The MIT spotlights answer the question, "What interesting and wonderful things are happening at MIT?" The spotlight images and headlines change frequently in order to integrate and showcase a multitude of aspects of MIT.

We provide the history of links for reference, but note that some of these pages have changed since they were in the spotlight. We also have a small gallery of MIT homepage images.

Home page spotlights Education spotlights Research spotlights

About MIT spotlights Offices+services spotlights Community spotlights

August 2008
The Adventures of Help Desk Guy - Find out what the IS&T Help Desk recommends for a safe and happy computing experience at MIT in this video from MIT TechTV.

The Adventures of Help Desk Guy - Find out what the IS&T Help Desk recommends for a safe and happy computing experience at MIT in this video from MIT TechTV.

MIT announces new commuter benefits - MIT has significantly boosted its MBTA commuter rail subsidies and offers free, one-month trial transit passes and other green incentives as part of a package of new commuting options for the 2008-2009 academic year.

July 2008
mens, manus et mobile - Get essential MIT information and services anytime, anywhere on your mobile device at m.mit.edu. Find people, places, events, course news, shuttle schedules and more.

June 2008
sign up for emergency updates with MIT Alert - MIT Alert is the Institute's emergency notification program, designed to provide updates via phone, email and text message, for the safety and security of the MIT community. To improve MIT's ability to contact you in an emergency, please update your cell phone and non-MIT email address.

January 2008
Get ready, get set, get fit - Get in gear for the new year. Register for GetFit, MIT's team-based fitness challenge. This year will feature more contests, more prizes, and a chance to make a fashion statement by designing the 2008 getfit@mit t-shirt.

November 2007
Open enrollment - Open Enrollment--the two-week period when employees can make benefit plan changes for 2008--runs from November 14 to November 30, 2007. Get details on 2008 plan changes, rates and new benefit programs.

October 2007
temp - temp

Do you know an unsung hero? - Nominate your peers for this year's MIT Excellence Awards. These awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by members of our community toward fulfilling the goals and mission of the Institute. This is among the highest honors awarded to staff by MIT. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, October 17, 2007.

September 2007
MIT 401(k) investment fair - Did you know that MIT matches your 401(k) contribution dollar-for-dollar, up to 5% of your salary? Learn how to put your money to work for you at the MIT 401(k) Plan Investment Fair on Tuesday, October 2, 2007.

August 2007
bus a move - New this fall, MIT has bought larger campus shuttles and made some route changes in order to provide increased capacity. Also, ShuttleTrack, the GPS-based system for tracking shuttles in real time has been updated with Google maps and an automated telephone system. Just call 617-253-1000 and say, "Where's the Shuttle?" to be connected to ShuttleTrack.

July 2007
clean out your files month - Be green this summer, and help MIT boost its 40% recycling rate by taking part in "Clean Out Your Files" month. "If you can rip it, you can recycle it." There will be large recycling totes in designated areas around campus all month long.

April 2007
Imagining MIT - Early explorations of what would eventually become MIT's Stata Center included crumpled pieces of paper, piles of toy-like wood and plexiglass blocks and something resembling a mass of discarded tin foil. The stories behind Stata and four other major buildings are contained in Imagining MIT: Designing a Campus for the Twenty-First Century, new from the MIT Press.

Long-term care insurance - MIT is now offering eligible employees the opportunity to enroll in long-term care insurance with guaranteed acceptance. This benefit can help with the costs of long-term care associated with aging, illness or a serious accident. To enroll, attend an on-campus info session or visit the HR website. The enrollment period ends April 27, 2007.

March 2007
Print vendor fair - If your office produces brochures, newsletters and other print material, come to MIT's preferred print vendor fair. Meet MIT's 10 offset and digital print vendor partners; sign up for workshops on digital printing, prepress file preparation and paper selection; review sample work; and meet with a PSB advisor to plan your communications projects.

Community Giving - We know at MIT that there is power in numbers. Please join the equation by pledging a gift to Community Giving. Our campaign strives for broad participation and accommodates your personal preferences. Together, we make an impact by supporting the local communities where we work and live.

February 2007
celebrating excellence at MIT - Whether they are working behind the scenes or on the front lines, each recipient of the MIT excellence award serves as an exemplary role model for the entire MIT community. All members of the MIT community are invited to attend this special event on February 28, 2007.

temp: excellence - temp: excellence

January 2007
MLK breakfast celebration - The 33rd annual Martin Luther King, Jr. breakfast celebration will be held on Friday, February 16th. Ted Childs, Jr., formerly VP of Global Workforce Diversity at IBM will speak about "Maximizing Potential: The Congruence of Diversity and Excellence."

get ready. get set. get fit! - Getfit@mit is a three-month, team-oriented fitness challenge for the entire MIT community. Last year over 1,800 people participated on 264 teams. Together they logged over five and a half million minutes of staying active and healthy. This year, getfit starts Monday, January 22nd.

Bright ideas? Apply for the Lemelson $30K student inventor prize - The Lemelson-MIT student prize is awarded annually to an MIT senior or graduate student who has demonstrated remarkable inventiveness. Application deadline is January 12, 2007.

December 2006
Battle of the Bots - An evil H-Bot is roaming the MIT campus, hungrily eyeing the Dome. Complete the MIT-Bot in preparation for battle in Battle of the 'Bots, and see how participation from all alumni is essential to keep MIT strong. Please make your gift online by Dec. 31 to ensure it's counted in the 2006 tax year.

non-required reading - Find books on MIT hacking history, the state of Stata, and many titles by MIT-affiliated authors at the MIT Press bookstore in Kendall Square.

The Giving Tree - The MIT Giving Tree allows students, alumni, faculty, staff and friends to provide gifts to needy children in the Cambridge and Boston area each holiday season. Stop by the Public Service Center now through December 9th to pick up a gift request for a local child.

November 2006
Benefits open enrollment - Get all your ducks in a row. MIT's 2007 Benefits Open Enrollment is your annual chance to make changes to your health, dental, or flexible savings account plan. Enrollment is open now, and continues until 6:00pm EST on Friday, December 1, 2006.

October 2006
take a chance this IAP - MIT's Independent Activities Period (IAP) offers the perfect opportunity to share a particular talent, expertise or interest with others at the Institute. Develop an idea and roll with it!

MIT excellence awards - The MIT Excellence Award is among the highest honors awarded to staff by MIT. We encourage you to nominate a colleague who exemplifies professionalism, commitment to best practices, and high standards of excellence.

Update on improved spam handling at MIT - In response to the recent increase in spam email, IS&T has added new technology to the campus email system to improve handling of spam email.

September 2006
fend off the freshman fifteen - MIT's campus dining has over 20 locations on campus to fit your tastes and schedule. There are also many affordable local restaurants to choose from, as well as the option of cooking for yourself.

August 2006
Z-center makes the A-list - In the heat of the summer, it is good to know the best swimming pool in the Boston area is right here at MIT. The Al and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center took home the title for "Best Swimming Pool" and "Best Cardio Gym" by popular vote.

June 2006
Looking for a job? Check the library - Re-tool your resume, get tips on interviewing, and find information on potential employers with these resources for job seekers.

Looking for a job? Check the library - Re-tool your resume, get tips on interviewing, and find information on potential employers with these resources for job seekers.

You made it! - No matter where your travels take you, your MIT connections go with you. The MIT Alumni Association has created an array of services, programs, clubs, and events designed to help you stay in touch with friends, classmates, and the Institute.

May 2006
Transportation is moving - The Parking and Transportation Office has moved to the Stratton Student Center. Starting Friday, May 26, people who used to pick up their MBTA pass at E32 will now pick up passes at the Student Center. People who used to pick up at CopyTech will be switched to the Stata Center lobby pick-up location.

March 2006
A host away from home - MIT's host program pairs international students with an American family to help them acclimate to life in the United States. The program is open to any one of the nearly 400 international students who come to MIT each year.

CCRR week highlights diversity - A documentary on being Latina at MIT, and an "Islamic Equality" dinner are highlights of CCRR Week, March 6-10, celebrating racial and cultural diversity at MIT.

MIT's preferred printer fair - Meet MIT's offset and digital printers, and learn how to avoid the printing maze. Thursday, March 2, at the Stratton Student Center.

February 2006
Innovation showcase seeks business proposals - Do you have an innovative technology that you think would make a good business? Pitch your innovative ideas to venture capitalists and entrepreneurs at the IdeaStream Symposium. Applications due February 28.

December 2005
campus dining - Campus dining will have limited hours over winter break and IAP. Hours vary by location. Check the website for a detailed schedule of operating hours.

Winter break airport shuttle - The Parking and Transportation Office will provide shuttle service from the MIT campus (Kresge parking lot) to Logan Airport for the Winter Break on Tuesday, December 20th through Friday, December 23rd. Advance reservations are required and can be made online.

serve on the credit union board of directors - The MIT Federal Credit Union seeks members interested in serving on the Board of Directors. As a member/owner of the MITFCU, you can have a say in how we do business.

November 2005
Employee benefits open enrollment - Open enrollment is a yearly opportunity for MIT faculty and staff to make changes to their participation in any of the medical, dental, flexible spending account and supplemental life insurance plans MIT offers. The deadline is Dec. 2nd.

Thanksgiving break airport shuttle - The Parking and Transportation Office will provide shuttle service from the MIT campus (Kresge parking lot) to Logan Airport for the Thanksgiving Break on Tuesday, November 22nd and Wednesday, November 23rd. Advance reservations are required and can be made online.

July 2005
online music library - The MIT Libraries now subscribe to the Naxos Music Library. This online resource contains over 85,000 tracks of recorded music (5,500 CDs) that are available to the MIT community for listening from your office or home computer.

June 2005
summer in the city - The MIT off-campus housing office has rental and roommate listings, a guide to Boston-area neighborhoods, and legal information for tenants.

pedal pushers - join the wheel world. MIT's parking office offers bicycle commuting tips for riding safely, theft prevention, and bringing your bike on the T, as well as a discount on helmets

May 2005
you made it! - soon you will transition from being an MIT student to an MIT alum. No matter where your travels take you, your MIT connections go with you. Services such as the Infinite Connection and online alumni directory help you stay in touch with friends, classmates, and the Institute.

March 2005
Mass. Ave. gets a makeover - The Massachusetts Highway department will redo Massachusetts Avenue from Memorial Drive to Central Square. The project goals include improved safety for all modes of transportation -- bicycle, vehicle and pedestrian -- and beautification and improved functionality.

help MIT achieve 40% recycling - Learn more about recycling at MIT through the e-newsletter, downloadable desktop calendar, RecycleMania contest, or your local "recycling ambassador."

February 2005
computer chips and salsa. MIT gets campus taqueria - Anna's, a popular local taqueria, drew more than 1,000 students to its opening at the MIT student center, when they gave away burritos and quesadillas on opening day. Anna's Taqueria will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to midnight.

U-info - The U-info website is a gateway to academic and advising information for undergraduates. Find information on classes, research, careers, and other opportunities, at MIT and beyond.

January 2005
Technology Review - Technology Review, MIT's magazine of innovation since 1899, has launched a redesigned magazine and website, and expanded their editorial content.

December 2004
MIT Federal Credit Union - The MIT Federal Credit Union (MITFCU) is a member-owned, nonprofit financial cooperative, serving the MIT community, including employees, students, retirees, and their families.

November 2004
Benefits open enrollment - Open enrollment for MIT employees runs through Friday, December 3. Open enrollment is a once-a-year chance for benefits-eligible employees to enroll or change their participation in any of the medical, dental, FSA and insurance plans MIT offers.

October 2004
Taking the T at MIT - Eligible students, staff and faculty can now apply for a T-pass or change account information online. MIT subsidizes MBTA monthly passes in an effort to promote public transportation and help reduce traffic congestion around campus.

Environment, Health & Safety Awareness Fair - The EHS Awareness Fair, October 21, offers an opportunity for the MIT Community to learn about ways to increase environmental, health and safety awareness at MIT, and to assure the campus is a good environmental citizen.

leave-ing so soon? - Go for a fall foliage drive, or just get your errands done with Zipcar. MIT sponsors membership to this car-sharing service for both staff and graduate students, and hosts 7 Zipcars on campus. In addition, there are close to 200 locations in and around Boston.

music for moms and dads - MIT Family Weekend, October 15-17, will feature performances from the MIT Wind Ensemble, MIT Festival Jazz Ensemble and MIT Dance Theater Ensemble, as well as a full array of lectures, campus and laboratory tours, and open houses.

cheers for your peers - celebrate those who go above and beyond with a nomination for an MIT excellence award, one of the highest honors awarded to MIT staff. The deadline for nominations is October 13.

September 2004
cutting the cord. MIT expands wireless - MIT's wireless network is getting faster and more comprehensive this fall with the installation of 500 new wireless access points, bringing complete wireless connectivity to more than 35 MIT buildings. IS&T plans to provide a nearly complete wireless campus by the end of 2005.

don't be late. it's time to update - MIT employees, update your information for the MIT Directories via SAPweb self service. The deadline for changes to be published in the print directories is September 15.

August 2004
don't panic - The Hitchhiker's Guide to Orientation has all the information you need to know about life, the universe and everything MIT. Don't forget to bring your towel!

July 2004
summer reading - The MIT Press has a wide selection of books about MIT, as well as titles by more than 60 MIT authors, with subjects ranging from the Stata Center to MIT hacks to the nature of human romantic interaction.

June 2004
MIT during the DNC - MIT will remain open during the Democratic National Convention (DNC), which will take place in Boston Monday, July 26 through Thursday, July 29. An MIT web site provides information on traffic, campus services that week, HR policies, and DNC-related events in Cambridge.

Phone upgrade June 28 - On Monday June 28, beginning at 7pm, there will be a brief interruption of MIT's telephone service for several minutes while MIT's 5ESS telephone switch is upgraded with new software. This upgrade will allow IS&T to add several requested features to the telephone system.

summer reading - The MIT Press has a wide selection of books about MIT, as well as titles by more than 60 MIT authors, with subjects ranging from the Stata Center to MIT hacks to the nature of human romantic interaction.

athletics for alumni - Recent and not-so-recent MIT alumni are eligible for membership to MIT's athletics facilities, including the Zesiger Center and the new Wang fitness center in MIT's Stata Center.

May 2004
SAPweb redesign - SAPweb has been redesigned with a new look and new features, including requisition approvals on the web. MIT staff can also use SAPweb to create requisitions and journal vouchers, and verify credit card transactions.

clean out your files week - Get all those papers, catalogues, and files out of your office in time for summer. During this two-week event, bins will be available around campus for large-scale recycling.

April 2004
don't let the email hoax be on you - Sometimes email is not what it seems. Information Services and Technology (IS&T) offers tips on how to avoid an email hoax or scam, a virus or spam

grad student art show - The Hidden Jewels of our Community is an art exhibition featuring work by 23 grad student artists and their spouses and partners. The show runs April 22-23.

MIT unplugged - Campus Preview Weekend (CPW) is a chance for students admitted to the Class of 2008 to come see the real MIT -- live, in person, unvarnished and without the hype.

March 2004
Get on board with new training opportunities - Browse the training catalog online, and register for professional development and other classroom-based training through SAPweb Self Service, a joint service of Human Resources and Information Services & Technology (IS&T).

a colorful community for kids - The Technology Children's Centers (TCC) offer developmentally based, culturally respectful, on-site child care to the families of MIT faculty, staff, and students, and to the general community.

February 2004
Do you think that you recycle enough? Rubbish! - MIT's offices and dorms could dramatically reduce both the amount of waste generated on campus and the cost of taking it away, according to MIT's first waste audit.

looking for balance? - The MIT Center for Work, Family & Personal Life provides services in the areas of parenting, child care, school information, job flexibility, and relocation to MIT.

January 2004
hot food for a cold day - If it's too cold outside to leave your dorm or office, get food delivered. Besides pizza, there are menus online for nearby Chinese, Indian, Mexican and vegetarian restaurants.

ATIC Lab open house - During IAP, the ATIC Lab will be demoing the latest technologies for persons with disabilities. Try alternative keyboards/mice, and learn how to improve your website's accessibility.

ATIC Lab open house - During IAP, the ATIC Lab will be demoing the latest technologies for persons with disabilities. Try alternative keyboards/mice, and learn how to improve your website's accessibility.

December 2003
Services available during the campus closing - During MIT's special closing from December 25 through January 4, limited services will be available to ensure the health, safety and security of people on campus.

November 2003
Foundation Relations and Academic Development Support - Looking for foundation support for your program, center or initiative? "FRADS" will help you develop your ideas into fundable projects.

October 2003
School of Engineering administrative website - looking for foundation support for your idea or project? "FRADS" will help you develop your ideas into fundable projects

School of Engineering administrative website - Whether you're a new staff member or an experienced one, this site has a wealth of information to help you in your work.

September 2003
MIT Finances - A website has been established to provide information regarding the institute's finances. The site contains a message from President Vest, frequently asked questions, and an opportunity for comments, questions, and suggestions.

ideas take flight - MIT Library week celebrates the centennial of flight with a week of special events, tours and giveaways, recommended reading, and a paper airplane contest.

Procurement vendor fair - MIT's annual vendor fair will be held Thursday, September 11 on Mcdermott Court (outside buildings 54 and 18) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 100 of MIT's external and internal providers will display their products and answer questions.

Student-friendly banking - make cents of your banking options. should you try a credit union or Internet bank? check out this handy guide to find out which bank is right for you.

August 2003
Looking for a place to call home sweet home? - The MIT off-campus housing office has rental and roommate listings, a guide to Boston-area neighborhoods, and legal information for tenants.

Rock and recycling - Support MIT employees and MIT recycling. Amusia perform a free lunchtime concert at the Stratton Student Center August 13.

Artists Behind the Desk summer concerts - Musical groups featuring MIT employees are performing lunchtime concerts this summer at the Stratton Student Center. Next concert: Amusia, August 13.

July 2003
MIT summer day camp - MIT summer day camp is open to all area boys and girls, ages 6-14. Last day to register is July 30.

MIT activities committee - The MIT activities committee offers discounted tickets for movies, travel, and the arts.

Zipcars available on campus - MIT sponsors membership to this car-sharing service for both staff and graduate students. MIT hosts 4 Zipcars on campus, and there are more than 130 in and around Boston.

June 2003
Renew MIT web certificates - It's time to renew your web certificates, your key to secure Web services at MIT. Web certificates are set to expire July 31, 2003. Renew now to get a certificate valid through July 2004.

Career resources for alumni - The office of career services offers advising, workshops, job listings and networking opportunities to MIT students and alumni, whether you're looking for help finding an internship, or starting a company.

Parental pride: Commencement resources for parents - Commencement is an exciting time for parents to share in their child's achievements at MIT. Visit the Parents Association web site to plan for Commencement 2003, Monday, June 9.

May 2003
Nominate a colleague for the MIT excellence awards - These awards acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by MIT staff toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of the Institute. Nomination deadline Wednesday, June 4th.

Travel risk policy updates - MIT has announced a new "travel risk policy" requiring students, faculty and staff to increase their awareness of heightened risks posed by trips to certain areas.

State of the Institute - The Town Meeting, "Working towards MIT's mission in an era of constraints," will offer an opportunity to communicate with the Institute's leadership about current events and issues facing the Institute.

April 2003
SAPweb has new look, new functionality - New features include online requisition approval, expanded search capabilities, and a new user interface.

Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center - Given that many of the world's most innovative thinkers think better after a good workout, all faculty and staff are invited to join the students at the Al and Barrie Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center.