Student Organization Conduct & Reporting

The Information Included below was last updated on February 4, 2025

Conduct Expectations

Student organizations are expected to act independently and maintain local autonomy, making decisions and managing their affairs without relying on other entities, internal or external to MIT, to dictate their actions. For student organizations that are affiliated with a national organization, it is important to note that Institute policies, processes, and preferences will always take precedence over those of the national organization. If your student organization collaborates with other entities, as a recognized student organization your group will be held accountable for the collective actions of all involved, according to MIT, SOLE, and ASA policies and expectations. It is the responsibility of core executive officers to ensure that all officers and members of your student organization understand that they can be held accountable for violations of policies and expectations.

Misconduct Reporting

Student organization leaders and members make decisions for and act on behalf of their respective organization. As a result, as representatives of the group, leaders and members are responsible for adherence to MIT policies, procedures, and guidelines, as well as following through on obligations and commitments.

  • General Misconduct Reporting

    The Committee on Discipline (COD) is responsible for resolving complaints against students and student organizations and deciding the appropriate Institute response. The COD is guided by the COD Rules and Regulations.
    If you are considering submitting an incident report or making a complaint against a student or student group, we encourage you to meet with staff in the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards (OSCCS) to discuss the situation, review the process, and ask questions. You can meet with their staff without reporting the situation to learn about your options or to make the report. To make an appointment, email osccs@mit.edu or call 617-258-8423.
    You can also report a situation without having a meeting by using their online form. Please complete as much of the form as possible and be as detailed as possible when describing what happened.

  • Discrimination, Discriminatory Harassment, or Bias Reporting

    MIT encourages individuals to seek assistance for incidents involving discrimination, discriminatory harassment, or bias. The Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response (IDHR) Office provides referrals to resources, informal remedies, accommodations, and support for formal investigations.
    Contact IDHR directly at idhr@mit.edu or phone at 617-715-4080: An IDHR staff member will contact you to schedule a time to meet or talk. IDHR can provide information on available resources, (on or off-campus); discuss the informal/alternative resolution process, and explain the procedure for formal investigations.
    Submit the IDHR Incident Report Form: You can submit this form to let IDHR know about an incident of discrimination or discriminatory harassment. You may submit this form anonymously. This is not a formal complaint.
    File a Formal Complaint: A formal complaint begins the complaint resolution process outlined in the COD Rules. IDHR handles formal complaints of discrimination or discriminatory harassment.

  • Hazing Reporting

    MIT prohibits hazing, defined as actions likely to endanger physical or mental health for initiation or membership in a group. This policy applies regardless of location or participant consent.
    Disciplinary suspension or expulsion is strongly considered for individuals or groups responsible for hazing. Retaliation against those reporting hazing is prohibited.
    A hazing incident may be reported to MIT by anyone: a person who was directly affected by the activity, a person who was involved in the incident; staff, parents, friends, or community members; or anyone who is generally concerned about a student or group. If you have witnessed or have knowledge of a possible hazing incident, please report the incident immediately. You are encouraged to provide as much detail as possible so that appropriate action can be taken to address the behavior.

  • Sexual Harassment or Misconduct Reporting

    MIT’s primary concern is for the health and safety of its community members. Individuals who believe they have experienced sexual harassment or misconduct should seek immediate assistance.
    There are two important designations for offices at MIT with regard to sharing experiences of sexual harassment, sexual assault, intimate partner violence, and stalking: 1) confidential and 2) private. This designation is created to ensure that students are connected with resources and support as quickly as possible.
    Confidential Resources: Offices designated as “confidential” will not report any information disclosed during conversations. These conversations are kept strictly confidential and, except in rare, extreme circumstances (including imminent risk of harm to self or others), nothing will be shared without the permission of the student.
    Private Resources: Offices designated as “private” will usually keep the conversation undisclosed, but, depending on the circumstances, information may need to be shared with other Institute officials. Information needs to be shared in cases of sexual misconduct, hazing, serious concern about health and safety, or when the law requires a release of information. In such cases, information will be shared with the relevant parties who can assist with responding to the situation.
    To report an incident of sexual harassment or misconduct, either confidentially or privately, visit: https://idhr.mit.edu/supportive-measures/resources/students

Risk Management Policies

To reduce the likelihood of a civil action for defamation or invasion of privacy, all student organizations must comply with the following risk management policies.

1. Adhere to MIT’s Conduct Policies

Always act in accordance with MIT’s general conduct policies to ensure compliance with institutional standards.

2. Seek Guidance from the SOLE Office

If you encounter concerns or complaints regarding member behavior or vendor services, contact the SOLE Office staff promptly instead of handling the issue independently.

3. Avoid Investigating Allegations Personally

Do not conduct your own investigation into rumors or allegations about members. Refer such matters to the appropriate MIT channels.

4. Include a Member Removal Clause in the Student Organization's Constitution

Ensure your organization’s constitution includes a Member Removal Clause and follow it carefully. The clause should state: (1) Members can only be removed for non-participation, subject to a two-thirds vote by other members, (2) before the vote, the member must receive a warning and a 30-day opportunity to resume participation, and (3) behavior-related issues should be directed to appropriate resources, such as IDHR, the COD, or the SOLE Office.

5. Utilize Liability Waivers

Liability waivers are required for all programs, trips, or other activity that poses a danger or risk to student safety. Examples include hiking trips, skydiving, and overnight programs. Event organizers should never draft their own liability waivers nor sign third party liability waivers. The SOLE Office, in conjunction with the Office of the General Counsel and MIT Environmental Health and Safety, can work with student organizations to coordinate liability waiver logistics and review.

6. Refer to Doxing Resources

If you are targeted or doxed, consider the list of actions recommended by the Institute to respond to online targeting and harassment.

E: sole@mit.edu
P: 617-253-6777

Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement

77 Massachusetts Ave
Cambridge, MA, 02139