August 28, 2024

The clock is ticking! Time is running out to submit your proposal for Professional Development Day on Oct. 17. This is your chance to share your expertise, learn from colleagues and grow professionally — all in one full-day event.

Why Participate?

• Share Your Knowledge: Showcase your skills and passions by leading a session. Inspire others and contribute to a culture of continuous learning.
• Expand Your Skillset: Attend sessions led by your peers and discover valuable insights on a range of topics, from tech tips to wellness strategies.
• Network and Connect: Forge new connections and strengthen existing ones with colleagues from across campus.
• Invest in Yourself: Professional development is key to career advancement and personal growth. Take advantage of this dedicated day to enhance your skills.

We Need Your Proposals!
Have a passion for project management? Excel wizardry? Maybe you've mastered the art of work-life balance. Whatever your expertise, we want to hear about it! Need inspiration? Here are some session ideas from previous years:

• A Study of ‘The Five Dysfunctions of a Team’
• Thinking Like an Investigator: Using Critical Thinking to Everyday Problems
• Advising with Impact: Transforming Student Experiences
• Stitching Life-Long Learning Into Your Daily Strategy

Don't Wait! The deadline for proposals is next Friday, Sept. 6.

Let's make this Professional Development Day the best one yet. Submit your proposal today and be part of this exciting learning opportunity.

Remember: Registration information will be announced in Tech Today soon. Stay tuned!

The GLAS fall 2024 appointment schedule is now available! Students may visit Admin 405 to view the schedule and sign up for a weekly recurring appointment.

Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) is a free program designed for international graduate students who wish to improve their English speaking and listening skills.

Through one-on-one and small-group conversations that matter, students gain experience participating in class discussions, responding to questions and listening effectively. GLAS coaches work with students to help them better understand U.S. university expectations and gain insight into what students and instructors expect from each other in the classroom. GLAS students who are already teaching can practice lectures or lab presentations with their coach.

All international students and community members are welcome to participate in the program.

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) congratulates the following 2024 Deans' Teaching Showcase members who have been selected to receive 2024 CTL Instructional Awards.

• Innovative or Out of Class Teaching: Christopher “Kit” Cischke (ECE)
• Large Class Teaching: First-Year Engineering Team (EF)
• Curriculum Development and Assessment: Kathryn Hannum (SS)

This year's recipients will present an overview of the efforts that led to their teaching awards at a CTL Lunch and Learn event on Sept. 10 at noon in the MUB Ballroom. Each presenter will receive formal recognition and a cash award.

Please register in advance to attend the luncheon.

The CTL would also like to thank previous instructional award recipients who were instrumental in the selection process.

We're looking for nominations for the 2025 Deans' Teaching Showcase during spring semester. Please consider suggesting (to your dean or chair) instructors who have made exceptional contributions in curriculum development, assessment, innovative or out-of-class teaching, or large class teaching.

Contact the CTL at ctl@mtu.edu for more information.

A core strategic value of both Michigan Tech and the Vice President for Research Office (VPR), skills and knowledge regarding the support of diversity, equity, inclusion and a sense of belonging (DEIS) are critical to much of our work.

In order to develop VPR staff skills in supporting DEIS within our staff and in our core work serving University researchers, the VPR DEIS Committee has selected some particularly valuable LinkedIn Learning Library DEIS resources, both foundational and advanced, and linked to the list and individual modules via VPR's DEIS Strategic Plan webpage. Access to LinkedIn Learning Library resources is available to all Michigan Tech staff and faculty.

The committee invites the campus community to take some time to explore the expanded site. The resources listed offer the flexibility to engage individually or as a group, and formally or informally — you decide! Moving forward, we invite you to return periodically for updates to our resource list.

Beginning Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day), the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum will be open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission to the museum is waived for MTU students, faculty and staff with a valid Tech ID.

Thank you for a busy and exciting summer!

Attention to anyone interested in helping out their community! The Women’s Lacrosse team here at Michigan Tech needs help from someone who can lead and provide guidance to our members. Having someone to host practices and schedule games would help our club get to more of a competitive level.

The time commitment is every Tuesday from 7:30-9 p.m. at MTU's lower-level soccer field. No previous lacrosse experience is needed, just a willingness to learn and help out! As well as practice, we are trying to schedule at least two games this academic year, so we are hoping to be busy!

If you’re interested, please reach out to Anna Zawlocki, club vice president, at 920-461-9767 or amzawloc@mtu.edu.

Follow along with our season @mtuwlax on Instagram! Go Huskies!

Don't forget, registration for fall 2024 Michigan Tech Aquatics programs closes tonight, Aug. 28, at 11:59 p.m. Don't wait — sign up now! We are excited to offer programs for youth and adults, from beginners to advanced participants.

We are now offering an Adaptive Swim Lessons program this semester for children with language and communication needs, physical disabilities, autism and intellectual disabilities. Explore our website to learn more!

• Adult Huskies Swim Training (ages 18 years and older)
• Adult Huskies Swim Lessons (ages 18 years and older)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Parent & Child Aquatics (ages 6 months to 3 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Preschool Aquatics (ages 4-5 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 (ages 6-17 years)
• Huskies Swim Training (ages 6-17 years)
• Adaptive Swim Lessons (ages 3-9 years)
• Private/Semi-Private Swim Lessons (all ages)

If the class or level you are looking for is currently full, please contact Aquatics Manager Annie Bengry at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995. You can also fill out a waitlist request. We will try to add additional classes based on level demand!

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Bengry at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

Join Graduate Student Government (GSG) for an exciting hangout! Mingle, explore and unlock Houghton’s hidden gems with Bob Wenc. All grad students, faculty and staff are welcome to drop in at the Grad Commons for a First Friday Social on Sept. 6 from 5-7 p.m.

We’ve got food, fun and plenty of surprises planned. And hey, if you’re planning to visit the beverages stand, don’t forget to have your ID (passport, driver’s license or state ID) handy. See you there!

Event Details:

• What: First Friday Social
• When: Friday, Sept. 6, from 5-7 p.m.
• Where: Grad Commons Patio, located at 207 East Street (across US-41 from the Van Pelt and Obie Library)
• RSVP: No RSVP is required

View the First Friday Social flyer. For any questions or concerns, please contact GSG Social Chair Vikram Gurrapu at gsg-social@mtu.edu. 

Organized by the Graduate Student Government (GSG).

The 102nd season of Michigan Tech football begins Thursday, Aug. 29, in Bemidji, Minnesota, as the Huskies take to the road for the first-ever Division II week zero contest against No. 25 nationally ranked Bemidji State. The kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET at Chet Anderson Stadium.

Fans can follow the action at Michigan Tech Athletics' Live Events page for live stats, a livestream and the radio play-by-play.

Read the game preview at Michigan Tech Athletics.

The Central Collegiate Hockey Association's regular season and the Mason Cup quarterfinals, semifinals and championship will be streamed exclusively on Midco Sports Plus.

"Since May, we've been working with Midco Sports to build a one-stop shop for all CCHA digital content," said CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia. "We believe we have created a terrific platform, and we're excited for CCHA fans to watch their favorite teams light the lamp on CCHA TV powered by Midco Sports Plus."

CCHA TV's 180 live events will be accessible through the Midco Sports Plus 2 content package, which will be offered by Midco Sports Plus starting Tuesday, Sept. 3, for $24.99 per month or $129.99 per year.

Read more at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Vinh Nguyen (MAE) was quoted in an Industry Today press release about a collaborative project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute. Nguyen is the principal investigator of the project, which aims to “securely digitalize small-to-medium manufacturers’ equipment, boosting energy efficiency via a cybersecurity playbook.” The thermal curing process of the FRP rebar at Neuvokas Corp in Ahmeek, Michigan, was named as the project focus.

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Kellie Raffaelli (SA), first-year student Matthew Grabowski (electrical engineering) and senior Joey Miller (robotics engineering) were quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about the first day of the fall 2024 semester on Monday, Aug. 26, at Michigan Tech.

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Roman Sidortsov (SS) was quoted by Interlochen Public Radio News  in a story discussing past and future energy transitions in the Upper Peninsula. Sidortsov suggested that distributed generation might be better suited to the geography of the Upper Peninsula than large, centralized power plants.

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Dan Mettlach (ATH) and Michigan Tech football defensive back Hunter Buechel and wide receiver Darius Willis were quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story previewing the Huskies’ season opener, set for Thursday, Aug. 29, at Bemidji State. The game starts at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. 

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WLUC TV6 covered the results of the preseason coaches poll for GLIAC volleyball. Michigan Tech was voted to finish third in the upcoming season.

Get Ready to Roll Up Your Sleeves: Donate Blood

Huskies aren't afraid of hard work — we roll up our sleeves and get the job done!

For more than 10 years, we've partnered with the American Red Cross to host some very successful blood drives. Next Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 4 and 5, we are doing it again in the MUB Ballroom from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At our most successful drive in recent years, we worked together to collect 210 pints of blood. It is heartening to know that together we have accomplished so much good. And, in light of the nationwide blood shortage, we are setting a goal to go even further this time!

So, Huskies, it's time to make an appointment, roll up your sleeve, and give blood. To schedule your appointment or to learn more, download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device.

Completion of a RapidPass online health history questionnaire is encouraged to help speed up the donation process. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

A blood donor card, driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.

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High-Impact Strategies for Difficult Dialogue

Engagement and Belonging is excited to announce a special workshop on High-Impact Strategies for Difficult Dialogue with Ronald L. Jackson II on Sept. 12 from 8-9:30 a.m. This free breakfast event is part of the University's Bridging Communities Series and is open to all Michigan Tech employees.

The workshop will provide practical strategies for facilitating respectful and productive conversations, especially around contentious topics that can arise on campus. It will be particularly beneficial for faculty to utilize in classroom settings.

Space is limited, so interested participants are encouraged to register to attend by tomorrow, Aug. 29, to secure their seat.

Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your conversation and communication skills. Register today!

Bridging Communities
The Bridging Communities Series at Michigan Tech offers students, faculty and staff opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations that explore different perspectives and foster understanding. Through workshops, panels, films and more, we will develop skills for respectful dialogue and learn to navigate challenging conversations with empathy and openness. Join us as we build a stronger, more connected community at Michigan Tech.

This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded through a grant to the Office of the Provost from the state of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

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Library Orientation for New Students

The Van Pelt and Opie Library is here to help you succeed! At our Library Orientation event, librarians will share tips and tricks for getting the most out of the library's electronic and physical resources. After that, we'll tour the library so you can find your favorite study room, check out a GoPro, take a peek at the 3D printers and learn where to get research help once the semester has started.

One session is still available to attend; it will be hosted today, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m. in the Library's East Reading Room.

Event Details:

• What: Library Orientation for New Students
• When: One session remains available —
  • Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 11 a.m.
• Where: East Reading Room of the Library
• Registration: Register for Aug. 28

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Rozsa Center Executive Director Candidate Presentation

The Department of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is pleased to have invited three candidates to Michigan Tech's campus to interview for the position of executive director of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

Candidate Presentation
The second candidate, Dominic D'Andrea, will give a public presentation at 2 p.m. today, Aug. 28, in the Rozsa's north mezzanine.

All members of the Michigan Tech community are welcome to attend. A meet and greet will follow the presentation.

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Research Subjects Needed

We are recruiting participants for a research study designed to determine physiological responses to simulated blood loss, and how these responses might differ in nicotine- and non-nicotine users.

If you are a healthy man or woman between the ages of 21 and 55 who either does or does not use nicotine (smoking, vaping, chewing, nicotine patch), please contact William Cooke at wcooke@mtu.edu for more information.

The experiment will take about one hour of your time and you will be compensated $100 for your participation.

This study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Michigan Technological University (#2103454-1).

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Registration for PADI Open Water SCUBA Course Opens Today

Dive in with Michigan Tech Recreation's PADI Open Water SCUBA Course! Registration opens today, Aug. 28, at 8 a.m.

The course is conducted over two weekends and includes:

• Ten hours of academic instruction (some coursework to be completed independently),
• Ten hours of confined water training (SDC Pool), and
• Four certification dives in Lake Superior (Marquette).

Upon registration, students will be given all required reading material and paperwork to complete prior to the start of the course. Class size is limited.

Course Dates and Times:

• Friday, Oct. 11:
  • 4-7 p.m. in SDC 238
  • 7-10 p.m. in the SDC Pool
• Saturday, Oct. 12:
  • 7-9 a.m. in the SDC Pool
  • 12-4 p.m. in SDC 238
  • 5-10 p.m. in the SDC Pool
• Sunday, Oct. 13:
  • 8-10 a.m. in the SDC Pool
  • 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in SDC 238
• Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 19-20 or Oct. 26-27:
  • Open Dives in Marquette

Visit our PADI Open Water SCUBA Course page for more info.

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Bengry at 906-487-2995 or email ambengry@mtu.edu.

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No Tech Today on Monday

Tech Today will not publish on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Submissions for Tuesday, Sept. 3, are due by noon on Friday, Aug. 30.

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Get to Know Your Library

Wednesday, August 28, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. | Van Pelt and Opie Library

Activities will be hosted throughout the week at the Reference Desk of the Library 9AM-5PM! Drop in to get to know the Library staff and all of the amazing resources that are...

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Library Orientation for New Students

Wednesday, August 28, 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, East Reading Room

The Van Pelt and Opie library is here to help you succeed! At this event, librarians will share tips and tricks for getting the most out of the library's electronic and...

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Meet the Greeks with Fraternity and Sorority Life

Wednesday, August 28, 12–7 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Meet the Greeks! Join MTU's Fraternity/Sorority community on walker lawn for an evening in the sun. Meet the Greeks is a great opportunity for anyone to meet members who are a...

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Chemical Engineering Seminar - Pediatric Cataracts

Wednesday, August 28, 1 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building, 201

Please join the Chemical Engineering Department for a seminar on Pediatric Cataracts presented by Bellicia Disashi from the Institut National de Recherche...

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Wiffle Ball with the Baseball Club

Wednesday, August 28, 5–6 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Come join the Baseball Club @ MTU in a fun Wiffle ball game. You'll get to meet some of our current members and learn about our season and club activities!

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2024-2025 LRC Welcome Meeting/E-Board Elections

Wednesday, August 28, 6–7 p.m. | Fisher 0126

Log Rolling Club E-Board Elections (all positions available)

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Learn to Play Ultimate with the Men's Ultimate Frisbee Club

Wednesday, August 28, 6–7 p.m. | Sherman Field

Come get an introduction to the men's ultimate frisbee team and the sport of ultimate! No experience is necessary to join! Discotech is a highly competitive D3 College Club...

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Redridge Adventures

Wednesday, August 28, 6–9 p.m. | Redridge Steel Dam

Our chapter is hosting a rush event where we will be exploring local Keweenaw history at the Redridge Steel Dam with prospective members. We will first meet at the TKE house,...

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Sorority Life: Collage Making

Wednesday, August 28, 6–8 p.m. | MUB Commons

Come meet sorority members in the MUB Commons for collage making! Ask questions, get to know the basics of sorority life, and get excited for recruitment.

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Vision Board and Collage Making with Sorority Life

Wednesday, August 28, 6–7 p.m. | MUB Commons

Join members of sorority life to make some vision boards for your college experience! Don't want to make a vision board, that's okay! Feel free to make a collage of any kind....

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Intro to Swing Dancing

Wednesday, August 28, 7–9 p.m. | DHH Patio

Come join the Swing Club to learn the basics of swing dancing! There will be a lesson at 7 p.m. followed by an open dance from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (No partner or experience...

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Intro to Swing Dancing with the Swing Club

Wednesday, August 28, 7–10 p.m. | DHH Patio

Come join the Swing Club to learn the basics of swing dancing and get to know the club's members! We are starting with a Social hour at 7 p.m, there will be music, dancing,...

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Open Cheer Practice with Cheer Team

Wednesday, August 28, 7–8 p.m. | Walker Lawn

The team will be going over basic stunts, jumps, and cheers to support our Huskies during the upcoming football season! Whether you've cheered before or are interested in what...

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First General Meeting - Waterski & Wakeboard Club

Wednesday, August 28, 7:30–8:30 p.m. | Chemical Sciences and Engineering Building (Chem Sci)

This meeting will be the clubs first meeting of our first official year. There will be tons of important information provided at this meeting regarding this Fall season. If...