Graduate School Newsblog

Tech among Four Michigan Schools Named Top National Universities

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Michigan Tech joins three other Michigan schools ranked among the top universities in the nation in US News & World Report’s 2012 edition of “Best Colleges.”

In addition to Michigan Tech, Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University were all included in US News’ list of the nation’s top national universities. Now ranked 115, Michigan Tech continues its climb on the list, a spot it shares with Washington State University, Howard University in Washington, DC, and the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota.

“We can’t infer too much from a small change in our ranking, but it is going in the right direction, from 121 in 2010, to 117 in 2011, to 115 today,” said Max Seel, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “We are making progress toward our goal of becoming a premier technological research university.” Among the nation’s public universities, Michigan Tech was ranked 57, the same as in 2011.

Also, Michigan Tech joins Michigan State and the University of Michigan on the “Best Colleges” list of top US engineering schools whose highest degree is a doctorate. Tech was ranked 66, up from 74 in 2011. “We’re in very good company,” said Dean Tim Schulz (COE). “It’s gratifying to be recognized by our peers as one of the leading engineering programs, both within Michigan and nationwide.”

In addition, Tech was included among the “A-Plus Schools for B Students,” a category comprising top-quality universities that also admit a significant proportion of students with ACT scores between 20 and 30. “This speaks to the attention our undergraduate students are receiving,” said Seel. “It highlights the level and quality of our education and is an important indicator of student satisfaction.”

Rankings don’t tell the whole story, he added. “While we appreciate the recognition from US News, we know that the best measure of our success is the success of our graduates,” Seel said. “Employers recognize the value of a Tech education. We already have 225 companies signed up to recruit our students during the upcoming fall Career Fair, up from 160 a year ago, so we can expect to surpass last year’s placement rate of 87.5 percent.”

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Spring 2012 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

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Nominations for spring Finishing Fellowships are now open. Applications must be submitted to the Graduate School no later than 4pm on October 26th.

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

  1. Must be a PhD student.
  2. Must expect to finish in spring.
  3. Must have submitted no more than one previous request for funding.
  4. Must be eligible for Research Only Mode in spring.

Previous recipients of a Finishing Fellowship are not eligible.

Please see our application page for details on the application procedure. Please direct any questions you have about the application or review process to Debra Charlesworth.

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AAHHE/USDA-NIFA/TAMUCC Outstanding Thesis Competition

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This competition is open to any Hispanic who has completed a thesis that focuses on Food and the Agricultural Sciences, between December 2010 and August 30, 2011.  Theses are eligible if they are in domains related to the USDA priority areas, including

  • Food Safety
  • Climate Change
  • Sustainable Energy
  • Childhood Obesity

The top three winners will be invited and sponsored to attend the 7th Annual AAHHE National Conference (March 8-10, 2012) in Costa Mesa, California to present their theses and receive their award, as well as participate in a Career Preparation Institute. The first place winner will receive an award of $3,000, the second place winner will receive $2,000, and the third place winner will receive $1,000.

Deadline to submit a thesis abstract for the competition:  September 30, 2011, 5pm CST.

For additional details concerning the requirements and regulations, please refer to the AAHHE website.

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Tech’s Enrollment Tops 7,000

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With well over 7,000 students, enrollment is at its second-highest point since 1983.

Data reported to the State Budget Office on Wednesday, Sept. 7, show total enrollment at 7,031, a 1 percent increase over fall 2010’s official figure of 6,976.

Female enrollment is up for the sixth straight year to an all-time high of 1,837, or 26.1 percent of the student body.

Graduate enrollment increased approximately 5 percent, with a record 1,303 students seeking master’s and PhD degrees, up from 1,256 in fall 2010. “We broke through 1,300 for the first time and processed 3,000 applications, another record number,” said Jacqueline Huntoon, dean of the Graduate School. “Graduate enrollment continues to increase in accordance with our strategic-plan goal of having 3,000 grad students by 2035.”

“Of our on-campus enrollment, growth is strongest among international students, and we are very pleased that students are drawn here from all over the world to pursue a graduate degree,” she said. Many are self-supporting or are supported by their employers or home countries, she noted. “They provide an economic boost both to the University and to the local community.”

Another area of growth is distance learning. The number of students seeking a graduate degree online is up markedly, from 58 to 106.

Undergraduate enrollment is up as well, with 5,728 students compared to last year’s 5,720. The number of new first-year students grew from 1,115 to 1,161, an increase of approximately 4 percent. The freshman class will also include more women: 288 as compared to 273 in 2010.

In addition, the academic credentials of the entering freshman class are up for the sixth straight year, with a record-setting average ACT composite score of 26.4, compared to last year’s 26.1.

“Smart, adventurous students want to study with other smart, adventurous students,” explained John Lehman, assistant vice president of enrollment services.

The enrollment count also reflects the fact that more students are staying at the University. The retention rate from undergraduates’ first to second year of study has risen to 83.3 percent, approximately 2.5 percent higher than 2010’s 80.9 percent.

The COMPASS program employs a variety of strategies to improve student retention. “Our orientation program helps new students acclimate to the community and learn about the resources that can make them successful,” said Director Susan Liebau. The office offers special services for transfer and commuter students, along with the ExSEL program, which combines leadership development with tips for improving academic performance.

In addition, the University tracks first-year students’ mid-term grades and has stepped up efforts to reach out to those who are struggling. “That’s been one of our most effective efforts to ensure the success of students,” Liebau said.

Published in Tech Today
by Marcia Goodrich, senior writer

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BRC Travel Grants for Fall Semester

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The BRC travel grants provide financial assistance to graduate students, undergraduate students and postdoctoral scientists who present their research at scientific meetings. The BRC travel grants promote biotechnological research and achievement.

The awards are merit-based and are offered twice per year. The fall deadline is Friday, Oct. 14, and the spring deadline is April 13.

To apply, complete the application form available at Biotech. Provide all the necessary documentation as specified in the application instructions. Send application materials to Mary Tassava via email. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Awards will be announced near the end of the award month.

For more information, contact Tassava at 487-2959 or mltassav@mtu.edu .

Published in Tech Today

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Seminar on Competitive Fellowships

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Many federal agencies solicit highly competitive graduate fellowship/scholarship applications. In particular, Michigan Tech students have had success with the following:

The Sponsored Program Enhancement office is offering a series of seminars/workshops to help eligible domestic first-year graduate students and senior undergraduate students understand what opportunities are available and help them develop a competitive application.

  • Overview of Funding Opportunities
    Sept. 8, 4 to 5 p.m., Memorial Union Peninsula Room
  • Writing the Personal Essay and References
    Sept. 15, noon to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Peninsula Room
  • Tips from Real Panel Reviewers
    Sept. 22, noon to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom B3
  • Writing Research Essays
    Sept. 6, 4 to 5 p.m., Memorial Union Peninsula Room
  • Peer Review Workshop
    Sept. 13, 4 to 5 p.m., Memorial Union Peninsula Room
  • Peer Review Workshop
    Sept. 20, noon to 1 p.m., Memorial Union Ballroom A2

For more information, contact Jodi Lehman at jglehman@mtu.edu .

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Boren Fellowships

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Boren Fellowships provide up to $30,000 to U.S. graduate students to add an important international and language component to their graduate education through specialization in area study, language study, or increased language proficiency. Boren Fellowships support study and research in areas of the world that are critical to U.S. interests, including Africa, Asia, Central & Eastern Europe, Eurasia, Latin America, and the Middle East. The countries of Western Europe, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are excluded.  For a complete list of countries, click here.

To find out more about Boren Fellowships please, click here.

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DOD SMART and NDSEG scholarships

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The Science, Mathematics And Research for Transformation (SMART) Scholarship for Service Program has been established by the Department of Defense (DoD) to support undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.  Find out more about this opportunity at:

http://smart.asee.org/

The National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate (NDSEG) Fellowship is a highly competitive, portable fellowship that is awarded to U.S. citizens and nationals who intend to pursue a doctoral degree in one of fifteen supported disciplines. NDSEG confers high honors upon its recipients, and allows them to attend whichever U.S. institution they choose.

Find out more about this opportunity at:

http://ndseg.asee.org/about_ndseg

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Nominations sought for MAGS Thesis Award

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The Executive Committee of the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) is soliciting nominations for the 2012 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.

Eligible students will have earned a master of science degree between October 1, 2010 to September 30, 2011.

Please see our web page for complete details on eligibility and application procedures.  Nominations are due no later than 4pm, October 10th to Debra Charlesworth in the Graduate School.

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Scholarships for Hispanic Students in STEM Fields

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The following scholarships are intended to increase the number of Hispanic students majoring in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). See also the CHCI, HACE, HACU, HCF, HHYA and HEEF scholarship programs.

Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (AHETEMS) Scholarship Program
The AHETEMS scholarship program is open to Hispanic students who are enrolled full-time in a science, technology, engineering or math discipline. Award amounts vary from $1,000 to $5,000. A 3.0 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. The deadline is April 1.

Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars Hispanic Scholars Program (Fact Sheet)
The Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars Hispanic Scholars Program provides ten $42,500 college scholarships/internships (Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars) and twenty-five $2,000 scholarships (Ciencia National Scholarships) per year. The Alliance/Merck Ciencia Scholars receive an annual $5,000 scholarship (renewable for up to a total of four years) and an annual $7,500 summer research internship (for each of three years) along with Ciencia mentor support and the opportunity to present original research in an annual Ciencia Scholars Symposium. The program is open to Hispanic high school seniors from Brownsville (Texas), Elizabeth (New Jersey) and Los Angeles (California) who will major in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. The deadline is in mid-January. For more information call 1-866-783-2645 or write to National Alliance for Hispanic Health, Attn: Alliance/Merck Ciencia Hispanic Scholars Program, 1501 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036.

National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees (NOPHNRCSE)
The National Organization of Professional Hispanic Natural Resources Conservation Service Employees sponsors four $1,000 scholarships for Hispanic students who wish to pursue or are pursuing a Bachelor’s degree with a major in natural resources or natural resources conservation at an accredited 4-year college or university. The scholarship is open to high school seniors and current college freshmen, sophomores and juniors. The deadline is in late February.

Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES)
The Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists sponsors scholarships for Hispanic students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Award amounts vary from $1,000 to $4,000. Applicants must be student members of MAES. The deadline is in late September.

Scholarships for Hispanic Students in Other Majors

Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation
The Jorge Mas Canosa Freedom Foundation sponsors the Mas Family Scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students of Cuban descent. Eligible majors include engineering, business, international relations, economics, communications and journalism. The deadline is in mid-January. For more information, please call 1-305-529-0075 x135 or write to The Mas Family Scholarships, PO Box 14-1898, Miami, FL 33114.

National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees
The National Hispanic Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees sponsors two scholarship programs. The Rene Matos Scholarships are awarded based on financial need, academic achievement, student activities, honors and awards, community involvement, leadership, personal qualities and strengths. The deadline is May 1. The NHCFAE-FEEA Scholarship Program (see also the FEEA web site) awards a $1,000 scholarship to current civilian federal employees who are NHCFAE members, their spouses and dependent children. A 3.0 minimum GPA on a 4.0 scale is required. The deadline is in late March.

State Farm Companies Foundation
The State Farm Companies Foundation awards twenty-five $2,500 awards annual to Hispanic students interested in teaching careers. The deadline is mid-October. The scholarships are administered by the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.

US National Highway Institute
The US National Highway Institute offers the Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship Program (DDETFP) for undergraduate and graduate students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). Students cannot apply directly for these fellowships, as funding is provided through the colleges. The awards are for students pursuing degrees in transportation-related disciplines. US citizenship and permanent residency is required.

Adelante Fund Scholarship Program
The Adelante Fund Scholarship Program sponsors several scholarship programs with amounts ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The deadline is in late May.

  • The national scholarship is available to college juniors or seniors pursuing a degree in business, economics, finance, accounting, marketing, public relations or sales. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship.
  • The MillerCoors Texas scholarship is available to an incoming or current full-time undergraduate student attending a college in Dallas, Houston or El Paso. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship.
  • The MillerCoors Chicago scholarship is available to an incoming or current undergraduate student attending a college in the Chicago Metro area. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship.
  • The Hope Scholarship is available to an incoming or current undergraduate student attending an accredited college in San Antonio, Texas. This scholarship is not renewable. The award is not based on financial need. Applicants must have a 2.5 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must demonstrate involvement in community service. Recipients may pursue a degree in any field of study offered by the San Antonio college. Employees of CPS Energy are not eligible.
  • The iHispano Scholarship is available to any incoming or current undergraduate student at a 4-year university in any major. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents. Applicants must have a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA to continue receiving the scholarship

Best Buy Emerging Latino Leaders Scholarship Program
The Emerging Latino Leaders Scholarship Program is a national essay contest sponsored by the National Council of La Raza (NCLR) and Best Buy Children’s Foundation. NCLR is the largest national Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States. Two $10,000 and three $5,000 scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and community service. The deadline is in early March.

Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute provides educational and leadership development programs including scholarships and fellowships. The scholarships include the CHCI Scholarship and CHCI Alumni Association Dream Scholarship (for first generation college students). The fellowships incude the CHCI Public Policy Fellowship for recent bachelor’s degree recipients and the CHCI Graduate & Young Professional Fellowship for college graduates with at least a Master’s degree or three years of professional experience in the chosen policy field. The fellowships provide an opportunity to work in Congressional offices, federal agencies or national advocacy organizations. Fields include health, housing, international affairs, law and STEM. All recipients are selected based on community service and leadership.

Gates Millennium Scholarship Program (GMSP)
The Gates Millennium Scholarship Program is funded by a $1 billion grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Awards for Hispanic and Latino students are awarded in partnership with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens who are high school seniors intending to enroll full-time in a college or university. Candidates must have a 3.3 or higher GPA and demonstrate financial need (eligible for the Pell Grant). Recipients are selected on the basis of leadership and academic excellence. The deadline is in early January. For more information, call 1-877-690-4677 or write to Gates Millennium Scholars, PO Box 10500, Fairfax, VA 22031-8044.

Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE)
The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement provides several undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to Hispanic and Latino students. An example is the ComEd Latino Scholarship Fund which awards five $2,500 scholarships to Illinois residents who have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Eligible majors include accounting, business, chemistry, communications, computer science, engineering, pre-law, mathematics, media relations and physics. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic excellence and community service. The deadline is in late August.

  • NASA-MUST: Motivating Undergraduates in Science and Technology is a renewable scholarship for undergraduate students that covers up to half tuition and fees, capped at $10,000 per year. It also includes a 10-week summer internship with $6,000 stipend and $1,000 travel allowance. Applicants must major in STEM fields of study (science, technology, engineering or mathematics). US citizenship is required. The deadline is in early February.
  • Google Scholarship Program in Computer Science and Computer Engineering is a $10,000 scholarship open to Hispanic students who are juniors or seniors in college or pursuing a Master’s or PhD, with at least a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Applicants must be majoring in computer science or computer engineering, demonstrate financial need and be enrolled on a full-time basis. US citizenship or permanent residency is required. The deadline is March 15.

For more information, call 1-800-644-4223 or 1-202-296-5400, fax 1-202-296-3774, write to Hispanic College Fund, Inc., 1301 K Street NW, Suite 450-A West, Washington, DC 20005, or send email to hcf-info@hispanicfund.org.

Hispanic Heritage Foundation
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation offers the Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards (HHYA) to graduating high school seniors with a 3.0 or higher GPA on a 4.0 scale. Awards are granted in several categories, including academic excellence, business, education, engineering, mathematics, journalism, leadership and sports. Award amounts include $1,000 (bronze medallion), $2,000 (silver medallion) and $3,000 (gold medallion). National HHYA recipients receive $5,000 and a laptop computer. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. The deadline is March 30.

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF)
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund provides scholarships open to graduating high school seniors, undergraduate and graduate students and community college students intending to transfer to a 4-year college. Applicants must be US citizens or eligible non-citizens and have a 3.0 or higher GPA. Most awards have deadlines in mid-February, although there are some awards with deadlines as early as mid-November and as late as July 15. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $20,000. The Hispanic Scholarship Fund awards more than 4,000 scholarships totaling more than $25 million a year. For more information call 1-877-HSF-INFO (1-877-473-4636) or write to Hispanic Scholarship Fund, 55 Second Street, Suite 1500 San Francisco, CA 94105. (Organizations interested in supporting the efforts of the Hispanic Scholarship Fund should contact the Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute.)

La Unidad Latina Foundation Academic Scholarships
The La Unidad Latina Foundation offers academic scholarships of $250 to $1,000 for Hispanic students enrolled in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program at a 4-year US college or university. Applicants must have completed one full-time year of undergraduate education or at least one full-time semester of graduate study. Applicants must have a GPA of 2.8 to 3.6 (inclusive) on a 4.0 scale. The deadlines are February 15 (spring) and October 15 (fall).

League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)
The League of United Latin American Citizens sponsors the LULAC National Scholarship Fund (LNSF). Scholarships amounts are up to $2,000. Applicants must have applied to or be enrolled in a college, university or graduate student (including 2-year colleges and vocational school programs leading to an Associate’s degree). A minimum 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale is required for the National Scholastic Achievement Awards, and a minimum 3.25 GPA is required for the Honors Awards. Applicants must be US citizens or legal permanent residents.

Sallie Mae Fund
The Sallie Mae Fund offers two scholarship programs for Hispanic students. The First in My Family Scholarship provides $500 to $5,000 to students who are US citizens or permanent residents and have at least a 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. The deadline is April 15. The scholarship is managed by the Hispanic College Fund. The other award program is the Community College Transfer Scholarship.

For original source please visit: http://www.fastweb.com/college-scholarships/articles/19-scholarships-for-hispanic-and-latino-students?page=1

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