Have questions about ELx? You’re in the right place. For more information on finding and applying for ELOs on ELx, see the FAQs below.
I want to find an ELO
Many (but certainly not all!) experiential learning opportunities (ELOs) can be found on
ELx. All currently enrolled MIT students can visit ELx to browse and apply for ELOs.
Are all ELOs posted on ELx?
Unfortunately, no. While it would be great to have every opportunity listed in one spot, that is not how many ELOs operate. ELOs take lots of forms, including internships, UROPs, teaching opportunities, classes, and more, and many of these use other forms of advertising. Classes, for example, are almost never posted on ELx, but can be found in the Subject Listing. Many UROPs are only shared with departmental mailing lists or are created in response to cold emails from students and never posted at all. Check out the different pages in the “Tracks” menu on this site for more information about finding different types of ELOs. And if you’re still not sure where to look, let us know.
When is the application deadline?
ELO supervisors can set their own application deadlines, so please note the deadline for the particular posts that interest you. For UROPs, pay attention to the deadlines for seeking funding or credit.
Why haven’t I heard back about my application?
It can take time for ELO supervisors to review and respond to applications, and each supervisor has a different process for doing so. Some will respond to applicants on a rolling basis, whereas others will wait until the deadline and review all applications simultaneously. If you need a response quickly or have not heard anything for a while, feel free to send a brief and respectful email to the contact person listed on the ELx post to ask about the status of your application.
I want to offer an ELO
We encourage all programs offering ELOs to list them on ELx, a portal for students to find and apply for ELOs of all types. You can post to ELx using the ELx admin app. Answers to common questions about posting to ELx can be found below
If you intend to offer a UROP, please review the UROP-specific guidelines for advertising opportunities.
What kinds of opportunities can I list?
ELx is meant for posting ELOs, which should be hands-on/applied, have rigorous/academic content, include dedicated supervision, have meaningful intensity (70+ hours), and include reflection/evaluation to help students learn. Student jobs that are entirely unrelated to academic coursework should use the SFS student job board instead.
Who can post an ELO in ELx?
Any MIT employee or graduate student can post an ELO, but ELOs will only be approved if the poster has a legitimate connection to the listed ELO department.
How does the approval process work?
All ELOs must be approved by the Office of Experiential Learning or UROP staff before they are visible to students. Approvers will check to ensure that the ELOs were submitted correctly, that the submitter is associated with the department in question, and that the opportunity qualifies as an ELO.
How do students apply for ELOs in ELx?
ELx includes a built-in application system that programs are welcome to use. Program leaders will be notified if a student applies and will be able to view student applications through the admin app. Alternatively, listings may include a link to an external application or email address that students can use to apply.
How do I use keyword tags?
Programs are strongly encouraged to tag ELOs with keywords to help students find ELOs of interest. As you type in keywords, you will see a selection of existing keywords that you can use, or you may opt to add a new keyword. Please keep keywords brief and use multiple keywords rather than long phrases (e.g. use “Python” and “data visualization” rather than “data visualization in Python”).
What do I list under compensation?
- UROPs should be available for an hourly wage or credit. For more information about paying UROP students, see the UROP website guidelines on compensation. Note that there are special considerations for remote appointments.
- Non-UROP programs can typically pay students by wage or stipend at their discretion. In some cases, programs may offer academic credit in addition to or instead of monetary compensation. OEL recommends paying students for their ELO work when possible, as this enables a broader population of students to participate. If programs choose not to pay students, they should take care to comply with Massachusetts standards for unpaid internships and volunteer work.
- Programs that accept graduate students should take care to review rules regarding graduate appointments and employment.
How can I specify the required skills/knowledge for this ELO?
The “Academics” section of the ELO listing form allows you to specify the types of students who are eligible (by degree type, year, and/or major) and to list any prerequisites, which may include classes, skills, and knowledge.
Required work authorization or safety training should be included in the “Requirements” section.
I am seeing the student view and not the admin view. How can I change this?
Make sure you are going to the admin portal here- https://elx-admin.mit.edu/.
When is the application deadline?
Please set your own application deadlines. When you enter your opportunity, there is an option to set a deadline that appears to students. We didn’t want to dictate application deadlines given how different programs will be on different timelines. You can also choose not to list a deadline and accept students on a rolling basis instead.