The Standard Cohort Response Form

Participants in The Standard are expected to make every effort to attend program events — both those designed for their specific cohort and all-cohort gatherings. To balance flexibility with commitment, each participant is allowed two unexcused absences per semester.

You will be asked to RSVP for each event in advance so OACES staff can plan appropriately for food and space. If you cannot attend a required event, please RSVP “No” and include a brief explanation. If your reason falls under the categories below, your absence will be considered excused:

• Class or lecture

• Professor/TA office hours

• Athletic commitment

• Work commitment

All other circumstances must be discussed with OACES staff before the event and are subject to approval.

Please note: more than two unexcused absences will affect your eligibility for professional development funding. Continued unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the program.

To avoid these outcomes, RSVP to events promptly and keep in close communication with OACES staff.

Each member of The Standard has access to $400 per academic year in funding to support professional development goals. Professional development includes training and opportunities that build skills, provide experience, or prepare you for future success after MIT — whether in industry or graduate school.

The fund replenishes annually with MIT’s fiscal year (July 1 – June 30). Members may access their funding at any time with support from OACES staff.

Payment Options

• Pre-arrangement: OACES can pay expenses upfront.

• Reimbursement: Students may pay first and request reimbursement by emailing a receipt that clearly shows their name and the amount paid. Reimbursements are processed through direct deposit (if set up in Atlas) or by paper check (pick-up in OACES or mailed upon request).

Examples of Eligible Expenses (not exhaustive):

• Graduate school test prep or registration (GRE, LSAT, MCAT, GMAT)

• Internship-related travel (e.g., airfare)

• Conference costs (registration, airfare, hotel)

• Special program fees (e.g., Management Leadership for Tomorrow)

• Graduate school application fees

• Skill-building resources (e.g., coding books, Coursera subscription)

• Professional dress clothes

• Other pre-approved expenses

Ineligible Expenses:

• Electronics

• Course textbooks

• MIT fees (e.g., registration hold fees)

• Meals

If you’re unsure whether an expense qualifies, please reach out to OACES staff before making a purchase.

I (We), the undersigned individual(s), grant Massachusetts Institute of Technology (“MIT”), located at 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., the perpetual, non-exclusive, royalty-free right and license to: 

• Record my participation and appearance on digital or film photography, video tape, audio tape, or any other medium (collectively, the “Recordings”). 

• Use my name (or any fictional name), likeness, voice and biographical material in connection with these Recordings to be used only in or for MIT written, electronic, and web publications (Purpose). 

• Reproduce, distribute, publicly display and/or publicly perform, in print, electronic or any other medium, copies of the Recordings, in whole or in part. Grantor represents that he or she possesses all rights necessary to grant this permission for and in connection with the Purpose. 

This grant of rights is made voluntarily by me. I further agree to release and forever discharge MIT, its agents, employees, and designated representatives, from any and all claims in law or equity that I, my heirs or personal representatives, have or shall have, arising out of Recordings. 

This release is governed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.