Author: Mindy Pierre

Good News From The Graduate School

All of us in the Graduate School are excited to support you and help you succeed. Be sure to check your email frequently for updates from the Graduate School. Throughout the year, visit the Graduate School Blog for news, updates, and funding opportunities.

Academic Audit


Take a moment to explore and bookmark the Experience page and save the “My Graduate Degree” card under the Academics tab to your homepage (shown at right) for easy access.

The Academic Audit is a helpful tool on the My Graduate Degree card that allows graduate students to easily track their progress toward degree completion. It provides a clear overview of completed coursework, remaining program and Graduate School requirements, and a direct link to the graduation application. Reviewing your Academic Audit regularly can help you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and stay on track toward completing your graduate degree.

What you’ll also find on Experience:

  • Registration and Class Details
  • Forms and Deadlines
  • Degree Progress Checklist – where you can update your expected graduation term
  • Hold Information – see items that may prevent you from registering or graduating
  • Billing Information
  • Payroll and Direct Deposit Information

Additional Resources

Upcoming Deadlines:

Deadline Date Description
February 6, 2026 Submit your Graduation Application – required to complete your degree in spring or participate in spring commencement
February 23, 2026 Summer 2026 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship applications due
February 24, 2026 Summer 2026 Finishing Fellowship applications due

Upcoming Events

  • Michigan Tech is hosting Engineering Ethics: What Every Engineer Needs to Know, a seminar designed to introduce students and professionals to the ethical responsibilities that guide engineering practice. This event is a great opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to reflect on the broader impact of engineering work and the importance of integrity, accountability, and public welfare in the profession.

  • The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is once again hosting this year’s Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC), taking place on Wednesday, March 18. The GRC offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to showcase their research across the campus-wide community while developing their presentation skills for upcoming conferences.

Winter Carnival and Local Events

As winter settles into the Copper Country, Michigan Tech comes alive with one of its most iconic traditions, Winter Carnival. Held each February, this long-standing celebration showcases the creativity, resilience, and school spirit of the Michigan Tech community. From massive snow statues built by student organizations to campus-wide events, outdoor and indoor activities, Winter Carnival is the true highlight of the season.

For more ideas on how to spend your free time, be sure to check out the Local Area Events Calendar, there’s something for everyone. To explore additional seminars, workshops, and Graduate School sponsored events, visit the MTU Events Calendar. This calendar highlights upcoming opportunities across campus, making it easy to stay informed and engaged throughout the semester.

Beyond the Classroom

The Graduate Student Government (GSG) is your key to connecting with the grad student community. They organize tons of activities, from professional development workshops and the Graduate Research Colloquium to social events and mixers. Getting involved with the GSG is a fantastic way to meet people from different departments, share your ideas, and help shape a fun and supportive campus environment.

The Graduate School offers resources focused on graduate life and well-being, including social connections, wellness support, and involvement opportunities. These resources are designed to help graduate students maintain balance and feel supported throughout their time at Michigan Tech. Learn more on the Graduate Life & Well-Being page.

Have any questions? Please reach out to the Graduate School anytime via email: gradschool@mtu.edu, phone: (906) 487-2327, or visit us in the Admin Building on the 4th floor.

Setting Up a Non-Payroll Direct Deposit

Non-Payroll Direct Deposit allows Michigan Tech to deposit non-payroll payments (such as travel expenses, flexible spending accounts, business meals and banquets) directly into your bank account.

Follow the steps below to set it up.

Important: Non-Payroll Direct Deposit is separate from payroll or stipend direct deposit.

Step 1

Log in to Experience using your Michigan Tech username and ISO password.

Find the Work tab from the top menu bar and scroll down to find the Payroll card

Step 2

From the Payroll Card, select Enable Direct Deposit Updates.

Spring 2026 Graduate Orientation

The Graduate School is excited to welcome our new students to campus. A summary of upcoming events is below.

  • The Graduate School Welcome session is on Friday, January 2, 2026, beginning at 2pm in the MUB Ballroom. A presentation is planned for 2-2:30pm, and a reception will begin at 2:30pm. The presentation will be recorded for those unable to attend in person.
  • Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research, our online Basic RCR Training, will begin on December 22 for registered students. It must be completed by February 19, 2026 to avoid a registration hold.
  • Other orientation events, including a tour by the Library and welcome reception by the Graduate School, are described and summarized on our website.
  • We will remind students to register and confirm their enrollment by January 2nd.
  • Steps after admission are summarized on our website.
  • Resources applicable to new students are summarized on our website.

We look forward to working with you to welcome our new and returning students to the 2025-26 academic year!

Prepare to Graduate: Submit a Graduation Application

In order to complete a degree at Michigan Tech, all students must submit a Graduation Application and let the Graduate School know their plans to attend commencement. This post will explain the difference between graduation and commencement and explain how to submit the Graduation Application.

Graduation vs. Commencement: Understanding the Difference

Graduation is the official act of completing all academic requirements and earning your degree. Your actual diploma will be shipped to you approximately six weeks after the semester you complete your degree. You must complete all of your curricular requirements and apply to graduate in order to receive your credential.

Commencement is the celebratory ceremony. It is an opportunity for friends and family to acknowledge your hard work. Students who attend the commencement ceremony receive a diploma cover when they walk across the stage. The Graduate School hosts a single annual commencement ceremony at the close of spring semester. A commencement application is required to participate. You can read more about this later in the blog.

Prepare to Graduate: Submit a Commencement Application

Graduation is the official act of completing all academic requirements and earning your degree. Commencement is the celebratory ceremony. It is an opportunity for friends and family to acknowledge your hard work.

All students must Submit a Graduation Application to graduate and earn their credential. See our first blog post for information about that process. If you indicate that you will or might attend commencement, we will need additional information that wasn’t collected in the Graduation Application. You will provide us that information by completing the Commencement Application.

View your Academic Audit and click the refresh button above your student M number so the latest, most accurate information appears in your audit.