Nominate a faculty member
The Office of Graduate Education invites you to share in an ongoing celebration of MIT faculty members who go above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of graduate students.
Do you know a faculty member who goes above and beyond to make an impact in the lives of graduate students? Nominate your professor or faculty for the 2025-27 round by July 1, 2025.
Criteria for selection for a “Committed to Caring” honor include:
Impact.
- Who has the nominee reached with their caring actions? How deep? How long has the nominee demonstrated these actions?
Reach.
- Does the nominee have a leadership role that has an impact on many?
- Demonstrated by multiple nominations?
- Does the nominee demonstrate a commitment to influencing/changing systems
Excellence in scholarship.
- Is the nominee committed to the academic and professional development of their students?
Contributions to graduate student belonging:
- Champion revisions to policies and processes with an eye toward supporting equity
- Support of and participation in efforts which support inclusion and belonging
- Hosting summer interns or participating in programs that expand access to graduate education
Professional development as an advisor.
- Take initiative to do self-study/professional development around various aspects of mentoring and advising, including management, communication skills, support of students with varied needs and backgrounds
- Seek feedback and incorporates it into mentoring approach
Examples of caring actions may include:
- Checking in with students about their well being
- Taking an interest in the student beyond research
- Sharing their own struggles and/or path to MIT, enabling students to relate
- Being generous with time
- Participating in or helping to coordinate student-run events (appearing on panels, giving talks, etc.)
- Creating a supportive working environment for a diverse lab group
- Providing mentorship on professional and/or personal goals
- Working toward an end goal that will improve many lives
