UAC Fall Advising Update

UAC Fall Advising Update

This fall, the Undergraduate Advising Center (UAC) began operating from our beautifully remodeled Building 11 space, expanding our ability to connect and support undergraduate students in a bright, welcoming environment. Here are some highlights:

Orientation – Office of the First Year

At MIT’s Undergraduate New Student Orientation, we welcomed 1,158 first year students, 26 transfers, and over 1,000 family members into our community! Each class brings an exciting energy to campus, and we cannot wait to see what is in store for them this year.

To gear up for Orientation, the Office of the First Year hired 77 student leaders from all class years and majors to be Orientation Leaders. From this group, 14 were selected to serve as Orientation Captains and Logistic Coordinators to further assist in planning over the summer.

International Students and Early Athletes were the firsts to arrive on campus in August, followed by the students involved in First Year Pre-Orientation Programs (FPOPS). FPOPS are organized by the Office of the First Year, but the specific programs are put on by many offices and departments around MIT. On August 23rd, the rest of the incoming class moved in, and during that time Family Orientation kicked off with a jam-packed weekend of informational sessions, the President’s Convocation, and outings like climbing to the top of the Prudential Center for its View Boston Experience.

New Student Orientation then began with a kickoff ceremony hosted by the Orientation Leaders on Monday, August 25th. Kickoff involved interactive games, and guest appearances from the UA leadership team, IFC and Panhel, and DormCon. Throughout the week, students attended sessions on sexual assault prevention, alcohol and safe drinking practices, diversity, equity, belonging and inclusion, climate and sustainability, and academics, while also meeting with their Orientation Leaders and group members. Students then attended the Academic Expo, where they could interact with numerous academic departments and offices from MIT. Thank you to everyone who made the Orientation sessions and Academic Expo happen!

Orientation came to a close on Friday August 29th, with the last session dedicated to setting intentions for their first year, and hearing from upperclass students reflect on their own experiences. The success of Orientation is only possible through the diligent work of the student and professional staff who truly wish to create a successful transition to MIT for every student, as well as the immense support of everyone within the UAC and GUE. Thank you for helping make this a SWEET Orientation! — Laura Harvey, OFY

OACES

• The Standard (Cohort 9) has been selected, admitting 30 students from a pool of 43 applications (the second-largest application pool ever). The formal induction ceremony will be November 6.
• MAP/EMAP programs kicked off with a celebratory “Meet your Match” event in September. There are 44 MAP/32 EMAP proteges matched with 34 MAP/26 EMAP mentors, including 15 mentors from GUE!
• Interphase EDGE/x welcomed 90 students this summer. Community is at the heart of this program. Every single student affirmed they built meaningful relationships this summer that will stay with them throughout MIT (70 strongly agreed, 14 agreed, remaining students reported being neutral). When asked directly about community, 100% said Interphase EDGE fosters it, with the majority placing it at the very highest level. Students leave not only prepared, but surrounded by a network of peers who lift one another up.[1] 
• OACES hosted 50+ alumni and guests for the ALC in September. The “OME 50: Honoring Our Legacy, Embracing Our Future” reception celebrated the 50th anniversary of the former OME, highlighting its transition into the new space in Building 11 and expanded mission in the UAC.
• The Associate Advisor program matched 171 upper-level student volunteer Associate Advisors with first-year advisors, giving incoming students the added insight, support, and perspective from peers who fully understand the MIT experience.
• A cohort of 26 transfer students were successfully oriented to campus before and during OFY’s first-year orientation. The team is looking forward to another orientation of spring semester transfer students in January 2026.
• The FLI Welcome Dinner, themed “Cultivate Your Community,” ​​had over 200+ attendees that included students and distinguished guests. Over the course of the year, we’ll discuss how the students’ MIT journey is intertwined with people who care about their growth—whether it’s academically, professionally, or personally. Special thanks to our keynote speaker, Professor T.L. Taylor, for her touching speech.

UAC First Day of Class/Student Open House

The UAC welcomed over 250+ students into the new Building 11 space in our First Day of Class/Open House event! Students were excited to explore the social stairs and lobby area, learn how to connect with the UAC team, and take their first-day-of-school polaroids in our photobooth!

Looking Ahead

• TSR² has moved from OACES to the UAC. With an expanded team and mission, TSR² is excited to have 7 facilitators host weekly pset nights, 1:1 appointments, and facilitated study groups, free of charge in 16-159. TSR² is open to all undergraduate students who are looking for support with their GIRs. We’re excited to move to the former OME space in building 4 in the spring semester!
• We’re preparing to welcome new cohorts for several signature OACES programs. The CRWN, Momentum, and Laureates & Leaders applications closed this month, with programs having the strongest application numbers in recent years. Close collaboration has shaped an intentional advising structure that supports students within these programs while aligning with the UAC curriculum.
• Upper-level student advising began this fall with sophomore outreach beginning in September and check-in meetings continuing through October. Junior advising outreach will follow in the coming weeks, with UAC advisors facilitating group advising sessions through November.
• The UAC hosted GUE and DSL for two collaborative open houses in September with CAPD. More open houses are scheduled for academic departments in the coming months.

— Stephanie Hamilton, UAC