Author: Jodie Filpus

Michigan Tech Approved as Test Site for Graduate Record Exams

Michigan Tech has been approved as an official test site for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), an entrance exam required by most graduate programs around the country. This will enable students from this area to take the GRE at Michigan Tech’s Testing Center, part of the Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning.

Previously, Michigan Tech students and locals had to travel four hours or more to take the standardized exam. The closest test sites were Sault Ste. Marie and Duluth, Minn.

“We have been working for years to get approved as a GRE test site,” said Margaret Landsparger, coordinator of the Michigan Tech Testing Center. “Now we have this beautifully equipped center and the capability to administer secure exams, and this time we were approved.”

The Michigan Tech Testing Center opened in October 2013. It is also certified to give Pearson Vue exams, including the popular Fundamentals of Engineering exam and the GMAT, a graduate entrance exam for business schools.

Tech joins 10 other GRE test sites in Michigan. The Testing Center can administer up to 10 tests at a time. The center has four test dates scheduled between now and the end of the year: the first is on Sept. 26, and there will be two in October and one in December.

“I am delighted that the GRE test will be offered at Michigan Tech in the future,” said Jacqueline Huntoon, dean of the Graduate School. “We have all been working on this for a very long time. The hard work done by the Jackson Center staff made it all possible. Staff members in the Graduate School have also been working to educate individuals in leadership positions at GRE, to help them understand the realities of our geographical location.”

For more information, see GRE.

Transferring Classes to Michigan Tech

If you are going to take classes elsewhere, make sure that the course(s) will transfer to Michigan Tech as the course(s) you need BEFORE you take the class.

Transfer Credits

1) Check for the course on the Transfer Equivalency System.

2) If the course you want is NOT on the Transfer Credit Equivalency list, you may request to have it evaluated by sending information to the Michigan Tech Transfer Services Office.

Transfer Services Coordinator

Ms. Nancy Gagnon
Student Service Center, 110 Admin Bldg
(906) 487-3323
transfer@mtu.edu

Required Information for Transfer Evaluation

University or college name
Course ID and title
Course Catalog Description
Additional information may be required:

  • Syllabus including
  • Textbook(s) used
  • Detailed Description
  • Course Outline

3) Transferring:

a) Register for the course (for other Michigan colleges, use the Guest Application),
b) Earn a grade of “C” or better (the grade will not transfer, but the credit will), and
c) Have your official transcripts sent to Michigan Tech:

Office of Student Records & Registration
Admin Bldg 110
1400 Townsend Avenue
Houghton, MI 49931-1295

4) Prereqs: If any course you plan to take off campus is a prerequisite for your next semester on campus, you will need to notify Transfer Services (Ms. Nancy Gagnon, transfer@mtu.edu). She will then enter a prerequisite waiver to prevent any course scheduling issues.

5)  On-line courses may sound easier since you can approach the class in your own time. Though this is true for some classes, on-line classes also require self-motivation and a time commitment on your part. Before taking the class, check into the course requirements, including internet access, exam proctors, etc.

Spring 2015 Registration

Hunting Classes

Registration will open October 31st, 10:00 pm through November 16th, midnight. If you have questions regarding what classes to take, you should make an appointment to meet with your academic advisor.

Registration typically opens each night at 10:00 pm. Due to the large number of students, some days will have two start times, 10:00 pm and 11:00 pm. To find out what day and time you register please check your registration time in BanWeb.

Priority is based on the number of credits earned at the time of registration. This does not include the number of credits the student is currently taking. Students may register anytime on or after their scheduled day. The web will be unavailable for registration from 2:00–2:30 am each day.

Registration closes at midnight Sunday, November 16th and reopens again later December. Students with questions or problems should contact me via email or by appointment.

Upcoming Information Sessions for Entrepreneurship and Supply Chain and Operations Management

The School of Business and Economics would like to invite all interested students to an open session to learn more about the opportunities within the two new Management concentrations, ask current students and advisors questions, and learn about career opportunities for each concentration.

Both sessions are being held in the Academic Office Building in conference room 101.

Dates and additional information for each session are provided below:

Supply Chain and Operations Management Concentration:

Wednesday, March 19th @ 4:00 pm

SCOM Info Session

Entrepreneurship Concentration:

Entrepreneurship Info Session

Monday, March 24th @ 3:30 -5:00

Both sessions will provide pizza and pop for attendees.

Questions about Graduation? Here are some Commencement FAQs

Make sure you are prepared for graduation! Contact your advisor with any additional questions.

Am I on the list to graduate?

All graduate (Masters and PhD) students must submit a Commencement Application form ten (10) weeks prior to commencement.

All undergraduate students must submit an online Graduation Application. This form should be filled out two (2) semesters before graduation. The form needs to be filled out by all prospective graduates—including those who will not be participating in the ceremony. A separate application is required for each undergraduate degree.

Prospective graduates’ names will be added to the online commencement list weekly.

When is Commencement?

Spring Commencement is 10:30 am on Saturday, May 3, 2014 in the SDC Ice Arena.

Mid-year Commencement is 10:30 am on Saturday, December 20, 2014 in the SDC Wood Gym.

Both the SDC Ice Arena and Wood Gym are alcohol-free facilities.

Are tickets required and how many tickets to the ceremony will I receive?

Yes, tickets are required for the ceremony. For the spring ceremony, students will receive four (4) tickets each. For the mid-year (December) ceremony, students will receive five (5) tickets each. Children who will be sitting on an adult’s lap will not need a ticket.

How much do tickets cost?

They are free! Under no circumstances should tickets be bought or sold.

When and where do I get my tickets for Commencement?

For the Saturday, May 3 ceremony, tickets can be picked up between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm beginning Monday, April 21 through Thursday, May 1, at the Customer Service Center in the Campus Bookstore. There is open seating for the audience.

What if I need extra tickets?

Any unclaimed tickets or those students who need extra tickets may pick them up from the Central Ticket Office at the SDC, starting the day before the ceremony, Friday, May 2. They will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Am I able to participate in an earlier commencement ceremony than my expected graduation date?

Graduate students should contact Nancy Byers Sprague, nspr@mtu.edu or 906-487-2755.

Undergraduate students who wish to participate in an earlier commencement ceremony must get permission from the Degree Services Office, degree@mtu.edu.

I am not able to participate in commencement—can I participate in a later commencement ceremony?

Graduate students should contact Nancy Byers Sprague, nspr@mtu.edu or 906-487-2755.

Undergraduate students can walk at their expected graduation ceremony or any thereafter – make sure the correct degree completion term and ceremony term are on your Graduation Application.

How do I order my graduation cap and gown?

Students participating in the fall commencement should plan to attend Gradfest on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 2-5 pm at the Campus Bookstore in the MUB. Undergraduate students can order their caps and gowns online. Graduate students will need to place their order for rental garb by Sunday, March 2. Orders placed after this date will incur additional shipping fees and cannot be guaranteed.

Students participating in the Fall Commencement 2014 will order their caps and gowns beginning in October 2014.

If you are not able to attend Gradfest, please contact the Campus Bookstore at 906-487-2410 or capandgown@mtu.edu to order.

Students who wish to purchase extra tassels may do so for $5.50 from the Campus Store.

Do I have to wear a cap and gown?

Yes! Caps and gowns are required to participate in commencement.

ROTC commissionees are dressed in uniform and do not wear caps and gowns.

How do I know if I qualify for honor cords and how do I get them?

Honor cords represent outstanding academic achievement and are provided by the University. The Campus Bookstore will have a list of those who qualify for honor cords. Honor cords designations are based on overall GPA accumulated prior to the graduating semester and are determined by the Registrar’s Office: Summa Cum Laude (3.90 and above) designated by a gold cord, Magna Cum Laude (3.70-3.89) designated by a silver cord, and Cum Laude (3.50-3.69) designated by a copper cord.

Honor cords are available for pick-up at the Campus Store with your cap and gown.

When do I pick up my cap and gown?

Graduate students can pick up their caps and gowns at the Campus Store in the MUB between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm beginning Monday, April 28 through Friday, May 2.

Undergraduate students can order their caps and gowns online, beginning Wednesday, February 5.

Where do I purchase announcements?

Graduation announcements can be purchased directly from Balfour.

When and where is rehearsal?

Commencement rehearsal is on Friday, May 2 at 1:30 pm. Undergraduate students line up in the SDC Multi-purpose room. Graduate students line up in the multi-purpose room. Signs will be posted by department and then your name. Simply find your department and get in line.

How long does rehearsal last?

Rehearsal lasts approximately 1 hour.

What time should I arrive at the commencement ceremony?

All prospective graduates participating in the ceremony should arrive no later than 9:45 am on Saturday, May 3.

How long does the ceremony last?

The exact time depends on the number of graduates, but usually the mid-year commencement ceremony lasts approximately 2 hours. The spring commencement ceremony lasts approximately 2 ½ hours.

What time do the doors open for the commencement ceremony?

The doors to the SDC Ice Arena and the SDC Wood Gym will be open by 8:30 am on the day of the ceremony.

How do I get my picture taken at commencement?

Arrangements have been made with a professional photographer to take a photo of each degree candidate as he or she is congratulated on stage. Ordering information will be mailed to your home address or emailed within 4-6 weeks. Please make certain that your current home address is on file with the Registrar’s Office.

Will my guests be able to take pictures or video tape during the ceremony?

Yes, but we ask that they remain seated during the ceremony. We discourage guests from disrupting the ceremony.

My family needs special accommodations—who do I contact?

Special needs seating is available for guests and family members. Should special seating accommodations be required, please contact Emily Walikinen in the Registrar’s Office, 906-487-2319 or emilyw@mtu.edu by Friday, April 25. Space for wheelchairs will be provided; however, Michigan Tech is unable to provide wheelchairs.

A Signer will be present throughout the ceremony to assist the hearing impaired.

Does my guest with special needs need a special ticket?

Your guest will need a general admission ticket to get in, but does not receive a special needs ticket. Please pick up your tickets from the Campus Bookstore, prior to the ceremony.

Will my family members be able to sit together, or does the person with special needs sit alone?

The person with special needs does not have to sit alone. Your entire party, up to a maximum of 5, may sit together in the special needs section.

Is there First Aid available?

Yes.

Is there anything happening after commencement?

Yes, the Alumni Association invites all graduates and their families to the SDC Multi-purpose room for the Graduates Reception taking place directly after the commencement ceremony. There will be light refreshments as well as areas set aside for taking photos. Stop by and sign your class of 2014 banner and pick up your Michigan Tech Alumni Association pin.

Spring Commencement Brunch—May 3, 2014. The Michigan Tech Dining Services will be offering a commencement brunch from 1–2:30 pm in the Memorial Union Isle Royale Ballroom for graduates and their families.

There is no brunch for the Mid-Year Commencement ceremony in December.

When will I receive my diploma?

Diplomas will be mailed 60-90 days after the end of the semester that all degree requirements have been successfully completed provided all financial obligations to the University have been met. Diplomas are mailed to the address noted on the Graduation Application. Changes to this address must be made with the Degree Services Office. A $30 processing fee will be assessed for diplomas that have to be reordered due to an incorrect address.

If you are not attending a commencement ceremony and you would like a cover for your diploma, please stop by the Student Service Center in the Administration Building to pick yours up prior to leaving campus.

NOTE: Diploma covers will not be mailed.

What side do I wear the tassel on?

Graduates sitting on the left hand side will wear the tassel on the left and graduates sitting on the right hand side wear the tassel on the right. Michigan Tech asks graduates to wear their tassels like this so the photographer will have a clear opening to take your picture.

What can I take into the commencement ceremony with me?

Purses, diaper bags, cameras and video equipment bags will be allowed into the ceremony. Please be aware that Public Safety and Police Services will be on hand to check bags.

BUS3900: Business Internship

Internship procedures for BUS 3900 effective Spring 2014.

Procedures:

  • The student seeking BUS 3900 will contact a School of Business and Economics faculty member to support their internship. The student and faculty member will collaborate to complete the Internship or Co-op Project Approval Form and develop a study contract for the project. Note: BUS 3900 is not a substitute for required courses.
  • Projects must involve a minimum of 20 hours of effort for each hour of course credit. This applies to business internships or cooperative education experiences that are 2-3 credits. It does not apply to 1 credit experiences.
  • Required elements and examples of the contract can be provided by Academic Advisor, Carly Harrington.
  • All contracts require review and approval prior to the academic term in which the project is proposed. The semester submission deadlines are:
    • Spring: December 1st
    • Fall/Summer: April 1st
  • Completed forms must be returned to the Academic Advisor by the aforementioned deadlines for final approval by the Undergraduate Programs Committee.
  • Upon approval of internships by the Undergraduate Programs Committee, the Academic Advisor will register the student for the appropriate credit hours in BUS 3900.
  • Students must submit deliverables (as outlined in the contract) to the instructor for grading by the end of final exam week.

Attention Management Majors…and those who might like to be!

New Management Concentration now available in Supply Chain and Operations Management

The Supply Chain and Operations Management concentration, now an option in the B.S. in Management, will give you a tailored set of courses and skills that employers love. When an employer asks you what you are majoring in and you say Management, you can now add Supply Chain and Operations Management.  Students graduating with this major/concentration have some of the top salaries in the School of Business and Economics, as high as $60-70K.  The majority of students in this concentration have at least one internship.

Supply chain and operations management majors are highly sought after.  All it requires is to complete a four course concentration that includes cutting edge courses as Introduction to Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Supply Management, Six Sigma Fundamentals, and Transportation and Logistics.  If you are interested in learning more about career opportunities, you may speak with Dr. Greg Graman or Dr. Dana Johnson.  If you are ready to make the move, Carly Harrington will help you with your schedule.  In Spring 2014, OSM 3150 Intro to Supply Chain Management and OSM4650 Six Sigma Fundamentals are offered and will get you start towards an exciting career!

Dow Corning Seeks Information Technology Interns

Dow Corning will be attending the Career Fair on Tuesday, September 24th and they have a special interest in placing Information Technology interns.  If you are interested in learning more about these positions please visit their website under:

Careers > Students and Graduates > Apply.

They will also be hosting an Information Sharing session on the Tuesday of the Career Fair at 7:00 pm in the MUB Alumni Lounge.

United Federal Credit Union Internship

Calling all Juniors! UFCU has open positions for summer internships!

It’s time of year again! The career fair is next week and all undergraduates should start planning for summer internships and potential jobs upon graduation.  United Federal Credit Union (UFCU) is accepting applications for their summer internship program, and they’re looking for the best and the brightest students to join them.  The available positions include a paid internship for college juniors. Please contact us with any questions and we can pass along more details about this opportunity!  This link will help in the application process:  www.unitedfcu.com/intern

Good luck at the Career Fair!