Student Scoop – January 15, 2025

The Dean’s Corner

The Fall 2024 Dean’s List is out now! Check the website for your name. To qualify for the dean’s list, students must complete 12 or more GPA credits in the qualifying semester (remember, pass/fail classes don’t contribute to your GPA). Students who earn a 4.0 can request an official letter from my office by emailing deanofstudents@mtu.edu

Monday, January 20th: there are no classes in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. There are a lot of events planned that are open to all students. Check out these festivities on the MLK Day website.

I have office hours again this semester in the Library and in CDI, stop by and see me!

1st floor of the Library
Tuesdays – 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Wednesdays – 2:00-3:00 pm

Center for Diversity and Inclusion
Fridays – 1:00 – 2:00 pm

Stay up to date on what’s happening on campus by checking out the News from the Dean webpage.


Winter Carnival Trivia Night

Ready to test your knowledge and win amazing prizes? Bundle up and head over to Fisher 139 on Jan. 17th at 9:30 p.m. for an unforgettable night of trivia, fun, and winter-themed questions! Hosted by Quiz Bowl, Blue Key, and Late Night Programming, this event is your chance to flex your brainpower while snagging prizes worth over $1,500—including everything you need to survive the winter months.

From cozy winter gear to cool gadgets to food (!)—perfect for the season, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Bring your A-game to have fun, compete with friends, and maybe even score some great prizes to help you through the cold months ahead!

If you need any accommodations or questions, reach out to ahjerste@mtu.edu.


Student Leadership Award Nominations

Nominations are now open to celebrate and recognize the individual and group efforts of students involved across campus at the 31st Annual Student Leadership Awards! The nomination deadline for all awards is Sunday, March 9th by midnight.

Awards presented include:
President’s Award for Leadership
Dean of Students Award for Service
William and Josephine Balconi Community Service Award
Gail and Glenn Mroz Emeritus President Leadership Award
Percy Julian Award
Clair M Donovan Award
Outstanding Future Alumni Award
Exceptional Enthusiasm as a Student Leader
Exceptional Leadership in Student Governance
Rising Star of the Year
Student Employee of the Year
Student Organization Advisor of the Year
Exceptional Civic Engagement Award
Exceptional Program of the Year
Student Group of the Year
Most Improved Student Group

Each week leading up to the nomination deadline, we will highlight two awards you could nominate for!

President’s Award for Leadership

Do you know a student who embodies leadership? Someone who inspires others, boldly pushes everyday boundaries, and serves their community with dedication? Now is the time to recognize their impact by nominating them for this award.

This award honors a student who lives out our leadership value statement: “We inspire the leadership needed for all individuals to boldly push everyday boundaries while serving others.” It’s an opportunity to highlight the extraordinary contributions of those who make a difference in their communities and beyond.

Dean of Students Award for Service

The Dean of Students Award for Service honors the student who goes above and beyond to make a difference within our university community. This prestigious recognition is awarded to a student who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to service, embodying the spirit of our Community values statement: “We inspire an engaged community that actively seeks improvement through acceptance and understanding.”

Do you know a student who has contributed meaningful service, inspired others through their actions, and fostered a stronger, more inclusive campus? Now is your chance to recognize their efforts!

Find more information about all the awards and nomination forms on the Student Leadership Award webpage.


36th Annual MLK Day Celebration

CDI Announces 36th Annual MLK Day Events at Michigan Tech

HOUGHTON, MI — The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) and the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Planning Committee is excited to announce the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day (MLK Day) Celebration at Michigan Technological University on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. This year’s theme, Beloved Community, draws from Dr. King’s vision of a world united in empathy, peace, and love. The day-long event will feature a variety of activities that celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and foster reflection, unity, and service in our community. Highlights include an MLK Brunch and keynote speaker, Interfaith Prayer Service, Peace March, and an MLK Reading Day with local elementary schools.

MLK Brunch

The celebration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the MLK Brunch in the Ballroom of the Memorial Union Building. The event will feature Schwartzen Precil, a 2017 alumnus of Finlandia University, as the keynote speaker. Precil will share his personal reflections on Dr. King’s enduring influence and the ongoing pursuit of justice and equity. The brunch offers a unique opportunity for the community to come together in solidarity to honor Dr. King’s life and work. This program is partially sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, funded through the State of Michigan’s King-Chavez-Parks Initiative.

MLK Interfaith Prayer Service and Reflection

At 12:00 p.m., the Interfaith Prayer Service and Reflection will take place in the East Reading Room of the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Led by Pastor Sarah Semmler Smith of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, this interfaith service will provide a space for reflection, prayer, and the sharing of excerpts from Dr. King’s sermons, prayers, and speeches. The event is open to all members of the campus community, regardless of faith, and aims to unite participants in a shared commitment to justice and peace.

MLK Peace March

Following the Prayer Service, the MLK Peace March will begin at 1:00 p.m. at the Husky Statue. The march, led by Vice President for Student Affairs Kellie Raffaelli, will proceed across campus to reaffirm Michigan Tech’s dedication to Dr. King’s ideals of justice, equity, and peaceful protest. The Peace March will serve as a public demonstration of the campus community’s ongoing commitment to Dr. King’s vision for a more just society.

MLK Reading Day

As part of Michigan Tech’s MLK Day observance, MLK Reading Day will take place on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. During this event, Michigan Tech students will visit local elementary schools to read children’s books that highlight the themes of social justice and Dr. King’s life and legacy. This annual event continues the tradition of sharing Dr. King’s message with young minds, fostering the values of equality, service, and community. Students interested in volunteering for MLK Reading Day can sign up online at: https://www.mtu.edu/diversity-center/get-involved/martin-luther-king/.

Preparation and Beyond

Craft Day Workshop

On Jan. 9  from 5:00-7 p.m. The CDI is partnering with the Black Student Alliance to host a Craft Day Workshop where students will prepare posters for the upcoming MLK and Black History Month exhibits. The workshop will offer participants the chance to create both digital and physical artwork that will be displayed at the Van Pelt and Opie Library.

Student Art Exhibit

The MLK Art Exhibit will be featured along the curved wall of the Opie Reading Room at the Van Pelt and Opie Library from Jan. 13–24, 2025. This year, all students are invited to submit digital or physical art posters reflecting the theme of Beloved Community and honoring the legacy of Dr. King. The exhibit provides an opportunity for students to showcase their creative interpretations of Dr. King’s life, values, and impact on society.

For more information on the 36th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration or to inquire about volunteering for Reading Day, please contact the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at cdi@mtu.edu.

About the Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI):

The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) at Michigan Technological University supports students, staff, and faculty from diverse backgrounds. Through a variety of programs and events, the CDI fosters a culture of inclusion, equity, and social justice on campus. The center works to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all members of the university community.

Contact: Lincoln Sorensen, Multicultural Student Success Coordinator
Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Michigan Technological University
Email: cdi@mtu.edu, ljsorens@mtu.edu
Website: mtu.edu/diversity-center


Spring Involvement Fair

Looking for ways to get involved? Look no further!

Spring Involvement Fair is coming! Join us on Tuesday, January 21st from 6:30PM-9:30PM in the MUB Ballroom. This is a great opportunity to connect with many student leaders, discover organizations you may want to join and become a part of an organization where you can find friends, fun, and great experiences! Best of all, plenty of MTU’s Registered Student Organizations will have activities available so you can learn more about them and how to become involved. Here are this year’s featured events:

  • Drive around a Copper Country Robotics robot from 7pm-9pm
  • Create jewelry and learn how to needle felt with the Craft Club in the Alley Makerspace
  • Make a D&D Character and partake in a short-form session with Dungeons and Dragons
  • Street Curl with Huskies Curl
  • Make a sword and dragon out of balloons with MUB Board
  • Go back in time and play some StepMania with Rhythm Game Club
  • Learn how to swing dance with Swing Club from 7pm-8pm
  • Play a variety of exciting musical games with WMTU 91.9FM
  • Try out the erg with Rowing Club at MTU
  • Play a game of chess with the Chess Club

With over 250 Student Organizations, there is something for everyone!


Do You Need Help Budgeting for Your RSO?

With RSO Budget Hearings quickly approaching, Student Leadership and Involvement is hosting HuskyLEAD: Creating An Effective Student Org Budget. This session will be a workshop designed to assist RSOs in the budgeting process. Basics from setting up your RSO’s budget tracking spreadsheet to tracking expenses will be reviewed. Listed below are details about the event.

Date: Thursday, January 23rd

Time: 4:00-5:00 PM

If you are interested in attending, please register here. Additionally, if you have any questions about this event, please email Cole Pierucki at cgpieruc@mtu.edu. We hope to see you there!


DIVE into the FIRST Robotics Competition Season as a Volunteer

Are you a FIRST Alumni, a robot enthusiast, or just looking to be involved in your local community? FIRST Robotics Competition volunteering is open, and Copper Country Robotics will be bringing members to Escanaba, MI, Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and Saginaw, MI to assist in the operation of these events. This is a great way to stay involved with the FIRST Robotics community without having to dedicate time or money to build a robot.

We frequently make up a large portion of the volunteer base at these competitions, serving in roles such as Referee, Field Reset, FTAA, Scorekeeper, and so many more valuable positions. If this is something that interests you, visit the Copper Country Robotics Involvement Link page to RSVP for any of the three events that we will be participating in!

If you have any questions, please email ccr-contact@mtu.edu!

(Please note, due to the distance and duration of the Michigan State Championships, Copper Country Robotics may charge all participants no more than $50 to participate. This cost covers any gas or hotel expenses incurred throughout the trip. Follow the Involvement Link page for updates on the final dues requested)


BigFoot Glowshoe 2025

Join us for our annual BigFoot Glowshoe event being held on the Michigan Tech Trails! The event will be a glowing good time – all are welcome and no snowshoeing experience is required. Pre-registration is required and includes beanies, glowsticks, and more!

Location: OAP Rental Center – MTU Trailhead
Date: Thursday, February 6, 2025
Time Slots: 6:00 pm, 7:00 pm, 8:00 pm

REGISTER HERE

Cost:
All Participants: Event Only (BYO snowshoes!) $5
MTU Student: Event + Snowshoe Rental $5
General Public: Event + Snowshoe Rental $10

For more information, visit our website.


MUB BOARD PRESENTS:

Bring your friends, grab a headphone set, and dance and sing your heart out at our silent disco! There will be multiple channels with many different types of music!

Starting January 27th, we will be hosting giveaways on our Instagram, bring a friend to our general meeting, and many more things to help students learn about who we are as MUB Board, what we do, and how all MTU students can take advantage of the free events going on around campus!

Stay tuned on our social media @mubboard for more information!


Sustainability Film: ‘Cooked: Survival by Zip Code’

The 2025 Sustainability Film Series, coordinated by Michigan Tech Office of Sustainability and Resilience, will present January’s film Cooked: Survival by Zip Code at 7 p.m. on Thursday, January 16 in Fisher 135. The film is free and everyone is welcome to attend. The film will be followed by a facilitated discussion and refreshments. Add Cooked: Survival by Zip Code to your Google calendar.

Cooked: Survival by Zip Code looks through the lens of the 1995 Chicago heat wave to examine how race, poverty, and geography intersect, shedding light on the ways systemic inequities and climate change combine to disproportionately impact underserved communities. 

Film sponsors include Keweenaw Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, Keweenaw Co-op, Lake Superior Stewardship Initiative, WUP MiSTEM Network, Friends of the Land of Keweenaw (FOLK), Keweenaw Land Trust, MTU: Office of Sustainability and Resilience and the Hardwood Mass Timber Institute. 

Series Details:

  • When: Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m., through May
  • Where: Fisher 135 or 138 (refreshments in lobby)
  • Cost: Free! $5 donations are greatly appreciated. You can make a donation online to support the Sustainable Film Series.

Upcoming Film: 

  • Troubled Water – February 20, Fisher 138
    Lifelong friends Chris Yahanda and William Wright embark on a 425-mile paddleboard journey across Lake Michigan and the Grand River, exploring environmental threats to the Great Lakes and discovering the power of community in protecting the waters they love.

Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing

Behind the Buzz – Husky Hour

Join guest speaker Gail Ploe from the Upper Peninsula Western Health Department for a fun, hands on discussion about debunking common alcohol and drug myths. Contrary to popular belief drinking in college isn’t the norm, but we’re here to help you navigate how to engage in it safely and you’ll walk away with a better understanding of the risks. Come hang out, play bingo and have the opportunity to win prizes!

Depression Screening

Feeling overwhelmed, down, or not like yourself? Stop by our free and confidential Depression Screening. The process is quick and informative, offering valuable insight into your mental health and connecting you with helpful resources. Taking that first step can make all the difference!


The Michigan Tech Math Lab is Hiring!

Do you enjoy helping others with math and programming? Are you a Mathematica expert?

Join the Math Lab in Fisher 331, and help others while learning and getting paid!

What we offer:

  • Flexible hours
  • Starting pay $13.00/hr
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Exciting projects (3D printing, Raspberry Pi)

What you need:

  • Completion of Calculus 1, 2, and 3
  • Experience using Wolfram Mathematica
  • Strong communication and listening skills

Application process:

  • Apply to the linked Google Form
  • Candidates will complete a Mathematica skill assessment
  • Candidates will complete an interview
  • Chosen candidates will begin training

All majors are welcome!

For questions, email Maggie Ludlow at mludlow@mtu.edu or visit https://www.mtu.edu/math/undergraduate/mathlab/


Industry Tours – Epsilon Pi Tau

Sign up now to attend industry tours with Georgia-Pacific, Plexus, Milwaukee Tool, and Miller Electric!

We will be traveling on March 6th/7th, 2025 and receiving tours at the companies listed above. This is open to ALL STUDENTS interested.

Lodging and transportation are included (FREE).

There are 20 available slots and it is first come first serve. Sign-Up will be finalized at the info session.

Sign up to attend the info session here: (https://forms.gle/VJGnaGxMH8YEZJvg8)


From Code to Couture: Michigan Tech Theatre Invites you to Compete in February’s Fashion Show with Cash Prizes

Threading Empathy, produced by Michigan Tech Theatre, features a dynamic runway show with a gallery space and a competition for participants. This year’s theme explores techno-fashion and empathy.

Experience the Future of Fashion: February 13-15, 2025

Imagine smart textiles and 3D-printed couture that embrace inclusivity and sustainability, or wearable tech that connects us to the world in meaningful ways. Threading Empathy is where these possibilities come to life.

Beyond a showcase of style, Threading Empathy invites participants of all skill levels to bring their unique visions to life. Each creation in the fashion show will be judged on its ingenuity, craftsmanship, and ability to embody the spirit of empathy through the lens of technology and fashion.

No prior experience in sewing, coding, or designing is required.

Ways to Participate in the Competition:

  • Empathy Through Design: Create a garment or accessory that captures the essence of empathy as it relates to human connection, inclusivity, or shared experience.
  • Innovative Textiles and Technologies: Experiment with smart fabrics, conductive threads, or 3D printing to merge craftsmanship with cutting-edge technologies.
  • Robotic Fashion: Design garments or accessories for robots, combining futuristic aesthetics with functional innovation.

Participants will be competing for cash prizes:

  • 1st Place: $500
  • 2nd Place: $250
  • 3rd Place: $100

Honorable mentions will be awarded for innovative approaches and exceptional creativity. If you are interested in participating in the competition, please complete the entry form.

Details

What: Fashion Show: Threading Empathy

When: 7:30 p.m. February 13-15, 2025

Where: McArdle Theatre

Tickets: Pay As You’re Able Tickets ($10 full fee)

Michigan Tech Students are eligible for free Student Rush Tickets, sponsored by Experience Tech Fee.


Students for Sustainability Clothing Swap

Students for Sustainability is hosting another Clothing Swap on Tuesday, January 28th and Wednesday, January 29th from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm in the East Reading Room of the Library. Donations bins will be set out around campus for people to place donated items. The days of the event you can stop by for free donated clothing! We will also be taking donations the days of the event. You do not have to donate something to take something, this event is open to everyone!


MTU Student Day at the Keweenaw Co-op – This Sunday

The Keweenaw Co-op is hosting an MTU Student Day at its new location on Sunday, January 19th, from 1-4 pm. Students attending will receive a guided tour of the co-op where they will learn about the importance of supporting local food systems and building community, and understand how a cooperative can help to further those actions. Students can also enjoy samples, have the opportunity to win prizes, and receive a 5% discount.


Register to Build an All-Nighter

Do you have a great idea for a statue for this year’s Winter Carnival theme “Dragons, Knights, and Legendary Sights?” Use this link to register your organization.

Applications are currently open and remain open until January 27 (1/27/25) at midnight. Site priority is given to those who sign up first. There is no application fee to build a statue, but a refundable $25.00 deposit in the form of cash or a check, payable to Blue Key, is required for Pigtails. A refundable $15.00 deposit in the form of cash or a check, payable to Blue Key, is required for water keys.

If you have any questions, please reach out to bkstatues@mtu.edu or esanti@mtu.edu.


This Week Film Board Presents:

The Godfather

The aging patriarch of an organized crime dynasty transfers control of his clandestine empire to his reluctant son.

The Godfather is rated R

Friday (1/17) 5:30pm 8:30pm 11:30pm
Saturday (1/18) 5:30pm 8:30pm 11:30pm

Located on Michigan Tech’s campus in Fisher 135. Free admission for tech students and $5 for community members. Concessions are $1.50 card accepted. We hope to see you at the movie this weekend and have a great day.


Upcoming Spring Recruitment Events

Discover the excitement of spring recruitment!

This week is packed with opportunities to connect, grow, and learn more about the sisterhoods on campus. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, explore leadership opportunities, or find your home away from home, there’s something for everyone.

All of these amazing chapters can’t wait to meet you and show you what makes their chapter so special!


Delta Upsilon Presents:

Join the brothers of Delta Upsilon for a *free* night of poker and board games. There is no buy-in for this event and no real currency is used.

Join the brothers of Delta Upsilon for snowmen building on walker lawn!


Study Abroad through MTU with WorldStrides

Interested in studying abroad? Take a moment to visit with our representative of WorldStrides, Michael Saenz, during his campus visit on Wednesday, January 22nd.

Worldstrides is a study abroad organization partnered with MTU to offer both semester and summer study abroad programs in 29 countries.

Please take advantage of Michael’s visit to MTU to speak with him at the following events.

Wednesday, January 22nd: 10:00 – 12:30pm – Tabling in Wads

Wednesday, January 22nd: 2:00-3:00pm – Worldstrides program info session in MUB Greenstone Room, 106A

In the meantime, please take the time to review Worldstrides ISA (Europe, Latin America, and Africa) and TEAN (Asia and Pacific) program offerings.

If you are unable to attend these events, please don’t hesitate to schedule a study away advising appointment with MTU’s Manager of Study Away, Casey Nelson.


ASME Company Tour

Join ASME, American Society of Mechanical Engineers, on March 18th for an exciting company tour of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation and Fincantieri Marinette Marine! This is a fantastic opportunity to get your foot in the door and explore potential internships at these renowned companies. We’re looking for committed students able to attend this full-day trip, with a departure at 7:00 AM and a return around 8:00 PM EST.

The commitment form below will remain open until January 31st, as Fincantieri Marinette Marine requires a background check in advance.

Slots are limited to the first 30 sign-ups with ASME members receiving priority, though membership is not required to participate. All questions about the event can be directed to asme@mtu.edu.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, build connections, and take a step toward your future in the industry!

Commitment Form


Disability Appreciation Event Planning!

Hello! This is a friendly message from Brianna Sleeman, the leader of a celebration of the local disabled community that pays respect to those involved in the Disability Rights Movement.

We will be having a showing of the documentary “Crip Camp,” which discusses a summer camp for the disabled and the formation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. There are currently less than ten people collaborating on this project, and we would love your help. This week, we will be discussing event accessibility, how we’ll promote the event, and the possibility of having a panel after the movie. Our meeting will be held this Saturday evening at 6:30 PM. Please see our meeting information below.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to contact me at bmsleema@mtu.edu. We appreciate your support.

Darrell’s Day Planning
Saturday, January 18 · 6:30 – 7:30pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rnx-vito-cjy
Or dial: ‪(US) +1 385-374-0187‬ PIN: ‪632 952 968‬#
More phone numbers: https://tel.meet/rnx-vito-cjy?pin=9812628410676


Machine Learning Workshop

Interested in Machine Learning? Leverage Your Skills!

Women in Physics is excited to announce a Machine Learning Workshop this spring semester! This 8-week hybrid workshop kicks off on February 3rd, 2025, and runs through March 31st, meeting every Monday from 4 PM to 5 PM. In-person sessions will take place in Fisher 231, with 40 spots available for in-person participation.

Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to expand your knowledge and have fun learning! Secure your spot now by scanning the QR code on the flyer or registering through the provided link.


Hangout & Games w/ The Waterski and Wakeboard Club

Thursday, January 16th, 7-9pm, Hillside lobby/kitchenette – Join the Waterski and Wakeboard Club in hanging out and playing games in the hillside lobby/kitchen space. We invite you to swing by and have some fun. Open to all, current and interested members. Great time for current members to meet others that they may not have met out on the water.