Graduate Community Fellows

The Graduate Community Fellows program offers a sustained and systematic method of building graduate community at MIT, especially in the directions of interest for the ODGE. In addition, the Fellows have the opportunity to interact intimately with administrators, advocate for student interests, and gain valuable leadership experience. - Former Fellow

Graduate Community Fellows are a cadre of graduate students who work on projects and assignments that enhance graduate community in unique ways. Each Fellow reports to a staff member in the ODGE or in a partner organization, and focuses on a specific project. Possible assignments include:

• Community-wide Program on Violence Against Women
• Diversity initiatives
• Diversity and inclusion website
• Graduate orientation
• Graduate Student Life Grants
• Programs for international students
• Programs for women
• Resources for Easing Friction and Stress (REFS)

As a cadre, Fellows pool their observations and reflections and advise the Dean about the needs of the graduate student community. They serve as an important conduit for informing the Dean and staff about the graduate student experience.

To serve as a Graduate Community Fellow, a graduate student must meet minimal eligibility requirements and agree to the terms of appointment. Click here for an application form. Fellow positions for the 2009-10 academic year have been filled.

To request funding for a Graduate Community Fellow in your area, submit a proposal.

Please contact Program Coordinator Heather Fry with questions at heatherf [at] mit [dot] edu.

Eligibility

• All graduate students who are registered and in good standing full time in a degree program at MIT for the current academic year are eligible to apply. (An international student who has full support in the form of an RA or TA is not eligible.)
• Fellows must be in residence in the Boston/Cambridge area for the term of their appointment. A student in nonresident doctoral thesis research status, or thesis-in-absentia status, is not eligible to apply.
• Fellows may serve up to 2 years. Current or previous Fellows must be reappointed for a second year.

Terms of appointment

• Graduate Community Fellows must be available beginning September 1 through May 31. The term of appointment is for the nine-month academic year.
• Graduate Community Fellows will receive a stipend of $5,400 for the academic year as compensation for an average of 10 hours a week. Duties are outlined in each Fellow's position description.
• A Fellow can be dismissed prior to the end of the appointment for conduct considered detrimental to the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education, or for failure to live up to his/her responsibilities as a Fellow. Should a Fellow be dismissed, the payment of his/her stipend will cease.
• Fellows will have access to office equipment and supplies in the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education on a limited basis.