MIT offers a broad range of architectural design studios devoted to projects of increasing complexity. Beginning studios provide the basic architectural design background by way of individual exercises, each designed to address distinct disciplinary techniques and strategies, among them canonical debates and modes of research. Option studios offer a range of expanded problems, integrating spatial, programmatic, and material strategies towards integrative thinking. They give students the chance to sharpen their skills and develop their own attitudes as a prologue to constructing a thesis, essentially honing in on the relationship between intellectual platforms and formal projects. In thesis term, graduate students take their own projects from concept to final product.

MArch students enroll in an architectural design studio every term except thesis semester. A student who enters at the beginning of the full three-and-a-half year program will normally complete a studio in each of 6 semesters, and then a thesis in semester 7. The first three studios are taught as core studios, and the final three studios are advanced option studios. The spring semester Year 2 and 3 studios are taught as vertical studios. Students entering at Year 2, with a two-and-a-half year program for the degree, will take four studios and complete a thesis.

SMArchS students who have professional degrees in architecture are automatically eligible to take option studios.

Placement in Design Studio / "The Lottery"

Students who have completed the core studios choose their advanced option studios through a lottery. There are two to three sections of each option studio, taught by different instructors. Each instructor gives a short presentation about his or her studio, and the students submit their choices ranked by preference. Studio places are assigned through a random drawing.

Placement in advanced option studio is determined by lottery. A student's name must appear on the studio eligibility list posted by the MArch degree administrator to ensure participation in the lottery.

The process attempts to take into account previous lottery outcomes for each student, and, in an adjustment phase following the initial drawing, students may submit written requests for a change in studio assignment.

A lottery schedule and instruction memo is available here.

Eligibility

Graduate studios are restricted to MArch and SMArchS students in good standing. A list of eligible students to enter the lottery for option studios posted in the Department's headquarters prior to Registration Day. A student who suspects an error has been made on this list should notify the MArch degree administrator immediately. View Eligibility List

Studio Presentations

At the beginning of each term, every faculty member who will teach a studio makes a 10-minute presentation of his/her program to the assembled department. This is the opportunity for students to learn about studio offerings before making their lottery choices. The sessions are open to the department community, and everyone is encouraged to stop in.

Studio Travel Policy

Extended travel by students (both independent travel and travel under faculty sponsorship) is encouraged during the summer, Independent Activities Period (IAP) and spring break. Spring break travel should not commence before Saturday, and students should be back for their first classes after the break. During term, trips should be scheduled for long weekends in the academic calendar whenever possible. Travel extending from Thursday evening to Sunday evening will also be allowed without special permission (though consideration should be given to Friday subjects). Any travel more extensive will be considered exceptional and must be cleared with the department head.

Design Studio Culture Policy

The Department of Architecture promotes a learning environment that supports the diverse values of the entire MIT community of students, faculty, administration, staff and guests. Fundamental to the mission of architectural education is the stewardship of this diversity in a positive and respectful learning environment that promotes the highest intellectual integrity and cultural literacy. As architectural design learning is often accomplished through project-based activities during and outside of class times, maintaining this environment at all times is the responsibility of the entire community. Faculty and students should strive to understand and mutually respect the varied commitments of each other and work together to manage expectations of time and effort devoted to assignments, pin-ups, and public reviews.

Workshops

A workshop is a specific design inquiry taught in a case study format. Selected issues of the built world are explored in depth. The problem may be prototypical or a particular aspect of a whole project. Workshops earn no more than 9 units of credit and may be repeated for credit. Students must have completed the Year 2 core studio or have the permission of the instructor to be eligible for workshop. Only one workshop may be taken in a semester during which a student is registered for studio. Workshops do not substitute for studios but are offered to increase the range of design inquiry. Portfolios Students should have up-to-date portfolios. Among other things, portfolios are needed to apply for departmental travel awards and prizes. It is in the student's interest to update his/her portfolio after each term.

Workstation Cleanup

Students are responsible for cleaning their own studio workstations at the end of each term. A $75 fine is charged to a student's bursar bill if the allocated workstation in the design studio is not left clean and undamaged by the cleanout date announced by the facilities manager.

The thesis comprises an original investigation, including a written report in English, on a subject approved by the Department of Architecture in advance. The Institute requires that each graduate student research and write an individual thesis and submit final copies to the Institute as a permanent record. In order for a degree to be awarded, the department must receive two copies of the thesis in accordance with the Specifications for Thesis Preparation published by the MIT Libraries Institute Archives.

Thesis work in all master's degree programs in the Department of Architecture extends over two to three terms. Thesis work in doctoral programs extends over four to six terms. Registration for thesis and pre-thesis subjects differs by degree program.
Download a copy of the 2011 Thesis Presentation View Book

The thesis process begins with one or more terms of thesis preparation and ends with one or more terms of thesis. Thesis registration (4.THG) for all programs begins once the thesis supervisor and/or committee have approved the thesis proposal. An integral element to a successful thesis lies in choosing an appropriate thesis committee. The Thesis Committee Guidelines document addresses the composition of a thesis committee for each degree program.

Thesis Preparation

The objective of registering for thesis preparation is to produce an acceptable thesis proposal. Students in every degree program register for the thesis preparation subject(s) specific to their program.

Masters Programs

• 4.189, Preparation for MArch Thesis, graded A-F 9-H-level units. A class taken the penultimate semester of the program.
• 4.288, Preparation for SMArchS Thesis, graded P/D/F, 9 H-level units (6 units for those in Design & Computation) is taken the third semester of the program. Students in Architecture & Urbanism and Design, and Computation, will have a separate classes; students in all other areas take 4.288 as an independent study subject graded by the thesis advisor.
• 4.388, Preparation for SMACT Thesis, graded A-F, 9 H-level units. A class taken in the second semester of the program. Thesis Preparation will develop a proposal for the written thesis. A ten-page thesis proposal is the final project of this class.
• 4.389, SMACT Thesis Tutorial, graded A-F, 9 H-level units, taken in the fourth semester to support the writing of the thesis book.
  SMACT students will submit a twenty-page thesis outline, select their thesis committee, and submit a SMACT Thesis Proposal Completion form by the end of their third term. These must be submitted to the ACT administrative offices, for distribution to ACT faculty, by May 1.
• 4.481, Building Technology Seminar, graded P/D/F, 3 H-level units. All SMBT students are required to register for 4.481 during the first term of the program. The thesis proposal is expected to be a product of this seminar, but the student may register for 4.488 to complete the proposal.
• 4.488, Preparation for SMBT Thesis, graded P/D/F, H-level, variable units. 4.488 is an independent study subject graded by the thesis advisor and taken the second term of the program, if necessary to complete the thesis proposal.
• 4.587, SMArchS Computation Pre-Thesis Preparation, graded P/D/F, 6 H-level units. Taken in the second semester of the program for students in the Design and Computation area.
• 4.687, SMArchS HTC Pre-Thesis Preparation, graded P/D/F, 3 H-level units. Taken in the second semester of the program for students in the HTC area.

Doctoral Programs:

• 4.481, Building Technology Seminar, graded P/D/F, 3 H-level units. All BT/PhD students must register for 4.481 during the first term of the program. The thesis proposal is expected to be a product of this seminar, but the student may register for 4.489 to complete the proposal.
• 4.489, Preparation for Building Technology PhD Thesis, graded P/D/F, H-level variable units. An independent study subject graded by the thesis advisor and taken the second and third term of the program, if necessary to complete the thesis proposal.
• 4.589, Preparation for Design and Computation PhD Thesis, graded P/D/F, variable units. An optional independent study subject graded by the thesis advisor and generally taken after coursework is completed. 4.589 is taken as preparation for the general examination and/or the dissertation proposal.
• 4.689, Preparation for History, Theory and Criticism PhD Thesis, graded P/D/F, variable units. Optional independent study graded by the thesis advisor and generally taken after coursework is completed. 4.689 is taken as preparation for the qualifying paper, general examination and/or the dissertation proposal. Students in this program do not register for thesis (4.THG) until all requirements except thesis have been completed.

Thesis Registration—4.THG

Once the thesis proposal is approved and the degree administrators have been notified, students register for thesis and continue to do so each term until graduation. Students who do not have an approved thesis proposal may not register for thesis. The number of units varies by degree program. (Upon submission of the thesis, 12 units of the grade awarded for 4.THG are entered into the student's cumulative grade point average.) MArch students Register for 24 units of 4.THG. Except for architectural design studio, other subjects needed to complete the degree requirements may be taken simultaneously.

Five reviews of student work lead to the final thesis. The department prepares a detailed MArch review schedule prior to the fall term:

•  Content Review—Week 1
•  Schematic Design Review—Week 4
•  Public Mid-Review—Week 8
•  Penultimate Review—Week 11
•  Final Review—Week 15

SMArchS students register for 36 units of 4.THG in their fourth and final term. All subjects needed to complete the degree (except architecture design studio) may be taken simultaneously. Two major reviews of the student's thesis work are held with the advisor(s) and all readers—the first in the fourth week of term, the second in the ninth week. The department degree administrator schedules reviews. SMArchS Thesis Proposal Form.

SMBT students register for 4.THG upon approval of the thesis proposal and continue to do so each term until graduation. Units will vary according to the number of other subjects being taken. A normal course load for a term is not more than 48 credit units. SMBT students are expected to schedule a content review directly with the thesis advisor to take place near the end of the final term. At this point the thesis should be substantially complete; the content review marks the point at which the student may turn to production of the final thesis.

SMACT students register for 48 units of 4.THG in their fourth and final term. Thesis is taken in conjunction with 4.390, Art, Culture and Technology Studio, which is taken each term, and 4.389, SMACT Thesis Tutorial, which is taken the final two terms. Thesis reviews are scheduled within the forum of 4.390, which is restricted to SMACT students.

PhD students register for 48 units of 4.THG for terms in which they are resident and not taking other subjects. Students who have been granted nonresident status register for 36 units of 4THG only (nonresident status is not permitted in the term during which the thesis is submitted.) Regular meetings with members of the dissertation committee to review thesis progress is expected and left to the student to schedule. At the conclusion of the thesis, PhD students are required to hold an oral defense of their dissertation. This defense is scheduled directly with the thesis committee, and the date is reported to the degree administrator.

Policy on Incompletes and Thesis Semester

MArch, SMArchS and SMACT students entering thesis term may have no more than one incomplete in a subject required for the degree, and that incomplete can be no older than the term previous to thesis. Students with several incompletes and/or incompletes from terms further back will be denied registration until those subjects are completed and graded. This policy applies to subjects required by curriculum or needed for units toward the degree.

Policy on Credit and Thesis

MArch students must have their curriculum credits in order by the end of the thesis prep semester. No substitutions or petitions for advanced standing or credit will be accepted or processed during the thesis term.

Thesis for Dual Degrees

Thesis research for dual degrees must be done under the supervision of an approved member of one of the two participating departments, with the other department providing a co-advisor or thesis reader. Students expecting to receive two advanced degrees must submit all thesis materials to the department in which they register during their final semester at MIT and are bound by the thesis specifications and deadlines of that department.

Thesis Guidelines and Deadlines

The Thesis Committee Guidelines document addresses the composition of a thesis committee for each degree program. The thesis committee is established and approved before thesis registration is permitted.

• Specifications for Thesis Preparation is published by the MIT Libraries Institute Archives to assist students in the preparation of the thesis document. The Institute is committed to the preservation of the student’s thesis because it is both a requirement of the MIT degree and a record of original research.
• The department upholds the requirements of the Institute specifications. In addition, the Department of Architecture requires that each thesis contain a page listing the names and titles of each member of the thesis committee. This page is to be inserted between the title page and the abstract. Students should review the thesis checklist before submitting the thesis to the department degree administrator.
• At the beginning of the final thesis term, all students must file an online Application for Advanced Degree at MIT WebSIS. The deadline is the end of the first week of term.
• Graduate Policies and Procedures can be found on a website provided by the Office of the Dean for Graduate Education (ODGE). This document offers additional information on the thesis process, including joint theses, restrictions on thesis publication, patent protection, privacy and security, intellectual property policy and thesis holds.
• The deadline for submitting the approved, archival copies of the thesis is set by the Institute and can be found on the MIT Academic Calendar. Theses for Master's programs that require a final public review will have a later submissions date. Consult the department Degree Administrator. Only minor errors in formatting and proofing will be subject to change after this date and only at the discretion of the department administrators.

All theses are submitted to the department degree administrators:

• Master's programs: Cynthia Stewart
• Doctoral programs: Renee Caso

Thesis research is ordinarily done in residence at the Institute. However, on occasion, work away from the Institute may be essential for such tasks as gathering data. Students with compelling educational reasons to do so may therefore apply to take one or two semesters in absentia.

A proposal for thesis research to be done in absentia must be approved by both the faculty of the specific PhD degree program, the Department's graduate officer and the dean of the graduate school.

Eligibility

Criteria for thesis in absentia include, but are not limited to:

• Evidence that this opportunity will provide continuing intellectual growth
• Evidence of completion of required coursework and all degree requirements except the thesis.
• The thesis must continue to be supervised by an Institute faculty member or by a senior academic staff member approved by the department
• The student must be registered as a regular student during the final term
• The student must devote full time to thesis research while absent from MIT

Students approved for thesis in absentia will continue to be registered as full-time students and receive tuition plus their normal fellowship stipends.

Proposal

The proposal needs to include the following and submitted to the PhD degree administrator in Architecture Headquarters:

• Name
• MIT ID
• Current address
• Current phone
• Current e-mail
• Degree program
• Completion date of general exams
• Completion date of thesis proposal and working title for thesis
• Proposed terms in absentia
• Expected degree date
• Reasons for requesting thesis research in absentia—the opportunity for continued intellectual growth must be evident
• Thesis advisor’s name and title
• Thesis advisor’s signature of approval
• Degree program director’s signature of approval
• Graduate officer’s signature of approval
• A copy of the signed thesis proposal

The approved and signed thesis proposal must be attached to the research-in-absentia proposal before the latter is submitted to the dean of graduate students.

The Department of Architecture sponsors a number of special awards, internship opportunities and travel fellowships throughout the year. These include, but are not limited to, travel opportunities to support thesis or dissertation research, participation in a conference (for PhD students only), and six-month internship opportunities to work abroad in an architectural firm. Awards and prizes are given at the end of each academic year in recognition of outstanding scholarship and promise. Most include a financial award.

Other MIT opportunities may be found on the Office of the Dean of Graduate Education (ODGE) website, under Financial Aid:
http://odge.mit.edu

Ennis Research Award for African-American Women

Terms

The family of Rosalia Elisa Ennis, (MArch '76) has established a research award in her memory in the MIT Department of Architecture. The annual award of $1000 will be given to an African-American woman student in any Department program (including undergraduate) for research and research-related travel in the field of architecture. It is hoped that the final product of the research will be of publishable quality. Projects need not only be written. The award might, for example, support the preparation of a final competition submission, travel in support of archival research, or visual documentation of a building, set of buildings or place.

Eligibility

African-American women in any architecture department program.

Process

The application process consists of
• A completed application cover sheet
• A statement of the research topic, maximum 5 pages
• A description of how the grant would be used to contribute to the applicant's research, including a brief resume of the applicant
• A budget, up to a maximum of $1,500

Schedule

Deadline for proposals: November 28, 2011 by 5pm in 7-337

Announcement of winners: December 9, 2011

Recent Winner

2011: Felecia Davis

Marvin E. Goody Award

Terms

The Marvin E. Goody Award ($5,000.00) is given each term to a student in any department at MIT who will be expected to complete his or her SM Thesis or equivalent (i.e., MArch, SMArchS, SMBT, MCP, SM, MEng) at the end of the following term.
The competition is held in December (for completion in May) and in May (for completion in February) of each year. Selection will be on the basis of the promise and subject of the thesis proposal as it relates to the aims of the Goody Award.

The aims of the award, which was established in 1983, are to extend the horizons of existing building techniques and use of materials, to encourage links between the academic world and the building industry, and to increase appreciation of the bond between good design and good building – criteria that are intended to reflect the range of Marvin Goody's interests as a teacher, researcher, and designer. To be appropriate for the Goody Award a thesis proposal must address one or more of the stated aims.

The criteria the committee will use in judging applications are:
• the promise of the thesis, in the form of evidence that the work it contains is likely to satisfy the intentions of the prize, and
• the student's record, as evidenced by letters of support and the student's statement. In the last regard, the Committee will look for evidence that the promise of the thesis will be realized.

Eligibility

Students who will complete Master's thesis in the semester immediately following application.

Process

The award is administered by a committee consisting of:
• Nader Tehrani, Head, Department of Architecture
• Andrew J. Whittle, Head, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Andrew Scott, Professor of Architecture
• Herbert H. Einstein, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Applications consist of:
• Completed application form (also available at front desk in 7-337).
• A brief resumé of the applicant.
• A copy of the applicant's thesis proposal.
• Confidential letters of support from the thesis advisor and at least one other faculty member. These letters should make clear the specific qualities of the proposal in relation to the objectives of the Goody Award and should be submitted with the application in an envelope to be sealed by the recommender.
• A statement on the application form by the student describing the relationship of his or her proposed thesis to the aims of the Goody Award.
• A budget indicating proposed use of funds. Be specific about how the award money would facilitate the realization of the thesis.
Submission should be unbound, page numbered, and reproducible by black-and-white copier. Applicants are strongly urged to seek the advice of faculty in the formulation of their statements and applications.

Schedule

Fall Term 2011
• Announcement/call for proposals: October 24, 2011
• Deadline for proposals: November 21, 2011
• Announcement of winners: December 22, 2011

Spring Term 2012
• Announcement/call for proposals: March 30, 2012
• Deadline for proposals: April 30, 2012
• Announcement of winners: May 21, 2012

Recent Winners

• Spring 2008: Edmund Ming-Yip Kwong, Architecture
• Fall 2008: James Vanzo, Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Yaniv Junno Ophir, Architecture
• Spring 2009: No award given
• Fall 2009: Lara Davis, Architecture, and Rory Clune, Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Spring 2010: No award given
• Fall 2010: Maggie Nelson, Architecture, and Robert Marne Zahner, Civil and Environmental Engineering
• Spring 2011: No award given
• Fall 2011: Timothy G. Cooke, Master of Science in Architecture Studies

Schlossman Research Award

Terms

One or two grants (up to a maximum of $4000 awarded in total) will be awarded to a Master or PhD (resident only) student(s) in the Department of Architecture for use anytime through the summer of 2012. The grant may be used for purposes that contribute to the research of the applicant, including travel, but may not be used for travel to conferences or conference fees nor as a summer stipend. It is not intended for post-graduate research. Past grants have supported archival research, project documentation and first-hand study of architectural history and design. To reflect emerging opportunities in architecture, students whose research engages computation and design are especially encouraged to apply.

Successful applicant(s) will be designated Schlossman Research Fellow(s). Winner(s) will be expected to submit a brief report in the following academic year on the work accomplished with the assistance of the grant. This report will be transmitted to the sponsor. Winner(s) will be expected to make a public presentation in the department as well.

Eligibility

Master or PhD (resident only) students in the Department of Architecture, expecting to complete degrees in June 2013.

Process

The application consists of
• statement of the research topic
• description of how the grant would be used to contribute to the applicant's research
• curriculum vitae
• budget
Submission should be either be sent digitally (max 5mb) to stewart@mit.edu or in room 7-337 unbound, page numbered, and reproducible by black-and-white copier. Applicants are strongly urged to seek the advice of faculty in the formulation of proposals.

Schedule

Deadline for application: March 12, 2012 by 5 p.m. in Room 7-337.
• Announcement of winners: Mid-April, 2012

Recent Fellows

• 2007: Sarah Dunbar, James Graham, Maria Fabiola Lopez-Duran
• 2008: Caitlin Berrigan, Kenfield Griffith, Stephanie Tuerk   
• 2009: Charles Curran, Laura Rushfeldt
• 2010: Laura A. Delaney, Christian A. Hedrick, Ogheneruno Elo Okiomah, Buck Sleeper
• 2011: Ana Maria Leon Crespo, Ella Peinovich, Todd Jerome Satter, Andrew G. P. Ferentinos

2012 Architecture Summer Session, Fontainebleau Schools in France

Terms

The MIT Department of Architecture will provide a scholarship for one graduate or undergraduate student to attend the Architecture Summer Session at the Chateau Fontainebleau in France. The scholarship is made possible by the support of A. Anthony Tappe MArch and MCP '58, an alumnus of Fontainebleau.

The unique program runs from July 5 to August 9. Workshops, lectures, visits and studios will be in and around the Chateau Fontainebleau. The program for architects begins in Paris with seminars and visits over 3 days, which will prepare the students for the following weeks in Fontainebleau. During these 4 weeks, workshops, lectures, visits and studios will be in and around the Chateau Fontainebleau. A 3-day trip in Burgundy will acquaint students with some of the finest masterpieces of art and architecture. Combining a music conservatory with an architecture studio in an historic setting, the Fontainebleau Schools is a unique institution for summer study.

Go to their website for all the details: http://www.fontainebleauschools.org

Eligibility

Architecture graduate and undergraduate students

Process

Applicants must submit all application materials by including a portfolio of your work, the letter of recommendation, and transcript to Cynthia Stewart. One student will receive the MIT scholarship. All other applications will be forwarded to Fontainbleau Schools for consideration for Fontainebleau scholarship aid.

Schedule

• Announcement/call for applications: late February 2012.
• Presentation from last year's winner: Friday, February 17, 10-11 a.m., Stella 7-338.
• Deadline for application: Monday, March 12, 2012
• Announcement of winner: Early April

Recent Winners

• 2006: David Foxe, BSAD and MArch '06
• 2007: Rebecca Rahmlow, SMArchS '08
• 2008: Ji-Hye Ham, BSAD '08
• 2009: Esther Chung, BSAD '09
• 2010: Amanda Levesque, BSAD '10
• 2011: Joan Chen, BSAD '12

MIT Japan Design Workshop

Following up on previous years' work by the Department of Architecture students, Shun Kanda directs a series of design charrettes around the theme of "Continuity / Transformation in Architecture & Community Form." This summer, we will primarily focus the workshop on assisting the people of Miyagi Prefecture in the rebuilding of their community and livelihood in the aftermath of the triple disaster that occurred on 3.11.2011.

Working in collaboration with the faculty & students of Miyagi University, Keio University and Harvard GSD, this workshop will study the issues of Disaster- Resilient Planning & Design. Most specifically, we will make design propositions of "transitional architecture" – constructions required between temporary shelter and the more permanent building of a restored community. Given the limited on-site access to the devastated areas, the workshop will be based in Tané, in Shiga Prefecture near Lake Biwa and Kyoto. A three-day site visit is being planned prior to going to Tané to meet with the local government and residents of Minami Sanriku in Miyagi. During the month-long workshop, visiting faculty and consultants in the field will add expert knowledge and guidance to our efforts. It is our hope that the results of this workshop will have effect (a) in the exchange with fellow students from Miyagi, (b) in recommending design directions for the reconstruction of their region, and (c) to serve as the initial phase for a longer-range engagement in the continuing work of recovery.

The workshop will be held from July 16 to August 12. As in the past, we shall spend several days in Kyoto and Tokyo during these dates. Round trip airfare and costs of lodging and local transportation will be covered by the Japan Workshop except for the one-week spent in Kyoto & Tokyo. Students are responsible for the cost of all meals.

MIT students currently in the MArch, SMArchS programs (not graduating June 2011) are eligible. Enrollment is limited. Students may register as a fall 2011 term credit of 9 units as 4.183 Architecture Design Workshop. Participants are selected on the basis of their qualification and submitted application materials.

Interested students should register their names on a Sign-Up List at Cynthia Stewart's office and/or submitting by email directly to Shun Kanda.

Process

The application consists of:
• A completed application form. A paper copy is available in 7-337.
• A one-page statement of interest indicating the student's area of interest, past experiences and activities, concentration and reasons for participating in the Japan Design Workshop. A brief CV may be attached.
• A portfolio of student's design work.

Schedule

• Deadline for Application: Dates for Summer 2012 to be announced by February 2012.
In lieu of an informational meeting, all inquiries may be forwarded to Shun Kanda or Cynthia Stewart.

Avalon Travel

Terms

Support is intended for travel expenses (air, train, taxi, etc.), plus accommodations, and a registration fee, if applicable, up to the maximum $600 guideline. All other expenses are considered personal and not reimbursable.

Eligibility

Graduates candidates are eligible to apply for partial travel support to one conference per academic year, up to a maximum of $600. Department of Architecture graduate degree candidates must be in residence status and must take an active part in the scholarly meeting (such as presenting a paper or chairing a panel).

Process

Applications must be submitted to Rebecca Chamberlain, a minimum of one month prior to departure. A simple e-mail request with the specific name of the conference, location, dates, estimated cost, and explanation of the level of participation will suffice.

If approved, reimbursement of costs will be provided after the completion of the trip. Students should submit receipts, and a conference program or invitation letter which shows the level of participation, to Jack Valleli in Room 7-337. Funding is limited so students are encouraged to apply as early as feasible.

Louis C. Rosenberg (1913) Travel Fellowship

Terms

Bequest of Louis C. Rosenberg (1913) established a travel fellowship award for senior American architectural students for study travel in Western Europe. Students must be United States Citizens.

Eligibility

MArch degree candidates of United States citizenship currently enrolled in Level III. Travel to Western Europe may occur during IAP or summer 2011. Process: A committee of Architecture faculty members appointed by the Department Head of Architecture administers the award. Selection will be on the basis of the anticipated educational value to the recipient. Both the absolute value of the proposal in architectural terms and its relation to the individual student's needs and goals are key considerations.

Process

The application consists of:
• A completed application cover sheet
• A statement of the research topic and travel plan, maximum 5 pages, including a description of how the grant would be used to contribute to the applicant's educational goals
• A brief resume of the applicant
• A budget, up to a maximum of $1,500. Submission should be unbound, page numbered, and reproducible by black-and-white copier.

Schedule

• Announcement/call for proposals: October 28, 2011
• Deadline for proposals: November 28, 2011
• Announcement of winners: December 9, 2011

The Kohn Pederson Fox Travelling Fellowship

Terms

Each year, Kohn Pederson Fox presents three $10,000 awards to students who are in their penultimate year at one of twenty-three design schools. The goal of the award is to allow students to broaden their education through a summer of travel before their final year at school. Further questions and inquiries can be directed to Susan Green, KPF, (212) 977-6500 or sgreen@kpf.com

Eligibility

Enrollment as an MIT MArch student in penultimate year (graduations in February or June 2013). The student completes the application, and it must be approved by Professor Nader Tehrani, Head of the Department of Architecture. The Department Head can nominate up to two students.

Process

Submission requirements
• A portfolio of 15 one-sided pages at 11"x17" or smaller, in a binding.
• All work must be executed by the student alone. No work executed in an office—unless it has been designed and drawn solely by the student—should be included.
• The first page will be a one-sided 8 1/2"x 11" sheet with the applicant's name, address, email address, telephone number, school attending and signature of the Department Head. This page should contain a statement of the student's travel itinerary and the rationale for these travel plans. It should be easily detachable and should be the only page with any personal or identifiable information about the applicant.
• The portfolio should be submitted to Cynthia Stewart. Prof. Nader Tehrani will select up to two nominations, and the applications will be sent to Susan Green, Kohn Pedersen Fox, 111 West 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.

Schedule

Deadline to submit application to 7-337: 5pm on Monday, April 2, 2012.

Recent MIT Winners

• 2008 Winner: Hoi Lung Damian Chan
• 2010 Winner: T. Buck Sleeper

Download Full Award Description

I-9 Form

Everyone in the United States, not just students, must complete the Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9) from the Department of Homeland Security. The most common documents needed to complete this form are an original Social Security card, birth certificate (certified copies are acceptable) or passport. Detailed instructions and required documentation are on the back of the form itself.

This document needs to be completed only once while at MIT and may be obtained online from Student Financial Services. Graduate students must submit the completed form to the Student Services Center, Room 11-120, before employment can be confirmed.

Tax Forms

By law, the Institute must withhold federal and Massachusetts state taxes from all salaries. All individuals who receive salary payments must complete the federal (W4) and state (M4) forms. Note that the forms must be submitted to the Payroll Office (Room NE49-3131). The form is available online from Student Financial Services.

Salaries paid to international students are also taxable by US law, and international students must obtain a US Social Security number. Some countries have a tax treaty with the United States that affects the taxability of salary payments. Contact the International Student’s Office, Room 5-133, for additional information and instructions.

Direct Deposit Authorization Form

All MIT employees, including students, are required to have their paychecks deposited electronically in a bank account that they designate by completing this form. Students must submit the form to the Payroll Office (Room NE49-3131) before employment can be finalized. The form is available online from Student Financial Services.

MIT Inventions and Proprietary Information Agreement

Graduate Research Assistants must also sign the MIT Inventions and Proprietary Information Agreement (IPIA), acknowledging that all inventions created at MIT, with MIT funds, become the property of MIT. Signing the form is required, and it should be submitted to the headquarters of the Department of Architecture.

Educational Loans

MIT offers a number of student loan programs, and also participates in alternative loan programs. Student and Parent Loans, a division of Student Financial Services at MIT, can assist students in financing their education and repaying educational loans. Loans are generally available only to graduate students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States or Canada.

MIT will only authorize loan amounts that, when combined with family resources, financial aid and other assistance, do not exceed the cost of attendance. Standard student budgets reflecting these costs have been developed by Student Financial Services and are used to determine financial need. Application forms and specific information may be obtained from Student Loans.

Medical Withdrawal

A medical withdrawal may be granted or required for mental and/or physical conditions that interfere with a student's ability to participate in campus life including their ability to complete or make satisfactory progress towards academic goals. The policies and procedures for requesting a medical withdrawal and return from medical withdrawal are outlined by the Institute and handled by the Graduate Students Office. Students in need may initiate procedures with their graduate administrator. Approval is assessed term by term. The Department may not be able to guarantee funding beyond two terms of leave.

Voluntary Withdrawal

Graduate degree programs should be completed without interruption. If there are compelling reasons for withdrawal that are supported by the advisor and faculty within that student's degree program, a request is to be submitted to the administrator of the degree program. Approval may be given for one or two terms without affecting initial funding package. International students must notify the International Students Office prior to departing MIT.

Readmission

Students should submit the readmission application to the Institute, two months prior to return, through the student's degree administrator. Applications must be approved by the student's degree program advisor and the Department. If the period of interruption exceeds five years, the request must be approved by the student's degree program faculty, the Department's Committee on Graduate Students, and the Dean for Graduate Education.

The Graduate Student Office website describes policies and procedures for withdrawal and readmission:

http://web.mit.edu/odge/gpp/registration/changes.html#2