Who can make an appointment?
Anyone affiliated with MIT EECS, an EECS lab (eg, CSAIL, LIDS, MTL, RLE), or taking an EECS class is welcome to make an appointment with the EECS Communication Lab.
Not formally affiliated with EECS or have questions about your eligibility? We’re still happy to help if we can or point you to appropriate resources. Contact us at eecscommlab@mit.edu.
Why should I make an appointment?
Even the best communicators benefit from feedback. Whether you’re feeling stuck at the brainstorming stage or want another set of eyes on something to do a final check before you submit or present, the Comm Lab is here to help.
We’ll support your communication work by having conversations with you about high-level principles like audience, structure, and message, rather than focusing on line-editing or grammar. We encourage you to include the Comm Lab in your process as early as you can so that you get the most out of the experience.
What does a Comm Lab appointment look like?
In a Comm Lab appointment, you’ll meet 1-on-1 with a Communication Fellow, an EECS graduate student or postdoc who has participated in rigorous communication training, to talk about whatever task you’re working on. We’re currently offering both virtual (Zoom) and in-person appointments for 30 or 60 minutes. Read more about what to expect during a Comm Lab appointment.
How do I make an appointment?
Option 1: Use our online scheduling system
The first time you use the system linked above, you will need to register with your email address and create a password. Once you create an account, you will then be able to see all of the Communication Lab Fellows’ available times and pick one that will work best for you. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.
Option 2: Contact the EECS Communication Lab Manager
If none of the times on the schedule work for you or you want guidance making an appointment, contact us at eecscommlab@mit.edu. Let us know what you’re working on and when it’s due. We’ll do our best to help you get the coaching you need to meet your deadline.
Option 3: Contact a Fellow directly
Check out our Fellow bios to see if there is a particular Fellow whose background may be a good match for you and your communication task.
Communication Lab Policies
Who can use the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Communication Lab?
- The Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Communication Lab’s services are free and available to anyone who is in the MIT Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, affiliated with a Department lab, or taking a Department class. If you are not sure whether you are eligible, please contact the Communication Lab Manager to inquire.
- If you are not affiliated with Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, check this list to see whether your Course has a Communication Lab available.
What can and can’t I expect Communication Lab Fellows to do?
- Fellows will have conversations with clients about their work. As needed, Fellows may use video chat, phone, or other media options to have such conversations.
- Under normal circumstances, Fellows do not provide written feedback.
- Fellows are not obligated to read client documents or otherwise prepare before sessions. If you plan to work on a longer document in one session, think in advance about which specific sections or elements would be most helpful for you to focus on during your session.
- Fellows are not available for private hiring or contract work and will not accept gifts from clients.
- Fellows do not replace TAs, course instructors, or S3.
What else should I be aware of?
- Coaching sessions are kept confidential. Communication Lab Fellows do not share information about client relationships and work.
- Sessions can be 30 or 60 minutes.
- All in-person coaching sessions must take place in public locations such as the Communication Lab, a café, or the library.
- Clients may make no more than 1 appointment per day and no more than 3 appointments per week. If you believe you are in need of an exception to this policy, you may contact us at eecscommlab@mit.edu to discuss your situation.
- Cancellations must be made at least 3 hours in advance (preferably 24 hours in advance, to respect Fellows’ time). Otherwise, they will be counted as missed appointments.
- If a client misses three appointments, they will not be able to take advantage of the Communication Lab during the following four months.
Accessibility
- If you would like to discuss any disability accommodations prior to making a Communication Lab appointment, please contact the Communication Lab manager.
Additional communication consultation resources at MIT
The MIT Writing and Communication Center also offers one-on-one communication consultation on written and oral communication, provided by MIT lecturers who are published writers and experienced teachers. Their services include specialized support for English Language Learners.