Graduate School Newsblog

Author: Debra Charlesworth

Fair use in academia

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Students who wish to use copyrighted materials in a thesis or dissertation must show that they have the ability to republish those materials.  One argument students can use is that their use is “fair use.”  This provision of US Copyright allows the reuse of materials if certain conditions are met.  Students sometimes think that all educational use of materials is fair use, but a recent court case illustrates that this is not true.

In order to use copyrighted materials in a thesis or dissertation, there are three simple steps:

  1. Determine if permission is needed to republish copyrighted materials
  2. Obtain permission for copyrighted materials (if necessary)
  3. Document the ability to republish copyrighted materials.

The Graduate School has helpful resources online, including a seminar from our copyright librarian.  Check them out!

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NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Workshop Series

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Debra Charlesworth, assistant to the dean of the Graduate School for professional development and previous NSF GRFP panelist and fellow, will present “An Insider’s Perspective on the Review Process” from noon to 12:50 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 3, in the Pat Nelson Graduate Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Administration Building.

Topics will include:

  • Understand the review process
  • High impact tips to make your reviewer happy
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October First Friday Social

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Faculty, staff and graduate students is invited to attend the October First Friday University Social from 4 to 6 p.m., Oct. 5, at the Rozsa Center Art Gallery (downstairs from the Lobby). A cash bar along with complementary soda and snacks will be provided.

International Programs and Services is this month’s sponsor. Plan to come and mingle with your colleges. NOSOTROS will start the social with a Hispanic/Latin dance followed by global trivia with door prizes.

NOSOTROS was established to create a “sense of community” of the Hispanic/Latin culture at Michigan Tech; to share the Hispanic/Latin culture with the campus community and to provide a forum for the exchange of information pertinent for the Hispanic/Latino and non-Hispanic/Latino students at Tech.

The First Friday University Socials began in 2006 to provide a casual setting for members of the campus community to get together informally, share their work and get to know each other. Such informal gatherings often lead to more productive work relationships and an appreciation for diversity.

In an effort to increase the effectiveness of the initiative, this academic year will continue to feature departmental partners who will sponsor each month’s event. The Vice President for Research Office and MTEC SmartZone will host the next social on Friday, Nov. 2. There are still a few dates available. If your department is interested in hosting a social or would like more information, please contact Megan Ross at 487-3123 or mrross@mtu.edu .

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Flu Vaccine Clinics Announced

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Working with Portage Health, the Benefits Office is pleased to announce flu vaccine clinics.

All employees and their dependents, as well as students, are welcome to attend one of the clinics scheduled on campus. Due to supply availability at each clinic, shots will be on a first-come, first-served basis; no appointment is necessary. In order for the flu shot to be paid by Michigan Tech, employees and dependents must participate in Tech’s Aetna health care plan.

Employes and dependents should be prepared to provide a picture ID and/or an Aetna member card for verification. (Spouse and dependent can show up without employee.) Students or those employees not covered under the Aetna health plan may still attend the clinic; cost is $25 per shot, payable at the time of service.

Anyone under the age of 18 cannot be vaccinated without parental permission. Clinics will take place in the Memorial Union Peninsula Room.

Here is the schedule:

  • Monday, Oct. 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov 1, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 8, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Benefits at benefits@mtu.edu .

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Graduate Students Earn Awards

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Two students in the Department of Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences have received awards for their research at the 55th Annual Meeting of the Association of Engineering and Environmental Geologists in Salt Lake City.

Lauren Schaefer received the Lemke Scholar award for her work, “Numerical modeling of magmatic intrusions and their affects on volcanic stability.” Schaefer is pursuing her PhD in geology with Assistant Professor Thomas Oommen (GMES).

Dan Smith received the Platinum Corporate Sponsor award for his work, “Stability and Rainfall Susceptibility of Volcanic Slopes on the Chichontepec Volcano in Central El Salvador.” Smith is pursuing his MS in geological engineering with Assistant Professor Thomas Oommen (GMES) and Professor John Gierke (GMES) as co-advisors.

The fieldwork forming the basis of the research for these two projects was conducted as part of the NSF Partnerships for International Research and Education (PIRE) project.

Published in Tech Today

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Fall Professional Development Series

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Poster for fall seminar series.
The Graduate School is pleased to announce its fall professional development series.  For our PhD students considering a career in academia, we are offering two seminars that will help them prepare to be competitive applicants for faculty positions:

  • November 7 | Introduction to Sponsored Programs
    • Learn how a university’s sponsored programs office can help you conduct sponsored research.
  • December 10 | Teaching Portfolios: Building Today for Your Career Tomorrow
    • Learn what needs to be in your portfolio, which technologies work best, and how to start building
      this important asset now.

Students who are looking for ways to balance their work with healthy activities for them and their families, or for guidance on the thesis and dissertation submission process will find the other seminars in our series helpful:

  • October 3 | Submitting your Thesis or Dissertation
    • Learn current procedures for formatting and submission.
  • October 24 | CANCELLED | Michigan Tech Community Programs
    • Discover new low-impact activities or high-impact recreational opportunities for you or your family.
    • Take advantage of great facilities—pool, fitness center, ice arena, and dance room.

Seating is limited.  Register online to reserve your seat and receive an e-mail confirmation of the location.

Please contact Dr. Debra Charlesworth with any questions about the seminar series.

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Fall Career Fair Attracts Nearly 300 Employers

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Michigan Tech’s Fall Career Fair has already attracted 279 registered employers, and more are registering every day. More than 3,000 Tech students are expected to visit the Student Development Complex to speak with potential employers from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2. Thousands of interviews for internships, co-ops and jobs are scheduled all over campus on Oct. 3 and during the days that follow.

“From Michigan Tech’s perspective, the job market looks great,” said Jim Turnquist, director of Career Services. “Companies are so eager to get their names in front of students that they are sponsoring unique events such as a picnic outside the MUB, boat rides and a Ride and Drive, an opportunity for students to test-drive some of the latest model cars. The salaries being offered are higher than last year’s already excellent salaries, too.”

Career Services sponsors a job fair twice a year, in the fall and spring. Last year, 243 employers came to the October event and 178 participated in one in February.

“Tech graduates are simply fantastic,” commented Jason Biehl, a senior manufacturing engineer at GM and a 1994 graduate of Michigan Tech. Biehl was on the GM recruiting team that participated in a recent Career Fair. “Tech’s reputation extends from Virginia to Texas, from the US to Europe,” he said. “That’s why we’re here,”

Julie Way, assistant director of career development education, said: “Career Services is excited to organize and host this valuable event, where our students are given the opportunity to work in internships and co-ops during their college careers, and also to begin a new chapter of their life in a rewarding full-time career upon their graduation. We want to extend our thanks to all those who have generously donated rooms and offices for all the interviews.”

Published originally in Tech Today.

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NSF GRFP Workshop Series Continues

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Mark Hopkins, an NSF Fellow and a PhD candidate, and Kara Sokol, director of integrated marketing for University Marketing and Communication, will present “Harness Your Brilliance: A Revision Process” from noon to 12:50 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, in the Pat Nelson Graduate Conference Center on the fourth floor of the Administration Building.

Topics will include:

  • Why start early
  • Who needs to be involved in the revision process
  • Writing strategies and revision processes that worked
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Parade of Nations This Saturday

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It’s Parade of Nations time again. Brightly decorated floats and marching groups bearing flags of many nations will hit the streets of Hancock and Houghton at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 22, for the annual international celebration.

After the parade, come to the Dee Stadium for a multicultural festival starting at noon and featuring international foods at 26 booths and a gala show. Performers include the Michigan Tech Dance Team and Hip Hop Club, the Copper Country Cloggers, the Kivajat Dancers, songs by the Hassle Family, and a Chinese dance by Summer Gu. The Medievalist Club will also perform, as will the International Student Association. Admission is free.

Published in Tech Today

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