Student Scoop – August 20, 2025

An Afternoon on the Town

Looking for the perfect way to start the new school year? Grab your friends and join us for An Afternoon on the Town, a Michigan Tech tradition where campus meets community.

On Saturday, August 23, from 11 AM to 2 PM, you’ll get the chance to stroll from campus down College Avenue into downtown Houghton while checking out local businesses and organizations.

Start at the Memorial Union Building and tap in with your student ID. Make sure you check in at both stations, one on campus and one downtown, to be entered to win awesome prizes. Last year we gave away more than $3,000 in prizes.

Check out the 2025 participating groups on the event maps. Use the Walking Map to see where businesses will be located during An Afternoon on the Town, and the Business Map to find their permanent spots in Houghton.

If you would benefit from accommodations, a limited-capacity van will be available to help students reach high-traffic stops and requested businesses. Please complete our Request Accommodations Form to reserve a spot.

Come curious and get ready to experience Houghton like never before. You do not want to miss this event!


Welcome Week – Oh, the Places You Came From!

Welcome back, Huskies! It’s almost time for Welcome Week—our annual tradition to kick off the semester with a whole lot of Husky Spirit. Each year, we fill the week with activities, food, music, and ways to meet new friends.

Thanks to your Student Activity Fee and our generous sponsors, all Welcome Week events are free for Michigan Tech students!

  • Saturday, August 23
    • An Afternoon on the Town – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, starting at the MUB and running throughout Downtown Houghton
    • Huskies Women’s Soccer vs. University of Wisconsin Stevens Point – 4:00 PM, Kearly Stadium
  • Sunday, August 24
    • Huskies’ Walmart Takeover – 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Walmart (Sponsored by Walmart) Shuttles begin at 5:45 p.m. from Lot 14
  • Monday, August 25
    • First Day Photo Shoot and Treats with Alumni Engagement – 9:30 – 11:30 AM, at the Husky Statue in front of Opie Library
    • Portage Lake District Library Card Sign-up with the Library – 11:00 AM-2:00 PM, Van Pelt and Opie Library first floor
  • Tuesday, August 26
    • Donuts First, Then Class: Welcome to Campus! with Career Services – 8:30-10:30 AM, Husky Statue
    • On-Campus Job Expo with Career Services – 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at the MUB Alumni Lounge
  • Wednesday, August 27
    • Come Over to Our House for Pizza – 1–3 p.m., the Alumni House
  • Thursday, August 28
    • Pops and Possibilities – 1–3 p.m., near the Husky Statue
    • Huskies Football vs. Bemidji State – 6:00 PM, Kearly Stadium
  • Friday, August 29
    • Snowcones with Pavlis Honors College– 1–5 p.m., at the DHH Bocce Ball Courts
  • Saturday, August 30
    • Silent Disco cosponsored by MUB Board and Late Night Programming – 9:00 PM – 11:00 PM, MUB Ballroom A 
  • All Week Long
    • Library Origami Inquiry Quest– 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Library “Ask Us” Desk

This year’s theme is Dr. Seuss, so expect bright colors, playful vibes, and a sprinkle of silliness all week long. Whether you’re brand new or a returning pro, there’s something for everyone. Check out the full schedule on our website, including all events hosted by Registered Student Organizations!


Homecoming Team and Court Registration Open Now!

It’s that amazing time of the fall semester—Homecoming! This year’s theme, Where the Wild Things Are, is all about Husky spirit, friends, and a little bit of wild fun. Homecoming runs Sunday, September 14 through Saturday, September 20, but the real heart of the celebration is you—your team and your court.

Whether you join with your student organization, your residence hall, or just a group of friends, forming a Homecoming team is the best way to experience the week. Teams can compete or simply participate for fun, but either way, you’ll get to show off your Husky pride while making unforgettable memories.

And don’t forget about Homecoming Court! Court is a tradition that recognizes leaders, doers, and spirited Huskies who bring energy to campus. If you want to represent your fellow students and lead the celebration, make sure to register.

Want to learn more about how teams and court work? Join one of our optional info sessions:

  • Wednesday, August 27 at 4:00 PM
  • Thursday, August 28 at 7:00 PM

Registration Deadlines

Don’t wait—gather your crew, step into the rumpus, and help make Homecoming 2025 unforgettable. Visit the Homecoming Teams and Court webpage for full details and resources.


Join the MLK Day Planning Committee!

The MLK Day Planning Committee is looking for students and staff to join the team for this year’s celebration. We’re hoping to grow the committee and bring in new voices to help shape meaningful and engaging programming for the campus community.

If you or someone from your department is interested in serving on the committee, we’d love to have you involved. Our first meeting will take place during the first week of September, once the fall semester is underway.

Please reach out to Micah Vacco at mvacco@mtu.edu or 906-487-3056 if you’re interested or would like more information.

Let’s work together to make this year’s events impactful and inclusive for all.


Get Involved: 30 Ways in the First 66 Days Challenge

The 30 Ways in the First 66 Days Challenge has begun, and it’s a great opportunity to dive into the Michigan Tech experience! Whether you’re new to campus or just looking to get more involved, this challenge is your invitation to make the most of your first weeks of the semester.

The objective is to complete 30 activities within the first 66 days of the semester. Each activity is designed to help you connect, explore, and grow: from connecting with your academic advisor to cheering on the Pep Band, trying a pasty, or attending a HuskyLEAD workshop.

Here’s how you participate:

  • Complete all 30 activities by October 31st
  • Once you’ve completed all 30, stop by MUB 112 to claim your prize.

If it’s helpful, you can track your completion using our printable checklist.

For completing the challenge, you’ll receive:

  • A Michigan Tech bucket hat
  • An exclusive 30 Ways In 66 sticker!

Want to be featured? Share your journey on Instagram! Use #30in66MTU and tag @sliatmtu to be featured on the Student Leadership & Involvement page.

Whether you’re dipping your toes in the Portage or just getting eight hours of sleep (two nights in a row!), every step counts toward building meaningful habits and finding your place on campus.

If you have questions, please reach out to activities@mtu.edu or stop by the Student Leadership & Involvement Office in MUB 112.


Parade of Nations Volunteering

Volunteer for the 36th Annual Parade of Nations
Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 9:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The 36th annual Parade of Nations is coming up soon, and volunteers are needed to help make it a success. This year’s theme is “Games Around the World,” and the event celebrates the cultural diversity of the Keweenaw through a lively parade and a multicultural food festival at Dee Stadium.

Volunteering is a great way to get involved on campus, meet new people, and be part of one of Michigan Tech’s most cherished traditions. There are a variety of roles available, so whether you want to help behind the scenes or walk in the parade, there’s something for everyone.

Volunteer roles include:

  • Parade support marshals
  • Banner and flag carriers
  • Kids Corner supervisors
  • Festival floaters
  • Street barricade monitors
  • Chinese Dragon participants
  • Setup and cleanup support

Lineup begins at 10:00 AM and the parade starts at 11:00 AM, beginning at the library and ending at Dee Stadium. Volunteer shifts are available throughout the day, ranging from early morning to mid-afternoon.

Sign up to volunteer through GivePulse by scanning the QR code on the event poster or visiting the Parade of Nations website. For questions, email paradeofnations@mtu.edu. Follow @mtu.paradeofnations on Instagram for updates.

Join us in celebrating the cultures that make our campus and community unique.


Women’s Soccer Club Practice

Looking to level up your game and meet an amazing group of teammates?

The Michigan Tech Women’s Soccer Club is your home turf! We welcome players of all skill levels—whether you’re a seasoned striker or just picking up the sport, there’s a spot for you.

Join us for practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 to 7:30 PM on the Upper Soccer Field, where we focus on skill-building, teamwork, and fun. For those craving competition, we offer a chance to represent Tech on our competitive 11v11 travel team as we take on other universities.

Our games are approaching quickly, and currently, we are looking for players to travel with us on August 30th to Harbor Springs for an exciting match against Hillsdale College. Come kick it with us—we can’t wait to meet you on the pitch!

Reach out to our president, Lydia Minzey (leminzey@mtu.edu), with any questions and for links to our in-depth calendar and Discord.


Ink & Ore, the new Humanities Publications Enterprise! New Enterprise

As you are thinking about your fall schedules, please be aware of the brand new Humanities publication enterprise, Ink & Ore, co-advised by Matt Seigel (Professor of Creative Writing and Literature and Director of the Writing Center) and Holly Hassel (Professor of Composition and Director of the Composition Program).

Throughout academic year ’25/’26, Ink & Ore project teams will be working on publications projects associated with Paw Prints: The Michigan Tech University Journal of First-Year Writing, the formulation of a new Michigan Tech literary magazine, and the Michigan Tech Lode. If you are interested in a leadership opportunity amplifying student voices, in a vibrant, innovation-driven campus environment, all while honing your writing, editing, media literacy, publications management, business management, and project management skills, then Ink & Ore might just be the enterprise for you.

This enterprise will meet Wednesdays from 5-5:50 in the Michigan Tech Writing Center, 107 Walker. To register for credits, you would search under the “ENT” prefix, and select the course number that best reflects your standing.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Holly (hjhassel@mtu.edu) or Matt (mbseigel@mtu.edu). And please feel free to pass this along to friends and classmates you think might like to be involved!


Claim Glory in Capture the Flag

Do you have what it takes to bring your team to glory in a cross-campus Capture the Flag game? The Undergraduate Student Government is hosting a large Capture the Flag event on August 25th, 2025 starting at 6PM.

Students can ally with other organizations and their friends to lead their team to victory. Capture the Flag will be played with NO CONTACT (e.g. using pull-able flags such as in flag football) so all can enjoy. There will be 3 flags per side and 1 jail, and teams will be responsible for making the best strategy possible.

Sign up and learn more at https://usg.mtu.edu/ctf, or check out the event on Involvement Link!


Delta Sigma Phi O-Week CO-ED Philanthropy Volleyball Tournament

Feel free to use this link or scan the QR code and sign up.


Fall 2025 Aquatics Programs – Register Now!

Registration is open for Session 1 of Fall 2025 Michigan Tech Aquatics programs, and classes are filling up! Registration for Session 1 closes August 27, 11:59 pm!

Explore our programs for all ages and abilities:

We’re excited to announce that beginning with Fall 2025 program registration, we will be transitioning to a NEW RECREATION PROGRAM REGISTRATION SYSTEM designed to better support our youth and family programming. As part of this upgrade, there is an important change to how you will register your child for youth programs:

Important Information for Parents/Guardians:
To register your child for aquatics programs this coming fall, you’ll need to:
1. Create your account
2. Add your children as your affiliates (with their date of birth)
3. Register your child through their affiliate profile (profile options in top right corner), not your own, for any program with an age requirement
This ensures accurate participant info and correct age group placement.

Create your accounts and register today!
Additional information on how to create your user account.
Additional information on how to create your child’s affiliate account.

Thank you for your support as we make this exciting transition! We’re confident this new system will offer a more user-friendly and efficient experience for all.

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Bengry at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!


INTRAMURAL SPORTS

The Intramural Sports Program at Michigan Tech will no longer be using IMLeagues moving forward. The program has collaborated with DoSportsEasy (DSE) to manage all future announcements, schedules, games, and sign-ups.

Please visit our new website.

If you have any questions, please email imsports@mtu.edu or call (906) 487-3040

Please view our Fall 2025 IM schedul

INTRAMURAL OFFICIALS NEEDED FOR FALL 2025

We are hiring for the Fall 2025 Semester.

If you are interested in officiating, we are hosting an Official’s Information Meeting on Tuesday, August 26th at 6:00 pm in the SDC, Room 237. We will go over everything about officiating Intramural sports.

If you have any questions, please email us at imsports@mtu.edu

Learn more about our IM programs in addition to Fitness Classes, Outdoor Adventure, Aquatics, and other events going on around the Student Development Complex!!

Check out our website!


Experience Tech at the Rozsa

Experience Tech Fee includes Free Student Rush tickets to a wide variety of events at the Rozsa Center, giving students an amazing opportunity to make the most of their time at Michigan Tech.

As the largest professional performing arts venue in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Rozsa Center provides access to world-class touring shows. It’s also the home to Michigan Tech’s own Visual and Performing Arts Department productions, including Michigan Tech Art Gallery Exhibits, productions by Michigan Tech Theatre, and over 10 Michigan Tech Music ensembles, such as the Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra, Michigan Tech Jazz, Superior Wind Symphony, Choirs of Michigan Tech, and Campus Concert Band.

With more than 100 events each year, we can’t wait to welcome students to celebrate our 25th anniversary at the Rozsa Center.

How to Reserve Your Free Student Rush Tickets

To reserve your tickets, email rozsa@mtu.edu with the subject line “Advance Student Rush” and include the following:

  1. Requested event (be sure to include the date and time).
  2. M-Number and email address of all students requesting a ticket.
  3. Mobile number where each mobile ticket can be sent.
  4. Indicate if you would like a guest ticket. (Student must be present with a valid HuskyCard for the guest ticket to be valid.)

Tickets to the 2025/26 Rozsa Presenting Series are available now, the full 2025/26 Season will be available starting September 5, including events presented by Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts at rozsa.mtu.edu.


Smash Club at MTU – Orientation Week Tournament

Join us on Friday, August 22nd at 5:30 P.M. in Fisher 138 & 139 for Smash Club’s annual Orientation Week Super Smash Bros. Tournament! This tournament welcomes all students, but especially freshmen, to show up and show off at this wonderful event. Entry is free, but we ask that everyone please bring your own controller.

Please join our Discord server!

Sign up online here!


Coming Up on GivePulse

Support Student Community Meals!

Prepared by students for students, these weekly meals are a unique culinary experience for MTU students right on College Ave. 

Support Michigan Tech Athletics!

Based on position, use ticket scanners (hand-held device to validate ticket admission), stampers (used to validate patrons entered with a valid ticket if they leave through the gates and come back for re-entry), or serve wristbands (put wristbands on patrons with valid tickets for VIP Pavilion area) for entrance to the event.

Support Keweenaw Day!

K-Day, short for Keweenaw Day, is an annual tradition at Michigan Tech held on the Friday of the week of Labor Day. It is a registered student organization fair with around 200 groups in attendance. Each year on K-Day, classes release at noon so our students can learn about ways to get involved and connected at Tech.  K-Day typically sees around 3,500-4,000 students participate, so be sure to check out this amazing event so you don’t miss out!