1.6 Institute Councils and Committees

This policy was last updated January 5, 2024. See the update history page for more information.

MIT's governance structure is supported by a strong system of councils and committees. The Academic Council, consisting of the Institute's senior leaders plus the elected Chair of the Faculty, meets regularly during the academic year to confer on matters of Institute policy. The Academic Council is chaired by the President.

The Standing and Special Committees of the Faculty focus on educational and academic policy. See also Section 1.5. Standing Institute Committees Appointed by the President hold responsibility for policy development and review in key areas; each reports to a senior officer. Other Institute Committees and Councils hold designated roles in policy development and review. Information about all these Committees and Councils can be found on the Faculty Governance website.

In addition, each School and the College has a council of department heads and center and laboratory directors, chaired by the dean.