Dean for Graduate Education and Vice Chancellor respond to piece on graduate student mental health
We are writing in response to the opinion piece “Graduate student mental health is in crisis” that appeared in the October 10, 2019 issue of The Tech. Authors Jeff Rosenberg, Sarah Cowles, and Nick Selby, writing on behalf of Graduate Students for a Healthy MIT, advocate for creating “a healthier academic environment for [all graduate students] to grow as scholars and people.” We too are committed to that end and applaud the authors for elevating this crucial matter and providing an opportunity to foster conversation—and, most importantly, action.
Graduate student mental health is in crisis
Graduate students serve an indispensable role in MIT’s community. We teach and mentor undergraduates, generate new knowledge through our research, secure funding through grant writing, produce journal articles, and foster community. However, despite our passion and dedication, our work at MIT can exact a heavy toll on our physical and mental well-being. This is not how it has to be.
MIT not responsible for student’s suicide, Massachusetts Supreme Court rules
The decision stated that universities have a special relationship with the student and thus a special duty regarding suicide prevention, but the actions of MIT and of the individuals involved in this case did not fall within the realm of this duty.
Not all medical leaves turn into horror stories
Going on leave was a massive force of change and improvement on my life.
MIT: a personal Pandora’s box
I eagerly looked forward to my life at MIT, excited about the cultural discovery and surprises. These surprises started early.
Kyla Truman
My parents have struggled with substance abuse for as long as I can remember. My mom had me when she was 19. Both she and my dad tried to get clean for a little bit, but were largely unsuccessful.
Lisa Lozano
In 2003, when I was in the third grade, my mom developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome and was paralyzed from the neck down. My grandpa also passed away around this time. My brother and I suddenly had many more responsibilities at home.
Growing up clueless
Although I was born in Louisiana, I grew up mostly in Texas. When I was growing up, my father was a “roughneck” in the West Texas oilfields. My dad only finished up to the 7th grade.
Listen to her
She was lying to me. She was telling me that everything was fine, but her body was saying something else. She was forcing herself to be brave, to fake the courage we are all supposed to have.
Too far to grieve
I had watched the scene unfold twice before. In the busy shuffle between classes and club meetings, the phone call comes. My friends learn that someone they loved has died, and by physical proximity, I am the first outsider to know.