January 6, 2025

In a milestone in space construction technology, Michigan Tech’s Planetary Surface Technology Development Lab (PSTDL or HuskyWorks) and partner SpaceFactory successfully built and tested the first-ever lunar road in a simulated space environment, replicating the dusty vacuum conditions of the moon.

The road, constructed with hardware designed by SpaceFactory and tested in the PSTDL’s Dusty Thermal Vacuum Chamber, used simulated lunar dust, or regolith, to create a new asphalt-like material. This lunar asphalt will increase the durability and longevity of lunar vehicles — a key component to NASA’s goal of establishing a permanent presence on the moon’s surface.

HuskyWorks and SpaceFactory will continue to develop this technology over the next two years funded by a recently awarded NASA Phase 2 STTR.

Read more about the innovative partnership on Michigan Tech's Unscripted Research Blog.

Josh Olson, Michigan Tech's chief information officer, has agreed to serve as acting vice president for administration, effective Jan. 2. Nick Stevens will continue in his role as the University's chief financial officer until a new CFO is hired. The two will work closely together to ensure continuity of services.

The search for Michigan Tech's next finance and administration leader will continue into 2025, with Vice President for Advancement Bill Roberts chairing the search committee. President Rick Koubek would like to extend his thanks to the search committee for their continued efforts.

Interested candidates should contact MTU's recruiter, Alex Collias, at 906-487-1976.

Michigan Tech’s increasing research expenditures require us to have a growing and adaptive research enterprise. The Vice President for Research Office (VPR) is implementing organizational changes to enhance research support across campus, anticipating continued growth of expenditures and awards. Effective yesterday, Jan. 5, the reorganization will strategically align key areas of research support.

“These organizational enhancements reflect Michigan Tech’s growing research enterprise and our commitment to providing support to our research community,” said Andrew Barnard, vice president for research. “The changes will help us better serve our faculty, staff and students.”

The reorganization includes leadership appointments and structural changes:

• Jim Baker will assume the role of senior associate vice president for research, innovation. He will serve as the permanent deputy VPR.
• Peter Larsen will move into an associate vice president role to lead Research Development.
• Kathleen Halvorsen will continue to oversee Research Integrity and Facilities as associate vice president.
• Kelly Kallio has been promoted to senior assistant vice president for research, sponsored programs.

In a significant addition to the research office, Matt Hellman has joined Michigan Tech as the University's first chief research security officer, strengthening our commitment to research security and compliance. Additional staff hired within the Sponsored Programs Pre-Award group are expected to be announced later this month.

The Sponsored Operations Office (SOO) will integrate with Research Administration to create closer functional alignment with Sponsored Programs, streamlining services for researchers.

These changes position Michigan Tech to continue our trajectory of research growth. The new organizational structure will strengthen support for the University's research enterprise while maintaining our commitment to service, strategy, safety, security and research integrity.

View the VPR staff listing anytime on our Research Staff page.

We hope everyone had an awesome holiday break! Making a Difference Awards are tomorrow, Jan. 7, so come on out to support our amazing staff! A total of 30 nominations have been submitted for the 2024 Making a Difference Awards. There will be winners in each of the following categories:

• Behind the Scenes
• Legacy Award
• Outstanding Leader
• Rookie Award
• Serving Others
• Unsung Hero

A list of nominees is available on the Staff Council website. Everyone is invited to a reception honoring the nominees. The reception is scheduled from 2-3:30 p.m. tomorrow in the Memorial Union Ballroom. The recipients for each category will be announced at the reception.

As a reminder, union-represented employees are entitled to release time for professional development activities, including staff recognition programs deemed relevant by the University. Employees should work with their supervisors to ensure coverage during their absence. Supervisors may contact HR for guidance on eligibility and the process for granting this release time.

Faculty are reminded that applications are due Friday, Jan. 10, for the new Faculty Leadership Exploration and Development (FacultyLEAD) program that will be offered at Michigan Tech next year.

FacultyLEAD will provide an extended opportunity to explore the challenges, complexities and rewards of leadership. It is designed for faculty who are in, or are considering, leadership roles in a range of contexts.

Up to 15 participants will be accepted to the first program cohort for the 2025-26 academic year. Applicants should be at the rank of associate professor or higher (either tenure or instructional track). More information about the program and how to apply is available on the FacultyLEAD webpage.

FacultyLEAD is supported by the Office of the Provost and the Colleges of Engineering, Sciences and Arts, Business, Computing, and Forest Resources and Environmental Science. Questions should be directed to Shari Stockero at stockero@mtu.edu.

To support faculty, staff and students who wish to leverage generative artificial intelligence in their professional and academic pursuits, we’re excited to announce that effective Wednesday, Jan. 8, the basic Google Gemini application will be available to all MTU faculty, staff and students. While this application has limitations, it makes generative AI capabilities available to all MTU affiliates at no cost.

Once enabled, anyone with an MTU Google account can go to Gemini and enter a prompt to be processed by Google’s Gemini generative AI service, which can be used to answer questions, summarize content, generate new content, etc. MTU affiliates are encouraged to review the Generative AI Policy prior to using Google Gemini.

Data submitted to Gemini when logged into your MTU account is afforded the same data protections as all other data you create or store in Google Workspace for Education, and data you submit won’t be used or reviewed by anyone to improve AI models.

For details and examples on using the Google Gemini web app, please visit Google’s Help page.

Nominations are being sought for the Faculty Distinguished Service Award. This award recognizes faculty whose service to the University community has significantly improved the quality of some aspect of campus or community life.

Nomination information is available online, and nominations must be submitted to the Faculty Distinguished Service Award Committee by March 17.

The Internal Revenue Service has announced the mileage rates for 2025. As of last Wednesday, Jan. 1, the standard milage rate for business travel is 70 cents per mile. The mileage rate for moving remains unchanged (21 cents per mile).

Carved and Crafted Catering at Michigan Technological University invites you to join the C-Cubed Luncheon, held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. every Thursday in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

Menu for Thursday, Jan. 9:

• Meatball Sub
• Ratatouille with Cannellini Beans (V) (VG)
• Italian Vegetables (V) (VG)
• Minestrone Soup (V) (VG)
• Italian Chopped Salad
• Cookie Platter (V)

The C-Cubed lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by Chef Luis Delgado and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee and tea are available free to all attendees. All vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free items on the buffet are labeled for easy identification. Meals are for dine-in only, and personal containers and to-go meals are not permitted.

The buffet lunch is $15.50 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101).

You can submit C-Cubed feedback using C-Cubed Survey/Comments form. To join the C-Cubed Luncheon Email List and receive weekly menus, please complete the sign-up form.

Happy New Year! The A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum has reopened for the New Year, resuming normal business hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is waived for Michigan Tech students, staff and faculty with a valid Tech ID.

Registration for spring 2025 Michigan Tech Aquatics programs is open!

Swimming programs are offered at the SDC for all ages and ability levels. We hope to see you at the pool!

• 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)

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

If the class you are looking for is full, please fill out the waitlist form or contact Aquatics Manager Annie Bengry at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995. We will try to add additional sections based on demand.

If you have an interest in getting up to speed with artificial intelligence, consider signing up for this five-week badge offered for faculty on AI instruction. The course will be co-instructed asynchronously online by Holly Hassel (HU) of the College of Sciences and Arts and Shane Oberloier (ECE) of the College of Engineering.

After successful completion of this badge, learners will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of AI-related vocabulary.
• Demonstrate proficiency with AI tools.
• Gain an understanding of how AI is used within various industries.
• Be able to identify assignments that can be modified to integrate AI, and carry out the modification.
• Enhance course preparation and delivery through the use of AI.
• Understand the ethical issues generated by the use of AI in courses/work.

Online instruction of this course begins on Feb. 2. Capacity is limited to 20 attendees.

Sign up on the registration form.

Michigan Tech men's basketball guard Marcus Tomashek was announced as Week 7's GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week on Dec. 23. It is his second Player of the Week honor and the third for MTU this season.

Tomashek led the Huskies with 30 points, eight rebounds and two blocks in Tech's 72-70 exhibition win at UW-Green Bay on Dec. 18. He shot 7-for-20 from the field, 4-for-10 from 3-point land and 12-for-15 from the foul line. He poured on 17 points in the second period, including the last seven points for the Huskies to erase a 13-point second-half deficit and hand Green Bay its eighth straight loss.

Read more men's basketball news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech's Stiven Sardarian and Logan Morrell were named CCHA Players of the Week for Dec. 28-31 and CCHA Players of the Month for December.

It is the second weekly honor for both student-athletes, who were also recognized as CCHA Players of the Week for Dec. 12-14.

Sardarian is the CCHA Forward of the Week and CCHA Forward of the Month. For the week of Dec. 28-31, he paced all CCHA skaters with three points, dishing out three assists, including setting up the overtime-winner in Michigan Tech's 4-3 overtime victory over Northern Michigan in the Great Lakes Invitational's third place game on Dec. 30. Finishing at plus-two for the week, he had three shots on goal and two blocks defensively.

For December, Sardarian produced a CCHA-best 10 points, scoring one goal and contributing nine assists, helping Michigan Tech go 3-2-1. Compiling a league-leading plus-seven rating, he amassed 10 shots on goal and two blocks at the defensive end of the ice. His month was highlighted by his first collegiate five-point game (one goal, four assists) at Bemidji State on Dec. 14, which the Huskies won 9-5.

Logan Morrell is the CCHA Rookie of the Week and the CCHA Rookie of the Month. For Dec. 28-31, he scored the overtime game winner in the GLI third place game, finding the net 20 seconds into the extra session.

For December, Morrell scored a CCHA-leading six goals and added one assist, totaling seven points across six games and producing a plus-six rating. He recorded 14 shots on goal and had two blocks defensively. He notched at least one point in 4-of-6 games, including two multipoint efforts at Bemidji State on Dec. 13 and 14. In the face-off circle, he won 55-of-106 draws (51.9%).

Read more hockey news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech football punter Brenden Lach and defensive back Hunter Buechel have been named to the 2024 Don Hansen Division II All-America Team. Lach was named to the First Team (Defense), while Buechel was tabbed as an honorable mention.

This marks the third All-America distinction this season for Lach, who was also selected as a 2024 D2CCA All-American and an AFCA Second Team All-American, and earned First Team All-GLIAC honors. He was one of the top punters in Division II this season, ranking second in the country with his 45.5-yard punting average.

For the season, Lach recorded 65 punts for a total 2,960 yards. His kicks resulted in seven touchbacks, 15 fair catches — 20 inside the 20-yard line — and an astounding 23 punts longer than 50 yards. His longest punt this season went 67 yards.

Buechel recorded 61 total tackles, including a team-leading 21.5 tackles for loss, and six sacks to go with two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He was named to the All-GLIAC First Team and finished fourth in Division II and first in the GLIAC with 1.9 tackles for loss per game.

Read more football news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech hockey ended the 58th annual Great Lakes Invitational, held on Dec. 29-30 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, in third place.

The Huskies forced overtime, but fell 4-3 to No. 6 Western Michigan in their GLI semifinal on Dec. 29. Tech scored twice in the third period to come back and tie WMU, but the Broncos scored 44 seconds into overtime to advance to the championship game.

"It was an enjoyable and fun game between two good hockey teams," Shawhan said. "The sold-out crowd was treated to a really good college hockey game."

Tech clinched a 4-3 overtime victory over Northern Michigan in the GLI third place game on Dec. 30. Logan Morrell scored 20 seconds into overtime to give the Huskies the win.

"It was similar to our game last night where we were down 3-1 and got two to tie it and go to overtime. Tonight, we were able to get the game-winning goal," Shawhan said. "I'm happy for our guys. It's good to come here and get a win for our great supporters."

Read more hockey news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Michigan Tech men's basketball coach Josh Buettner has announced the signing of Jacob MacPhee for the 2025-26 academic year.

"I am very excited to have Jacob joining us. He plays the game the right way and has one of the best motors I've seen," Buettner said. "With his work ethic and athleticism, the sky's the limit when he gets here."

MacPhee, a 6-foot-6-inch forward at Marquette Senior High School, has a career average of 17.7 points, 13.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.

Read more men's basketball news at Michigan Tech Athletics.

Job Postings for Monday, Jan. 6, 2025

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email humanresources@mtu.edu. For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Manager of Administration – Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Computing. Apply online.

​Instructional Developer,​ Center for Teaching and Learning. Apply online.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or humanresources@mtu.edu.

Amanda Gonczi (GLRC) is the principal investigator on a project that has received a $15,936 research and development contract from the Texas Woman's University.

The project is titled "HSI Implementation and Evaluation Project: Green Chemistry: Advancing Equity, Relevance, and Environmental Justice."

Guy Meadows (GMES/GLRC) was a guest on the Jan. 3 episode of the Points North podcast, titled “The Squeaky Sand Phenomenon.” The episode explored the “Goldilocks” conditions that must align to make sand squeak, and how erosion and the water levels on Great Lakes beaches may contribute.

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Caryn Heldt (ChE/HRI) was mentioned by Lab Manager in a story previewing the 2025 Lab Design Conference, set for May 11-14 in Denver, Colorado. The article highlighted a session about Michigan Tech’s H-STEM Complex and its divergent lab concept, which promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and adaptability in lab design. Heldt was listed as a panel member.

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Jeremy Worm (MAE/APSRC) was quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about the successful prototype of an electric-diesel hybrid loader developed in collaboration with Baraga-based Pettibone. The prototype, which has been in functional testing for a month, has already exceeded its goal of reducing fuel consumption, achieving reductions of up to 65%.

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Bo Xiao (CEGE) was mentioned by Western Michigan University in a story about a National Science Foundation grant aimed at advancing construction education with generative artificial intelligence and building information modeling. Xiao is a co-principal investigator on the project, which will create an AI-powered training platform for students.

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Angie Carter (SS) was quoted by Iowa’s Gazette in a story about the role of community support in scaling regenerative agriculture. Carter discussed how peer learning and support networks, such as those fostered by Practical Farmers of Iowa, help farmers transition to sustainable practices.

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Popular Mechanics mentioned Michigan Tech Ph.D. candidate Ögetay Kayalı in a story about his research proposing new methods for detecting Dyson rings. Kayalı and his team expanded the search for these hypothetical megastructures by identifying new features in star light curves, which could help uncover advanced civilizations in distant stellar systems.

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Second-year undergrad Jack Schuster (civil engineering) was mentioned by Agri-View in a story about his receipt of a National Proficiency Award at the FFA National Convention. Schuster earned the award for his work in agricultural sales at Ace Hardware, which combined his job experience with his involvement in the FFA program.

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WLUC TV6 and the Mining Journal mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s appointments to the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees. Steven Tomaszewski was reappointed for a term from Jan. 1, 2025, to Dec. 31, 2032. Shannon Dare Wayne was appointed for the same term, succeeding former board member Derhun Sanders.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the launch of MAE Magazine by the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. The magazine highlights faculty and student work, including achievements in robotic agriculture and collaborations with the U.S. Army on a vehicle project.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned the Department of Computer Science’s BASIC (Building Adult Skills in Computing) outreach program in a story previewing events at the Portage Lake District Library. Through the BASIC program, Michigan Tech faculty and students help local residents resolve computer issues, offering support for both Windows and Apple operating systems.

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WLUC TV6 and My UP Now mentioned the Michigan Tech Mushing Club in stories about the CopperDog 150’s annual free dog sled rides for kids, held Saturday, Jan. 4, at Agassiz Park in Calumet. The event featured rides by Tom Bauer of the Otter River Sled Dog Training Center and Wilderness Adventures, with support from mushing club members.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned Michigan Tech Sustainability Living Community program students in a story about their work helping Main Street Calumet prepare for winter. In November, the students completed tasks such as cleaning out garden boxes and positioning planters for spring.

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Planetizen ran a story on a Michigan Tech study examining the impact of climate change on oak populations in the Great Lakes region. The 2024 study highlights how rising temperatures, invasive pests and insufficient fire management threaten the survival of oaks, which play a crucial ecological role in supporting wildlife.

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Renewable Energy Magazine and Offshore Energy mentioned Michigan Tech in stories about the U.S. Department of Energy’s investment of over $18 million in 27 research projects focused on advancing marine energy and offshore wind technologies. Michigan Tech was awarded $598,800 for a project supporting the DOE’s Marine Energy Program objectives, contributing to innovation in marine and ocean renewable energy industries.

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Michigan Tech was mentioned by MLive in a story covering Synopsys’ donation of semiconductor software to Kettering University. MTU was noted as one of the partners in the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Michigander Scholars Program, which includes collaboration on semiconductor education.

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The Detroit News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Bob and Ellen Thompson’s philanthropic efforts, including the Thompson Working Families Scholarship program. The program provides scholarships to students at Michigan Tech and other universities, helping middle-income families afford higher education and significantly increasing graduation rates.

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DBusiness and the Small Business Association of Michigan mentioned Michigan Tech in stories about the American Society of Employers’ 2025 Starting Salaries for Co-op Students and Recent College Graduates Survey. Michigan Tech ranked fifth among the top in-state institutions from which survey respondents actively recruit.

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The Iron Mountain Daily News ran an editorial discussing Michigan Tech's men’s basketball win over UW-Green Bay on Dec. 18. The newspaper applauded the victory for highlighting the often-overlooked Upper Peninsula and proving the U.P. is not to be underestimated. Tech junior guard Marcus Tomashek was also interviewed by the Green Bay Press Gazette about his 30-point standout performance in the game.

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Michigan Tech alum Christine Garceau ’12 (Ph.D. Rhetoric and Technical Communication) was interviewed by Wyoming’s Powell Tribune in a story about her 50-year photography career and current exhibition, “50 Years Behind the Lens,” at Northwest College.

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GlobeNewswire, MarketScreener and 75 additional outlets mentioned Michigan Tech alum Neil Boehm ’93 (B.S. Electrical Engineering) in stories about his promotion to chief operations officer at Gentex Corporation.

2025 UP-TLC Call for Proposals Now Open

Session proposals are now being accepted for the 2025 Upper Peninsula Teaching and Learning Conference, which will be hosted by Michigan Technological University on May 8-9.

Presenters are encouraged to submit proposals for 25- or 50-minute sessions or poster presentations to be held on May 9.

We are also encouraging presenters to consider proposals for 75-minute preconference sessions during the afternoon on May 8. Accepted presenters for these sessions will receive an honorarium, covered conference registration fees and reimbursed travel expenses.

The four chosen tracks for this conference are:

• AI in Education:
  Explore the integration of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools and other machine learning applications to enhance the teaching and learning process. Topics may include leveraging AI for course design optimization, AI-driven student tutoring (such as custom GPT systems), and AI-assisted grading and feedback systems. Presenters might also explore AI’s role in adaptive learning technologies and predictive analytics for student success.

• Inclusive Teaching:
  Learn about strategies and tools for creating more inclusive learning environments. Topics may include the accessibility of course materials, universal design for learning (UDL) strategies, and the use of education technology (edtech) tools that help ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed. Presenters can highlight practices that promote equity, remove barriers and enhance the overall student experience for learners from diverse backgrounds and abilities.

• Active Learning and Student Engagement:
  Learn about strategies and tools that foster active participation in face-to-face and online environments. Topic areas may include active learning techniques, like interactive lectures, or team-based and problem-based learning. Additional strategies like case studies, peer teaching and the flipped classroom model are also appropriate. Presenters may also highlight digital tools that encourage collaboration, real-time feedback and dynamic student participation in diverse learning settings.

• Innovative Strategies in Education:
  Discover forward-thinking teaching practices and pedagogical approaches designed to enhance learning. Topics may include mastery-based learning, the use of learning portfolios, gamification and the integration of emerging technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. Presenters may showcase strategies that support improved learning outcomes and foster critical thinking in all teaching modalities.

To complete a submission, please visit the UP-TLC proposal submission form. The submission deadline is March 2. Presenters will be notified about their proposal status in March.

Any questions may be directed to uptlc@mtu.edu.

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NSF I-Corps Program Registration Now Open

Are you interested in taking your idea, technology, or process commercial? Entrepreneurially minded faculty, staff, graduate & undergraduate students, alumni, and local community teams are invited to attend the Great Lakes Region Hub National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps Program hosted at Michigan Tech.

Course Description
The NSF I-Corps lean startup program spans six weeks. Using the scientific process, customer discovery, and the business model canvas, teams will work to validate key business hypotheses and develop a scalable business model.

Course Benefits
Upon completion of the workshop and the customer discovery interviews (20), you or your team may be eligible for a mini-grant of up to $1,000 for continued customer discovery.

Team with deep technology who complete the program may become eligible for the NSF I-Corps National Team Program and a $50,000 grant. Participation in the workshop can lead to qualification for research and other funding from several granting agencies, including Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs and various state and regional programs.

Past participants have reported that they saved time and money by better understanding potential applications of their technology and improved their ability to receive add-on funding.

Register to participate by next Monday, Jan. 13.

Our spring cohort will meet online via Zoom on the following dates:

• Jan. 13-20: Pre I-Corps team meetings/orientation
• Jan. 27: Workshop 1 Kick-off
• Feb. 3: Workshop 2
• Feb. 10: No meeting, continue customer discovery, meet with mentor
• Feb. 17: Workshop 3
• Feb. 24: Skip (Spring Break)
• Mar. 3: Workshop 4
• Mar. 5: Workshop 5 (Wrap-Up)

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MLK Donation Deadline Extended to Friday

The MLK Planning Committee is excited to announce the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Michigan Technological University! As part of this celebration, we will be hosting the MLK Banquet on Jan. 20 to celebrate King's life and legacy.

Due to overwhelming positive responses from the campus community, we are anticipating more of our Husky family attending this year's celebration. As such, we want to ensure that students, staff and faculty have an opportunity to share in this celebratory event. The extended deadline for donations is Friday, Jan. 10. Your assistance allows us to provide this program free of charge and continue our collaborative efforts to provide programming that focuses on embracing diversity on Michigan Tech's campus.

We'd love your support in ensuring a successful event. Keep in mind, all sponsors will be recognized in our celebration. To initiate your donation, please email cdi@mtu.edu with your donation amount. Donations should be transferred to D96356. If you have any questions, please email cdi@mtu.edu.

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Welcome to a Michigan Tech Winter: January Events Lineup

Mark your calendars! The Winter Welcome Back Committee, in partnership with the Waino Wahtera Center, Blue Key, MUB Board, Student Leadership and Involvement, IRHC Broomball Committee and more, has created a January lineup of events to keep you busy all month long.

Stop by one of the dorms or the MUB to get a Winter Welcome Back Passport and learn more about upcoming events and ways to win prizes, including “skip the line” hockey tickets. For a sneak peek at some of January’s events, visit Involvement Link. To find out where to get your Winter Welcome Back Passport stamped for a chance to win, see the list of events below.

If you have questions about events, the passport or accessibility, please email Dawn Corwin, the chair of the Winter Welcome Back Committee and assistant director of the Wahtera Center.

• Jan. 7 — Broomball Festival | Walker Lawn, 4-7 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 8 — Get Your Life In Order (GYLIO) – With Success Coaches | Wads G042, 12-3 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 9 — Ask The DOS a Question | Library, 11 a.m. to noon (Passport)
• Jan. 9 — Get Your Life In Order (GYLIO) – With Success Coaches | McNair West Lounge, 12-3 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 9 — Clay Creations | MUB Commons, 5-7 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 9 — Healthy Relationships Presentation | Wads, 6-8 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 10 — “The Wild Robot” Film Screening | Fisher 135, 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Jan. 11 — Photo Scavenger Hunt | DHH Ballroom, 2:30 p.m.
• Jan. 11 — “The Wild Robot” Film Screening | Fisher 135, 5:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Jan. 11 — Presentation Night with Dungeons & Dragons | Fisher 139, 7 p.m.
• Jan. 13 — Learn about the American Society of Mechanical Engineers | MEEM 403, 6 p.m.
• Jan. 14 — Ask The DOS a Question | Library, 11 a.m. to noon (Passport)
• Jan. 14 — Get Your Life In Order (GYLIO) – With Success Coaches | DHH Ballroom, 12-3 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 14 — Healthy Relationships Presentation | DHH, 6-8 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 15 — Greek Fair | Library East Reading Room, 3-6 p.m.
• Jan. 17 — Winter Carnival Trivia Night | MUB Commons, 9:30-11 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 17 — MLK Day Reading Service Project | Various Regional Elementary Schools, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. | Sign Up on GivePulse
• Jan. 18 — Silent Disco | MUB Ballroom, 8-10 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 20 — Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration (Passport)
  • Brunch | MUB Ballroom, 10-11:30 a.m.
  • Interfaith Prayer Service | Library, noon
  • Peace March | Husky Statue, 1 p.m.
• Jan. 21 — Ask The DOS a Question | Library, 11 a.m. to noon (Passport)
• Jan. 21 — Spring Involvement Fair | MUB, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (Passport)
• Jan. 25 — InterVarsity Christian Fellowship Broomball Games | Evangel Community Church, 2-5 p.m.
• Jan. 25 — Blizzard Baja | South Range Snowmobile Club, 6-8 p.m.
• Jan. 28 — Career Fair | SDC, 12-4 p.m.
• Jan. 31 — Blizzard Bash | WADS Annex and Campus Cafe Lounge, 6-8 p.m.
• Feb. 1 — Fans in the Stands | SDC, noon (women's game) and 2 p.m. (men's game)

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New Standards Resource: Engineering Workbench

The Van Pelt and Opie Library recently migrated to a new platform for hosting technical standards: Engineering Workbench from Accuris. Users who had access to standards via the previous platform, TechStreet, who still require ongoing access to those standards, should reach out to library@mtu.edu.

Members of the Michigan Tech community must first create a free user account using their MTU email address. The process for requesting that the Library purchase standards to add to its collections remains the same: patrons may fill out the Request a Standard form.

Please send any feedback to library@mtu.edu.

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Update: APA PsycTests Database

After a trial access period, the Van Pelt and Opie Library has subscribed to APA PsycTests. This American Psychological Association database contains psychological tests and measures (many unpublished), as well as descriptive information about each test and its development and administration. It includes a wide range of instrument types, including batteries, questionnaires, rating scales and surveys. New content is added monthly.

Please contact library@mtu.edu with any questions or access issues you may have.

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On-Campus Jobs Expo Planned Next Week

Save the Date: Career Services is hosting an on-campus jobs expo next Tuesday, Jan. 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge in the MUB. Students are encouraged to come check out the job opportunities available right here on campus. Many Michigan Tech departments will be represented.

If your department has not signed up and would like to attend, please contact Career Services at careerfair@mtu.edu.

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

Robots in 3 Days - 2025

Monday, January 6, 12–12 p.m. | Tentatively the MakerSpace

Calling all FIRST Robotics Alumni and robot lovers: Robot in 3 Days is coming to you LIVE in Houghton, MI for the 2025 FIRST Robotics Competition game: SUBMERGED. Join...

Volleyball Middle School Development League

Monday, January 6, 6:00–7:30 p.m. | Student Development Complex (SDC), Multipurpose Room

A four-week developmental program for middle school girls in grades 6, 7, & 8 to learn and improve their skills in preparation for the upcoming interscholastic season. This...

Skiing at U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships

January 6, all day | Anchorage, Alaska

Skiing at U.S. Cross Country Ski National Championships Anchorage, Alaska

Vastness: Art, Sound, & Meditation

January 6, all day | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, East Reading Room

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT Vastness is an art exhibition and meditation lounge area installed at east end of the Van Pelt Opie reading room. Conceived by Anne Beffel, it...