New Student Resources

Welcome to Graduate Studies at Michigan Tech!

It is a privilege for us to provide you guidance and support as you seek to deepen your understanding and mastery in your chosen field of study. The staff in the Graduate School looks forward to working with you. Please visit us virtually or in person on the 4th floor of the Admin building.

This page outlines activities designed to facilitate your transition to graduate studies, to Michigan Tech, and to the larger Copper Country community. 

Beginning Your Graduate Studies

Prior to your first semester

Prior to the first day of classes, you will need to:

1. Arrange for housing (on campus students only)
2. Register for classes
3. Confirm enrollment and pay your bill
4. Purchase health insurance

Additional information pertinent to entering students is found online, and the Graduate School has checklists for each degree available online. Students are also encouraged to regularly check their Personalized Degree Progress Checklist to ensure they are completing degree milestones in a timely manner.

When you arrive on campus

After arriving on campus, please:

1. Obtain your HuskyCard.
   1. Remote students are not required to obtain a Michigan Tech ID, however, you can receive one as a Michigan Tech student. If you would like information about obtaining a HuskyCard, please email it-help@mtu.edu or call IT at (906) 487-1111.
2. Bring your official transcripts to the Graduate School if they were not provided during the application process. Monitor your email for additional details for drop-off times. Contact the Graduate School with any questions.

Houghton and Hancock Communities

You will find your new home to be very safe with a friendly and welcoming community.

The Keweenaw Peninsula (KEE-win-naw) or Copper Country is the most northern part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and was the most important location in the world for pure native copper. Michigan Tech began as the Michigan Mining school in 1885 with four faculty members and 23 students. Back then, the school was on the second floor of a building a few blocks from the current campus. Copper mining ended in 1968 but many small towns and ancient relics still exist today.

Embrace your new community and environment, and soon you will know why Houghton is one of the best 100 places to live, according to "The 100 Best Small Towns In America," by Norman Crampton.

Take advantage of learning the culture that surrounds MTU. Tech will feel like home.

Grocery Stores Within Walking Distance

• Jim’s Food Mart: 906-482-4080. Located at 300 Pearl St, Houghton, MI 49931

Restaurants Within Walking Distance

• Ambassador Restaurant
• Armando’s Restaurant
• Biggby Coffee
• Bonfire Restaurant
• Camp Coffee Co.
• Cyberia Cafe
• Domino’s Pizza
• Downtowner Lounge
• Four Seasons Tea Room
• Hunan Garden
• Jimmy John’s
• JJ’s Wok N Grill
• Joey’s Seafood & Grill
• Library Restaurant
• Rodeo Mexican Kitchen
• Sky Sushi
• Subway
• Suomi (authentic Finnish dishes)
• The Den
• Victoria's Kitchen

Restaurants that Deliver

• Domino’s Pizza: 906-482‐6060
• Jimmy John’s (sandwiches): 906-483‐0768
• Pizza Hut: 906-482‐0978
• Studio Pizza: 906-482-5100
• Nutini’s Supper Club: 906-482-2711

Prepare for Winter

Houghton winters are very snowy and can be very cold. Make sure you are prepared! It is not unusual to get 12 inches of snow in a day, so warm walking boots are important, as is a heavier coat, fleece-lined gloves, thick scarf, and a hat. Layering clothes will keep you comfortable outside, and will allow you to remove some layers to avoid getting overheated once inside.

MTU is a winter wonderland! If you are willing to embrace the winters, recreational opportunities are plentiful, both indoors and outdoors. Every winter outdoor activity is at your fingertips from sledding, hockey, broomball, ice skating, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, snowboarding, snow tubing, to ice fishing. In addition, the annual Winter Carnival, held in February, is the biggest annual winter celebration in the nation. Winter Carnival is known for large artistic snow statues that require scaffolding to build!

Michigan Tech is the only university in the country that owns its own ski hill. Students can enjoy free downhill skiing at Mont Ripley across from campus in Hancock.

Tech also owns 35 kilometers of trails that are nationally recognized for quality, variety of terrain, and maintenance. With Houghton’s average snowfall approaching 250 inches, the winter season usually opens in early December and continues into April. During the winter, grooming takes place daily and the system includes 7.5 kilometers of lighted trails, making an after-class ski trip convenient for students. The trails are open for biking and hiking the rest of the year.

• Tech Today's Article about Winter Activities
• Winter Carnival

Graduate Academic Resources

As you begin your studies at Tech, these resources will provide information you will need to earn your degree:

• Student Resources - a compilation of the pages students most often refer to; includes some of the pages listed below.
• Degree Completion Timeline - a list of all the items you need to complete your degree
• Degree Requirements - a description of all the items you need to complete your degree
• Policies for Students - listing of policies for graduate students
• Grades issued by Michigan Tech
• External funding opportunities for graduate students

Technology and Tools

Graduate students have access to the following suite of tools during their graduate program:

• The Google Suite of applications is used for email, sharing files, calendars and more. Please note that your mtu.edu email is how the University will communicate with you as an enrolled student.
• IT has resources for students and is here to help you with technology questions.
• Canvas is the University's online course management system. Your instructors will use Canvas to share materials for your courses. The Canvas Student Guides can help you get acquainted with the platform and the Center for Teaching and Learning is also available to help.
• The MTU Events calendar lists campus events.
• Turnitin (login and access to Canvas is required) and Draft Coach are available for students to check their writing for possible plagiarism and grammar.

Career

We know that our students value finding a fulfilling career after graduation, and Career Services plays a crucial role in helping students do that.

• Every semester Career Services hosts a Career Fair along with other workshops and events to prepare you for applying and completing interviews.
• Please visit the resource page for a full list of services offered to students.
• For one-on-one advising, Make an appointment with a career advisor. For any other questions, please email career@mtu.edu. 
  
  

Healthy Living

You need to be healthy and happy to get the most out of your college experience. If you find yourself under the weather or in need of help, there are resources available to you.

Health Services

Students have access to healthcare services at Upper Great Lakes Houghton Family Health Center located inside the UP-Health System University Center, attached to the Student Development Complex. The clinic has student walk-in hours every weekday morning and afternoon. Immediate care is also available at UP Health System Express Care on Sharon Avenue, less than three miles from campus. Emergency services are available at the UP-Health System Emergency Department in Hancock. Visit UP Health System - Portage to learn more.

Student Mental Health and Well-being

• The Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHWB)offers in-person and virtual individual therapy, support and therapy groups, case management, drop-in support, workshops and events, and medication management Our professional staff of licensed therapists works closely with all student support services at Michigan Tech and with mental health professionals both locally and in student's home areas.  Services are free and confidential.
• In addition, 24-hour emergency services are available by calling TELUS Health Student Support at 877-376-7896. TELUS Health offers resources through chat, phone call, or video. 
  Connect with other graduate students and exchange coping ideas, gain perspective and find some balance to manage the demands of grad school through weekly facilitated Graduate Support Groups . 
• A student can schedule an appointment, contact our office at 906-487-2538 or emailing counseling@mtu.edu
• Under our Dean of Students webpage we have compiled a list of on- and off-campus health resources for students, like student health insurance, our disability services, and a number of local healthcare options.

Fitness and Sports

Michigan Tech's Student Development Complex (SDC) provides four seasons of recreation and fitness activities for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The SDC features a variety of high‐quality facilities/amenities, including youth and adult classes, plus regularly scheduled fitness, and recreational opportunities. Michigan Tech student spouse/partner and dependents also have access to the facilities at a discounted price.

Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP)

The Michigan Tech Outdoor Adventure Program (OAP) rents tents, sleeping bags, bikes, and kayaks and they also offer a wide variety of trips and outdoor experiences for everyone, such as kayaking, canoeing, backpacking, and climbing. The OAP strives to get students, faculty, staff, and community members outside and active!

Conflict Resolution

Conflict is a normal part of life, and healthy resolutions lead to better relationships on campus. If you need help with a conflict, you can reach out to the Conflict Resolution Network, report a concern to campus, or reach out to the Ombuds for confidential resources.

Extracurricular and Leadership

For some students, developing support systems may look like joining on-campus organizations and for others it may mean participating in leadership events, or volunteering in our community.

• Graduate Student Government is an organization that serves as a liaison between the University and graduate students, advocating on students’ behalf for the intellectual, social and professional lives of graduate students.
• Michigan Tech has 200+ registered student organizations (RSOs) offering a wide variety of areas and activities to get involved with.
• Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI) has developed many opportunities for students to gain leadership skills. These include HuskyGOLD, HuskyLEAD, GRIT, and Leadershape events.
• Community service can also be a great way to be involved on campus and in our community. SLI provides several opportunities for service like blood drives, alternative spring break, and Make a Difference Day. For any questions about involvement opportunities, please email activities@mtu.edu. 
• Other areas on campus can also help students foster relationships. One area to highlight is the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI). Students can often be found hanging out in their sitting area enjoying coffee or tea and getting to know other students.
• We would also encourage students to get to know the other students in your classes. These make great study partners which can also lead to great friendships. 

Experience Tech

The Experience Tech program is funded by a student fee that provides you with access to recreational facilities and performing arts events. The program includes downhill skiing and snowboarding at Mont Ripley, Husky Hockey games, tennis at the Gates Tennis Center, golfing at Portage Lake Golf Course, visual and performing arts events, Tech Trails and Recreational Forest, Rozsa Center events, intramural sports, Outdoor Adventure Program, and Student Health and Wellness. See Experience Tech's website for more information.

Events are on a first come first serve basis. To ensure a seat, you can pre-order a $5 student ticket. Student ID will be required upon entry. SVF - Student Voted Fees for the Experience Tech program can be found on the Student Billing Website. 

Ticket Information

• Michigan Tech Hockey is part of the Experience Tech program and is available on a first come first serve basis to the first 750 Michigan Tech students. Please visit the Experience Tech website for details. Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Football, and Volleyball are free to Michigan Tech students with a student ID. Michigan Tech student spouse/partner and dependents also have access to athletics tickets at a discounted price. Please reach out with any questions to the Michigan Tech Central Ticket Office (906-487-2073) or go to www.buyhuskiestickets.com

Contact

• By Phone: 906-487-2073 
• By Email: tickets@mtu.edu
• By Visiting the Ticket Office
  • The Central Ticketing Office is located on the first floor of the Student Development Complex, office hours are as follows:
    • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
    • Saturday: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
    • Sunday: 12 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Social Media

            

Transportation

Michigan Tech Shuttle Services

During the fall and spring semesters, Michigan Tech’s Transportation Services provides free shuttle service around campus, throughout downtown Houghton and Hancock. You can find more information on routes and schedules on the Michigan Tech's Transportation Services Site.

Houghton Public Transit

The Houghton Public Transit provides an on-demand bus service for Houghton City and surrounding areas Monday-Friday from 7AM-5PM. The cost is $3 per student in the city, and $4 out of the city limits. You can find more information on the City of Houghton's Public Transit site.

Hancock Public Transit

The Hancock Public Transit provides an on-demand bus service to the cities of Hancock and Houghton, 7am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Student fee is $3. More information can be found at the City of Hancocks' Public Transit site.

Taxi Service

• A2B Cab 906-369-4041
• Superior Transportation 906-369-3285
• Copper Country Limo 906-370-4761
• Lyft (Ride share service, download the app from your phone’s app store) 

Parking

All vehicles parked on campus must be registered with Transportation Services. Parking permits are required to park in any campus lot and can be purchased at the Transportation Services Office or online. Permits are only valid for the vehicles registered to the permit, visit Michigan Tech's Transportation Services.

Metered parking is available for a fee between 7am - 4pm, Monday through Friday.

• Meters: can be paid with US Quarters ($0.25/20 minutes) or via ParkMobile.
• Daily Permits: $5.00
• Weekly Permits: $20.00

Meter/Visitor Zone locations can be viewed online.

Vehicles may be registered on the Michigan Tech Parking Portal or by bringing your vehicle registration to our office in the Administration Building, Room 100.

Required vehicle registration information:

• License Plate Number/State
• VIN
• Vehicle Make/Model/Style
• Year
• Color

Free Motorist Assist Program

Free to anyone on campus: Battery boosts, flat tires, out of gas, frozen door locks, and stuck vehicles

Free 30-minute load/unload permits

Outside of move-in day, Transportation Services offers those wishing to park closer to a building a 30-minute Loading/Unloading permit that is free of charge. You can request a 30-minute Loading/Unloading permit at the Transportation Services Office or all Residential Hall reception desks.

We hope you have found this information to be helpful and will take advantage of the opportunities you have here at Michigan Tech. As members of the Graduate School we are also here to assist you with the above mentioned information as well as many other situations you may encounter. Please feel free to reach out to the Graduate School at gradschool@mtu.edu, call 906-487-2327, or come visit us on the fourth floor of the Administration Building.