Author: efadvise

Taking Summer Classes

Some students take summer classes at Michigan Tech to replace a grade, to lighten the credits of a future semester(s), or for a great excuse to enjoy the Copper Country summers. Summer 2016 course offerings at Michigan Tech are now available at: www.mtu.edu/registrar/students/registration/prepare.
When you are scheduling, please note that some courses run the full summer semester and some run the first or second half of the semester. The dates the course will run are listed on-line when you register. Keep in mind a half-semester course requires the full amount of work in half the time (i.e., the course is taught at an accelerated pace).

If you do not want to stay at Michigan Tech for the summer, but would like to take courses, there are two other options. You can take Michigan Tech courses on-line, or you can take classes at another college and transfer them back to Michigan Tech (see transfer information below). Before taking a class at another college or university, you should check with the Michigan Tech Transfer Office to be sure that it will transfer as the course you need.

Transfer Information:

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.

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.

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 130
    • 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.

Michigan Tech – On-line FAQs

6) Other Resources: Michigan Transfer Network – Always double check that the course transfers as your required course by contacting the Transfer Office.

Last Day to Drop With a ‘W’

The last day to drop a class with a withdrawal (W) grade:

  • Track A classes – Friday of Week 5 (February 12, 2016, 5pm)
  • Full semester classes – Friday of Week 10 (March 25, 2016, 5pm)
  • Track B classes – Friday of Week 12 (April 8, 2016, 5pm).

All first-year students must meet with their academic advisor and instructor to drop a class. This allows the student to discuss the ramifications before dropping a class. Therefore, do not wait until Friday to get signatures. All students must go to the Student Service Center to drop classes after 1st week of classes.

After the last day to drop, students who have extenuating circumstances must appeal to the Student Affairs office for a Late Drop. The instructions for requesting a Late Drop can be found at: www.admin.mtu.edu/dos/latedrop.htm.

“W” Withdrawal Information: When a student drops a full semester class between 1st and 3rd weeks, nothing appears on their transcripts. When a student drops a class between 4th and 10th weeks, a withdraw grade (W) appears on their transcripts. This indicates that the student took the class for a significant amount of time (more than 3 weeks) and then decided to drop the class. One W on a transcript is not a big deal (check with Financial Aid to see a W grade will affect your financial aid, scholarships, or loans). More than a couple of Ws will start to indicate to a potential employer that a student cannot complete what they set out to do.

Need help in a class?

As you are getting into your classes, you may find that you need extra help on a topic. If you have questions, go see your professor during office hours, or e-mail your professor to set up an appointment. Learning Centers are another resource on campus:

  • Chemistry: 208 Chem Sciences and Eng Building
  • Computer Science: 114 Rekhi Hall
  • Engineering Fundamentals: 208 Dillman Hall, Sunday- Thursday, 7pm-9pm
  • Mathematics: 234 Fisher Hall
  • Multiliteracies Center (formerly the Writing Center): 107 Walker Arts and Humanities Center
  • Physics: 128 Fisher Hall
  • Visit the link for all Michigan Tech Learning Centers

Study Abroad

Participating in the Study Abroad program can be an exciting and life-changing experience. Studying abroad can be done during the summer, or for one semester or two semesters. Whether you know what country you would like to visit or simply want to know the opportunities available to you, visit the International Programs and Services (IPS) website.

Once you have determined that you want to study abroad, start the process by contacting the IPS office. As long as you plan ahead, courses taken abroad can be used to satisfy your degree requirements and should not impact your graduation date. Coordination is required among the IPS staff, your academic advisor, and other departments to determine course offerings and to get them pre-approved to transfer to Michigan Tech.

IPS hosts weekly information sessions, Study Abroad 101. Each session includes an overview of the study abroad options, the study abroad process, and how to work it into your academic plan. The sessions are in the IPS Office, 200 Administration Building, Tuesdays at 11am and Thursdays at 2pm. The application deadline for Summer is March 1, for Fall is April 1, and for Spring is October 15.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION
International Programs and Services has exciting news! Go Overseas just announced they are sponsoring TWO scholarships (one undergraduate student and on master’s student) for students to study abroad in Ireland for a semester!
 
The scholarship must be used during the 2016/2017 academic year (summer 2016, fall 2016, and spring 2017). All you need to do is submit a photo essay online by March 4th. 
 
Link to apply:
 
Link to FAQ’s
 
For questions, email studyabroad@mtu.edu 
 

Preparing to get a job

It’s not too early to start preparing for a summer job; plan ahead. Career Services has a full schedule of events to help students get ready for the 2015 Spring Career Fair.

  • 1st and 2nd Year Meeting: An Internship or Co-op is in your Future! January 27, 7:15pm
  • Get ready for the Career Fair, Stating the week of February 8th
    • Resume Blitz: Strengthen your resume with help from industry and campus professionals.
    • Career Fair Preparation: Learn about what to expect, what employers are looking for, and how you can best prepare for a successful Career Fair.
    • Mock Interviews: Schedule a mock interview appointment with a professional to prepare for the upcoming career fair!
    • Career Fair Cookout: Stop by the MUB Ballroom to speak with company representatives before the Career Fair.
    • Business and Dining Etiquette Dinner (ticketed event):
  • Spring Career Fair: SDC, February 16, noon-5pm

Spring Career Fair 2015 is where students and companies can meet to discuss potential job opportunities including summer internships, co-ops, and full-time employment. It is a great chance for first-year students to find summer employment which can help in making career decisions. A Job Fair Guidebook will be handed out at the Career Fair and will be available on-line. The guidebook provides a brief description of each company attending the Career Day (see details on the web at www.career.mtu.edu). A shuttle will be provided to transport students to and from the SDC; campus pick-up is at the MUB.

Resume Writing

Your cover letter and resume are typically the first information a potential employer sees about you. Therefore, you want this first introduction to make the best impression possible.

Potential employers are going to spend about 30 seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if the applicant is worth more review, so be sure to make it easy to scan: well organized, concise, and descriptive. Every resume should be accompanied by a cover letter. The cover letter should grab their attention and generate interest by linking your abilities with their needs. Following an interview, you should send a thank you letter. It should be sent by e-mail or snail mail within 2 days following the interview.

Get your resume reviewed at a Resume Blitz (starting Feb 9).

When you have your resume ready, submit it for your Advising: Gen Eng assignment (needs to be submitted each year).

Need help with a class?

As you are getting into your classes, you may find that you need extra help on a topic. If you have questions, go see your professor during office hours, or e-mail your professor to set up an appointment. Learning Centers are another resource on campus:

  • Chemistry: 208 Chem Sciences and Eng Building
  • Computer Science: 114 Rekhi Hall
  • Engineering Fundamentals: 208 Dillman Hall, Sunday- Thursday, 7pm-9pm
  • Mathematics: 234 Fisher Hall
  • Multiliteracies Center (formerly the Writing Center): 107 Walker Arts and Humanities Center
  • Physics: 128 Fisher Hall
  • Visit the link for all Michigan Tech Learning Centers

Repeating Courses

If your earn a grade of CD or below in a course, the course may be repeated. By repeating a course, you have the opportunity to learn the material better, which will help you in future courses as well as improve your GPA. Below is a list of how it works:

  • You may repeat courses with a grade of CD or lower.
  • The most recent grade is used in your GPA calculation, even if it is lower than the previous grade.
  • Your official transcripts will indicate NR (no grade– repeated) for any earlier attempt(s) at the course.
  • You may repeat a course no more than two times (i.e., take a course three times).
  • Special permission from the Dean of Students (170 Administration Building, deanofstudents@mtu.edu, 906-487-2212), Financial Aid, and your academic advisor is required to repeat a course a second and final time.

If you have questions regarding which classes to re-take you should contact your academic advisor.

Do you need to late drop a class?

After the last day to drop a class (Friday, Week 10), students who have extenuating circumstances must appeal to the Student Affairs office for a Late Drop.
Late drops are NOT given because:
1. You forgot to drop the course, or you were not aware of the policy;
2. You spent too much time on University extracurricular activities;
3. You wish to avoid a poor grade;
4. You are changing your major or transferring to another school; or
5. You do not need the course to graduate.
The instructions for requesting a Late Drop can be found at: www.admin.mtu.edu/dos/latedrop.htm.

Selecting a Major

If you are still deciding on a major, there are several items you may want to consider.

1. Meet with an academic advisor before you leave for campus for the summer.

Biomedical Mr. Mike Labeau (344 M&M, malabeau@mtu.edu))
BSE & Engineering Undecided Ms. Amy Monte & Dr. AJ Hamlin (112C Dillman, efadvise@mtu.edu)
Civil & Environmental Ms. Julie Ross (103 Dillman, jzross@mtu.edu)
Chemical Ms. Katie Torrey (202M Chem Sci, cmadvise@mtu.edu)
Computer Mr. Trever Hassell (131 EERC, tjhassel@mtu.edu)
Electrical Ms. Judy Donahue (131 EERC, eceadvise@mtu.edu)
Geological Ms. Kelly McLean (627 DOW, kelly@mtu.edu)
Materials Dr. Daniel Seguin (U-101 M&M, mseadvise@mtu.edu)
Mechanical Ms. Danise Jarvey & Mr. Ryan Towles (204AMEEM, dnjarvey@mtu.edu & 205A MEEM, ratowles@mtu.edu)

2. Take an engineering seminar course Fall 2015 to see if a particular major is right for you. The courses that are offered are listed below.

Biomed BE2100
Chemical CM1000
Civil CE1000
Environmental ENVE1501
Geological GE1100
Exploring Majors at Michigan Tech SA1000
Career Development Foundations UN2525

3. Meet with Career Services for career guidance, discuss your MyPlan results, or gain career development strategies.

4. Check out the information about different engineering fields at the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.