Dean for Student LifeStudent Life ExperienceHealth and SafetyLeadershipEventsProcess ImprovementsCommunicationsFinancePersonnelSpaceConclusion16–1MIT Reports to the President 2005–2006Dean for Student LifeThe Division of Student Life (DSL) at MIT showed remarkable progress in 2005–2006, both within the division, which is comprised of 14 departmental/divisional units, and throughout campus. This report highlights the achievements from units within DSL, including administration; Athletics, Physical Education, and Recreation (DAPER); Community Development and Substance Abuse (CDSA); Enterprise Services; Housing; Student Support Services (S^3); Student Mediation and Community Standards; and Student Life Programs (SLP).The academic year 2005–2006 brought collaborations throughout campus and among our division’s staff. New partnerships were developed with students, and the connections between academic departments and student life were strengthened. Old lines blurred and long-established boundaries were crossed to allow for more positive and influential relationships among students, faculty, and administrators; stronger relationships with alumni; and broadening partnerships throughout the Institute.These stronger relationships and collaborations have contributed to an enhanced sense of community, a more efficient use of resources, and an improved quality of life for the MIT community, particularly students. Collaborations continue to expand to academic departments, providing experiential education opportunities for our students. Of particular note this year is the new collaboration between the Public Service Center and the Department of Mechanical Engineering to develop a project-based freshman engineering class, 2.00B Solving Real Problems, which will teach design skills through service learning.Student services have also been enhanced through cross-departmental collaborations. Student Support Services worked with MIT Medical, the Committee on Academic Performance, the Committee on Discipline, the Disabilities Services Office, attorneys for MIT, and faculty members to clarify issues relating to the whole student. Those collaborations allow comprehensive decision-making and enhanced overall case management on behalf of students in need.One of the most notable occurrences this past year was the distinct increase in cross-cultural conversation and a heightened sense of community, even for historically underrepresented groups. For example, DSL helped strengthen the foundation for underrepresented student groups to support each other, which enhances MIT’s overall sense of community. DSL added a new lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender (LBGT) coordinator role and one new graduate assistant each for the Latino Cultural Center, the Black Student Union, and LBGT issues. Also new this year is the Diversity Peer 2 Peer program and the Cross Cultural Communications Conference. The Board of Chaplains expanded its interfaith work to include the Interfaith Student Council, Interfaith World AIDS Day, and the new Addir Fellows Program—all programs that promote conversations among students of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and other faiths.16–2MIT Reports to the President 2005–2006Dean for Student LifeTwo visiting committee reviews took place during the 2005–2006 academic year. DSL saw the completion of the third review from its visiting committee, and DAPER was reviewed for the 14th time. Both visiting committee reports were positive, reinforcing our sense of purpose and mission.Endicott House celebrated its 50th anniversary of MIT stewardship this year. Events noting the occasion included a community block party at which Endicott House hosted the Weld and Endicott families (both former owners of the estate) and the printing of a book on the house’s history, A Home on Haven Street. Endicott House was also recognized by the International Association of Conference Centers as the country’s oldest university conference center.An international conference for the Association of College and University Printers, hosted by MIT’s Copy Technology Services, brought more than 180 guests to MIT and the Greater Boston area.The Office of Student Conduct underwent a name change to become the Office of Student Mediation and Community Standards. The change reflects student and community needs and the expectations of the office.Student Life ExperienceSurvey results from 2002 and 2004 showed a significant increase in satisfaction among undergraduate students in regard to their residential experience.The Fraternity, Sorority and Independent Living Group (FSILG) staff sustained student satisfaction through active and ongoing consultations with 16 to 20 chapters. Topics included leadership development, membership development, officer training, and increased recruitment and retention options.Residential Life staff worked with students to enhance the undergraduate dorm residential experience. Efforts included leadership retreats, goal setting in Dormitory Council (DormCon), the Faculty Fellows Program, and a for-credit physical education pilot program in residence halls.Housing and Information Services and Technology (IS&T) piloted a technology laboratory student collaborative project in NW30, Baker, MacGregor, and Burton-Connor. Students can use a shared interface and project work onto a screen to work collaboratively on academic projects. Technology lab pilot in Baker House.Dean for Student Life16–3MIT Reports to the President 2005–2006The varsity sport health and vitality analysis process produced resources and used metrics to enable effective decision-making.An online eligibility certification system for varsity athletic participation was developed and implemented to streamline work processes.Campus Dining increased food options and variety and provided more community space for students through the addition of dinner service at Pritchett (to the benefit of 500 students at East Campus and Senior House), the new Pacific Street Café near Sydney-Pacific, and the transition to independent operators in Lobdell Food Court.The office of Community Development and Substance Abuse significantly increased the scope and frequency of its programs to determine and improve their impact and efficacy as they relate to specific environmental features, student behaviors, and at-risk groups. Enhancements included the alcohol screening and brief intervention program, the MIT Party Safe training program, and the social