MTU Team Makes Final Cut of MCIP

Published February 27, 2014

The Michigan Collegiate Innovation Prize is a six month program that enables teams to go from an idea to venture launch.

A new statewide entrepreneurial contest aims to arm students with the resources and skills necessary to launch a successful tech start-up in the state of Michigan. In addition to more than $100,000 in award money, the Michigan Collegiate Innovation Prize (MCIP) offered participants intensive start-up training based on the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program.

Michigan Tech fielded a team out of a project for the Business Development Experience course — one of four required for the Entrepreneurship Concentration.

"Our low cost ventilator which encompasses a robust and simple design, is used to provide life saving care for infants suffering from respiratory ailments in developing countries," said Smith.

The Michigan Tech students who participated were:

Cole Smith, Management major
Brock Treankler, Management major
Colin Putters, Marketing major
Carolynn Magnuson, Marketing major
Derek Mazur, Biomedical Engineering major

The challenge kicked off in late October with a two-day workshop and culminated in February with a final showcase and awards ceremony. During the intervening four months, participants attended biweekly online progress meetings and received pitch training, mentorship and up to $2,000 in prototype funding. Teams were encouraged to brainstorm and innovate on their business model and position in the market.

90 teams participated in the first round and 29 made it on to the finals. Applicants were evaluated based on:

The viability and impact of their technology
How their business differentiates itself in the marketplace
The skill and experience level of the team members.

The Michigan Tech Team mentored by Professor Entrepreneurship and Innovation Dr. Saurav Pathak, Instructor Jonathan Leinonen, and Senior Lecturer in Accounting Anne Warrington was one of the teams selected to advance to the finals. Their project was to develop a low cost ventilator for infants in Ghana. This is an International Business Venture project out of the Enterprise program. The Michigan Tech team went on to win a $2,000 grant to further develop their product.

Event coordinators say the statewide venture challenge will help both the state and its students by keeping Michigan relevant in the knowledge economy and creating different career paths for college graduates.

Commencement FAQs

Published February 26, 2014

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Please contact your Academic Advisor with any additional graduation 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.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program is back for 2014!

Published February 24, 2014

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KSI will be doing their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program again this year. VITA is designed for students that have been through Foundations of Taxation to assist with simple income tax returns for low-income families and students who couldn’t otherwise afford to hire a CPA. KSI will be starting the program today & will go through Tuesday, April 15th.

VITA is available February 24th - April 15th. No appointment needed!

All sessions will take place in G010D of the AOB, and there is no need to make an appointment. Just stop on in & see them! No sessions will be held over spring break, but otherwise the schedule is as follows:

Monday: 3-5pm
Wednesday: 12-2pm
Thursday: 12-5pm

Please pass this along to anyone you may think may be in need of this service!

Spring 2014 Grads: Order Cap and Gowns now!

Published February 17, 2014

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Spring 2014 Gradfest is from 12:00 - 5:00 on 2.26.14 in the Campus Bookstore!

Cap & Gown Orders

You can order your regalia online or during Gradfest at The Campus Bookstore. Just need a tassel or want an extra one? You don’t need to order anything! Stop by the store during regular hours the week before the ceremony.

Undergraduate Degree Regalia Order Form

Graduate Degree Regalia Rental Form

Faculty Regalia Rental Form

If you have any questions, contact the Campus Bookstore at (906) 487-2410.

For online orders you should receive a confirmation email within 2 business days. If you do not, please contact Beckie at the Campus Bookstore to make sure she received your order capandgown@mtu.edu.

Once you receive your order, check out an instructional video for your:

Cap And Gown Pricing

For orders placed by midnight on March 2:
Undergraduate Package $31.00 (plus tax)
Masters/PhD Package Rental $55.00 (plus tax)

Orders placed after March 2:
Undergraduate Package $50.00 (plus tax)
Masters/PhD Package Rental $55.00 plus expedited shipping (plus tax)

Prices subject to change.

Undergraduates will have “green” gowns – not in color, but in spirit! They will be black, as usual, but made of Repreve, 100% recycled yarn made from plastic water bottles.

Spring 2014 Gradfest

February 26, 2014 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Enjoy free popcorn and refreshments

Take 25% off Michigan Tech insignia items – diploma frames, clothing, and souvenirs

Undergraduates: order your cap and gown!

Grad students: order your rental regalia

Talk to representatives from Alumni Relations and the Career Center

Order your class ring and printed announcements

Can’t make it to Gradfest? Place your order now using the appropriate form above!

For more information about commencement, visit www.mtu.edu/commencement.

Finance Club Fosters Financial Literacy on Campus

Published November 22, 2013

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On November 20th, the Michigan Tech Finance Club in partnership with the Michigan Tech Office of Financial Aid and Wells Fargo held the second edition of FinanceU at the R. Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library. In line with the 2012 edition, this event aimed at fostering financial literacy on campus and was specifically tailored to students, regardless of class and major. It offered advising and information related to personal finance, financial aid opportunities (e.g. grants & scholarships), the relevance of starting a retirement plan as early as possible, and useful tips on how to benefit from several online tools such as CashCourse – a free online personal finance program sponsored by the Alumni Association.

Students were asked to complete a short survey covering areas such as their current method of budgeting, Federal Direct Student Loan knowledge and any additional areas that they may have questions in. Financial Aid Advisor, Cindy Cowell noted “as a piece of our financial literacy initiative on campus, the financial aid office is pleased to partner with the Finance Club to implement programming designed to increase the financial literacy of Michigan Tech’s student body.” The club does an effective job of promoting the message to students that topics such as budgeting, credit, responsible borrowing and retirement are critical to know in order to remain on a financially stable path. Financial education now will enable students to make sound financial decisions and enable them to live the life that they desire later.

Well Fargo Store Manager Ellie Freeman also participated in Finance U noting that it is a great opportunity for students to ask questions, because it is a casual environment without any pressure. Freeman also added, “it’s important to know while you are in school the importance of building credit in a positive manner.” She also recommended that students have a minimum of three savings accounts: long term, short term, and 3 months salary. This event is great because it brings together people who have a great deal of knowledge about financial planning into one place that is easily accessible by students.

Financial Aid Advisor Cindy Cowell talks with a student about personal financial management.

The partnership between Financial Aid and the Finance Club is effective in delivering a critical financial message to Michigan Tech students. For example, hearing about a topic such as retirement and the need to start saving at a young age, is received by students much more readily when the message is coming from a peer. Michigan Tech students often have the opportunity to contribute to a retirement plan as part of their co-op job benefits. We hope to educate students to take advantage of these kinds of financial opportunities at as young an age as possible.

The Finance Club and partners collected 165 surveys this year-- double what they collected the previous year!

This event is the outcome of the continued efforts by the Finance Club and the Office of Financial Aid to foster financial literacy on campus. Dr. Oliveira said “our fantastic Finance Club members put significant effort to disseminate to their fellow students, knowledge and resources available either at MTU or in the world wide web that can significantly impact the betterment of personal financial management.” This year the Finance Club has also invited the local Wells Fargo manager to share her experience with tailoring retirement plans according to each individual’s life stage and goals. Oliveira also noted that the students’ interest and participation has been outstanding this year. The Finance Club collected 165 surveys on finance-related practices and demographics this year – an increase of 100 relatively to the prior year. Besides disseminating information our club members get a chance to practice their communication skills and ability to test their know-how with real world questions. We are looking forward to learn from this year’s experience and continuously improve this annual event.

Category: Events