Graduate School Newsblog

Author: Debra Charlesworth

Nominations sought for 2019 MAGS Thesis Award

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The Executive Committee of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) is soliciting nominations for the 2019 MAGS Distinguished Master’s Thesis Awards to recognize and reward distinguished scholarship and research at the master’s level.  Michigan Tech may nominate one candidate in each disciplinary category.

Eligible students:

  • will have earned a master of science degree between July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018 in the fields of
    • Social Sciences OR
    • Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Engineering
  • will have completed an original thesis that makes an unusually significant contribution to the discipline
  • will not have earned a PhD (or comparable research degree) in any discipline prior to the writing of the master’s thesis

The 2019 competition will seek nominees in the fields of Biological/Life Sciences or Humanities.

Please see our web page for complete details on eligibility and application procedures. Each department or school may nominate one student from either or both categories.

Nomination packets are due by 4pm, October 18, 2018 to the Graduate School via e-mail (gradschool@mtu.edu) or campus mail (address to Debra Charlesworth). Eligible students with a complete nomination packet will be evaluated by a panel of faculty from the University.

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EndNote Basic and Cite While You Write Workshop

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Use EndNote software to manage your citations and save time during this workshop from 1 to 2:30 p.m. tomorrow (Oct. 4) in Library 242. In this session, you will:

  • Add references to an EndNote library
  • Import references from databases and PDFs
  • Organize your citations
  • Use the Cite While You Write tool to incorporate references into Microsoft Word

No prior knowledge of EndNote is required for this workshop. Register online.

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Copyright for Graduate Students

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Who owns the copyright to my dissertation? When using an image from another work, do I need copyright permission? If I do, how much does it cost? What are the benefits of making my thesis open access? Get the answers to these and other questions at the library workshop, “Copyright and Your Dissertation, Thesis or Master’s Report.”

This workshop will examine the role U.S. Copyright law plays in the thesis or dissertation writing and publishing processes. The use of copyrighted material, publishing agreements and the role of the Digital Commons at Michigan Tech repository will be explored.

Join us at 12:05 p.m. tomorrow (Sept. 26) in Library 242. Registration is required.

(Note: for students of UN0500, this will be the same workshop presented to your class on Sept 11.)

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EndNote Workshop in the Library

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Use EndNote software to manage your citations and save time. The workshop will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Monday (Sept. 17) in Library 242.

In this session, you will:

  • Add references to an EndNote library
  • Import references from databases and PDFs
  • Organize your citations
  • Use Cite While You Write tool to incorporate references into Microsoft Word

No prior knowledge of EndNote is required for this workshop.

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Spring 2019 PHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

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Applications for spring 2019 PHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4pm, October 16, 2018 to Dr. Debra Charlesworth in the Graduate School. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student participating in health-related research that is aligned with the PHF’s mission.
  2. Must be eligible for or in Research Mode at the time of application.
  3. Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon counties. Non-resident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Portage Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

  • health research and technology development
  • health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
  • rural healthcare access, informatics, and assessment of care

Students who receive full support through a PHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a PHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

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Spring 2019 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

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Applications for spring 2019 finishing fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4pm, October 18, 2018 to Dr. Debra Charlesworth in the Graduate School. Materials emailed to gradschool@mtu.edu is preferred. Instructions on the application and evaluation process are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student.
  2. Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
  3. Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
  4. Must be eligible for or in Research Mode at the time of application.

Finishing Fellowships provide support to PhD candidates who are close to completing their degrees. These fellowships are available through the generosity of alumni and friends of the University. They are intended to recognize outstanding PhD candidates who are in need of financial support to finish their degrees and are also contributing to the attainment of goals outlined in The Michigan Tech Plan. The Graduate School anticipates funding up to ten fellowships with support ranging from $2000 to full support (stipend + tuition). Students who receive full support through a Finishing Fellowship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a Finishing Fellowship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

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Submission and Formatting 101: Master the Dissertation, Thesis, and Report Process

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Students who are completing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to join the Graduate School to learn about the resources available to them to assist in scheduling their defense, formatting their documents, and submitting their documents.  In one afternoon, you can learn everything you need to be successful and complete your degree in a timely fashion!  Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend.  Attend the entire event, or stop in for the seminar that interests you.

  • When: Tuesday, September 11, 2018, 1 – 5pm (see detailed schedule below)
  • Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where: MUB Ballroom A; (register to attend online and receive participation instructions)
  • Registration: Please register to receive handouts via email or attend online. The seminar will be available online as well as on campus.

If you are unable to join us, the event will be taped and available online after the event. The previous semester’s seminars are always available online.

Information on submitting, formatting, and more can be found online for dissertations and theses or reports.

Detailed schedule

  • 1 – 2pm – Submission 101
    Learn what is required to submit your document to the Graduate School and the deadlines for the upcoming semester.  Best for students who are completing their degree this semester or next semester.
  • 2 – 2:45pm – Formatting 101: Using the Guide and Word Template
    Learn how to find what you need in the Guide and use a Word template to create a perfectly formatted document the first time. LaTeX resources will be referenced, but not emphasized.
  • 2:45 – 3pm: Break
    Enjoy snacks and network with other attendees
  • 3 – 4pm: Formatting 102: Copyright for your dissertation, thesis, and report
    Learn how to use copyrighted materials in your document, including papers you have published as well as materials created by someone else.
  • 4-4:45pm: Formatting 103: Checking and fixing your document
    Learn how to use Adobe Acrobat to check your document to ensure it meets our formatting requirements and correct it without recreating the PDF.
  • 4:45 – 5pm: Final questions
    Have a question that hasn’t been answered yet? We’ll be available to answer any additional questions you have.
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Nominations open for KCP Future Faculty Fellowships

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Applications are being sought for KCP Future Faculty Fellowships, a program funded by the State of Michigan.  Applications are due no later than 4pm on September 12, 2018.  KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (MS students) or $35,000 (PhD students) to pursue their degrees.  Funds may be used to support students pursuing degrees at Michigan Tech or Michigan Tech staff and faculty pursuing graduate degrees outside of Michigan Tech.  For Michigan Tech students, the Graduate School and nominating department must also contribute matching funds to help support the student.

The goal of the KCP Future Faculty Fellowship program is to increase traditionally underrepresented candidates pursuing teaching careers in postsecondary education.

To be eligible, an applicant must:

  • Be a US citizen.
  • Be a Michigan resident (contact the Graduate School for questions).
  • Be accepted into his or her Michigan Tech graduate program of choice.
  • Be planning and able to teach or secure an administrative position in postsecondary education.
  • Not have received another KCP Fellowship award for the same degree level (master’s or doctorate).
  • Not be in default status on any guaranteed student loan and/or a KCP fellowship.

A complete application will include:

  • A 1-2 page statement of purpose written by the student as it applies to the KCP fellowship goals
  • A current resume or curriculum vitae that includes positions held, fellowships received, current funding, and expected funding, if applicable
  • A letter of support from the graduate program (chair, dean, program director, or advisor) detailing:
    • the merit of the candidate.
    • how the student will contribute to the diversity of the program.
    • willingness to provide financial support to supplement the KCP funds.
    • the mentoring plan for the student.
    • if the student has already earned a graduate degree, the letter must also address why a second graduate degree is necessary in order to obtain employment in post-secondary education.

Please submit complete applications to the Graduate School, attention Dr. Debra Charlesworth (a single PDF via e-mail to gradschool@mtu.edu is preferred).  The review panel will also consider the candidate’s application to Graduate School (for students entering in the next academic semester) and current Michigan Tech transcript (if applicable).

Additional information on the KCP fellowship is available on our web page.

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EndNote Workshop at the Library

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Save time by using EndNote software to manage your citations. No prior knowledge of EndNote is required for this workshop. The session will cover: how to create and build an EndNote library, how to add references from online databases and PDFs, best practices for organizing your citations and incorporating references into a Microsoft Word document using EndNote’s “cite while you write” tool. The workshop is at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 10 in Library 242 Register here.

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Important Communication from the Graduate School

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Dear Students,

As we’re sure you’re aware, Houghton County experienced extreme weather this weekend.  Although much of campus and the surrounding area is back to normal, the Administration Building is closed for an undetermined amount of time.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of our community members impacted by this disaster.

For the short term, here is how you can communicate with the Graduate School:

  • Graduate School staff will be operating in rooms 112 and 113 of the Library.  Please go to room 112 for assistance beginning at 1pm on Tuesday, June 19th. Not all staff will be present at all times, but we will be able to direct you appropriately.
  • Current students with forms to submit should scan them and upload them to Canvas.  If you need assistance, we have an online tutorial.  Please only use Canvas to upload forms; do not also email and/or submit paper copies.
  • Current students should email gradschool@mtu.edu with any questions they have about their degree.  Please do not copy other staff; one email will alert everybody.  Graduate directors and assistants with questions about current students should also use this email.
  • If you call the Graduate School, messages will go to voicemail.  Staff will respond as they can.
  • Diploma pickup and diploma mailing will not be available this week.
  • Transcript submission is not available this week.  Students with a missing degree hold may request a waiver using our form.
  • Students who need assistance with housing can contact Housing or Public Safety.  Rooms, meals, and showers are available.

Michigan Tech will be updating the emergency website  with information important to our community.  Please monitor that website for ways that you can contribute to the relief effort and stay in touch with other offices on campus that are displaced.

Sincerely,

The Graduate School

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