AO/FO Learn

Roles and responsibilities vary widely across MIT’s complex and innovative teaching and research culture. An AO in one area might have vastly different responsibilities than one in another area, and not all AOs have the same title. At MIT, job titles are less important than what individuals do—and how well they meet their responsibilities. This website is geared toward increasing knowledge and skills important to carrying out financial and administrative oversight at MIT.

It will be useful to:

• Administrative Officers, Fiscal Officers, and others involved in financial, administrative, and research management activities
• Managers or mentors may use this site as a developmental tool to identify learning goals and match them with available resources
• Individuals aspiring to AO or FO roles

How to use this resource

To support diverse responsibilities and individual learning and development needs, the courses and tools featured below are grouped according to skills and competencies identified by current AOs, Assistant Deans and other key stakeholders. Select the skills and competencies of importance to you below and focus on the relevant courses and tools.

Start with a plan that is tied to both your current needs and your career goals. If you are currently in an administrative or financial role, work with your manager to identify the skills and competencies that you want to develop or strengthen. Then, identify which courses and tools are of interest, set a plan and schedule, and begin.

If you aspire to move into such a role someday, you might speak with your manager or human resources representative about which learning opportunities to pursue. A supportive manager, mentor or colleague can be helpful in thinking through your career goals and preparing a sound learning and development plan.

Technical competencies are skills that will help the AO or FO to function effectively in the MIT environment.

Leadership competencies enable the AO or FO to lead others with excellence.

* Learning Bundles are training/learning resources that include a variety of specially reviewed and selected learning methods, including classroom courses, online learning, videos and opportunities to practice skills.

Communications competencies increase the ability of the AO or FO to communicate more effectively with all levels of the MIT community and beyond.

* Learning Bundles are training/learning resources that include a variety of specially reviewed and selected learning methods, including classroom courses, online learning, videos and opportunities to practice skills

These competencies help the AO or FO to effectively manage staff.

* Learning Bundles are training/learning resources that include a variety of specially reviewed and selected learning methods, including classroom courses, online learning, videos and opportunities to practice skills

These competencies help develop the potential of the AO or FO to deal effectively with the demands of the AO or FO position.

* Learning Bundles are training/learning resources that include a variety of specially reviewed and selected learning methods, including classroom courses, online learning, videos and opportunities to practice skills.

MIT is a complex and dynamic place, with unique practices and traditions and a decentralized organizational structure.  Here are a few tools to help with navigating the organization and culture of the Institute. 

• Org Chart: Shows the Institute’s senior leaders including the reporting structures for each area
• AdminConnect: AdminConnect is a support system designed to help administrators work together by providing key information and resources and opportunities for connection. See especially:
  • Offices -- information about the functions of administrative offices that support MIT’s educational and research activities 
  • How To -- resources and information that will help you complete specific tasks
  • Connect -- provides channels for interaction and input among AOs and others at MIT
• See our guide for new employees and onboarding information for managers

For more information or to give feedback on this site, please contact learn@mit.edu.