Principal Investigator:
Vikash Gilja - MIT Undergraduate Association

Project Overview:

The Interactive Introduction to the Institute (I3) attempts to inform incoming freshmen of their residential options before they arrive on campus. Utilizing video, text, and still images distributed on a CD-ROM and website, I3 assists living groups in the presentation of their distinct cultures while also providing a general introduction to residential life at MIT.

Description:

In the fall of 2002, MIT's undergraduate residential system will be going through a large number of changes. These changes may jeopardize the distinct cultures that exist in each of the living groups along with their supportive nature. If freshmen are not well informed of their living options, then they may not be able to find an atmosphere that allows them to fully thrive at MIT. The Interactive Introduction to the Institute (I3) is an attempt to provide as much information about MIT's residential system and its specific living groups to freshmen during the summer before they arrive on campus.

In I3's pilot year, it delivered a CD-ROM to incoming freshmen that contained videos, images, and text with both general and living group specific information about the residence system. The specific information was produced by each of the living groups and gives them an opportunity to express their individuality. I3 worked with the Undergraduate Association, Dormitory Council, Interfraternity Council, and the Office of Residential Life and Student Life Programs to create the general content. This general content offers suggestions on how to tackle the residence selection task and outlines the process.

Based on the experience gained through the pilot and feedback received from freshmen and upperclassmen, I3 will work to improve the efficiency of production and the quality of its product. This year's aim is to significantly expand living group coverage and to work more closely with the Office of Residential Life and Student Life Programs so that I3's product is better integrated with the rest of residential orientation.