Category: Announcements

The Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) program is looking for volunteers to participate in its “Conversation Partners” initiative. The program offers international students the opportunity to team up with faculty, staff and students to practice speaking and listening in one-on-one, informal sessions.

Here is how the program works:

• Participants sign a contract with IESL that requires them to meet their partner in public places on campus for one hour each week.
• IESL matches international students with volunteers; the goal is to pair people of the same gender; IESL will check with prospective partners before matching those of the opposite gender.
• IESL introduces the partners to each other at an initial meeting.
• Though partners meet independently, Listening and Speaking teachers will often check in with students to monitor concerns or problems.

Why apply? Organizers say the rewards are many:

• Make a new friend.
• Help an international/multilingual student understand American culture and society.
• Experience the emerging global landscape from the perspective of an international/multilingual student.
• Develop a deeper cultural awareness and understanding.
• Promote rewarding international relations and cross-cultural dialogue on campus

At times, participants may have to explain English language points, but they are not asked to be an English as a Second Language teacher.

At the program’s preliminary meeting, IESL can provide ideas for weekly meetings.

Here’s what they’re saying about this opportunity:

• “I learned about myself, my international friend, and the American culture in which we live.” (Alanna, an undergraduate student)
• “I feel enriched by the experience of getting to know a bit about these exceptional students and their cultures as well.” (Carole, staff)
• “You make a difference in a very tangible way.” (Brian, graduate student)

Those in the campus community who are interested in participating are asked to apply online.

For more information about the IESL program, email esl@mtu.edu or see IESL.

Published in Tech Today.

Join the OAP on a weekend backpacking trip to the Porcupine Mountains. Led by OAP staff, this trip will feature one of the great resources in our backyard. The trip leaves the OAP on Friday, July 15, and returns around midday, Sunday, July 17.

The trip has some incredible vistas, including (but not limited to) waterfalls, Lake of the Clouds, and the sights of the wilderness coast of Lake Superior.

All skill levels are welcome, with trip leaders who will not only choose the best trails for the group, but take care of the transportation, food, cooking, group gear hauling, permits and pre-trip info. The cost of the trip is $40 and can be paid at OAP Rental Center.

For more information, see OAP, call 487-2290 or email oap@mtu.edu.

Published in Tech Today.

Spring Commencement begins at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, April 30, at the MacInnes Student Ice Arena in the Student Development Complex.

Members of the campus community may request tickets from Elizabeth Pollins in the Vice President for Student Affairs Office. Call 487-2465 or email epollins@mtu.edu .

The University will honor the achievements of 753 students receiving undergraduate degrees, 156 master’s degrees and 48 PhDs.

Mr. Norman R. Augustine, former chairman and CEO of Lockheed Martin and Martin Marietta Corporations, will give the commencement address, as well as receive an Honorary Doctorate in Science and Engineering, and Dr. Katerina E. Aifantis ’02 will be honored with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

Commencement is not just a ceremony to honor our students and present degrees. It also serves as a time to reflect on and recognize the important contributions of our faculty and staff to the mission of the University to prepare students to create the future.

Parking, on a first-come, first-served basis, is available in Lots 22, 23 and 24. No parking pass is required.

Published in Tech Today.