A self-study was undertaken at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T.) to examine the impact of the federal government on it. M.I.T. is a large institution with an enrollment of 8,000, a faculty of 950, and a total teaching staff of 1,700. Of its operating expenses by far the largest source of funds in recent years has been sponsored research. Monitoring by regulatory agencies has been considerable. In the study these issues and elements are addressed: affirmative action in employment (regulations, the M.I.T.'s affirmative action plans, serious search for personnel, personnel office activities, representation of minorities, and costs of compliance); equal opportunity (regulations, and the M.I.T. response in relation to employees, students, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973); undergraduate and graduate financial aid; the institutional impact in research (research administration and direct costs); and departmental impacts in research (research volume, assessments by sponsoring agencies, the role of research, and support of graduate students). It is concluded that the institution has shown great flexibility in responding to federal funding, regulation, and priorities, and has in fact influenced federal science policies and priorities. The necessity of that kind of adaptability for institutional survival is emphasized. Sections are included focusing on safety, health, environmental protection, and animal care. Appendices include a list of persons interviewed, questionnaires, and a bibliography. (MSE)