Graduate School Newsblog

School is meant to be challenging—overcoming obstacles is all part of learning. Sometimes, however, an obstacle is just an obstacle. When the Graduate School asked students about their Michigan Tech experiences and offered to help, the students jumped at the chance to speak up: it can be hard to get around town, they said. Our students love the bus services provided by Michigan Tech Transportation Services and the City of Houghton, but, they ventured, would it be possible to have evening routes, Saturday routes to the west Houghton commercial strip, and vehicles that could accommodate families?

After considerable planning, Transportation Services, the Graduate School, and the Graduate Student Government are pleased to announce new bus routes to address these concerns. Effective immediately, all three student issues, as well as the needs of the campus community at large, have been addressed by the schedules described below. This free shuttle service is available to University students, staff, and faculty.

Services available:

Campus Parking Shuttle– a , oop connecting the MUB to commuter lots throughout campus, including the SDC; runs through business hours.
Daniell Heights Loop-a small loop connecting University Housing (Daniell Heights) to the MUB; also runs through business hours.
Michigan Tech-City Shuttle + Daniell Heights Loop-a larger, figure-8 loop providing a second Daniell Heights/MUB run every hour but including a trip through downtown Houghton up to the commercial strip in west Houghton (Econo/Shopko, Walmart, Aspirus, Razorback) returning through town via Houghton Avenue (starts 7:00am; every hour; last loop returns to MUB at 6:45pm; a great commuter route).
Michigan Tech-City Shuttle Evening Loop-combines a loop around the MUB/Heights route with a ride along Sharon Avenue to the west Houghton commercial district, returning back along Sharon avenue to the Heights and MUB (Wednesday through Friday; starts 6:45 pm from the Upper Heights to West Houghton with the last loop returning to the Heights at 8:45 pm).
Saturday Shuttle-New New New! The University has paired with Lamers Bus Lines to provide free bus service on Saturday, Sep 23rd and 30th from Daniell Heights to the west Houghton commercial district (starts noon from the Upper Heights to the west Houghton commercial district approximately every hour with the last loop out at 3pm. Please note, currently this service is for students and children over the age of 4.).

Questions? Please contact GSG President Hossein Tavakoli, or Graduate School representative Shellie Crisman. Taking a bus is convenient, energy efficient, and can even be part of a wellness plan (if you walk one way!). Route details may be found at these links:

Shuttle schedule: http://www.mtu.edu/facilities/pdfs/shuttle-schedule.pdf

Please visit http://www.mtu.edu/maps/ for interactive Shuttle Maps or contact Transportation Services (parking@mtu.edu) with any questions.

The Reedsy National Creative Writing Scholarship and Sponsorship Program

Published September 18, 2017

Funding Opportunities

The Reedsy National Creative Writing Scholarship is a $1,000 award granted twice annually to students with an interest in English.

You can find all the relevant details on our site—including more information about the work Reedsy does in the publishing community. Reedsy is passionate about nurturing the next generation of writers. That’s why current and incoming students at Michigan Tech University are eligible to enter the scholarship to win $1,000 to fund their education.

Application Deadline Dates: September 21, 2017 & February 21, 2018

Minimum SAT/ACT and GPA: None

School Year: 2017-2018

Majors: Creative Writing, English, Writing, Professional Writing, Liberal Arts, Theatre, Communications, New Media, Other

Value of Scholarship: $1000 Bi-annually with renewal upon reasonable progress.

Number of Scholarships Available: 1 cash, 5 sponsorship opportunities

U.S. Citizenship: Citizens and Permanent Residents

Required Student Activities: Applicants must have completed the first chapter of a novel they are currently writing, or have written but not published.

Hobbies: Creative Writing, Novel Writing, Fiction Writing, Professional Writing, Media

Contact details

Address: Reedsy Ltd. Seedcamp 4-5 Bonhill St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4BX

Phone: 020 3108 9367

Email: scholarship@reedsy.com

Page: blog.reedsy.com/scholarship/

Professional Development Program 2017-18

Published September 13, 2017

By Debra Charlesworth

News

The Graduate School is pleased to announce its Professional Development Program for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. The series is coordinated through the Graduate School with funding from NSF. The workshops are most appropriate for postdocs and 3rd and 4th year PhD students, but all interested people may attend, space permitting. Please register online so we can plan for your attendance.

Second Century Stewardship 2018 Research Fellowships

Published September 13, 2017

Funding Opportunities

A request for proposals was recently announced for the Second Century Stewardship 2018 Research Fellowships. The Second Century Stewardship initiative is a partnership among National Park Service, American Association for the Advancement of Science, and Schoodic Institute.

Proposals are due October 23. There will be an informational webinar on September 13 at 1pm eastern. Those interested can register here for the webinar.

The goal of the fellowships is to support early-career researchers (assistant professors, postdocs, grad students, researchers at NGOs, etc.) to do research and communication that help NPS and other organizations adapt and respond to changing human-natural systems. The research must be relevant to Acadia National Park, but can include other areas too.

We encourage proposals from researchers in a wide range of disciplines, including natural and social sciences, and proposals that cross disciplines.

Each proposal may request up to a total of $20,000 for research over 1-2 years. The Second Century Stewardship partners will also provide mentorship, communication training and support, and other types of support for each fellow.

Sincerely,

The Second Century Stewardship Team

Shenandoah National Park Trust Research Fellowship Program Opens for Applications

Published September 8, 2017

Funding Opportunities

Applications for the Shenandoah National Park Trust research fellowship program to facilitate and encourage scientific research in Shenandoah National Park will be accepted from September 15 to October 31, 2017. Funded by the Shenandoah National Park Trust, the grant supports field research in the physical, biological, ecological, social, and cultural sciences. The funding will support projects conducted in the park and help answer questions important to park managers. The grants are managed by Shenandoah National Park and up to $15,000 per grant will be awarded.

Shenandoah National Park offers an ideal natural laboratory in which to study a wide variety of research topics. Important science issues at the park include, but are not limited to, air pollution, water quality, habitat fragmentation, invasive exotic species, rare species conservation, recreation impacts on visitor experiences and natural resources, restoration of disturbed natural and cultural landscapes, protecting our cultural heritage, and an incomplete inventory of the park’s natural and cultural resources. Shenandoah National Park offers a diversity of landscapes across nearly 200,000 acres, including hardwood forest, rocky outcrops, mountain streams, and open meadows.

The research grant program is open to applications from undergraduate and graduate students, college and university faculty, state and federal agency scientists, private-sector research professionals, and others with appropriate backgrounds and credentials. To access the grant application and instructions, go to http://www.nps.gov/shen/naturescience/research-grant.htm. Applications will be accepted from September 15 until October 31, with grant award(s) announcedDecember 15, 2017.

www.nps.gov

Management Specialist

Shenandoah National Park

3655 US Hwy 211 East

Luray, VA 22835

540-999-3500 x. 3300 (office) 540-742-8106 (cell)

sally_hurlbert@nps.gov

Formatting 101: New Fall Seminar Series

Published September 6, 2017

News

Students preparing a dissertation, thesis, or report are invited to a new seminar series this summer designed to answer the questions we most commonly see in the Graduate School. Faculty and staff who assist students are also welcome to attend. The general format will be a 30 minute presentation with time for your questions.

Our first seminar will be “Formatting 101: Using the Guide and Template.” We’ll discuss how you can use the Guide to find the formatting rules, and the template for signature/approval pages. Additional details:

1. Formatting 101: Using the Guide and Template

Date: 09/26/2017
Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

2. Formatting 101: Copyright for Dissertations and Theses

Date: 10/10/2017
Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

3. Formatting 101: How to Check and Fix your Document

Date: 10/24/2017
Time: 4:05 – 4:55pm
Place: Fisher 138 or live stream

Please register to attend on campus or to view the live stream for each of them so that we can plan for your attendance. Individuals who register for the live stream will receive log in information three hours before the event.

All materials (including video when available) from all Graduate School seminars are archived online.

Spring 2018 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

Published September 5, 2017

News

Applications for Spring 2018 finishing fellowships are being accepted beginning September 5, 2017 and are due no later than 4pm, October 18, 2017 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:

Must be a PhD student.
Must expect to finish during the semester supported as a finishing fellow.
Must have submitted no more than one previous application for a finishing fellowship.
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.

Seminar on Submitting your Dissertation, Thesis, or Report

Published September 5, 2017

News

Students planning on finishing a dissertation, thesis, or report in fall 2017 or spring 2018 are invited a seminar designed to help students understand the submission process and answer questions about it. Faculty and staff who assist students with submissions are also welcome to attend.

When: September 12, 2017 at 4:05 – 4:55 pm
Who: Students defending in the fall or spring; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
Where: Fisher 138 or online as a live streaming event (please, off campus students only)
Register: Off campus/On campus

Once you register, you will receive a confirmation three hours before the event with the location and a reminder of the date and time, or information on how to join us online.

If you are unable to join us, this seminar will be taped and available online after the event.

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

Spring 2018 PHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

Published September 5, 2017

Announcements

Applications for Spring 2018 PHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted beginning September 5, 2017 and are due no later than 4pm, October 11, 2017 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:

Must be a PhD student participating in health-related research that is aligned with the PHF’s mission.
Must be eligible for or in Research Mode at the time of application.
Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
Must not have previously received a PHF Graduate Assistantship.

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.

Spring 2018 KCP Fellowship Applications Sought

Published August 25, 2017

By Debra Charlesworth

Announcements

Applications are being sought for Spring 2018 KCP Future Faculty Fellowships, a program funded by the State of Michigan. Applications are due no later than 4pm on September 12, 2017. KCP fellowships provide students up to $20,000 (MS students) or $35,000 (PhD students) to pursue their degrees. 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. Fellows who do not obtain such a position after graduation will have the KCP fellowship funds converted to a loan.
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.

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 and current Michigan Tech transcript (if applicable).

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a panel consisting of one faculty member from each college or school on the following criteria:

Academic merit of the candidate.
Ability of the candidate to conduct independent research.
Level of commitment to pursuing a career in postsecondary education.
Level of support from the graduate program.

A priority will be placed on first time students.

Additional information is available online.