Category: News and Campus Updates

Stay Connected with Student Affairs

Welcome to the official source for news and updates from the Division of Student Affairs. This is your home for the latest announcements, achievements, and important developments that shape the Michigan Tech experience. From celebrating student and staff successes to launching new programs, we’re here to keep you informed every step of the way.

In this section, you’ll find:

Official announcements and press releases
Recognition of outstanding students and staff
Information on new programs and services
Updates on divisional policies and procedures
Milestones and achievements from across Student Affairs

A New Challenge Facing International Students: Longstanding Duration of Status Replaced with Fixed Admission Period

Published September 17, 2026

By Ryan Thompson

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Christian Montesinos, JD

Director of International Programs and Services

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Myself, my department, our institution, and the entirety of higher education are feeling the
extreme challenges currently facing international students all across the United States.
Immigration policies and laws in our country have always been fraught with changes (for the
better or worse depending on who you ask), but one thing is certain, and that is that the current
level of scrutiny towards our international students has never been so high.

It Takes a Village to Raise a Husky

Published September 2, 2026

By Ryan Thompson

About the Author

Kellie Raffaelli, EdD

Dean of Students and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

When Spring 2026 Undergraduate Commencement student speaker Caelan Mead-O’Brien addressed his graduating class, he spoke fondly of the countless people across campus who supported his journey at Michigan Tech. Reflecting on his time in Houghton, he observed that “it takes a village to raise a Husky”—a sentiment that captures the core philosophy of student life on campus. At Michigan Tech, supporting student success is never a solo endeavor; it is a shared, campus-wide commitment that requires intentional collaboration.

The Immigrant Rights Movement: Constructing a Strong Ally, Not a Savior

Published March 31, 2026

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Christian Montesinos, JD

Director of International Programs and Services

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

A Personal Perspective from the Classroom and Courtroom

While searching for a topic to write on for this month’s Insights from Student Affairs blog, my mind drifted to the state of the world. It is no secret that non-citizens are being targeted from all sides, and that brings people in the general community a lot of discomfort. The fact is that seeing someone constantly targeted, detained unjustly, beaten, and even killed does something visceral to us as a collective, despite whichever side of the aisle you stand on.

Residence Education: The Campus Connectors

Published March 11, 2026

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Alexandra Putwen

Director of Residence Education

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

If someone asked what Residence Education does at its core, I would say that we are the campus connectors. This starts before students even know their room assignment and certainly lasts throughout their time living in the residence halls.

While we begin connecting students before they arrive through our Roommate Matching process, once they step foot on campus, we help them connect with each other. Residence hall students have the opportunity to complete a roommate agreement, participate in social events, and interact with others through interactive bulletin boards in their communities.

Career Readiness in a Rapidly Changing World of Work

Published February 18, 2026

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Cody Kangas

Executive Director, Career Services

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Navigating the world of work has never been more challenging for college students. They’re entering a landscape defined by rapid technological change, shifting employer expectations, and entirely new forms of work. It’s no surprise that students today are asking more pointed questions about their futures — not just what they want to do, but how to build the skills, experiences, and confidence that will get them there. Academic achievement remains essential, but it’s no longer the whole story. Student success now requires both academic preparation and the practical skills and experiences employers expect — not just one or the other.

Spreading the Word: Student Disability Services Is Here to Support Students

Published January 5, 2026

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Anna McClatchy, EdD

Assistant Dean of Student Success and Director of the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Our Mission: Bridging the Information Gap

Student Disability Services is an office that students, families, and even faculty and staff may have misconceptions about. Over the last few years, Student Disability Services has been working to ensure correct, quality information is available to the campus community. To continue those efforts, the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success chose to focus our January insights article on how Student Disability Services supports our students.

Invisible No More: First-Generation College Student Support at Michigan Tech

Published December 1, 2025

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

About the Author

Julia Keleher

Director, Student Support and Mentorship

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Michigan Tech values every student, regardless of their background or prior experience with higher education. A message displayed on campus signs during Hazing Awareness Week this October perfectly captured this sentiment: “You don’t have to earn your place in our pack.”

Building More than Snow Statues: The Data on Why Campus Activities Matter

Published October 22, 2025

By Laura Putwen

News and Campus Updates

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

About the Author

Danielle Meirow

Director of Student Leadership and Involvement

When we see students building a cardboard boat during Homecoming or hosting an event by the Husky Statue, we see more than just fun and games. We see a critical part of their education. In Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI), we witness students’ active engagement in the Michigan Tech community every day. And while we know from experience that these moments are essential to their development and retention, it’s affirming to see a growing body of national research confirm the link between campus activities and student success.

Partnering for Prevention: A New Initiative to Support Student Well-being

Published September 30, 2025

By Laura Putwen

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

About the Author

Crystal Primeau McLeod, MA, LLP

Director, Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially relevant when addressing substance misuse among college students. This period of transition—marked by new freedoms and pressures—can make students vulnerable to risky behaviors. Whether you are faculty, staff, or a concerned friend, you can be the first to notice when a student is struggling with health or wellness. To better support our entire campus community in this shared responsibility, the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being (CSMHW) is launching a comprehensive, grant-funded campaign to equip our community with new tools for substance misuse prevention and intervention.

When Policy Meets Reality: Freedom of Expression

Published September 4, 2025

By Laura Putwen

About the Author

Laura Putwen

Assistant Dean of Community Conduct

The Office of Academic and Community Conduct regularly handles reports beginning with “Someone said something that made me uncomfortable/offended/unsafe…”. We navigate these situations within First Amendment constraints, civil rights obligations, and University policy and mission requirements. Freedom of speech and expression concerns can involve intense emotions but our office is here to support you in many ways.

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