the information on
Term
Regulations
. The Institute encourages faculty to take responses to academic
misconduct seriously, while also evaluating each case individually for the most
7
appropriate response. In all cases, documenting the outcome with the Office of Student
Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) ensures that records of student
misconduct are maintained centrally at the Institute, preventing an individual student
from committing several instances of academic misconduct without accountability.
Several methods of response are available, all of which help uphold the integrity of the
Institute and all students’ learning experiences. The OSCCS is responsible for
facilitating these responses for faculty, as well as maintaining documentation within the
Institute on the incident and response. Information for faculty regarding the options for
managing
academic
integrity
violations
is
available
on
OSCCS’s
webpage,
studentconduct.mit.edu
, and in
MIT’s Policies & Procedures 10.2 Procedures for Dealing
with Student Academic Dishonesty
.
II (2). Alcohol and Other Drugs
MIT is committed to holding community members accountable for the
illegal use or abuse of alcohol and other drugs and is equally committed to
assisting members of the MIT community in facing the challenges of drug
use and alcohol abuse.
The alcohol and other drugs policy is presented in five sections:
A.
Alcohol Policy
B.
Other Drug Policy (Prohibited Substances)
C.
Requirement to Obtain Medical Assistance for Emergencies
Involving Alcohol and Prohibited Substances
D.
Institute Imposed Sanctions for Violations of Alcohol and
Prohibited Substances Policies
E.
Good Samaritan Amnesty Policy
II (2) (A). Alcohol Policy
MIT prohibits any persons under the age of 21 from possessing or consuming
alcohol. Additionally, MIT prohibits persons from providing, serving, or selling
alcohol to any person, except as expressly allowed in
Institute Policy 9.13.2.
Small
social gatherings (usually considered to be 25 guests or fewer) at which alcohol is
served to individuals over the age of 21 are not considered a violation of this policy.
MIT also prohibits inappropriate behaviors that result from the use of alcohol by
persons of any age, including but not limited to public intoxication, driving while
under the influence of alcohol, vandalism, and behaviors that require an
intervention by Institute staff, cause a disturbance, or are a danger to persons (self
8
or others) or property.
Other alcohol-related behaviors prohibited by MIT include but are not limited to: the
possession or use of false identification to purchase alcohol, possession of open
containers of alcohol in public spaces, consumption from quantity dispensing
sources (e.g. kegs, punch bowls, water coolers, beer balls or garbage cans) on
campus or in Institute-approved housing, engaging in drinking games or other
activities involving rapid and/or excessive consumption of alcohol on campus or in
Institute-approved housing, and hosting events where alcohol is present or
consumed without prior approval, as required by the Event Planning Guide.
A.
Alcoholic beverages at student-sponsored and student
group-sponsored events
Alcoholic beverages containing 15% alcohol by volume (ABV) or less may be
served at approved student-sponsored and student group-sponsored events.
All beverages served at events must be pre-packaged, and hard liquor of any
kind (including in pre-packaged or canned cocktails) is not permitted to be
served at student-sponsored or student group-sponsored events.
Students should be familiar with all alcohol-related event protocols and
procedures; students may find links to relevant protocols and procedures for
residence halls, FSILGs, and student organizations below:
Events in Residence Halls:
Hosting a Residence Hall Event
Events in Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups:
FSILG
Social Events Policy
Events Hosted by Student Organizations:
Events Involving Alcohol
MIT also adheres to the provisions concerning alcohol under the federal Drug-
Free Workplace and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Acts (DFSCA).
The Institute does not intend through its guidelines or policies to restrict the
responsible use of alcohol by members of the MIT community who are at or
above the legal drinking age of 21. However, efforts to observe existing laws
and regulations in an environment where the majority of the undergraduate
student body is not of legal drinking age will impose some constraints on those
who are of legal drinking age.
II (2) (B). Other Drug Policy (Prohibited Substances)
MIT prohibits the use, sale, manufacturing, distribution, possession, the purchase,
intent to acquire, or facilitation of the use of illegal drugs and other illegal
substances, as well as substances that are generally recognized as dangerous and
9
detrimental to the individual and community, even though they may not be illegal
(including, but not limited to, whippits, 2-C’s, NBOME, research drugs, Spice, K-2,
non-prescribed performance enhancing drugs) (referred to in this policy as
“prohibited substances”).
Additionally, MIT prohibits persons from permitting the use of prohibited
substances, as noted in this policy, in one’s residence. MIT also prohibits the
unlawful distribution, possession, social sharing, non-prescribed use, or abuse of
prescription drugs. Altering, tampering, or forging a prescription is also prohibited.
A.
Recreational Cannabis
Although the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has approved legislation to legalize
recreational use of cannabis (
also referred to as
marijuana,
weed, THC, among
other terms
) by people at or over the age of 21, MIT must abide by federal law,
including the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act, to remain eligible for federal
funding to the Institute, including student financial aid. Therefore, MIT must continue
to maintain and enforce its prohibition on the use of
cannabis
. This means that for
all students, regardless of age, MIT prohibits the use, sale, manufacturing,
distribution, possession, or facilitation of the use of
cannabis
on campus, including
in all FSILGs, or as part of any MIT-sponsored activities.
This policy does not restrict lawful possession and use of cannabis while off
campus by members of the MIT community age 21 or older, unless it takes place
in an MIT approved living group or as part of any MIT-sponsored activities. MIT
prohibits the unlawful manufacturing, selling, and distribution of cannabis
regardless of location or age.
B.
Medicinal Cannabis
Because the federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act applies to the use
of medical cannabis, MIT policy includes the prohibition of cannabis for
medicinal purposes on campus, including in all FSILGs, or as part of any MIT-
sponsored activities. This prohibition applies even if the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health has issued a Medical Marijuana Registry
identification card to an individual, authorizing that individual to possess and
use cannabis for medicinal purposes. Thus, despite whatever state law may
permit, MIT policy strictly prohibits any person with a medical cannabis card
from possessing, using, distributing, selling, manufacturing, or facilitating the
use of medical cannabis on campus, including in all FSILGs, or as part of any
MIT-sponsored activities. For those students who have a medical condition that
may qualify as a disability, please contact
Disability and Access Services
to
discuss alternative accommodations and support that may be available to
address disability-related needs.
10
II (2) (C). Requirement to Obtain Medical Assistance for
Emergencies Involving Alcohol and Prohibited Substances
Members of the MIT community are required to summon emergency medical
services (by calling 911 or the MIT Police) to obtain assistance and evaluation for
any person who is in their room or immediate presence and is, or is suspected to be,
under the influence of alcohol or other prohibited substances, when that person’s
well-being and safety is known to be or reasonably should be known to be in
jeopardy. When an individual knows or reasonably should know that another person
is in jeopardy, failing to summon emergency medical services (e.g., taking the
person back to their residence and dropping them off, driving the person to a
hospital in a personal vehicle, asking another person to take responsibility for the
intoxicated individual) shall be considered a serious violation of this policy.
The health and safety of MIT students and other community members are of the
utmost importance. For this reason, the fact that a student or student organization
obtains medical assistance in accordance with this policy will be a factor that will
be considered strongly in their favor in determining whether and to what extent
disciplinary action will be pursued, as well as determining the severity of potential
outcomes and/or sanctions.
II (2) (D). Institute Imposed Sanctions for Violations of
Alcohol and Prohibited Substances Policies
MIT students found to be in violation of the Institute’s alcohol and prohibited
substances policies should expect to receive sanctions for those violations through
the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, via the Committee on
Discipline (COD). Sanctions are primarily intended to be educational in nature so
that students learn from the experience and the behavior(s) are not repeated in the
future. Sanctions for alcohol and/or other drug violations include but are not limited
to a warning, probation, attendance at an educational program or meeting, referral
to a counseling program or therapist, work project or community restitution hours,
loss of Institute-approved housing, suspension, expulsion, or another sanction
deemed appropriate for the violation. The sanctions of disciplinary suspension and
disciplinary expulsion will be strongly considered when a student is found to have
violated the policy regarding the sale, distribution, or social sharing of prohibited
substances and when a student has failed to summon medical assistance for
someone they knew, or reasonably should have known, to be in medical jeopardy
due to alcohol or substance use.
Additionally, careful note should be taken that MIT will not provide protection or
immunity from legal prosecution through existing city, state, or federal laws.
11
II (2) (E). Help-Seeking (Good Samaritan) Amnesty Policy
A.
Introduction
The health, safety, and general welfare of MIT students and other community
members are of the utmost concern to the Institute. The following Good
Samaritan Amnesty Policy has been established to reduce barriers related to
seeking help during medical emergencies or situations when someone is
believed to be the victim of a crime or significant policy violation even if there
is no medical emergency.
All students are required to seek immediate medical attention in
circumstances when they or others with them experience the potentially
dangerous effects associated with the use of alcohol or prohibited
substances.
2
B.
Policy Guidelines
In a situation where students seek medical attention for an alcohol or
prohibited substance-related medical emergency, MIT will treat the students’
use of alcohol or prohibited substances as a health and safety matter, not as a
disciplinary incident. This policy, which is intended to reduce barriers to getting
help, will be extended not only to the student receiving medical attention, but
also to the student(s) who call for help. In addition, to encourage reporting and
seeking help, this policy will be extended to any students who report in good
faith that they witnessed or are the victim of a crime or a significant violation of
MIT policy (e.g., sexual misconduct, hazing) even though they may have been
under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances at the time of the
incident.
Signs of an alcohol or prohibited substance-related emergency can include a
combination of lack of coordination, inability to stand, confusion, slurred
speech, erratic behavior, slow or shallow breathing, pale or clammy skin,
and/or vomiting while unconscious. For more signs of concern, see
https://doingwell.mit.edu/alcoholandwellbeing.
In an alcohol or prohibited substance-related medical emergency, students are
expected to:
Contact emergency officials by calling 100 (on campus) or 617-253-1212;
2
Prohibited substances include illegal drugs and other illegal substances, as well as substances that are
generally recognized as dangerous and detrimental to the individual and community, even though they may not be
illegal (including, but not limited to, whippits, 2-C’s, NBOME, research drugs, Spice, K-2, non-prescribed
performance
enhancing or other prescription drugs.
12
Remain with the individual(s) requiring treatment and cooperate with
emergency officials;
Meet and cooperate with appropriate Institute administrative staff after
the incident.
There are no restrictions to the number of times this Good Samaritan Amnesty
Policy may be used, and doing so repeatedly will not result in disciplinary
action.
If a student in need of medical attention is in a student residence, any other
student(s) in the room or in the immediate presence are expected to make a call
for assistance. Similarly, for situations occurring in residential common spaces
(e.g., suites, apartments, lounges, function rooms), it is expected that the
community members present at the time will make a call for assistance.
When members of student organizations
3
call for assistance on behalf of
individuals in need of help under this policy, the organizations will also not face
disciplinary actions for violations of the Institute’s policies on alcohol and
prohibited substances.
C.
Policy Expectations
Students or student organizations using this policy may be required to
complete educational and/or counseling program(s) that are meant to support
students and/or their organizations and connect them with other community
services and resources that may be beneficial. These programs and services
will be tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of those involved.
In instances where students or student organizations do not seek help for a
student in need or do not follow through with required educational and/or
counseling program(s), the protections offered by this policy may be voided and
disciplinary follow-up through the Committee on Discipline (COD) may occur.
D.
Policy Limitations
The Good Samaritan Amnesty Policy applies to violations of policies relating to
the use of alcohol and prohibited substances but does not preclude MIT from
taking disciplinary actions to address other violations of MIT policy including,
but not limited to, violence, sexual assault, harassment, serious property
damage, hazing, or the manufacture, sale, or distribution of prohibited
substances. It also cannot preclude or prevent action by police or other legal
3
For the purpose of this policy, the term student organization includes both recognized and unrecognized
student groups; sports teams; fraternities, sororities, and independent living groups; and floors, entryways,
and other groupings within on- campus residences.
13
authorities. In cases where there have been other violations of Institute policy,
calling for assistance for an individual in need of help may be considered a
mitigating factor in any disciplinary process arising out of such violations (and
failure to seek assistance may be considered an aggravating factor in any such
disciplinary process).
Students and student organizations that do not seek medical attention in
alcohol or prohibited substance-related emergency situations where action is
warranted could lose all protections under this policy and could face referral
to the COD.
II (3). Amnesty for Help Seeking Policy
The health, safety, and general welfare of MIT students and other community members
are of the utmost concern to the Institute. MIT has established Help-Seeking Amnesty
Policies to reduce barriers related to seeking help during medical emergencies or
situations when someone is believed to be the victim of a crime or significant policy
violation, even if there is no medical emergency. The below policies describe MIT’s Help-
Seeking expectations.
A.
Amnesty for Help-Seeking: Alcohol & Other Drugs
In a situation where students seek medical attention for alcohol or prohibited
substance-related medical emergencies, MIT will treat the students’ use of alcohol
or prohibited substances as a health and safety matter, not as a disciplinary
incident. For more information, see
the Help-Seeking policy for alcohol and other
drugs.
B.
Amnesty for Help-Seeking: Hacking
In a situation where students in good faith seek help or medical attention for a
dangerous emergency situation, MIT will treat the students’ call for help as a
significant mitigating factor. For more information about the Help-Seeking policy for
hacking, see
Mind and Hand Book Section II (12). Hacking.
C.
Amnesty for Help-Seeking: Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment
The health, safety, and general welfare of MIT students and other community
members are of the utmost concern to the Institute. In a situation where students or
student organizations act as a reporting party in a case of discrimination or
discriminatory harassment (including without limitation sexual misconduct,
intimate partner violence, and stalking), students will not be subject to disciplinary
sanctions for violations of Institute policy related to the incident, except as
described below.
This amnesty consideration, which is intended to reduce barriers to getting help,
14
will be extended not only to the reporting party, but also to any student(s) who are
witnesses in a discrimination or discriminatory harassment investigation.
Students or student organizations who call for help may be required to complete
educational and/or advising program(s) that are meant to support students and
their organizations and connect them with other community services and resources
that may be beneficial. These programs and services will be tailored to the specific
circumstances and needs of those involved.
The application of this policy may be voided if Institute officials determine that the
report of discrimination or discriminatory harassment was made in bad faith. This
policy also does not preclude MIT from taking disciplinary actions against a
reporting party or witness to address egregious violations of Institute policies,
including those that place the health and safety of another person at risk. Violations
of this nature include, but are not limited to, violence, sexual assault, hazing, or the
manufacture, sale, or distribution of prohibited substances. Finally, this policy
cannot preclude or prevent action by police or other legal authorities.
This amnesty policy is intended to apply to federal and state law definition of sexual
misconduct, including but not limited to sexual violence, dating violence, domestic
violence, gender-based violence, violence based on sexual orientation or gender
identity or expression, sexual assault, sexual harassment, or stalking as described
in Massachusetts General Law c. 6, §. 168E(b).
II (4). Physical Abuse and/or Reckless Endangerment
MIT prohibits physical abuse of oneself or others and reckless endangerment of oneself
or others. Physical abuse is violence of any nature against any person; fighting; assault;
battery; the use of a knife, gun, or other weapons; restraining or transporting someone
against their will; or any action that threatens or endangers the physical health or safety
of any person or causes reasonable apprehension of such harm. Reckless endangerment
is conduct that could reasonably and foreseeably result in physical injury even if no
injury occurs.
II (5). Community Well-Being
MIT expects that members of the MIT community will not engage in behavior that
endangers their own sustained effectiveness or that has serious ramifications for their
own physical and mental health, safety, welfare, academic well-being, professional
obligations, or for that of others. In situations where an individual student’s physical
illness or emotional difficulties affect not only the student, but also others in the
community, it is the Institute’s responsibility to consider the well-being of the
community as well as the individuals in care decisions.
15
II (6). Copyright Infringement
MIT prohibits the use of copyrighted materials in a manner that is inconsistent with the
U.S. copyright law. MIT policy requires that members of the MIT community not share
copyrighted material over the campus network in any way that violates the law. Sharing
over the network includes but is not limited to sharing via web pages, peer-to-peer file
sharing software, and email. Members of the community should either have the rights or
authorization from the copyright holder for any material or determine that fair use
applies before it is made available or shared over the campus network. Violations of this
policy could result in disciplinary action. Students should also be aware that
unauthorized distribution of copyrighted material, including peer-to-peer file sharing,
may lead to civil and criminal liabilities.
MIT’s responsibility under the law is to respond expeditiously to remove, or disable
access to, the material that is claimed to be infringing. When MIT receives a Digital
Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notification, it is expeditiously forwarded to the
individual member of the MIT community that uses, owns, controls, or has some kind of
administrative or technical responsibility for the machine indicated in the notice, when
that individual can be identified based on records maintained by Information Systems
and Technology (IS&T).
The contacted user is requested to remove or block access to all materials identified as
infringing (as well as any other infringing material) and to respond to MIT’s DMCA agent
within 5 days of the forwarding of the takedown notice. Know what your responsibilities
are if you receive a DMCA notification.
Takedown notice cases are periodically reviewed to determine if a possibility of repeat
infringement exists. Further action regarding repeat infringement will be coordinated by
the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards.
For more information, visit
Copyright at MIT
and
MITnet Rules of Use.
16
II (7). Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment
A.
Preamble
To create a respectful, welcoming and productive community, the Institute is
committed to providing a living, working, and learning environment that is free from
discrimination and discriminatory harassment. The below listed collection of
policies related to discrimination and discriminatory harassment within the MIT
Community applies to all members of the Institute student community. These
policies apply to conduct that occurs on MIT property, or when an MIT student is
representing or acting on behalf of the Institute, conducting Institute business, or
attending Institute-funded or Institute-sponsored activities such as a conference.
In addition, these policies may apply to conduct that occurs outside the MIT work or
academic environment if that conduct affects the work or educational environment.
In other circumstances, students’ personal conduct is generally their own to
regulate. However, if a student engages in behavior that discredits the Institute or
shows a serious lack of dependability or good judgment, it may be appropriate to
review that student’s conduct under these policies.
The discrimination and discriminatory harassment policy includes the following
sub-policies: Nondiscrimination, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, Gender-based
Harassment, Sexual Misconduct, Intimate Partner Violence, Stalking, Title IX
Sexual Harassment, and Non-Retaliation.
B.
Reporting Options and Resources for Students
Members of the MIT community are strongly encouraged to promptly report all
incidents of discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including sexual
misconduct, intimate partner violence, and stalking. Prompt reporting of such
incidents makes investigation more effective and enhances the ability of MIT to take
action. Any MIT student who believes they have been subjected to discrimination
and discriminatory harassment, including sexual misconduct, intimate partner
violence, or stalking, by another MIT student may initiate a complaint by speaking to
any of the individuals listed on the
IDHR website
.
Individuals have numerous options for reporting the misconduct and obtaining
support, which option an individual chooses depends upon the nature and severity
of the misconduct, whether the individual wishes the report to remain confidential,
and whether the individual wishes to pursue a formal complaint.
For information about reporting, campus resources, and grievance procedures, visit
the
IDHR Website
or contact the Institute Title IX/Title VI Coordinator:
17
Sarah Rankin, Title IX and Title VI Coordinator
120 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139
Building W31-223 | (617) 324-7526 |
idhr@mit.edu
In addition to raising a complaint within MIT, individuals may also file a criminal
complaint with the MIT Police, Cambridge Police, or the local law enforcement
agency where the misconduct occurred. The standards for finding a violation of law
are different from the standards used by MIT in determining whether there has been
a violation of MIT’s policy. The filing of a complaint of discrimination and
discriminatory harassment, including sexual misconduct, intimate partner
violence, or stalking, with MIT is independent of any criminal investigation or
proceeding (although MIT’s investigation may, in some cases, be delayed
temporarily while the criminal investigators are gathering evidence) and MIT will
generally not wait for the conclusion of any criminal proceeding to start its own
investigation. Students who choose to pursue criminal action can contact law
enforcement directly:
MIT Police (617) 253-1212 or by dialing 100 from any MIT phone
Cambridge Police Department (617) 349-3381
Boston Police Department (617) 343-4400
If you have any questions, concerns, or would like additional information about how
to relate your experience to Institute policies, please reach out to
idhr@mit.edu
or
for confidential support, contact Violence Prevention and Response at
vpr-
advocate@mit.edu.
C.
MIT’s Response
Information about resolving complaints of all types of discrimination and
discriminatory harassment can be found on the
IDHR website
and in the
Committee
on Discipline Rules & Regulations
.
Further, the procedure for resolving complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual
harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, and Title IX Sexual Harassment
alleged to have been committed by MIT students can be found in the
Committee on
Discipline Rules & Regulations
, including Sections XIII-XV.
The procedure for resolving complaints alleged to have been committed by
employees of the Institute, including faculty and staff, can be found in
Section 9.8
of the Institute Policies and Procedures.
Allegations of policy violations may be investigated and may lead to disciplinary
action. The outcome of disciplinary action can include a warning, probation,
18
suspension, expulsion, or degree revocation, among other sanctions. The sanctions
of disciplinary suspension and disciplinary expulsion will be strongly considered
when a student is found to have violated any part of the nonconsensual sexual
penetration, sexual exploitation, or retaliation provisions of this policy, and for
severe violations of the sexual harassment provision.
D.
Interim Action & Supportive Measures During Investigations
While an investigation or disciplinary proceeding is pending, MIT will provide written
notification to a complainant about interim action or supportive measures to assist or
protect that person. Interim measures may include, for example, changing the living and/or
transportation arrangements, class schedule, or work schedule of the person who was the
subject of the alleged misconduct and/or the person alleged to have committed the
misconduct, a no-contact order, or similar action. MIT may also provide written notification
to students about supportive resources such as counseling, health, mental health, victim
advocacy, legal assistance, visa and immigration assistance, student financial aid, and
other services available for victims, both at the Institute and off campus. Support services
for respondents are also available. Interim measures may also be taken to protect the
community. More information about interim action and supportive measures can be found
in the
Rules of the Committee on Discipline
.
E.
Freedom of Expression/Academic Freedom
Please note that the principles set forth in the Institute’s policy on Freedom of Expression
for students, found in the
Introduction to the Mind and Hand Book
,
may be considered
in evaluating potential instances of discrimination or discriminatory harassment that are
speech-based in nature.
Further, in an academic community, the free and open exchange of ideas and viewpoints
reflected in the concept of academic freedom may sometimes prove disturbing or
offensive to some. The examination and challenging of assumptions, beliefs or opinions
is, however, intrinsic to the rigorous education that MIT strives to provide. MIT policies are
not intended to compromise the Institute’s traditional commitment to academic freedom
or to education that encourages students to challenge their own views of themselves and
the world.
F.
Nondiscrimination Policy
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is committed to the principle of equal
opportunity in education and employment. The Institute prohibits discrimination
against individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender
identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, or
national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions
policies, employment policies, scholarship and loan programs, and other Institute
19
administered programs and activities; the Institute may, however, favor US citizens
or residents in admissions and financial aid.
4
The Vice President for Human Resources is designated as the Institute's Equal
Opportunity Officer. Inquiries concerning the Institute's policies, compliance with
applicable laws, statutes, and regulations, and complaints may be directed to
Ramona Allen, Vice President for Human Resources, Building NE49-5000, 617-324-
5675. In addition, inquiries about Title IX and Title VI may be directed to the
Institute's Title IX/Title VI Coordinator, Sarah Rankin, Room W31-223, 617-324-
7526,
idhr@mit.edu
. Information about the grievance procedures and process for
discrimination and discriminatory harassment, including how to report or file a
complaint of sex discrimination, how to report or file a formal complaint of sexual
harassment, and how MIT will respond is available at
idhr.mit.edu
. Inquiries about
the laws and about compliance may also be directed to the United States
Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW,
Washington, DC 20202-1475, OCR.DC@ed.gov.
G.
Discriminatory Harassment
G (1). Harassment Based on Protected Class
While MIT’s harassment policy is not limited to harassment based on the
protected categories listed in MIT Policies and Procedures, Section 9.5, the
Institute is particularly committed to eliminating harassment based on those
categories. Harassment that is based on an individual’s race, color, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age, genetic
information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin is not only a violation of
MIT policy but may also violate federal and state law, including Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and
Mass. General Laws Chapter 151B. For information on how to file complaints of
violation of law with governmental agencies see Section 9.8.5.7 Legal
Information. For information on how to file complaints of discriminatory
harassment, see MIT's Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response
Office
https://idhr.mit.edu/reporting-options
.
G (2). Sexual Harassment
Sexual Harassment is unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, such as
4
The ROTC programs at MIT are operated under Department of Defense (DoD) policies and regulations, and do not
comply fully with MIT's policy of nondiscrimination with regard to gender identity. MIT continues to advocate for
a change in DoD policies and regulations concerning gender identity and is committed to providing alternative
financial assistance under a needs-based assessment to any MIT student who loses ROTC financial aid because
of these DoD policies and regulations.
20
unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal,
nonverbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature, when:
Submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or
condition of an individual’s employment or academic standing; or
Submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the
basis for significant employment decisions (such as advancement,
performance evaluation, or work schedule) or academic decisions (such
as grading or letters of recommendation) affecting that individual; or
The conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive that a reasonable person
would consider it intimidating, hostile, or abusive and it adversely affects
an individual’s educational, work, or living environment.
A partial list of examples of conduct that might be deemed to constitute sexual
harassment if sufficiently severe or pervasive include:
Examples of verbal sexual harassment
may include unwelcome conduct
such as sexual flirtation, advances or propositions or requests for sexual
activity or dates; asking about someone else’s sexual activities, fantasies,
preferences, or history; discussing one’s own sexual activities, fantasies,
preferences, or history; verbal abuse of a sexual nature; suggestive
comments; sexually explicit jokes; turning discussions at work or in the
academic environment to sexual topics; and making offensive sounds such
as “wolf whistles.”
Examples of nonverbal sexual harassment
may include unwelcome
conduct such as displaying sexual objects, pictures, or other images;
invading a person’s personal body space, such as standing closer than
appropriate or necessary or hovering; displaying or wearing objects or
items of clothing which express sexually offensive content; making sexual
gestures with hands or body movements; looking at a person in a sexually
suggestive or intimidating manner; or delivering unwanted letters, gifts, or
other items of a sexual nature.
RELATED POLICY:
The Institute’s complete harassment policy, addressing all forms
of harassment, can be found in
Section 9.5
of the Institute Policies and Procedures.
See also
Mind & Hand Book Section II (13)
for MIT’s policy for students addressing
harassment. Students should be aware that MIT prohibits
all
gender-based
harassment (including harassment based on gender, sex, sex-stereotyping, sexual
orientation, or gender identity), not just harassment that is sexual in nature.
RELATED POLICY:
Individuals should be aware that unwelcome conduct of a sexual
21
nature that does not rise to the level of “sexual harassment” and gender-based
harassing conduct that does not rise to the level of “harassment” may still violate
Section 9.2
of the Institute Policies and Procedures.
G (3). Gender-Based Harassment
Gender-based harassment is unwelcome verbal or nonverbal conduct based on
gender, sex, sex-stereotyping, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
pregnancy that meets the definitions above of harassment. Gender-based
harassment may also involve conduct of a sexual nature.
H.
Sexual Misconduct
MIT is committed to providing a productive living and learning community in which
students can pursue their educational goals. Sexual misconduct undermines this
commitment and affects the ability of students to focus on their educational
achievement. Therefore, MIT will not tolerate nor condone any form of sexual
misconduct. MIT students are prohibited from engaging
in sexual misconduct, as
defined below. Moreover, MIT may take additional action in response to sexual
misconduct as required by state and federal law, including Title IX (see
idhr.mit.edu
).
No one shall be retaliated against for, in good faith, objecting to a behavior that may violate
this policy, reporting a violation of this policy, or participating in the Institute’s complaint
resolution procedure in any capacity, including as a complainant, witness, or investigator.
H (1). Nonconsensual Sexual Penetration
Nonconsensual sexual penetration is the sexual penetration or attempted
sexual penetration of any bodily opening with any object or body part without
effective consent.
Nonconsensual sexual penetration includes the Clery Act definition of rape:
the penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part
or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the
consent of the victim; the Clery Act definition of incest: sexual intercourse
between persons who are related to each other within the degrees wherein
marriage is prohibited by law; and the Clery Act definition of statutory rape:
sexual intercourse with a person who is under the statutory age of consent.
H (2). Nonconsensual Sexual Contact
Nonconsensual sexual contact is any physical contact with another person of a
sexual nature without effective consent, including touching someone’s
intimate parts (such as genitalia, groin, breast, or buttocks, either over or under
clothing); touching a person with one’s own intimate parts; or forcing a person
22
to touch another’s intimate parts.
Nonconsensual sexual contact includes the Clery Act definition of fondling: the
touching of the private body parts of another person for the purpose of sexual
gratification, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the
victim is incapable of giving consent because of their age or because of their
temporary or permanent mental incapacity.
H (3). Effective Consent
MIT students who engage in sexual behavior of any kind are expected to do so
only with the effective consent of all parties involved. Doing otherwise
constitutes sexual misconduct and is a violation of this policy.
Consent is ultimately about respecting another’s autonomy to make choices
about their own body, their own boundaries, and their own behavior. The
fundamental purpose of the Institute’s sexual misconduct policy is to reinforce
the expectation that individuals give and receive this respect in their sexual
interactions.
Given the importance of sexual autonomy and the potential impact on those
subjected to nonconsensual sexual activity, the Institute places the
responsibility for obtaining effective consent on the person who initiates the
sexual activity. That responsibility is significant.
The Institute recognizes that there are a wide variety of sexual interactions,
that there is no single way to communicate consent, and that context matters.
At all times, each party is free to choose where, when, and how they participate
in sexual activity. Accordingly, when evaluating whether sexual activity was
consensual, the Institute will consider the entirety of the sexual interaction
and the relevant circumstances.
Effective Consent is:
informed;
freely and voluntarily given;
mutually understandable words or actions which indicate willing
participation in mutually agreed upon sexual activity.
Further:
By definition, effective consent cannot be obtained by:
unreasonable pressure, which can generally be understood as conduct
23
that pressures another person to “give in” to sexual activity rather than to
choose freely to participate; factors that may be considered include (1) the
frequency, nature, duration, and intensity of the requests for sexual
activity; (2) whether and how previous requests were denied; and (3)
whether the person initiating the sexual activity held a position of power
over the other person;
emotional intimidation, which can include (1) overtly degrading,
humiliating, and shaming someone for not participating in sexual activity;
(2) blackmail; and (3) threats to reputation;
physical intimidation and threats, which can be communicated by words or
conduct, and physical force.
Effective consent cannot be obtained from someone who is incapable of giving
consent for any reason, including when:
the person has a mental, intellectual, or physical disability that causes the
person to be temporarily or permanently unable to give consent;
the person is under the legal age to give consent;
or the person is asleep, unconscious, physically helpless, or otherwise
incapacitated, including by alcohol or other drugs.
An individual violates this policy if the individual initiates and engages in sexual
activity with someone who is incapacitated, and (1) the individual knew the
other person was incapacitated, or (2) a sober reasonable person under similar
circumstances as the person initiating the sexual activity would have known
the other person was incapacitated.
For purposes of this policy, silence and passivity
do not
signal consent.
There is no requirement that a person express non-consent or that they resist a
sexual advance or request. For example, someone might not consent to sexual
activity even though they do not say “no” or physically resist in any way.
Physical or verbal resistance is evidence that there was not effective consent.
Some behaviors and statements do not indicate consent, including the
following:
“I don’t know.”
"Maybe.”
Without more, ambiguous responses such as “uh huh” or “mm hmm,” and
24
giggling.
A verbal “no,” even if it may sound indecisive or insincere.
Moving away.
A factor that may be considered when evaluating consent is whether, under
similar circumstances as the person initiating the sexual activity, a sober
reasonable person would have concluded that there was effective consent.
It is important for those who initiate sexual activity to understand that:
even though someone gave effective consent to sexual activity in the past,
that does not mean they have given effective consent to sexual activity in
the future;
even though someone gives effective consent to one type of sexual activity
during a sexual interaction, that does not automatically mean they have
given effective consent to other types of sexual activity;
effective consent can be withdrawn at any time, and once a person
withdraws effective consent, the other person must stop.
Effective consent is clearest when obtained through direct communication
about the decision to engage in specific sexual activity. Effective consent need
not be verbal, but verbal communication is the most reliable and effective way
to seek, assess, and obtain consent. Nonverbal communication can be
ambiguous. For example, heavy breathing or moaning can be a sign of arousal,
but it can also be a sign of distress. Talking with sexual partners about desires,
intentions, boundaries, and limits can be uncomfortable, but it serves as a
strong foundation for respectful, healthy, positive, and safe intimate
relationships.
H (4). Incapacitation
Incapacitation is the physical and/or mental inability to make informed,
rational judgments and decisions. Someone is incapacitated if they are asleep
or unconscious. Someone can also be incapacitated by alcohol or other
substances.
Because the impact of alcohol and other drugs varies from person to person,
one should be cautious before engaging in sexual contact or intercourse when
either person has been drinking alcohol or using other drugs. The use of alcohol
or other drugs may create ambiguity about consent. If there is any doubt about
either party’s level of intoxication, the safe thing to do is to forgo all sexual
25
activity.
Where alcohol or other substances are involved, incapacitation is determined
by how the substance impacts a person’s decision-making capacity, awareness
of consequences, and ability to make informed judgments. Incapacitation is a
state beyond drunkenness or intoxication, and a person is not incapacitated
merely because they have been drinking or using drugs.
Incapacitation is not determined by technical or medical definitions. The
question is whether a person has the physical and/or mental ability to make
informed, rational judgments and decisions.
Although each individual is different, there are some common and observable
signs that someone is incapacitated or approaching
incapacitation, including
slurred or incomprehensible speech, unsteady gait, combativeness, emotional
volatility, vomiting, or incontinence. A person who is incapacitated may not be able
to understand or answer coherently some or all of the following questions:
Do you know where you are?
Do you know how you got here?
Do you know what is happening?
Do you know who you are with?
H (5). Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation means taking sexual advantage of another person and
includes:
Providing alcohol or other drugs to someone without that person’s
knowledge or unreasonably pressuring the person to consume alcohol or
drugs, with the purpose of causing incapacitation in order for one to take
sexual advantage of the person.
Recording, photographing, transmitting, or allowing another to view
images of private sexual activity and/or the intimate parts of another
person without effective consent.
Allowing third parties to observe private sexual acts without effective
consent.
Voyeurism, including by electronic means.
Indecent exposure.
26
Knowingly or recklessly exposing another person to a significant risk of
sexually transmitted infection, including HIV, without their knowledge.
I.
Intimate Partner Violence
MIT prohibits intimate partner violence. Intimate Partner Violence is defined as
actual or threatened physical violence, intimidation, or other forms of physical or
sexual abuse directed toward a partner in an intimate relationship that would cause
a reasonable person to fear harm to self or others. For this policy, “intimate
relationship” means marriage, domestic partnership, engagement, casual or
serious romantic involvement, and dating, whether current or former. Intimate
Partner Violence can occur between persons of any gender identity, any sexual
orientation, and it can occur in any type of intimate relationship including
monogamous, non-committed, and relationships involving more than two partners.
Intimate Partner Violence can be a single act or a pattern of behavior. Intimate
Partner Violence also includes, without limitation, dating violence and domestic
violence as defined by the Clery Act. (The Clery Act is a federal law on campus safety
and security – more information can be found in
MIT’s Annual Security Report
.)
Dating violence
is defined as violence committed by a person who is or has been
in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature with the victim. The
existence of such a relationship is determined based on the reporting party’s
statement and with consideration of the length of the relationship, the type of
relationship, and the frequency of interaction between the persons involved in
the relationship. For the purposes of this definition, “dating violence” includes,
but is not limited to, sexual or physical abuse or the threat of such abuse. Dating
violence does not include acts covered under the definition of domestic violence.
Domestic violence
is defined as a felony or misdemeanor crime of violence
committed by a current or former spouse or dating/domestic of the victim, by a
person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is
cohabitating with, or has cohabitated with, the victim as a spouse or dating/
domestic, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the
domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction in which the crime of violence
occurred, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected
from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the
jurisdiction in which the crime of violence occurred. To be considered domestic
violence, the relationship must be more than just two people living together as
roommates.
Intimate Partner Violence can take many forms. Examples include, but are not
limited to, situations in which the following behaviors are directed toward a partner
27
in a current or former intimate relationship: hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or
other violence; property damage; and threat of violence to one’s self, one’s partner,
or the family members, friends, pets, or personal property of the partner.
J.
Stalking
Stalking, whether or not sexual in nature, is prohibited by MIT. Stalking is defined as
engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a
reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety of others, or to suffer
substantial emotional distress. For the purposes of this definition, “course of
conduct” means two or more acts, including, but not limited to, acts in which the
stalker directly, indirectly, or through third parties, by any action, method, device,
or means, follows, monitors, observes, surveils, threatens, or communicates to or
about a person, or interferes with a person’s property. “Reasonable person” means
a reasonable person under similar circumstances and with similar identities to the
victim. “Substantial emotional distress” means significant mental suffering or
anguish that may, but does not necessarily, require medical or other professional
treatment or counseling.
Stalking can take many forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, two or more
instances of the following conduct (that also meet the definition of stalking above):
following a person; appearing at a person’s home, class or work; continuing to
contact a person after receiving requests not to; leaving written messages, objects,
or unwanted gifts; vandalizing a person’s property; photographing a person; and
other threatening, intimidating, or intrusive conduct.
Stalking may also involve the use of electronic media such as the internet, social
networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices (often referred to as
cyber-stalking). Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, non-consensual
communication, telephone calls, voice messages, emails, texts, letters, notes,
gifts, or any other communication that are repeated and undesired.
K.
Non-Retaliation
Retaliation, as described above and in
Mind & Hand Book Section II (20)
, is
prohibited. For information on how to file complaints of retaliation based on a
protected class, see MIT's Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response
Office
https://idhr.mit.edu/reporting-options
.
L.
Title IX Sexual Harassment
Although MIT broadly prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of sexual
misconduct, federal Title IX regulations require MIT to follow specific processes
28
when the Institute has actual knowledge of a report of certain categories of sexual
misconduct, referred to as
“Title IX Sexual Harassment.”
Title IX Sexual Harassment
means: Conduct
on the basis of sex
that satisfies one or
more of the following:
1.
An employee of MIT conditioning the provision of an aid, benefit, or service of
MIT on an individual’s participation in unwelcome sexual conduct;
2.
Unwelcome conduct determined by a reasonable person to be so severe,
pervasive, and objectively offensive that it effectively denies a person equal
access to MIT’s education program or activity; or
3.
“Sexual assault,” “dating violence,” “domestic violence,” or “stalking,” as
defined by federal law and set out on the
Institute Discrimination and
Harassment Response (IDHR) website
.
MIT must follow the specific processes cited below when it receives a formal
complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment and where all of the following apply:
1.
At the time of filing a formal complaint, the Complainant was/is participating
in or attempting to participate in the education program or activity at MIT;
2.
The alleged conduct occurred in an education program or activity controlled
by MIT; and
3.
The alleged conduct occurred against a person in the United States.
Information about MIT’s processes for responding to reports of Title IX Sexual
Harassment is available. Formal Complaints of Title IX Sexual Harassment are
investigated in accordance with the
IDHR Investigation Guide
and hearings are held
in accordance with the process for
complaints against a faculty member, staff
member, or postdoctoral scholar
(fellow or associate) and in the Title IX Sexual
Harassment Hearing Procedures in the
Committee on Discipline Rules
for
complaints against students.
Formal Complaints of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct that do not meet
the definition of Title IX Sexual Harassment are addressed under the complaint
resolution process described in
Section 9.8
for complaints against a faculty
member, staff member, or postdoctoral scholar (fellow or associate) and in the
Sexual Misconduct Hearing Procedures (Non-Title IX Sexual Harassment) in the
Committee on Discipline Rules
for complaints against students.
MIT prohibits retaliation as set forth in
Section 9.7
and the
Mind and Hand Book
. In
the context of Title IX Sexual Harassment, this means that: No person may
intimidate, threaten, coerce, or discriminate against any individual:
29
for the purpose of interfering with any right or privilege secured by Title IX, or
because the individual has made a report or complaint, testified, assisted, or
participated or refused to participate in any manner in a Title IX Sexual
Harassment investigation, proceeding, or hearing.
In addition, retaliation also includes intimidation, threats, coercion, or
discrimination, including charges against an individual for policy violations that do
not involve sex discrimination or sexual harassment, but arise out of the same facts
or circumstances as a report or complaint of sex discrimination, or a report or formal
complaint of Title IX Sexual Harassment, for the purpose of interfering with any right
or privilege secured by Title IX.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Definitions. For the purposes of
Section 9.5.1.4 of
Policies and Procedures
and
Section II(7)(L) of the Mind and Hand Book,
the
following definitions apply:
Complainant –
T
he individual(s) reporting an alleged MIT policy violation and/or
who submits a Formal Complaint of Discrimination or Discriminatory Harassment
Dating Violence –
Dating violence is prohibited by MIT. It is defined as violence
committed by a person:
1.
Who is or has been in a social relationship of a romantic or intimate nature
with the victim; and
2.
Where the existence of such a relationship shall be determined based on a
consideration of the following factors:
a.
The length of the relationship;
b.
The type of relationship; and
c.
The frequency of interaction between the persons involved in the
relationship.
Dating violence can occur between persons of any gender identity, any sexual
orientation, and it can occur in any type of intimate relationship including
monogamous, non-committed, and relationships involving more than two
partners.
Dating violence can take many forms. Examples include, but are not limited to,
situations in which the following behaviors are directed toward a partner in a
current or former intimate relationship: hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or
other violence; property damage; and threat of violence to one’s self, one’s
partner, or the family members, friends, pets, or personal property of the partner.
30
Domestic Violence –
Domestic violence is prohibited by MIT. It is defined as a
felony or misdemeanor crime of violence committed by a person who:
Is a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim under the
family or domestic violence laws of Massachusetts, or a person similarly
situated to a spouse of the victim;
Is cohabitating with, or has cohabitated, with the victim as a spouse or
intimate partner;
Shares a child in common with the victim; or
Commits acts against a youth or adult victim who is protected from that
person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.
To be considered domestic violence, the relationship must be more than just two
people living together as roommates.
Domestic violence can take many forms. Examples include, but are not limited to,
situations in which the following behaviors are directed toward a partner in a
current or former intimate relationship: hitting, kicking, punching, strangling, or
other violence; property damage; and threat of violence to one’s self, one’s
partner, or the family members, friends, pets, or personal property of the partner.
Education program or activity
means locations, events, or circumstances over
which MIT exercises substantial control over both the Respondent and the
context in which the reported sexual harassment occurred, and includes any
building owned or controlled by a student organization that is officially
recognized by MIT.
Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal Complaint
means a document submitted by a
Complainant, or signed by the Title IX Coordinator, alleging Title IX Sexual
Harassment against a Respondent and requesting that MIT investigate the
allegation of Title IX Sexual Harassment. The Title IX Sexual Harassment Formal
Complaint must contain the Complainant’s physical or digital signature or
otherwise indicate that the Complainant is the person filing the Formal
Complaint.
Respondent
means the individual(s) accused of violating an MIT policy.
Sexual Assault
is prohibited by MIT. It is defined as any sexual act directed against
another person, without the consent of the victim, including instances where the
victim is incapable of giving consent. Sexual assault can occur between
individuals of the same or different sexes and/or gender.
Sex offenses under the uniform crime reporting system of the FBI are:
31
1.
Rape (Except Statutory Rape) — Penetration, no matter how slight, of the
vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ
of another person, without the consent of the victim. This definition also
includes instances in which the victim is incapable of giving consent because
of temporary or permanent mental or physical incapacity (including due to
the influence of drugs or alcohol) or because of age. Physical resistance is
not required on the part of the victim to demonstrate lack of consent.
2.
Criminal sexual contact (formerly referred to as “fondling”) — The
intentional touching of the clothed or unclothed body parts without consent
of the victim for the purpose of sexual degradation, sexual gratification, or
sexual humiliation. The forced touching by the victim of the actor’s clothed
or unclothed body parts, without consent of the victim for the purpose of
sexual degradation, sexual gratification, or sexual humiliation.
Consent
means “effective consent” as defined in the
Mind and Hand Book,
Section II(7)(H)(3).
Stalking — Stalking, whether or not sexual in nature, is prohibited by MIT.
Stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific
person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for their safety or the safety
of others, or to suffer substantial emotional distress.
Stalking can take many forms. Examples include, but are not limited to, two or
more instances of the following conduct (that also meet the definition of stalking
above): following a person; appearing at a person’s home, class, or work;
continuing to contact a person after receiving requests not to; leaving written
messages, objects, or unwanted gifts; vandalizing a person’s property;
photographing a person; and other threatening, intimidating or intrusive conduct.
Stalking may also involve the use of electronic media such as the internet, social
networks, blogs, cell phones, texts, or other similar devices (often referred to as
cyber-stalking). Such conduct may include, but is not limited to, non-consensual
communication, telephone calls, voice messages, emails, texts, letters, notes,
gifts, or any other communications that are repeated and undesired.
II (8). Disorderly Conduct
MIT prohibits disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct is defined as any unreasonable or
reckless conduct by an individual or group that is inherently or potentially unsafe to
other persons or to their real or personal property, and/or any behavior that disrupts the
peace or interferes with the normal operation of the Institute or Institute-sponsored
32
activities. Disorderly conduct includes making unreasonable noise, disrupting a lawful
meeting, obstructing pedestrian or vehicle traffic, or creating a hazardous situation.
II (9). Fire Safety
Members of the MIT community are prohibited by Massachusetts law and MIT regulations
from committing fire and safety violations, including but not limited to:
refusing to evacuate during a fire alarm and/or failing to relocate to a safe location
setting an unauthorized fire, making a bomb threat or issuing a false alarm
tampering with firefighting equipment, fire-alarm systems, fire protection
sprinklers, or smoke detectors
placing objects in any exit, hallway, stairway, or on fire escapes, or blocking access
to fire safety equipment (e.g., fire alarm pull stations, fire extinguishers) or covering
smoke detectors, sprinklers, or other fire protection devices exit or on fire escapes
using flammable decorations, including natural evergreens, in any room, corridor,
stairwell, lounge, dining hall, lobby, or other public area
using a fireplace in a manner that does not comply with MIT guidelines
improper storage and charging of battery-operated personal wheeled vehicles (i.e.
scooters, bicycles, segways, skateboards, unicycles, overwheels, etc.) as outlined
in the MIT Facilities’
Personal Wheels Guidelines
entering or occupying the roof of any residence except in areas designed for, and
approved by, MIT for assembly use
using or burning candles or incense in the residence halls
possessing or using microwaves, toaster ovens, or
other cooking devices in student bedrooms
possessing unapproved space heaters in student bedrooms
possessing or using fireworks, pyrotechnics, sparklers, flash powder or paper,
smoke bombs, rockets, or any device requiring a fuse or igniter, on any MIT-owned
or controlled property, except for authorized use by trained individuals in approved
spaces
overloading electrical outlets, or using unapproved or daisy-chained power strips
possessing halogen lamps in the residence halls
33
Members of the MIT community may be subject to severe disciplinary action if they
violate any Massachusetts statutory or MIT fire safety regulation or policy. Students who
live in residence halls or Institute-owned apartments are additionally encouraged to
review Residential Life’s Fire and Life Safety Policy.
Additionally, MIT has instituted a policy regarding burning of material offerings for
ceremonial, cultural, traditional, or religious observances; students who have questions
about the policy should connect with the Office of Religious, Spiritual, and Ethical Life
(ORSEL) for more details. The policy can be found on the
ORSEL website
.
When a fire alarm is activated in a residence hall, residents are required by law to
evacuate by way of the safest and closest exit to their designated meeting points.
Residents who do not immediately evacuate their residence hall may be subject to a
government fine or penalty, in addition to disciplinary action by the Institute. Institute
policy is to evacuate immediately, NOT to fight fires.
II (10). [Place Holder]
II (11). Gambling and Raffles
Students are advised that some gambling activities are illegal under Massachusetts Law
and they are expected to abide by these laws. Students are further advised that those
who engage in illegal gambling may face criminal action.
A raffle is defined as a game in which the prize is won by random drawing of the name or
number of one or more persons purchasing chances. Students and student organizations
can refer to the
Event Planning and Space Use Guide
for information about obtaining a
one-day raffle license from the City of Cambridge.
Information
about
Massachusetts
gambling
laws
can
be
found
at
www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-law-about-gambling-and-casinos.
Information about obtaining a raffle license from the City of Boston can be found at
www.cityofboston.gov/cityclerk/services/raffle.asp.
II (12). Hacking
Hacking is a long-standing tradition at MIT and a part of its culture. It can be defined as
either the curious exploration of MIT’s campus or the design and implementation of
harmless pranks, tricks, and creative inventions that demonstrate ingenuity and
cleverness. Exemplary hacks have been executed in such a way that the hackers have
been safe, no one has been injured, no damage has been done to personal or Institute
property, while maintaining the privacy and personal dignity of individuals.
34
Ultimately individuals are responsible for their actions and any intentional or
unintentional consequences. While the “Hack Etiquette” is a very useful guide,
responsible behavior also includes not acting in a manner that makes a police officer or
MIT employee reasonably feel unsafe in the conduct of their duties (for example, running
or hiding when discovered). Labeling something as a hack does not change unlawful
behavior into lawful behavior, nor is it an excuse or justification for violations of MIT
policy. Notwithstanding that they may occur in connection with a hack, violations of MIT
policies may still result in disciplinary action.
Per
Mind and Hand Book
Section II (26): Unauthorized Access
— “MIT prohibits students
from being present in any Institute area or property or in any area of Institute-approved
housing that is posted to prohibit unauthorized access, that is locked to prohibit
unauthorized access, or that a reasonable individual knows or should know is
considered a private and/or unauthorized area.
Examples of unauthorized access include, but are not limited to, access to unapproved
rooftops, the domes of Building 10 and 7, steam tunnels, closed construction sites, and
HVAC ducts. Scaling or climbing the exterior of buildings is also not permitted. Further
examples include, but are not limited to, locked offices, labs, residence halls, or
residence hall rooms that you do not have permission to enter.”
Further notable related policies to consider include:
II (4). Physical Abuse and Reckless Endangerment
II (17). Improper Use of Institute Property
II (22). Property Damage and Destruction
III (6). Rooftop Common Spaces in Residence Halls
A.
Help Seeking
The health, safety, and general welfare of MIT students and other community
members are of the utmost concern to the Institute. In a situation where students
seek in good faith help or medical attention for a dangerous emergency-situation,
MIT will treat the students’ call for help as a significant mitigating factor. This
consideration, which is intended to reduce barriers to getting help, will be extended
not only to the student in need of help or medical attention, but also to the
student(s) who call for help. Failure to seek assistance may be considered an
aggravating factor in any disciplinary process.
In many situations where someone calls for help, MIT will consider it a health and
safety matter and not take disciplinary action. Students or student organizations
who call for help may be required to complete educational and/or advising
program(s) that are meant to support students and their organizations and connect
35
them with other community services and resources that may be beneficial. These
programs and services will be tailored to the specific circumstances and needs of
those involved.
MIT
prohibits hazing.
If you feel pressured to engage in hacking behaviors for the
purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued
membership in a group, organization, or living community, you are encouraged to
report or seek help by using MIT’s
confidential hazing reporting form.
B.
Hack Etiquette
Over many years, the hacking community has developed an expected set of
guidelines:
1.
Be Safe – Your safety, the safety of others, and the safety of anyone
you hack should never be compromised.
2.
Be Subtle – Leave no evidence that you were ever there.
3.
Leave things as you found them – or better.
4.
If you find something broken,
submit a service request
.
5.
Leave no damage.
6.
Do not steal anything.
7.
Brute force is the last resort of the incompetent.
8.
Do not hack while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
9.
Do not drop things off (a building) without a ground crew.
10.
Do not hack alone.
11.
Above all, exercise some common sense.
36
II (13). Harassment
In order to create a respectful, welcoming, and productive community, the Institute is
committed to providing a living, working, and learning environment that is free from
harassment.
Harassment is defined as unwelcome conduct of a verbal, nonverbal or physical nature
that is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a work or academic environment that a
reasonable person would consider intimidating, hostile or abusive and that adversely
affects an individual’s educational, work, or living environment.
5
In determining whether unwelcome conduct is harassing, the Institute will examine the
totality of the circumstances surrounding the conduct, including its frequency, nature
and severity, the relationship between the parties and the context in which the conduct
occurred. Below is a partial list of examples of conduct that would likely be considered
harassing, followed by a partial list of examples that would likely
not
constitute
harassment:
Examples of possibly harassing conduct: Public and personal tirades; deliberate
and repeated humiliation; deliberate interference with the life or work of another
person; the use of certain racial epithets; intentional and repeated misgendering or
deadnaming (addressing someone by their former gender/name); deliberate
desecration of religious articles or places; repeated insults about loss of personal
and professional competence based on age.
Examples of conduct that is likely not harassment: Administrative actions like
performance reviews (including negative performance reviews) and making work
assignments; other work-related decisions like moving work areas or changing work
colleagues; and isolated incidents (unless, as noted above, they are very severe,
such as the use of certain racial epithets).
More examples of possibly harassing conduct as well as information on different ways
to raise concerns about harassment can be found in the Institute Guidelines for Raising
Complaints about Harassment.
Conduct that does not rise to the level of harassment may still violate
Section 9.2
. Even
conduct that does not violate an MIT policy may be inappropriate, and any inappropriate
conduct should be addressed by the supervisor or department head.
While MIT’s harassment policy is not limited to harassment based on the protected
categories listed in
Section 9.4
, the Institute is particularly committed to eliminating
harassment based on those categories. Harassment that is based on an individual’s
5
Source:
Institute Policy 9.5: Policy on Harassment
.
37
race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, disability, age,
genetic information, veteran status, or national or ethnic origin is not only a violation of
MIT policy but may also violate federal and state law, including Title IX of the Education
Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and Mass. General Laws
Chapter 151B. For information on how to file complaints of violation of law with
governmental agencies see Section 9.8.5.7 Legal Information.
General complaint procedures are described in MIT Policies and Procedures
Section 9.8
.
II (14). Hazardous Materials
The possession, manufacture, storage, or use of hazardous materials in residence halls,
FSILGs, and other areas where appropriate MIT Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)
safety precautions are not in place is prohibited. Prohibited hazardous materials
include, but are not limited to:
Hazardous chemicals
Biological materials
Radioactive substances, lasers (class 3b or class 4)
Ammunition
Explosives (including firecrackers and missiles)
Flammable materials
Accelerants
Gas grills
Hibachis
Charcoal grills or lighter fluid
Gasoline
Flammable liquid
Gas-powered equipment
Propane cooking equipment (see below).
A.
Gas Cylinders
Students are prohibited from receiving, possessing, storing or using any gas cylinder
(including, but not limited to, liquid nitrogen, helium, nitrous oxide) in any MIT
38
residence hall. If a student attempts to purchase these materials without prior
approval from EHS, the order will be cancelled, and the cylinders confiscated.
Students may be subject to severe disciplinary action as stated in the MIT Policies
and Procedures.
B.
Propane
Due to safety concerns, the use of propane cooking equipment in residence halls,
FSILGs, and other areas where appropriate EHS safety precautions are not in place
is prohibited. Safer alternatives include electric grills and house kitchens.
Exceptions to this policy are rare and require permission from the DSL Environment,
Health & Safety Program Manager in conjunction with the Cambridge Fire
Department and require at least two weeks advance notice and a detailed proposal
including safety precautions. In general, exceptions may only be granted if propane
equipment is operated by professional caterers, under the supervision of a licensed
plumber and in the presence of a detail from the Cambridge Fire Department.
Contact the
Environment, Health & Safety Office
at 617-452-3477 if you have any
questions concerning the above restrictions on hazardous materials.
II (15). Hazing
MIT prohibits hazing by individuals or groups and defines it as follows: Any action or
activity that is reasonably likely to, or is intended to, endanger the physical or mental
health of a person for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a
condition for continued membership in a group, organization, or living community. This
definition shall apply regardless of location or consent of participants. Hazing includes,
without limitation, behaviors that violate Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269,
Sections 17-19 (reproduced in their entirety below) and the federal Stop Campus Hazing
Act (relevant portion reproduced below).
In its efforts to ensure compliance in prevention and education, MIT has created an
interdepartmental committee known as the Hazing Prevention and Education
Committee (HPEC). Additionally, MIT has created Haze Free MIT (
hazefree.mit.edu
), a
comprehensive website for MIT community members to access educational materials,
reporting forms, and the annually published Hazing Transparency Report.
Endangering mental health is defined as sleep deprivation, extended isolation, public
degradation, intimidation, creation of artificial and excessive stress, public nudity, and
other comparable behaviors that are reasonably likely to, or are intended to, cause a
significant degree of distress, disgrace, anguish, or interference with academic,
professional, or personal pursuits.
39
Prohibited forms of hazing include but are not limited to:
Intimidation Hazing:
Behaviors that emphasize a power imbalance between new
members and other members of the group or community. This is termed “intimidation
hazing” because these types of hazing are often taken for granted or accepted as
“harmless” or meaningless. Intimidation hazing typically involves activities or attitudes that
breach reasonable standards of mutual respect and place new members on the receiving
end of ridicule, embarrassment, and/or
humiliation tactics. New members often feel the
need to endure intimidation and hazing to feel like part of the group or community.
Examples of intimidation hazing include but are not limited to:
Deception
Silence periods
Deprivation of privileges
Social isolation
Name calling
Assignment of duties not assigned to other members.
H
arassment Hazing: Behaviors that cause emotional anguish or physical discomfort
in order to feel like part of the group. Harassment hazing often confuses, frustrates,
and causes undue stress for new members.
Examples of harassment hazing include but are not limited to:
Verbal abuse
Threats or implied threats
Sexual simulations
Requiring situationally inappropriate attire
Sleep deprivation
Exposure to the elements
Confinement in small spaces
Extreme calisthenics or other similar activities.
Violent Hazing:
Behaviors that do or could cause physical or psychological harm.
Examples of violent hazing include but are not limited to:
40
Placing students in the shower against their will
Forced or coerced alcohol or other drug consumption
Forced or coerced sexual acts
Beating, whipping, striking, electronic shocking
Paddling, or other forms of assault
Forced or coerced ingestion of vile substances
Bondage
Kidnapping
Expected participation in illegal activity.
Apathy or acquiescence in the presence of hazing are not neutral acts and constitute
hazing as prohibited by this policy. Students and other members of the Institute
community must report incidents of hazing that they witness or for which they were
present.
Incidents of hazing must be reported to the Office of Student Conduct and Community
Standards,
either
directly
or
through
an
online
report
form
(
https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?MassInstofTech&layout_id=2).
Hazing allegations against MIT students will be resolved in accordance with the
Committee on Discipline Rules; hazing allegations against faculty and staff will be
resolved by Human Resources and/ or the appropriate DLCI. The sanction of disciplinary
suspension or disciplinary expulsion will be strongly considered for students or student
groups found responsible for hazing.
Incidents of hazing should also be reported to law enforcement officials and may be
investigated under Massachusetts state law. Failure to report incidents of hazing is a
violation of this policy and may be a violation of Massachusetts law (M.G.L. c. 269
Section 18).
Any retaliation against any person who reports, is a witness to, is involved with, or
cooperates with the adjudication of hazing is strictly prohibited.
A.
Massachusetts Hazing Law
In addition to the foregoing, students are advised that the following is the
Massachusetts law on hazing, which is codified at M.G.L. c. 269, Sections 17-19:
“Whoever is a principal organizer or participant in the crime of hazing, as defined
herein, shall be punished by a fine of not more than three thousand dollars or by
41
imprisonment in a house of correction for not more than one year, or both such fine
and imprisonment.
The term ‘hazing’ as used in this section and in sections eighteen and nineteen, shall
mean any conduct or method of initiation into any student organization, whether on
public or private property, which willfully or recklessly endangers the physical or
mental health of any student or other person. Such conduct shall include whipping,
beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the weather, forced
consumption of any food, liquor, beverage, drug or other substance, or any other
brutal treatment or forced physical activity which is likely to adversely affect the
physical health or safety of any such student or other person, or which subjects such
student or other person to extreme mental stress, including extended deprivation
of sleep or rest or extended isolation.
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section to the contrary, consent shall
not be available as a defense to any prosecution under this action.” M.G.L.
c. 269, Section 17.
“Whoever knows that another person is the victim of hazing as defined in section
seventeen and is at the scene of such crime shall, to the extent that such a person
can do so without danger or peril to himself or others, report such crime to an
appropriate law enforcement official as soon as reasonably practicable. Whoever
fails to report such crime shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand
dollars.” M.G.L. c. 269, Section 18.
“Each institution of secondary education and each public and private institution of
post-secondary education shall issue to every student group, student team or
student organization which is part of such institution or is recognized by the
institution or permitted by the institution to use its name or facilities or is known by
the institution to exist as an unaffiliated student group, student team or student
organization, a copy of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen; provided,
however, that an institution’s compliance with this section’s requirements that an
institution issue copies of this section and sections seventeen and eighteen to
unaffiliated student groups, teams or organizations shall not constitute evidence of
the institution’s recognition or endorsement of said unaffiliated student groups,
teams or organizations.
Each such group, team or organization shall distribute a copy of this section and
sections seventeen and eighteen to each of its members, plebes, pledges or
applicants for membership. It shall be the duty of each such group, team or
organization, acting through its designated officer, to deliver annually, to the
institution an attested acknowledgement stating that such group, team or
organization has received a copy of this section and said sections seventeen and
42
eighteen, that each of its members, plebes, pledges, or applicants has received a
copy of sections seventeen and eighteen, and that such group, team or organization
understands and agrees to comply with the provisions of this section and sections
seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-
secondary education shall, at least annually, before or at the start of enrollment, deliver
to each person who enrolls as a full time student in such institution a copy of this section
and sections seventeen and eighteen.
Each institution of secondary education and each public or private institution of post-
secondary education shall file, at least annually, a report with the board of higher
education and in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education, certifying that
such institution has complied with its responsibility to inform student groups, teams or
organizations and to notify each full time student enrolled by it of the provisions of this
section and sections seventeen and eighteen and also certifying that said institution has
adopted a disciplinary policy with regard to the organizers and participants of hazing, and
that such policy has been set forth with appropriate emphasis in the student handbook or
similar means of communicating the institution’s policies to its students. The board of
higher education and, in the case of secondary institutions, the board of education shall
promulgate regulations governing the content and frequency of such reports and shall
forthwith report to the attorney general any such institution which fails to make such
report.” M.G.L. c. 269, Section 19.
B.
Federal Stop Campus Hazing Act
Under the federal Stop Campus Hazing Act (SCHA), MIT is required to track, report,
and publicly disclose incidents of hazing and to implement hazing prevention and
awareness programs. For further information, please visit MIT’s hazing resources
website.
In addition to the above definitions, the SCHA defines hazing as follows:
“[A]ny intentional, knowing, or reckless act committed by a person (whether
individually or in concert with other persons) against another person or persons
regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that--
(I)
is committed in the course of an initiation into, an affiliation with, or the
maintenance of membership in, a student organization; and
(II)
causes or creates a risk, above the reasonable risk encountered in the course
of participation in the institution of higher education or the organization
(such as the physical preparation necessary for participation in an athletic
team), of physical or psychological injury including —
(aa) whipping, beating, striking, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful
43
substance on someone's body, or similar activity;
(bb) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing sleep deprivation, exposure to the
elements, confinement in a small space, extreme calisthenics, or other
similar activity;
(cc) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to consume food,
liquid, alcohol, drugs, or other substances;
(dd) causing, coercing, or otherwise inducing another person to perform sexual
acts;
(ee) any activity that places another person in reasonable fear of bodily harm
through the use of threatening words or conduct;
(ff) any activity against another person that includes a criminal violation of local,
State, Tribal, or Federal law; and
(gg) any activity that induces, causes, or requires another person to perform a
duty or task that involves a criminal violation of local, State, Tribal, or Federal
law.''
II (16). Improper Use of Institute Name and Logo
The Institute’s name must not be used in ways that suggest or imply the endorsement of
other organizations, their products, or their services. The use of the Institute’s name,
logo, seal, and photographs in the advertising and other promotional material and
activities of outside organizations is prohibited when such use is likely to be understood
as an endorsement, even if such an endorsement is not the intention of the person or
organization seeking to use MIT’s name. All proposals, therefore, for the use of MIT’s
name or other identification in advertising, sales literature and videos, and commercial
publicity must be submitted to the Technology Licensing Office. See
Institute Policy
12.3: Use of Institute Name
for additional information.
II (17). Improper Use of Institute Property
MIT prohibits improper use of Institute property or facilities, including offices, labs,
residence halls, and other physical spaces, keys/key cards, computers, telephones, and
other equipment or tangible property. Examples of improper uses include without
limitation vandalism, damage, or destruction of items or physical spaces; entering into
restricted or private areas without authorization; uses intended for personal financial
gain; engaging in illegal activities; or using Institute property in a manner that violates
other MIT policies.
44
II (18). Institute Expectations of Student Behavior and
Integrity
MIT is a community dedicated to scholarship and leadership. Student members of this
community commit to reflect upon and uphold these principles in all academic and non-
academic endeavors.
MIT expects that all students come to the Institute for a serious academic purpose and
expects them to be responsible individuals who conduct themselves with high
standards of honesty, fairness, respect, integrity, and accountability in both their
academic and non-academic lives. Students are expected to uphold a high standard of
civility and to demonstrate their respect for all members of this diverse community.
These expectations are fundamental to the principle of independent learning and
professional growth and to the maintenance of a healthy living and learning
environment.
MIT’s expectations of civility and accountability also extend to periods where students
are under interim action related to the discipline process as imposed by the Committee
on Discipline, Dean for Student Life, or designee. Accordingly, students are expected to
comply with all terms defined within said action, including but not limited to no-contact
orders, temporary or permanent removal of a student from MIT housing or relocation to
another room or residence hall, restrictions on student organization or residence hall
activities, restricting a student's access to certain campus locations, or changes to
academic or work schedules.
MIT expects that students will comply with any and all policies related to special
Institute events; these events include, but are not limited to: Orientation, Campus
Preview Weekend, and Commencement.
This expectation also extends to emergency or interim policies established by Institute
officials to respond to crises or other circumstances that significantly impact the
Institute community. These policies may include directives that modify expectations of
student behavior, as well as how students interact with other community members in
academic and non-academic settings.
II (19). MIT ID Card
Students are prohibited from giving their MIT ID card to anyone else. This includes both
physical ID cards as well as access to a Mobile ID or Mobile ID data in any form. MIT ID
cards are required to gain access to all MIT residence halls. MIT ID cards are also used to
access house dining halls, can be used for Dining Dollars and TECHCash, and in some
45
cases serve as a student's subway and bus pass.
Students who lose their MIT ID card, or have it stolen, should follow the
MIT’s procedures
for card deactivation and obtaining a replacement.
II (20). Non-Retaliation and Whistleblower Policy
MIT prohibits any member of the community from retaliating against any person who, in
good faith, raises concerns about a possible violation of MIT policy or other wrongdoing,
or participates in any Institute complaint resolution process. This non-retaliation policy
applies to those who report an incident, file a complaint, or otherwise raise a concern
about a policy violation or other wrongdoing; these individuals are sometimes called
whistleblowers. The non-retaliation policy also protects those who review or investigate
a complaint or concern, serve as a witness or provide background about the complaint
or concern, or who make decisions or recommendations about sanctions in any of the
Institute’s complaint resolution procedures.
Retaliation is any adverse action, harassment, threats, or other conduct that would
discourage a reasonable person from making a report or participating in a complaint
review process. Examples of possible retaliation include, but are not limited to:
Adverse employment action (e.g., termination, demotion, reduction in pay, adverse
change in schedule or work location, or exclusion from work-related opportunities,
conferences, or other activities)
Adverse action related to an Institute educational program (e.g., adverse change to
grades, class schedule, or research opportunities or funding)
Stalking, harassment, intimidation, threats, or engaging in physical violence
Adverse social actions such as exclusion or removal from a group or committee, or
publishing personally identifiable information about an individual, including on
websites or social media sites
Adverse action related to research or scholarship (e.g., removing from research
grant, reducing access to research funds, removing authorship from paper,
rejecting a paper during refereeing, recommending to peers or students to not cite
their work)
Encouraging or asking a third party to engage in retaliatory conduct
Note that interim measures taken by MIT to address a complaint, such as separating the
parties, are generally not retaliation.
Retaliation may occur even where there is no finding of a policy or other violation.
46
Complaints of retaliation are addressed through MIT’s complaint resolution processes,
depending on the nature of the retaliation (e.g., a grade dispute). Where a formal
investigation of a complaint of retaliation is done and no specific internal process exists,
the investigation process steps in
Section 9.8.4
are usually followed. A finding of
retaliation may lead to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of
employment, suspension or expulsion from the Institute, or severing any other
relationship with MIT.
MIT encourages reporting to the Committee on Discipline for student misconduct and
acts of retaliation. For situations where a student may be facing retaliation in the lab or
workspace by an employee of the Institute, MIT encourages open reporting to a
supervisor or to one of the offices listed in the
Reporting Options
page. Individuals who
prefer to report anonymously may do so through the
Campus-based hotline
or the
Lincoln Laboratory hotline.
II (21). Off-Campus Misconduct
Off-campus misconduct may be a basis for MIT disciplinary action if the Institute
considers that such alleged misconduct may have violated Institute policy and
expectations of civility, integrity, and respect. The Institute will determine, on a case-
by-case basis, if it is appropriate to address a complaint of this kind.
II (22). Property Damage and Destruction
Malicious or unauthorized conduct that attempts to, actually does, or is reasonably
likely to damage, deface, or destroy Institute property or property belonging to another
is prohibited.
II (23). Protests and Demonstrations
MIT has established an Institute-level policy on Protests and Demonstrations that is
applicable to all community members who engage in protest and demonstration
activities. This policy can be found in
Institute Policy 12.7: Protests and Demonstrations.
II (24). Theft
MIT prohibits the actual or attempted taking, deprivation, or use of property without
authorization from the owner or an authorized individual. This includes the theft of
goods, data, services, or other intangibles of value. Knowingly possessing stolen
property is also prohibited.
47
II (25). Threats, Intimidation, and Coercion
MIT prohibits threatening and/or intimidating conduct that can be reasonably construed
to endanger or cause physical harm or significant psychological harm to any person.
MIT prohibits the use of unreasonable pressure, manipulation, or exploitation of power
to compel an individual to engage in conduct they would not otherwise choose, or to
refrain from conduct in which they would otherwise freely engage. Coercion is
distinguished from persuasion by its disregard for the other party's autonomy.
II (26). Unauthorized Access
MIT prohibits students from being present in any Institute area or property or in any area
of Institute-approved housing that is posted to prohibit unauthorized access, that is
locked to prohibit unauthorized access, or that a reasonable individual knows or should
know is considered a private and/or unauthorized area.
Examples of unauthorized access include, but are not limited to, unapproved rooftops,
the domes of Building 10 and 7, steam tunnels, closed construction sites, and HVAC
ducts. Scaling or climbing the exterior of buildings is also not permitted. Further
examples include, but are not limited to, locked offices, labs, residence halls, or
residence hall rooms that you do not have permission to enter.
II (27). Weapons and Dangerous Objects
MIT prohibits in any building, space, or grounds used for Institute purposes, including in
any residence hall or FSILG, or in any motor vehicle on property or vehicles used for
Institute purposes, all weapons and other objects that can be used to cause physical
harm, that can be used to threaten physical harm, or that, by their appearance, could
reasonably be perceived as weapons or objects that could be used to cause physical
harm (e.g., replica firearms). Illustrative examples of prohibited objects include, but are
not limited to, shotguns, rifles, pistols, revolvers, and other firearms (including
ammunition therefor); hunting knives, switchblades, swords, and other dangerous
blades; air rifles/pistols, air-soft rifles/pistols, and b.b. guns (including ammunition
therefor); bows, crossbows, and arrows; tasers; martial arts-type weapons; mace or
pepper spray; and explosive or flammable materials (including recreational fireworks).
Questions concerning whether a particular object is covered by this policy may be
submitted to the Chief of the MIT Police or their designee, whose determination shall be
final. This policy does not apply to the MIT Police or other law enforcement agencies.
Exceptions to this policy may be allowed for organized athletic events, physical
education classes, sanctioned activities of recognized student clubs, dramatic
performances, and other legitimate uses in furtherance of the educational mission of the
48
Institute. Approval of such uses must be obtained in advance from the Institute official
supervising the organization or sponsoring the activity, who shall consult with the Chief
of the MIT Police or their designee.
As a member of the MIT community, we expect students to respect the rights and
property of fellow residents and help minimize wear and tear on the facilities and
furnishings. All students who live in on-campus housing are required to read and be
familiar with the Housing and Residential Services policies. These policies are in
addition to Institute-wide policies covered in the
Mind and Hand Book,
and are available
online at
studentlife.mit.edu/policies-and-resources/housing-policies
.
Some issues involving misconduct in your residence will be resolved through systems of
residence staff or the Committee on Discipline. Serious infractions of MIT policies,
including residence hall policies and procedures, may result in sanctions or even
suspension from MIT housing.
III.
Policies Regarding Residence Halls and Apartments
III (1). Residence Hall Murals
For information regarding MIT’s policy on Murals in the Residence Halls, refer to
https://studentlife.mit.edu/policies-and-resources/murals-artwork-in-residence-
halls.
III (2). Smoking in the Residence Halls
Smoking is prohibited in all spaces of all MIT buildings, including in all MIT residence
halls. For information regarding MIT’s policy on Smoking in Residence Halls, refer to
https://studentlife.mit.edu/policies-and-resources/smoking-in-residence-halls/
.
III (3). Events in the Residence Halls
All events and parties within residence halls and FSILGs must follow event planning
protocols and be registered with the appropriate campus office. For information on
residence hall events, refer to
https://studentlife.mit.edu/living-communities/hosting-
a-residence-hall-event/.
Information on
FSILGs policies
can be found on the Student Life website
.
III (4). Security in the Residence Halls
All students who are members of MIT’s residence hall communities are expected to be
aware of housing security policies, both at the Institute level and within their individual
49
residence halls. These include, but are not limited to, MIT’s policies on
guests in the
residence halls, residence hall keys,
and
MIT ID Cards
. Students should connect with
their house teams if they have questions about the security policies in their individual
residence halls.
III (5). Postering in the Residence Halls
All students living in the residence halls are expected to be aware of postering policies
and procedures in residential spaces, which include policies at the Institute level as well
as any policies in place in their individual residence hall community. For more
information on residential postering policies, students should review the
Division of
Student Life’s website
.
III (6). Rooftop Common Spaces in Residence Halls
The
Rooftop Common Spaces in Residence Halls policy
sets baseline requirements for
access control and utilization with flexibility for houses to establish additional
protocols that promote the safe and responsible use of these community spaces.
Violation of rooftop common space policies may result in referral to the Office of Student
Conduct and Community Standards; loss of access privileges (individual or entire
house); and potential loss of housing.
IV.
Policies Regarding Fraternities, Sororities, and
Independent Living Groups
Students who reside in or are members of a fraternity, sorority, or independent living
group (FSILG) should be aware of policies that pertain specifically to them. Recognized
groups must comply with (1) all federal, state, and local laws and regulations; (2) all
applicable MIT policies, including without limitation those set forth in
MIT Policies and
Procedures
, the
Mind and Hand Book
, and the
Residential Life and Dining Policies
;
(3) all
rules and regulations of the relevant FSILG governing council and national or
international organization; and (4) for residential facilities, all requirements of the city
or town in which the facility is located, all of which are subject to change without notice.
The FSILG Office has policies that apply to organizations as well as individual members.
These policies, including MIT’s FSILG Relationship Statement and Recognition Policy
and MIT’s Event Registration Policies and Protocols for Fraternities, Sororities, and
Independent Living Groups are in addition to Institute-wide policies covered in the Mind
and Hand Book and can be found online at
studentlife.mit.edu/fsilg.
Violations of Institute policies or regulations by a MIT FSILG or their members may lead
50
to disciplinary proceedings by the Committee on Discipline, the respective governing
council for the FSILG, or both, and shall follow the options and general procedures
outlined by the Committee on Discipline and the Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards at MIT.
IV (1). Approved Institute Housing
As approved Institute FSILG Housing, all FSILGs are expected to provide their members
and residents an environment that fosters academic achievement and moral and social
development.
1.
Non-MIT students (those not registered as an MIT undergraduate or graduate
student) are prohibited from residing in the fraternity, sorority, or independent
living group house during the academic year.
2.
First-year students are required to live in an on-campus Institute residence hall
or to obtain permission to live in a private off-campus residence as approved by
MIT. First-year students are prohibited from residing in any FSILG.
3.
Students on required withdrawal or medical leave are not permitted to reside in
an FSILG during the academic year. Additional restrictions regarding summer
residency may also be determined for potential readmission to the Institute.
4.
Each FSILG is required to have a live-in Graduate Resident Advisor for the entire
academic year.
5.
FSILGs shall ensure that their facilities meet or exceed all Institute safety and
health requirements as well as all applicable city and state health, safety, and
building codes and shall cooperate with the Institute in any health or safety
related inspections or surveys. FSILGs with housing facilities shall maintain a
current Lodging House and/or Dormitory license as required by their respective
municipality and Mass. General Laws, Chapter 140. Copies of all inspection-
related documentation must be kept with the AILG/FCI and accessible by the
FSILG Office.
6.
FSILG facilities/properties located in the City of Cambridge may not host any
event associated with gambling or games of chance without express permission
from the Cambridge Licensing Board and purchase of applicable licenses.
7.
Proper procedures for hosting events of any kind at an FSILG facility must be fully
implemented as outlined by applicable FSILG Office, Institute-wide, and
governing council and/or Inter/National policies.
Loss of approved Institute FSILG Housing status may result in suspension of privileges,
up to and including loss of housing, and loss of their lodging/ dormitory license. FSILGs
51
that lose housing privileges are not guaranteed on-campus housing for members.
Failure to comply with the above could lead to possible action, restriction of privileges,
and jeopardize Good Standing and Institute Recognition.
IV (2). Judicial Procedures
Under the advisement of the Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups
Office and the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards, the Chair for the
Committee on Discipline, where appropriate, has delegated a portion of the
responsibility for discipline and accountability within the FSILG community to a hearing
board made up of peers from the FSILG community. Each governing council shall have
written policies for Judicial Committee or Standards Board policies and procedures.
Details related to each Council’s policies and procedures are maintained by those
entities and can be located online at:
MIT Interfraternity Council (
www.mitifc.com/)
MIT Panhellenic Association (
panhel.mit.edu/
)
MIT Living Group Council (
lgc.mit.edu/)
MIT Multicultural Greek Council (website under development)
IV (3). Interim Action
At times, it is necessary for the Institute to take immediate action in order to protect the
health, safety, wellbeing, or educational or working experience of students, employees,
or the broader MIT community; to maintain academic integrity; to uphold Institute
values; to end ongoing or prevent further misconduct; to separate individuals involved in
a case; or for other similar reasons. To that end, as described in
Section 9.8.6.1 of the MIT
Policies & Procedures
, the Institute reserves the right to take any interim or permanent
administrative action that it deems necessary and appropriate under the particular
circumstances.
Possible measures include without limitation interim suspension of a student
organization, restrictions on student organization or living group activities, loss of
Approved Institute Housing, no-contact orders, or bans from certain activities.
In addition, regardless of whether a complaint is brought before the COD, the IDHR office
is authorized to take immediate actions that it determines are necessary and appropriate
to respond to concerns related to sexual misconduct (including harassment), intimate
52
partner violence stalking, or other forms of gender-based discrimination.
In all cases, interim measures are taken without prejudice to any other sanctions or
remedies being imposed as part of subsequent COD proceedings.
Further, the Associate Dean for FSILGs or designee, in consultation with the respective
governing council President, may impose an interim action that may include restrictions
on an FSILG. These restrictions may be imposed prior to a council hearing and during non-
academic terms such as holidays, IAP, and summer break periods. Such action may be
taken when the alleged violation is deemed to be egregious and/or involve unsafe
behavior.
Events where MIT’s Event Registration Policies and Protocols for Fraternities, Sororities,
and Independent Living Groups and MIT’s Atlas Registration agreements, expectations,
or risk management plans are not followed may result in alteration, cancellation, or
banning of future events by the Division of Student Life. In some circumstances, a
complaint may be submitted to the Committee on Discipline for further review.
Failure to meet housing, health, and safety requirements, and/or submit appropriate
licenses, certificates, and documentation shall result in an Interim
Action that may include, but are not limited to, loss of Approved Institute Housing, social
host privileges, chapter group restrictions, or may result in possible legal action by the
host city.
Chapters that default on MIT IRDF loans and/or grants are subject to loss of Good
Standing, Approved Institute Housing, and/or Institute Recognition.
V.
Other Selected Institute Policies
In addition to the policies contained in the
Mind and Hand Book
, there are additional
policies that all MIT students must be aware of. MIT students are required to follow all
published Institute policies, including those cited in this book, those posted online, and
those promulgated officially by the Institute in other ways.
V (1). Common Policies to Note
The following MIT policies have been assembled in this section of the
Mind and Hand Book
to
provide useful reference. This is not intended to be a complete list but rather a compilation of
frequently referenced policies.
MIT Bulletin (
catalog.mit.edu
)
MIT Policies and Procedures (
policies.mit.edu/policies-procedures)
MIT Academic Integrity Handbook (
http://integrity.mit.edu
)
53
Athena Rules of Use (
http://ist.mit.edu/athena/olh/rules
)
MITnet Rules of Use (
http://ist.mit.edu/network/rules
)
Additional Housing and Dining Policies (
https://studentlife.mit.edu/policies-and-
resources/housing-policies
)
MIT Student Organization Handbook (
https://studentlife.mit.edu/policies-and-
resources/mit-student-organization-handbook/
)
Parking Rules (
http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/parking/ regulations.html
)
HR Complaint Process and Resolution (
https://hr.mit.edu/complaint
)
Privacy of student records (
http://web.mit.edu/registrar/general/csip/
students/index.html
)
Policy for the Burning of Material Offerings for Ceremonial, Cultural, Traditional, or
Religious Observance (
https://studentlife.mit.edu/orsel/ interfaith-
understanding/smudging-policy
)
Digital Citizenship Toolkit:
https://gue.mit.edu/digital-citizenship-toolkit/
V (2). Bicycles and Personal Wheels on Campus
Bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other personal wheeled devices and vehicles—
with and without motors – are your Personal Wheels (PWs) while you’re on campus. The
Parking & Transportation Office provides guidelines to promote the safe operation,
parking, and storage of PWs at MIT. View the
PW guidelines
in full.
Note that these rules and guidelines don’t apply to wheeled devices and vehicles
designed for and used by individuals with mobility-related disabilities or medical
conditions.
A.
Personal Wheels registration (bikes, scooters, etc.)
You can register your PW online
here
; registration stickers are provided at no charge
by the Parking & Transportation Office.
Registration and UL certification is required
for motorized PWs on campus.
Learn more about UL certification and MIT’s registration process.
Registration of non-motorized PWs
is recommended as it can deter theft or
facilitate the recovery of a PW that is stolen.
Document your PW’s serial number,
color, make/model, etc., in case your PW
is lost or stolen. Note that the Cambridge Police Department no longer registers
bicycles.
54
B.
Safe operation on campus
Look out for others and use common sense: Wear a helmet, have good brakes and
lights, and keep your speed reasonable. Use bike lanes and signal your turns.
It is prohibited to operate your PW inside any building or parking structure on
the MIT campus.
(As noted above, this only applies to non-medical transportation
devices.)
Yield to pedestrians,
including at crosswalks, and give audible warnings when
passing.
Follow
all
traffic laws
– observe the speed limit and stop at red lights and stop
signs
C.
Outdoor parking on campus
MIT provides outdoor racks for parking and storing bicycles and other PWs, and
some of these racks are under overhangs or in breezeways (including those outside
Buildings 3, 26, and 39). A heavy-duty U-lock is recommended. If the racks are full
or don’t accommodate your PW, find a secure location for it outside, but remember:
Do not obstruct
building entrances, sidewalks, paths, etc. Don’t park on a
wheelchair ramp, including the ramps outside the Student Center.
Avoid damaging
campus artwork, landscaping, or infrastructure; do not attach
to trees, plantings, benches, railings, etc.
D.
Indoor parking on campus (a limited exception)
PW owners are
only
authorized to park or store PWs indoors on MIT premises under
limited circumstances.
These circumstances
are detailed in the PW guidelines. If
your non-motorized or registered, UL-certified, motorized PW meets the conditions
and is allowed indoors, remember:
All PWs must be walked indoors.
Follow the most direct route to your room to
avoid impeding others in the hallways.
Don’t park your PW in a hallway, classroom, common area, stairwell, entryway,
or any group space or common area, even temporarily. Your PW will be subject
to removal.
E.
Follow the required safety procedures when charging a PW
PW charging is not allowed on the MIT campus except under limited circumstances
and
only
in accordance with MIT’s required safety procedures.
Review the details
of
when charging is allowed and how to follow the required procedures.
55
F.
Violations and confiscation
Any PW that is operated, parked, stored, or charging in an improper or unsafe
manner in disregard of MIT’s guidelines is subject to removal by the MIT Police
and/or a representative from the Parking & Transportation Office. MIT (including MIT
Police and the Parking & Transportation Office) is not responsible for any alleged
damage to or missing accessories/equipment from an impounded PW. If your PW
has been removed,
mitparking@mit.edu.
V (3). Statement on Drug-free Campus and Workplace
Policies
Pursuant to the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989 and the
Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, MIT has a comprehensive program to prevent the use
of illegal drugs and the abuse of alcohol. MIT reviews its program biennially to determine
its effectiveness, implement any necessary changes, and ensure that the required
disciplinary sanctions are consistently enforced. Please refer to
dfsca.mit.edu
for
information on standards of conduct, legal sanctions, health risks, resources and
programs offered by MIT, and disciplinary sanctions for policy violations.”
V (4). Emergency Contacts, Missing Person, Missing
Student Notification Policy
A.
Emergency Contact Information
Students should provide their emergency contact information to the Institute.
Students should annually review and, if necessary, edit their emergency contact
information, as well as term and home address, within WebSIS.
Anyone with a Kerberos ID and cell phone registered with Duo is automatically
added to the MIT Alert system, which is used to send advisories and critical
notifications associated with COVID-19. Students are encouraged to also update
their preferred email and phone number in the MIT Alert system to ensure
notifications are also sent to that email and phone number.
B.
Missing Person Procedure
If you can’t find someone and are worried that person is missing, immediately
contact the MIT Police at 617.253.1212. Be prepared to supply information on the
missing person. Please also notify your Head of House or the Dean on Call, who will
work with the Police to notify the missing person’s family when appropriate.
56
C.
Missing Student Notification Policy
MIT has adopted this missing student notification policy for students who reside in
on-campus housing, including approved FSILG housing. In accordance with this
policy, each student who resides in on-campus housing has the option to identify an
individual to be contacted by MIT after such student is determined to be missing in
accordance with procedures that have been established by the office of the Dean
for Student Life in consultation with the MIT Police.
Students can identify an individual to be notified by providing Missing Person
Emergency Contact information to the Registrar’s Office through WebSIS, which is
available online at
http://student.mit.edu/cgi-docs/student.html.
Students who
have not already provided Missing Person Emergency Contact information –
including those students who live off campus – are strongly encouraged to do so as
soon as possible. Except as otherwise permitted or required by law, Missing Person
Emergency Contact information will be kept confidential, will be accessible only to
authorized campus officials, and will not be disclosed to non-campus officials other
than law enforcement personnel in furtherance of a missing person investigation.
In addition to notifying the emergency contact(s) identified by a student, MIT must
also notify a custodial parent or guardian of a student who is under 18 years of age
and is not an emancipated individual if such student is determined to be missing.
MIT is also required to notify the appropriate law enforcement agency (or agencies)
if any student, regardless of age, is determined to be missing. MIT reserves the right
to notify additional individuals or authorities in its discretion – including the parents
or guardians of students over 18 years of age – if a student is determined to be
missing.
If you are concerned that a fellow student might be missing or otherwise in danger,
you should immediately notify the MIT Police.
V (5). Protection of Personal Privacy
MIT is committed to protecting the personal privacy of members of the MIT community.
The mutual trust and freedom of thought and expression essential to a university rest on
a confidence that privacy will be respected. While the organizations collecting and
having custody of personal information are immediately responsible for its protection,
the ultimate protection comes from a community-wide awareness of the importance of
personal privacy in our society and the many ways it can be eroded.
V (6). Student Leave Policies
57
There are many reasons why a student might want or need to take time away from MIT.
These may include personal or medical issues interfering with their academics;
opportunities for professional experience, such as an internship; family or community
commitments; or the desire to just take a break. For more information on student leave
policies,
visit
https://studentlife.mit.edu/wellbeing-support/student-support-
services-s3/requesting-a-leave
.
Misconduct by a student on leave that is brought to MIT’s attention may be a basis for
MIT disciplinary action, including temporary or permanent denial of a request to return
from leave or referral to the Committee on Discipline. See COD Rules at cod.mit.edu for
further details.
A.
Undergraduate Medical Leave Policy
For information on the undergraduate medical leave policy, visit
https://
studentlife.mit.edu/wellbeing-support/student-support-services-s3/ requesting-
a-leave/
B.
Graduate Medical Leave Policy
For information on the graduate medical leave policy, visit
https://oge.mit.edu/
gpp/admissions-and-registration/leaves-accommodations-and-time-off
VI.
Complaint, Reporting, and Disciplinary Procedures
Complaints or incident reports that allege MIT students or student organizations have
violated Institute policy should be directed to the
Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards (OSCCS)
, via email (
osccs@ mit.edu)
, phone (617-258-8423) or by
completing an
online report form
. If you are considering submitting a report or making a
complaint against a student, we encourage you to meet with staff in OSCCS to raise your
concerns. Additionally, interpersonal difficulties with other students can be resolved by
discussing the issue with your residential house team, department head, other
appropriate venues or groups, including OSCCS. Students may also bring concerns to the
attention of an Ombudsperson, IDHR, or may file a report with MIT’s
Hotline
.
It is the Institute’s policy that individuals will not be retaliated against for initiating an
inquiry or complaint in good faith.
Anyone—including individual students, faculty members, and employees of the
Institute—may bring a complaint against a student to the Committee on Discipline
(COD). The COD reviews cases of academic offenses, violations of Institute regulations
and standards, and other infractions alleged to have been committed by students.
A complaint against a student must be submitted in writing to OSCCS. The charge and its
58
documentation are transmitted to the chair of the COD. After a review of the
documentation, the chair will decide the appropriate method of resolution. The COD has
the authority to impose any sanction it deems appropriate. Possible sanctions include
placing a warning letter in a student’s disciplinary file, probation, suspension, and
expulsion. Sanctions may also include educational and/or restorative components
meant to address the wrongdoing and serve the larger community. Detailed procedures
for resolving complaints alleging that a student has violated MIT policies are available
from the COD Rules online and in print from the Office of Student Conduct and
Community Standards.
Discrimination & Discriminatory Harassment
Students should submit complaints about any MIT community member who has
engaged in behaviors covered by the Title IX of the Higher Education Act of 1972 with
regard to grievances arising out of alleged discrimination on the basis of sex, and for
disabled students alleging failure to comply with Sections 503 and 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the
Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008 to the MIT Institute
Discrimination and Harassment Response Office. A description of the complaint
procedures is included in Institute Policy 9.8: Complaint Resolution (Policies and
Procedures) and on IDHR’s website.
Procedures for reporting Discrimination and Discriminatory Harassment, including
sexual misconduct, intimate partner violence, and stalking, is available on the IDHR
website, https://idhr.mit.edu. Information about the complaint resolution process
is available on the IDHR website,
idhr.mit.edu.
VII.
Resources
MIT has a wealth of resources for students. Students are encouraged to refer to the
Student Resources for Living and Learning at MIT website (
studentlife.mit.edu/policies-
and-resources/
) for more information on offices, services, and tools they can use.
Important Numbers and Contacts
MIT Police: Emergency dial “100” from campus phone or 617-253-1212 from mobile
phone; non-emergency: 617-253-2996 |
police.mit.edu
Cambridge Police: Emergency dial 911; non-emergency call 617-349-3300
Boston Police: Emergency dial 911; non-emergency District D4 call 617-343-4250
MIT Medical: 617-253-4881
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Student Mental Health and Counseling Services: 617-253-2916
Dean on Call (Calls routed via MIT Police): 617-253-1212
Safe Ride: 617-253-2997
Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards: 617-258-8423
Institute Discrimination & Harassment Response Office: 617-715-4080
Ombuds Office: 617-253-5921
Undergraduate and Graduate Residential Life: 617-253-2404
Fraternities, Sororities, and Independent Living Groups: 617-253-2404
Student Support Services: 617-253-4861
Violence Prevention & Response Hotline: 617-253-2300
VIII.
Review and Revisions
The Mind and Hand Book is reviewed and updated on a regular basis to ensure alignment
with
MIT Policies and Procedures
and compliance with federal, state, and/or local laws.
The Institute reserves the right to modify the contents of the Mind and Hand Book from
time to time. A Student Policy Review Committee (SPRC) shall be appointed by the Vice
Chancellor for Student Life to review and recommend revisions on a regular basis.
SPRC Membership
The SPRC generally consists of the following members of the MIT community, or their
appointed designees, as approved by the Vice Chancellor for Student Life:
●
Staff member(s) from the Office Student Conduct & Community Standards (chair)
●
Staff member(s) from the Office of Residential & Community Life
●
Chair, Committee on Discipline
●
President, Undergraduate Association
●
President, Graduate Student Council
●
One Undergraduate Head of House
●
One Graduate Head of House
●
Representative(s) from the Office of the General Counsel
Additionally, the Presidents of the Undergraduate Association and Graduate Student
Council may nominate one additional student per organization to serve on the SPRC. The
nomination will be submitted to the Committee Chair for consideration and approval.