A Safe Return to Campus

FAQs About Returning to Campus

• Campus Access

  Students are only allowed on campus when they have class or scheduled testing. For us to meet density requirements and enable in-person classroom experiences, we must limit campus access to those who have class or have their scheduled testing time.

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• Class Schedules and Formats

  In order to provide students with an on-campus experience in Cambridge, and in order to protect our international students’ ability to meet their visa requirements, our current plan (subject to change) is to expand our academic week as follows: 

  • Classes will be scheduled in 90-minute segments from 8 AM to 9:30 PM EST. 
  • Classes will take place Monday through Saturday.

  All classes will have a remote option for participants who have chosen to participate in the semester virtually or for students who are scheduled to be remote. The educational experience will vary both across courses and across sessions within courses. It will be a “hybrid” curriculum. There will be three main instructional modes: 

  • Fully remote: A fully remote session is one in which all participants are participating remotely over Zoom and students and faculty are both on Zoom. This was the teaching mode employed in H4 of the Spring 2020 semester. 
  • In-person: A session that is conducted in person with physically distanced seating.
  • Hyflex: A session in which some students are participating in person and some students are participating remotely. 

  Variants of these main teaching modes may also be found, including sessions in which multiple adjacent classrooms will be used and sessions in which the faculty member is remote but the students (and co-instructor and/or teaching assistants) are in the classroom. While a given course will typically be taught in one or another mode, some courses may alternate regularly between modes and any course may need to revert to fully remote in response to changing conditions.

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• Course Packs

  As in the spring semester, students will have the option to order course packs to be printed and shipped to a domestic address. We are also exploring allowing a contactless pickup directly from Copytech (in E52) for those students in the Cambridge area. We are, unfortunately, unable to send course packs internationally at this time.

  If you are picking up a course pack on campus, please plan to do so on a day when you are scheduled to be on campus for class.

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• Entry and Exit

  Prior to coming to campus, be sure to complete your daily attestation.

  Designated entrances for students attending in-person classes are E51 and E62 via Main Street. To enter E51 or E62, you'll tap your MIT ID for access. There will be staff on hand to assist should there be any problems with access.

  If you are scheduled for a COVID-19 test, you'll enter at E62 Memorial Drive (riverfront) entrance, which is only for those coming to campus for their COVID-19 tests. You cannot enter the testing area from any other door. 

  If you are on campus already for classes prior to your testing time, please exit the building and proceed to the testing entrance at E62 (Memorial Drive, riverfront). 

  My COVID pass is up to date, it says I’m cleared for access, yet it still says “none” for buildings I’m cleared for. When will access be turned on?

  • Your pass may say "none" but you have access to E62 and E51 entry points.

  When I tap my ID at an entry point, my ID doesn't register red or green at the entry points. What should I do? 

  • Contact covidapps-help@mit.edu for assistance.

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• Events, Activities, and Social Gatherings (on- and off-campus)

  All student activities to be virtual at the start of the semester. If things go well with in-person classes, we may be able to revisit this as the semester progresses. We will not be able to accommodate a full suite of in-person co-curricular activity on campus and meet current state density requirements.

  Policy for Off-campus Events and Social Gatherings

  Currently, MIT policy is more restrictive than state and municipal laws, as it forbids any kind of off-campus “gathering,” “party,” or “event.” This policy is as restrictive as it is because of the heightened risks associated with the period of reopening and because of the need to have a policy that’s consistent across MIT student populations (undergraduate and graduate; on-campus residents and off-campus residents). If the reopening period is successful, we expect that MIT policy will become less restrictive and align more closely with state and municipal policies. For this to happen, of course, we all need to practice our Four Ws both on and off-campus: wear a mask, watch your distance, wash your hands, and watch your health. 

  Students who have just arrived in the area and are in the 5- to 7-day mandatory quarantine period should NOT be socializing under any circumstances until they have completed their second COVID-19 test at MIT Medical.  

  Review the MIT Sloan Policy for Student Activities

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• Food & Beverage

  Food and Beverage Update as of September 21, 2020

  MIT Sloan will be providing complimentary lunch, afternoon snacks, and iced coffee service Monday-Friday for faculty, staff, and students on campus with access to buildings this fall beginning Monday, Sept 28. Pre-orders will be available starting Friday, Sept 25. Please place your meal order by 11:59 p.m. the night before you're scheduled to be on campus. 

  • Capacity is limited. Orders for food pick-up will be accepted for up to 25 people in every 15-minute interval per station. Once a time slot is full, you will need to select a different time for pick up.
  • Our service priority is for students who have both morning and afternoon classes; we ask that students with afternoon class only to consider eating before coming to campus.
  • The weekly menu will be available online. You’ll choose one of the three entrée options, plus two add-ons and any beverage. 
  • You may order for the current week in advance for any days you have access to MIT Sloan buildings. Please place your meal order by 11:59 p.m. the night before you're scheduled to be on campus. 
  • Food will be grab and go only for the week of September 28^th. No inside dining will be allowed. Space for outdoor eating is limited in and around MIT Sloan. Please consider taking lunch off-campus when possible. On campus, masks must be worn at all times except when eating food. Please observe social distancing requirements when consuming food outdoors.

  BEGIN YOUR PRE-ORDER HERE

  Pre-order Hours of Operations

  • Iced Coffee: 7:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
    • Pre-order, allow 15 minutes after ordering for pick-up
  • Pick Up Lunch: 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
    • Pre-order lunch by 11:59 p.m. the day before
    • You may pre-order lunch for each of your on-campus days up to six days in advance

  To order, install the “CBORD GET Mobile” app from Apple/Google stores or order directly at get.cbord.com/mit. Orders will be limited to 2 per person per day. If you have technical difficulty placing your order, please contact techcash@mit.edu.

  Afternoon Snack Hours of Operation

  • Pick Up Afternoon Snack: 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    • No pre-order required
    • Stop by one of four stations for grab and go snack bag containing items such as Sabra hummus with pretzels, Kashi Bar, Planter's tropical fruit and nut pack (subject to change)

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• Graduate Housing

  Following President Reif’s announcement on July 7, we want to emphasize that graduate students residing in private and multi-occupant apartments have been invited to return to campus. Graduate students living in on-campus dormitories will be included in a phased move-in process in August. In all cases, our graduate students will be welcomed back to Cambridge this fall, albeit with limitations on campus density.

  Additional information for Graduate Housing

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• Masks

  All students, faculty, and staff who are coming to campus will be required to wear MIT Sloan-supplied masks both inside and outside while on campus at all times. Masks will be distributed during the required Return to Campus Tour. They are black with the MIT Sloan logo in white. Multiple masks will be supplied to each student in case they lose them.

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• Obtaining your MIT ID

  The Atlas Service Center continues to operate primarily remotely with limited in-person services due to COVID-19.  We will be open for ID card distribution for incoming graduate students beginning Monday, August 17^th at 8 am.  We are allocating a four-week window for card pick-up and will evaluate after that time frame.  Students will need to make an appointment to obtain their ID.  Cards have been printed for all students who have submitted a photograph.  Any cards that are not picked up will be held at the Atlas Center for the student until they arrive on-campus. 

  Incoming Graduate Students living on campus:

  The Atlas Center has been coordinating with Housing to print and deliver cards to the residence the student will be moving into.  ID cards will be available for pick-up at the front desk when the student moves in. 

  On-campus students requiring spouse/partner ID’s should submit a request via this link.  The ID will be processed and delivered to the spouse/partner’s residence via Housing.

  Incoming Graduate Students living off-campus:

  Students will need to make a reservation in order to pick up their ID’s.  Card pick-up reservation hours are Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm.  Cards have not been printed for students who have not submitted their photograph.  While picking up the card in-person is being offered, for those who are unable to come to campus, mailing the card to a current mailing address locally or within the US, is an option.  Cards for international students working remotely in the Fall term will be held at the Atlas Center until they return to campus.

  For your information, the emails sent to students are below.  Emails have been sent to students who are eligible to obtain an ID but have not yet submitted a photograph.  Students who have a printed ID have also been sent instructions on how to make an appointment.

  Students Without a Photo:

  Please submit a photograph for the card to be processed via https://mycard.mit.edu.  ID cards will not be available for pick-up if you have not submitted a photograph.  Instructions for pick-up will be provided once your photo is submitted and the card is processed. Please email atlascenter@mit.edu if you have any questions or concerns. 

  If you will not be on-campus for the Fall semester, please contact the Atlas Center when you return to campus.

  Student for whom cards have been printed:

  Your MIT ID Card is ready for pickup from the Atlas Center.  Card pick-up is by reservation only.  To reserve a time for card pick-up please visit https://mycard.mit.edu and click "GET Orders/Reservations". As a courtesy to your fellow students, please make only ONE reservation.  Reservations can be made no more than 6 days in advance. Please note you will need a government issued photo ID (Passport or U.S. driver’s license) to pick up your ID card.  **If you are an on-campus resident your ID will be available for pick-up when you check into your residence, there is no need to make a reservation.**

  Please contact atlascenter@mit.edu with any questions.

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• Printing

  There is no access to printing on campus at this time. This may change as the semester progresses. We are working to identify solutions for printing that can be done safely and will let you know as soon as we have more information.

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• Scenario Planning for a Positive Test

  MIT Medical and MIT central communications have planned for this scenario. MIT has created a COVID Monitoring Team. When someone in the community tests positive, the dean is notified that there is a positive case in their school community. MIT Medical manages the contact tracing and determines the risk level to the community. Privacy in these cases is critical and the identity of the person who tests positive in not revealed to senior leadership.

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• Bridge Spaces for Virtual Meetings and Classes

  We have identified classrooms to use as bridge space for students who need to access Zoom for online classes but are unable to get home in time following an in-person class or testing appointment.  

  See the schedule of bridge rooms

  While in bridge space, please wear your mask and watch your distance from others. Please also bring high-quality headphones to optimize your class experience and be aware that others using the rooms are also attending class. No food or drink is allowed in bridge rooms.

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• Testing

  When you first arrive to Cambridge, please follow this testing protocol:

  • Visit MIT Medical to get your first COVID-19 test. 
    • All students who arrive in the area are required to be tested at MIT Medical upon arrival. See the COVID Apps site for the latest information on testing times. If you arrive outside of testing hours, you should complete testing as soon as possible the following day.
  • Quarantine for 5 to 7 days.  
    • After arriving on campus, you are expected to self-quarantine for 14 days or until you receive a second negative test at MIT Medical. Your second COVID-19 test can take place a minimum of 5–7 days after arrival. 
  • After your 5- to 7-day quarantine period, return to MIT Medical for your second COVID-19 test. 
    • This testing protocol must be complete before attending the Required Return to Campus Tour or attending class in person.

  Please read here for additional details on testing

  Do I have to follow the MIT Sloan testing cadence? I live far away and I'm not scheduled to come in on one of my testing days. What should I do?

  • Our protocol for testing is more specific than two tests on any days per week. Rather the testing sequence requires 3-4 days between tests. That is why the testing appointments at MIT Sloan are available in the day pairs that are offered – Monday/Thursday and Tuesday/Friday. This allows for students to be tested twice in the previous week with one of those tests in the previous 3-4 days.

  What if I miss my scheduled COVID-19 test time at MIT Sloan? 

  • You can still test outside of your scheduled time at MIT Sloan's testing facility. Just stop by to see if there's a long line, if there's not a line, feel free to test at MIT Sloan.
  • You can also test at MIT Medical or Johnson Athletic Center without an appointment.
  • Please note that you should maintain the testing cadence and make sure your tests are spaced so that any time you need campus access, you'll have completed a test in the prior 3-4 days. For example, if you test on Friday and require campus access the following Wednesday, you'll need to get a test before that Wednesday, as too many days will have passed between Friday and Wednesday.

  What if I miss my scheduled testing day and I'm out of cadence with my testing schedule?

  • If you miss a test and are out of cadence, you will need to take two tests at MIT Medical (3-4 days apart) in order to return to MIT Sloan’s buildings.

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• Travel

  We are following MIT’s travel policy, which is informed by state policy.  Those who wish to regularly access campus must comply with MIT, state, and federal travel restrictions and policies.

  Students may not travel outside the local area (as defined by current MIT policy, which at the moment is slightly more restrictive than state policy) without approval by MIT’s High-Risk Travel Committee or their delegates. Policies regarding MIT-related and personal travel are outlined in MIT's travel policies.

  All community members must register their MIT-related domestic and international travel in the MIT Travel Registry prior to departure. Those who wish to access the MIT campus regularly must also register their personal travel  in the MIT Travel Registry. 

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• Visitors

  To maintain low building density, visitor access to campus will be significantly limited through the end of the calendar year 2020. For information on rare possible exceptions to the visitor policy, as well as required visitor protocols, please visit the MIT Covid Travelers and Visitors site.

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• Wearable Health Monitoring Devices and Proximity Tags

  We are planning to provide two types of wearable devices to help keep campus safe this fall. It is possible that neither of these will be available for our first week on campus, but we hope to introduce them early in the semester. We understand that some community members have expressed concern about these devices and we want everyone to understand their scope and their purpose. Individuals will maintain their own data except in specific circumstances that we describe below. We deeply value data privacy and are operating with that in mind.

  We will keep you updated as details evolve with regards to timing and which devices we will have. Our current plan is as follows:

  First, wearable health monitoring devices:

  These will be provided by the school to each person who plans to be on campus. These are intended to identify early COVID-19 symptoms even in people who feel well and are visibly asymptomatic, as asymptomatic spread is a feature of this pandemic. These will provide an added layer of safety to our on-campus community by allowing us to identify potentially sick people, have them contact MIT Medical, and keep them at home and away from campus where they could infect others.

  Each individual will maintain their own health metrics and they will check them each morning. Metrics to be monitored include temperature, heart rate, oxygen saturation level, and breathing rate, as each of these can indicate a COVID-19 infection if outside the normal expected range. Only if these are outside the range provided by MIT Medical will individuals be expected to share their health metrics with MIT Medical and follow the subsequent guidance.

  Second, wearable proximity tags. 

  Proximity tags will remind people if they are too close to each other for extended periods of time by lighting up or making a sound. Data from these tags will only be gathered in aggregate, to allow the school to identify areas around campus where there may be crowding and where we need to reconsider traffic patterns. If someone on campus tests positive for COVID-19, MIT Medical may use the proximity tag information to assist in contact tracing, to determine who may have been near the infected individual in order to alert them and ask them to quarantine. These tags will not be used to track any individual’s movements on any regular basis; they will only be used on an individual basis if there is a need to conduct contact tracing.

  Neither the health monitoring devices nor the proximity tags will be used for disciplinary purposes and individual data will only be provided to or accessed by MIT Medical in case of a COVID-19 infection for the purposes of treating and quarantining the ill person and conducting contact tracing.

  Students have the option to decline using the wearable health monitoring devices or the proximity tags and take all classes remotely for the semester.

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