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Collaborating for MIT’s Future

"Collaborating for MIT's Future" poster session celebrates the work of MIT’s administrative staff community

Poster session attendees are engaged in conversation around digital displays in Morss Hall, a spacious room with tall windows, columns, and murals.

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      Ten years ago, when “Collaborating for MIT’s Future” organizers set out to hold a poster session to highlight the work of MIT’s administrative staff community, they weren’t sure how it would go. Would their colleagues take time out of their busy schedules to create posters? Would others take time to attend the event and view the posters on display? The response, it turned out, was more than the organizers could have hoped for, and except for a pandemic hiatus, the annual event has continued to provide a venue for staff to share information and make cross-campus connections.

      The 2024 session, held in Walker Memorial on October 30, featured 44 posters and 115 presenters from nearly 30 MIT departments, offices, and groups. Attendees enjoyed lively conversation and refreshments as they browsed vibrant, digital displays showcasing projects, programs, and initiatives aligned with the Institute's mission.

      “This is one of my favorite events to attend each year,” said Executive Vice President and Treasurer Glen Shor. “It really showcases our staff’s ingenuity and commitment to elevating the administrative experience at MIT. It’s inspiring.”

      Upon entering the space, a first stop for many guests was the HR Thank-a-Thon table, where they could jot a note and send a gift of appreciation to a colleague. MIT Human Resources debuted the table at the 2024 session and brought it back for another run based on the positive feedback they received. This year, nearly 200 staff members in more than 20 DLCIs were recognized by their colleagues.

      Below is a sampling of 2024 poster topics.

      Be Wheel Wise! Safety Tips for Navigating Campus and City when Walking, Wheeling, or Driving (Parking & Transportation Office)
      Have you heard of Personal Wheels? Called PWs for short, they include bikes, scooters, hoverboards, skateboards, and other personal mobility devices. In recent years, MIT has seen a notable increase in PWs being operated and parked on campus. While this is a positive step from a sustainability perspective, it has also raised some safety concerns. Scooters are sometimes parked in hallways, obstructing egress areas and blocking classroom doors. In addition, MIT Health has reported a sharp increase in injuries to both PW riders and pedestrians. The Personal Wheel Safety Committee was established to address these concerns by sharing best practices, improving infrastructure, supporting enforcement, and advocating for safety measure that align with broader safety goals of MIT and the City of Cambridge. The group released Personal Wheels Guidelines in June.

      Administrative Assistant Training Program (The Job Connector by MIT)
      The Job Connector by MIT, located on Main Street, is a free workforce development hub for Cambridge residents that provides comprehensive support to job seekers at all stages of their professional journeys. In 2024 the Job Connector launched the five-week Administrative Assistant Training Program, helping participants to develop their communication and technical skills in preparation for interviews with potential employers. To date, the program has produced seven successful placements, with participants finding employment at the Cambridge Public Library, Cambridge Public Schools, and other community partners. The MIT Office of Government and Community Relations invites colleagues to support the program by serving as guest speakers or hosting a participant for an informational interview. Contact Sara Reese, Manager of The Job Connector by MIT, at sreese@mit.edu.

      Collaborative Climate Action Program for MIT Staff (Office of Sustainability)
      As part of the whole-Institute mobilization to address one of the world’s most urgent issues, climate change, many members of the MIT community are seeking ways to make a difference at the local level, within their own DLCIs. The Collaborative Climate Action Program teaches its members key sustainability practices so they can serve as champions of climate action in their areas and lead initiatives to engage fellow staff members. As part of the program, members participate in a workshop and training, commit to using the Rheaply reuse marketplace, learn how to integrate climate action efforts into the annual goal-setting process, and share tips on how the MIT community can work together to reduce the Institute’s environmental footprint. Email 2cap-admins@mit.edu for more information.

      Digital Transformation at MIT Health (MIT Health)
      The new “digital front door” at MIT’s Health is making a measurable impact in patient care and satisfaction. Online scheduling allows patients to directly book their health screenings, including mammograms, diabetic eyes exams, and colon cancer screenings, while direct scheduling enables them to see all available appointments to select their preferred time and clinician. Patients can also specify their chosen names and pronouns through a new digital tool. Digital check-in has reduced check-in times by more than 75% by collecting required patient data prior to their arrival. Ambient dictation technology enables more direct provider-patient interaction by minimizing typing during appointments, and notes are written in patient-friendly language that include clear care instructions.

      View a sampling of posters presented at the 2024 session.

      (Note there are some formatting quirks in posters that featured animation in the original PowerPoint.)