Advisor & Department Staff Awards

This award is given to an advisor who began advising first-year students in the past couple of years. The Rookie Advisor Award recognizes a novice who advised like a pro. This enthusiastic team player participated in advisor development meetings, but showed wisdom and finesse in overcoming hurdles. 

Many advisors have been committed to advising first-year students year after year, consistently giving of their time to help students make a successful first year transition. The Veteran Advisor Award honors an advisor who has been active for at least 5 years, sustaining their passion for advising.  

This award is presented to a distinguished advisor who has raised the bar for first-year advising. This advisor believes that excellence goes beyond a fulfillment of responsibilities and expectations. The Excellence in Advising Award embodies dedication and commitment to the academic and personal success of first-year students. Presented to a faculty member who has served as an excellent advisor and mentor to first-year students and who has had a significant impact on their personal lives and academic success.

Seminars are a unique opportunity for students to learn from an advisor in a small, interactive group setting. Each seminar is inspiring and thought-provoking. However, this awardee showed exceptional creativity in leading a seminar that engaged freshmen to the fullest extent.

This award recognizes faculty members who demonstrate outstanding dedication and support in advising upper-level students in their department. Recipients of this award exhibit a profound commitment to fostering student success and providing invaluable guidance within their respective academic department at MIT, through their advisor role. This award celebrates the advisor’s pivotal role in shaping the educational experience and nurturing the academic growth of students at the Institute.

This award honors department staff (non-faculty) who exemplify exceptional dedication and innovation in their roles within their academic departments. Recipients of this esteemed recognition consistently demonstrate a commitment to exceeding student expectations, enhancing student experiences, and advancing the efficiency and effectiveness of processes in their department or at MIT. This award celebrates invaluable academic department staff contributions to their department at the Institute.

The FLI (First-Generation and/or Low-Income) Student Support and Advocacy Award recognizes individuals within the MIT community—faculty, staff, administrators, and others—who have shown outstanding dedication and advocacy for students from first-generation or low-income backgrounds. This prestigious award acknowledges their unwavering commitment to supporting FLI students, whether through advising, mentorship, resource allocation, or advocacy for inclusive policies and practice. Recipients exemplify a deep understanding of the challenges faced by FLI students and the unique assets and strengths they contribute to the MIT community. Through their proactive efforts, they have championed the creation of a more equitable and supportive academic environment for FLI-identifying students. Criteria for this award include but are not limited to encompass excellence in advising, demonstrated advocacy, high impact support initiatives, and a tangible commitment to fostering the success and well-being of FLI students, among other qualities.