New Student FAQs

Submit your HuskyCard ID photo by August 1, 2024. You can pick up your HuskyCard in your Orientation materials on Friday, August 16, 2024, or Saturday, August 17, 2024, in the Van Pelt and Opie Library (#17 on the campus map).  If you have not submitted a photo, IT will be available to take your photo and print your HuskyCard during the move-in weekend. If you miss your move-in day and time, your HuskyCard will be available at the IT Helpdesk on Monday, August 19, 2024. A valid government-issued photo ID is required, such as a driver's license, a state ID, or a passport. The HuskyCard is the official Michigan Tech ID card that is issued to all students, faculty, and staff.

For more information visit: HuskyCard Information

All students are required to have a computing device.  This will help maximize your success in a range of class scenarios during your college career. 

Students living off campus are strongly encouraged to have regular and reliable internet access.

Check out "Computing Device Requirement" for device specifications.

There are several banks in the area that assist students with finances. Please refer to this list of local banks to review your options for banking while in Houghton.

Verizon and AT&T provides cell service to the local area. Phones are also available throughout the residence halls in the shared kitchenettes for student use and local, domestic, and Canadian long distance calls are free.

Students living on campus and choosing to bring a vehicle must register it with Transportation Services (the registration link will be available later in the summer). During move-in on Friday, August 16, 2024, or Saturday, August 17, 2024, students who pre-register for their parking passes will have their pass in their Orientation materials. If a student does not pre-register, the Transportation Department will be available in the Van Pelt and Opie Library (#17) during the move-in times.

Students arriving after 3 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024, should go to Transportation Services at the Administration Building, Room 100 (#1 on the campus map) to finalize parking arrangements.

Students living in the local area and commuting to campus must register their vehicle online through Transportation Services or in person at Transportation Services at the Administration Building, Room 100 (#1 on the campus map).

Register your bike online through Public Safety and Police Services. Registration helps to ensure that bikes found without owners can be returned to the proper person. It is recommended to have a lock on your bike and secure it to bike racks located across campus at academic buildings, administrative buildings, and residence halls.

Bike storage is offered by the residence hall councils during the winter months for registered bikes. Keep a lookout for fliers or advertisements on how to store your bike!

High-quality healthcare options are available in the surrounding area including clinic and emergency locations. Review immunization recommendations, student health insurance, and campus health resources. Counseling Services at Michigan Tech can assist students in need of counseling services or medication management. Counseling sessions are free and confidential. Contact Counseling Services by phone at 906-487-2538 to arrange services.

Students at Michigan Tech also have access to the TELUS Health Student Support App for free! Counseling and support is available over the phone, video, or text chat.

Find out more about TELUS Health and download the app.

Student Disability Services provides accommodations for disabilities that might impact students’ college experience. To be eligible for accommodations, students must provide professional documentation to the Coordinator for Student Disability Services, Dr. Christy Oslund. She can be reached at sds@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

Given that many of our students travel 8-10 hours from home to get to campus, many students or their Support Packs will book local lodging to arrive at campus the day before move-in or stay the weekend for Support Pack Orientation. Hotels and other lodging accommodations fill quickly during busy times, so the earlier you reserve, the better. Visit our Admissions page to access detailed driving directions and an up-to-date listing of local lodging options.

A Support Pack includes anyone who will be supporting you on this journey! In the weeks leading up to Check-In and move-in, they will have access to valuable information related to the Husky experience and their role as your Support Pack. We will also be offering opportunities for them to get their questions answered and learn more about Michigan Tech’s services and resources during move-in weekend. Plus, your Support Pack will have the chance to explore the campus and get to know the University during move-in weekend.

Every student and support pack is unique. Some students will travel to campus and move-in on their own while others will have their Support Pack accompany them.  There will be a variety of activities and opportunities for all Support Packs to participate Friday and Saturday of move-in. We will offer 2-3 opportunities for Support Pack members to ask questions and get their concerns addressed.

At noon on Sunday, August 18, 2024, it will be time to send off your new Husky! They will meet with their Orientation Leader (OTL) and kick off the amazing week of programming we have planned for them.

Programming for the Support Pack will be offered on Friday, August 16 through Sunday, August 18, 2024. The rest of the Orientation Week programming will be specifically designed for new students. Their attention and presence on campus is important to learning how to be successful at Michigan Tech, so it is recommended that the Support Pack say their goodbyes on Sunday morning.

Support Packs are encouraged to join the Michigan Tech Parents Facebook Group. It’s a parent-administered, closed group to actively engage in various discussion topics, post questions for one another, and share stories about their Huskies.

Parents and alumni of Michigan Tech can also contribute to Paws UP, a program that connects students in need to valuable resources that assist them throughout their college journey.

Michigan Tech provides a variety of resources to help students adjust to college life. A great first stop for students is the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success. The Wahtera Center staff coordinate Orientation and assist students throughout their time on campus to identify mentoring and tutoring opportunities along with strategies to support the academic transition to college. 

Account access for parents, also known as Guest Access, allows Michigan Tech students to grant individuals access to the student's confidential records. The student may grant access to any or all of the following information: electronic bill notification, tuition bill and associated holds, student's emergency contacts, financial aid awards, unofficial academic transcripts, midterm grades (for first-year students only), term-end grades, and class schedules and course details.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law, protects the privacy of students over the age of 18 or enrolled at a postsecondary institution such as Michigan Technological University. Students have the right to choose those to whom they give access to their confidential records. To learn more about FERPA, you may visit our FERPA information online.

For a student to grant guest access, they must first log in to Banweb. They will then identify the guest by name and email address and select the information that they would like to make available to the guest. The guest is sent an email containing their username and a link to Banweb to access and set up a password to view their student's information. Once this step is completed, the student is notified and guest access is granted. In addition to this process, students have the alternative of granting verbal access to individuals without access to the Internet.

It is very important that students do not share their personal login with anyone. Student's access to their email and Canvas is intended for the student only and sharing of personal login information can be a violation of Michigan Tech's Academic Integrity Policy.

Michigan Tech views students as young adults who are in the process of becoming responsible, accountable, and capable individuals. We respect their growing independence and hold them accountable for decisions they make. We also respect their privacy, but don't always promise confidentiality, and if needed, we will get others involved to ensure their wellbeing.

As such, we view parents and guardians as our partners and will collaborate with them to the best of our ability. However, we prefer to work directly with students in order to foster their growth and development. Parents and guardians are encouraged to continue to strengthen the relationship with their student by assuming the additional role of mentor/coach.

Parents, guardians, and family members often have questions or concerns about their student's Michigan Tech experience that may be helpful to share with us. Our staff is dedicated to assisting parents and family members and encourages you to communicate with us at any time. Please call the Center at 906-487-3558 or email your inquiry to success@mtu.edu.

 

No. All first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 30 credits who have paid their deposit are automatically registered for First-Year Student Orientation.

Transfer students with more than 30 credits will be registered to attend Transfer Student Orientation (see Transfer Student FAQ below). Transfer students with more than 30 credits can also attend the week-long First-Year Student Orientation by contacting the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success at 906-487-3558 or emailing orientation@mtu.edu. Transfer students who opt-in to the week-long Orientation will be charged an additional $175.00.

Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students. However, it is a great way to get more connected with the campus community! Throughout the week, you will have the chance to obtain all of the need-to-know information along with exploring all of the extra elements that Michigan Tech has to offer!”

Yes. First-year students are charged a fee of $250.00 for a full week of Orientation. Transfer students are charged $75.00 for a one-day Orientation, however, transfer students can opt into the full-week Orientation. If a transfer student chooses to opt into the full week of Orientation, there is an additional charge of $175.00.

In Fall 2024, first-year Orientation will begin at 12:30 pm on Sunday, August 18 and run through Friday, August 23.  Classes will start the following Monday, August 26.

Students will be busy most days of the Orientation Week, but will also have time to explore the campus and Keweenaw on their own! More information about the schedule will be available closer to the event.

Even though some students may have some college knowledge or experience, Orientation provides the tools to be successful at Michigan Tech. Orientation provides information about campus resources, introduces students to University policies and expectations, creates opportunities to meet other students (specifically students in their major), faculty and staff, familiarizes students with campus, and supports a successful transition to college life.

Students will spend the week learning about campus resources, connecting with other students in their major, getting to know their academic department and advisor, experiencing all that campus has to offer, and preparing to personally and academically engage in college.

Yes. Orientation is valuable for commuter students. It provides a way to meet students in the same major and become familiar with all that campus has to offer. Each commuter student is provided meal swipes to any residential dining hall to be used during Orientation Week, allowing commuter students to enjoy meals with resident students or eat without needing to leave campus during Orientation Week.

Students and Support Packs arriving into the Hancock Airport (CMX) or by a Greyhound bus can purchase tickets for a shuttle that will deliver them to campus from where they arrive in the Keweenaw. This limited pick-up service is hosted by International Programs and Services, and is a $20 non-refundable ticket. The service will be running from August 8 to September 8 and tickets may be purchased through this Google Form.

There are also other options available in the Houghton/Hancock area that offer service to Houghton from CMX. Please plan in advance before your trip up to Houghton!

Reliable Taxi

Lyft

 

The assigned time slots will be between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Friday, August 16, 2024, and between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, 2024. While we know this is an exciting time for everyone involved in the move-in process, we ask that you please adhere to your scheduled move-in time which can be found in your HuskyHouse Portal. The time you are assigned should be the time that you arrive at the Van Pelt and Opie Library (#17). 

Helpers in yellow “Welcome” T-shirts will be available around the Van Pelt and Opie Library along with each of the residence halls for moving items, directions, or any questions that you may have.

For full directions about the move-in process, please see the following directions for students living in Wadsworth, McNair, DHH, or Hillside.

Students who are arriving after 6:00 p.m. on Friday should wait until Saturday to move onto campus. Those who are arriving after 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 17, or on Sunday, August 18, should go to Wadsworth Hall Reception Desk to retrieve their Orientation materials, room key, and parking pass (if they have pre-registered their car). Students who are arriving on Monday, August 19, 2024, should check in at their assigned Residence Hall Reception desk.

If you have any questions about where you should go to receive your items, please reach out to orientation@mtu.edu or call 906-487-3558.

Students planning to arrive on campus prior to their scheduled move-in time must fill out the early arrival form on the Housing and Residential Life website. Early arrivals will be permitted under extenuating circumstances only. If you have further questions, please contact the Housing and Residential Life Office by phone at 906-487-2682 or by email at housing@mtu.edu.

By August 1, 2024, students will receive notification by email of their room assignment, meal plan, mailing address, roommate’s name and contact information, and more. You will also be able to find this information in your HuskyHouse Portal. If you do not receive this information by August 1, please contact Housing and Residential Life by phone at 906-487-2682 or email housing@mtu.edu.

Refer to this list of items to bring (and those to leave at home).

More information about campus living and frequently asked questions about on-campus housing are available on the Residence Education and Housing Services website.

No. All transfer students with over 30 credits and have paid their deposit are automatically registered for Transfer Student Orientation. Transfer students with more than 30 credits can elect to attend the week-long First-Year Student Orientation.  There are many good reasons to attend the full week of orientation, and each year a portion of transfer students elect to do so.  Please contact us to discuss this at orientation@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students, including those transferring from another institution.  Our transfer orientation is razor focused on the unique needs of transfer students, connecting you to campus resources and creating opportunities for you to meet other students, faculty and staff.  Past transfer students consistently rate our orientation as useful in their transition to Michigan Tech.

Transfer orientation will occur on Wednesday, August 22, 2024.  The details will be set by July 1, and transfer students should expect to receive multiple communications over the summer. In addition to transfer-specific programs, transfer students will be able to access a variety of other optional programs throughout the week.

Transfer students spend the day getting familiar with campus resources, learning about their academic department, meeting with their academic advisor, and getting to know other incoming transfer students. Transfer students will have the opportunity to make changes to their schedule during this day.

Transfer students are welcome to join the week-long orientation.  Doing so will provide opportunities to make connections with other students in your major and gain a much more detailed understanding of the resources available on campus.  There is a difference in fees.  Please contact us at orientation@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

All first-year students and any transfer students with fewer than 30 transfer credits are registered and placed into classes in mid July by the Registrar’s Office at which time students can access their schedule through their MyMichiganTech portal. Students must be sure to send their final high school transcript to the Admissions Office so the class schedule can be created and once created won’t be dropped.
Students must also send official transcripts for any college-level courses taken while in high school so classes can be evaluated for transfer credit along with any Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program scores that may earn college-level credit. Students attending the week-long orientation will have the opportunity to register for General Education courses, other required courses, or physical education electives during fall orientation.

Transfer students with more than 30 credits can register for courses through their MyMichiganTech portal after their transfer evaluation is complete. Academic advisors will connect with transfer students about course recommendations prior to registration based on the transfers evaluation. Transfer students enrolled in courses that do not appear on the most recent transcript can email a list of those courses to transfer@mtu.edu so the courses can be added to the record as pending transfer credit. Students must send an official transcript to the Admissions Office once pending courses are completed. Transfer students will have the opportunity to make changes to their schedule during Transfer Student Orientation, by contacting or visiting the Registrar’s Office, or by working with their academic advisor.

Your advisor’s information will be accessible on Banweb one week prior to orientation. Access a full listing of undergraduate academic advisors by major. Please note not all advisors hold summer office hours. You'll have the opportunity to meet with your advisor during your first-year or transfer orientation program.

All first-year students will meet with their advisor during fall orientation. Advisors will also hold open office hours throughout the week to address additional questions and schedule changes. Transfer students will meet with their advisor during Transfer Student Orientation.

Students can get a list of the books they need and purchase them online via the Campus Bookstore. Students can also print a copy of their schedule and visit the Campus Bookstore in the Memorial Union Building (#34 on campus map).

Students requesting a major change prior to Orientation Week should contact the Admissions Office by phone at 906-487-2335 or by email at mtu4u@mtu.edu. Students requesting a major change after orientation should contact the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success by phone at 906-487-3558 or by emailing orientation@mtu.edu.

You will be placed in your first math course based on the highest of the following:

• If you do not have an ACT or SAT math score, qualifying Math AP or IB score, or transfer credit for college algebra or higher on file with Michigan Tech, you will not be scheduled for a Math course and may not have a fall schedule.  If you do not have any of the above scores, you will need to take the ALEKS math assessment which is available until September 6 and can be accessed through your MyMichiganTech account using the link in your checklist.
  
  
• AP or transfer credit can be viewed in your MyMichiganTech account by using the link "View Transfer/AP Credit" under your Personal Information section.
• If you have received an AP test score of 3 on the Calculus AB test, you will be registered for MA2160 (Calc II).  Upon earning a grade of C or better in Calc II, you will be awarded credit for MA1160 (Calc I).  If you prefer to start in Calc I, email schedule@mtu.edu.
• If you have received an AP test score of 3 on the Calculus BC test, you will be registered for MA3160 (Calc III).  Upon earning a grade of C or better in Calc II, you will be awarded credit for MA1160 (Calc I) and MA 2160 (Calc II).  If you prefer to start lower, email schedule@mtu.edu.
• If you placed into MA1032 (Pre-Calculus) and your major requires Chemistry, you will initially be scheduled in CH1000 (Introductory Chemistry).  If you have a working knowledge of high school chemistry, are proficient in algebra, and have good problem solving skills, you may want to change your class to CH1150/1151 (University Chemistry I).  For more information on Chemistry course selection go here.  To request a change to your Chemistry course, email shedule@mtu.edu.

Only students WITHOUT the above MUST take ALEKS.

Students enrolling in computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering must take the online Computer Science Knowledge Assessment in June to determine which introductory computer science course is best for you.

First-year students may be placed into a chemistry course by the Registrar’s Office prior to arriving at Michigan Tech as part of the course scheduling process, but this can be adjusted during orientation or within the first few weeks of class. Students who have not taken chemistry for several years or find math challenging may have difficulty with chemistry. These guidelines from the Chemistry Department can help you choose your first chemistry course. When selecting your course, consider the grades you earned in your last semester of high school chemistry and algebra, and the number of years since you last studied chemistry.

If you plan to continue studying French, German, or Spanish at Michigan Tech, you must take the online Modern Language Placement Exam to be placed into the correct course. The test is free and instructions for taking the test is available on the Modern Languages webpage. Time to take the Modern Languages Placement Test will be offered on Monday of Orientation Week but it is recommended to take the test online earlier in the summer to allow adequate time to arrange course scheduling.

All engineering majors and engineering management students are required to take the Spatial Visualization Test during Orientation.  The spatial visualization test determines placement in first-year engineering courses. Arrangements will be made for all first-year students and transfer students that need to take the test to do so as a part of their orientation program.  We will be in touch with details leading up to the start of Orientation.