Graduate School Newsblog

Tag: Graduate School

Prepare to Graduate: Submit a Graduation Application

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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.


Submit a Graduation Application

To begin, view your academic audit (a VPN connection required to access the audit) to ensure that all the course and non-course requirements are complete with either a green check, or half-moon in the progress indicator on the left. Your advisor, graduate program assistant, or our Student Guide will help answer your questions.

The deadline to submit a Graduation Application is Friday of Week 5.


Locate the requirement titled Graduation Application

degree audit showing the "graduation application" section.

Click the link (blue text) which will take you to Experience. Search for the card titled: Prepare to Graduate.

"prepare to graduate" section in Experience

Click on Submit Graduation Application and select the credential that you are completing. If you are earning more than one certificate or degree, you will need to submit a graduation application for each one.

Graduation Date: Select the term that you will complete your degree or certificate requirements. (Do not select your commencement term here, that will come later.)

  • You may need to advance to page 2 to see your graduation term (e.g. 202508 (Fall 2025) or 202601 (Spring 2026)).
  • If your plans change, you can update your Expected Graduation term on your Degree Progress Checklist.
Student Graduation Application Section

Continue to Page 2.

Ceremony Attendance: The Graduate School hosts a single ceremony at the close of spring semester. Answer the question “Will you attend the ceremony?” with your choice. If your plans change, email gradschool@mtu.edu.

the Graduation Date section in the Graduation Appication

Complete the name and address fields and submit your application.

"name" section in the graduation application
the "addresses" section in the graduation application

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

the Academic Audit section

Verify that the Graduation Application is marked as complete. If it is not, please contact the Graduate School for assistance.

graduation application section when checked as completed

Your audit will include information about commencement and a link to the Commencement Application if you indicated that you will attend the commencement ceremony. See our Commencement Application blog post for more information.

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Prepare to Graduate: Submit a Commencement Application

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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.

the Academic Audit section

Locate the Commencement Application requirement to find the current link to the application and click on it to open the application. If your Graduation Application is not complete, the Commencement Application will not appear on your audit.

commencement application section

Provide the information requested in the Commencement Application. You will need to be logged in with your Michigan Tech credentials to access the application.

commencement application form heading

Within three business days, the Graduate School will review your application and enter your information into our database. If you are attending commencement, you will receive a confirmation email when your application has been processed.

Return to the Academic Audit in a few days to verify your commencement application requirement is complete.

commencement application section when checked as completed

If you chose not to participate in commencement, that will be confirmed in your application.

commencement application section when checked as completed and indicating non-attendance

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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 9, 2025, 2 – 4pm (see detailed schedule below)
  • Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where: Virtual and in-person (Admin 404 – limit for room is 30); (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

  • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – 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.
  • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Formatting 101-103
    Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.
  • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Questions
    Have a question that hasn’t been answered yet? We’ll be available to answer any additional questions you have
Continue Reading →

Spring 2026 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

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Applications for Spring 2026 finishing fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. on September 25, 2025 to the Graduate School. Please email applications to gradschool@mtu.edu.

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 candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
  5. Must not hold a final oral examination (“defense”) prior to the start of the award semester.

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.

Continue Reading →

Spring 2026 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

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Pre-proposals for Spring 2026 CSCHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4pm, September 10, 2025 to the Graduate School. Students who best meet the foundation’s criteria will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due on October 22, 2025.  Instructions on the pre-proposal, full application, and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities.
  2. Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
  3. Must not be a prior recipient of a PHF or CSCHF Graduate Assistantship.
  4. Preference will be given to applicants with long-standing local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon county.

Previous recipients of a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship are not eligible to reapply.

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 Copper Shores Community 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 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Continue Reading →

Welcome, Fall Graduate Students!

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Get ready to kick off your graduate journey at Michigan Tech! We’re excited to invite all graduate students to our Graduate School Welcome Session.

This is a fantastic opportunity to meet the Graduate School staff, learn more about what to expect, and connect with your fellow graduate students.

August 18th, 2025

Location: MTU Rozsa Center

Presentations: 2:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Reception: 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM

Come learn, ask questions, get involved, and meet your new community! We can’t wait to see you there.

Continue Reading →

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

Published
By

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: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 2 – 4:30pm (see detailed schedule below)
  • Who: Students completing a dissertation, thesis or report; faculty and staff who assist students with submission
  • Where:Virtual and in-person (Admin 404 – limit for room is 30); (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

  • 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – 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.
  • 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Formatting 101-103
    Learn about templates, checking your document with Adobe Acrobat, and how to use copyrighted materials. You’ll also learn where resources are on the web page so you can learn more about the topics that interest you.
  • 4:00 – 4:30 p.m. – Questions
    Have a question that hasn’t been answered yet? We’ll be available to answer any additional questions you have
Continue Reading →

Fall 2025 Finishing Fellowship Nominations Open

Published
By

Applications for Fall 2025 finishing fellowships are being accepted and are due no later than 4p.m. on June 4, 2025 to the Graduate School. Please email applications to gradschool@mtu.edu.

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 candidacy (tuition charged at Research Mode rate) at the time of application.
  5. Must not hold a final oral examination (“defense”) prior to the start of the award semester.

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.

Continue Reading →

Fall 2025 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship Nominations Open

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Pre-proposals for Fall 2025 CSCHF Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4pm, May 20, 2025 to the Graduate School. Students who best meet the foundation’s criteria will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due on June 25, 2025.  Instructions on the pre-proposal, full application, and evaluation process are found online. Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

  1. Must be a PhD student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, and Ontonagon communities.
  2. Must be 2 years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
  3. Must not be a prior recipient of a PHF or CSCHF Graduate Assistantship.
  4. Preference will be given to applicants with long-standing local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga, or Ontonagon county.

Previous recipients of a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship are not eligible to reapply.

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 Copper Shores Community 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 CSCHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Continue Reading →

Expand Your World: GLAS Student Presentations at the Portage Lake District Library!

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GLAS Teaching Practices Spring 2025 - March 10th at Portage District Library 5:15pm until 7:00pm
Interested in Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) and how to get involved? Read more on out GLAS webpage.

Are you curious about the world beyond Houghton? Do you want to connect with the diverse international community at Michigan Tech? Mark your calendars for an enriching experience at the Portage Lake District Library on March 10th, from 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM! The Graduate Language Assessment and Support (GLAS) program is thrilled to present an evening of student presentations that promise to broaden your horizons and spark new connections.

A Window to the World:

This isn’t your typical lecture. Our GLAS students, hailing from diverse corners of the globe, will share personal stories, cultural insights, and glimpses into their academic pursuits and passions. Imagine hearing firsthand accounts of traditions you’ve only read about, discovering unique perspectives on global issues, and learning about the fascinating research happening right here at Michigan Tech. This is a chance to experience the world without leaving Houghton!

Why You Should Be There:

This event is perfect for:

  • Michigan Tech Students: Connect with fellow students from around the world, learn about different cultures, and expand your network. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build friendships and find study partners with diverse perspectives.
  • Michigan Tech Faculty: Gain valuable insights into the experiences of international students at MTU and discover new ways to foster global understanding in the classroom.
  • Houghton Community Members: Engage with the vibrant international community that enriches our town. Learn about different cultures and build connections with your neighbors.
  • Anyone with a Curious Mind: If you’re interested in learning about different cultures, hearing inspiring stories, and expanding your understanding of the world, this event is for you!

What to Expect:

The GLAS Student Presentations will be a dynamic and engaging event. Expect:

  • Fascinating Stories: Hear firsthand accounts from GLAS students about their home cultures, academic journeys, and personal passions.
  • Cultural Exploration: Immerse yourself in different cultures and perspectives through the stories and experiences shared by our students.
  • Community Building: Connect with GLAS students, faculty, and fellow community members, fostering understanding and appreciation for global community.
  • Thought-Provoking Discussions: Engage in conversations about cultural exchange, global citizenship, and the importance of cross-cultural perspectives.

Event Details:

  • Date: March 10th
  • Time: 5:15 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Location: Portage Lake District Library
  • Registration: No registration required! Just come and enjoy!

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with the global community at Michigan Tech! Mark your calendars and invite your friends, family, classmates, and neighbors. Let’s celebrate diversity and learn from each other!

We can’t wait to see you there!

Continue Reading →