Just because commuter students aren’t on campus 24-7 doesn’t mean that they can’t have a great Tech experience and enjoy some of the same perks as resident students. Since we know many commuters may have a job as well as their classes to balance with life at home, we understand your experience may be somewhat different. If you commute to campus and you have any questions or concerns, we’re here to help. Just email commuters@mtu.edu!
Michigan Tech has two current commuter students who serve as Commuter Assistants. The Commuter Assistants have regular office hours where you can pop in to chat or to get questions answered. They also send out regular updates to commuterconnections-l@mtu.edu, the commuter student listserv, and write the monthly newsletter, Commuter Connections. The Commuter Assistants plan free commuter student events to help you get involved, adapt to University life, and get connected on campus.
Commuter Assistants
Valerie Taglione
Commuter Student Mentor
- Year: 3rd Year
- Major: Clinical Laboratory Science
- Campus Involvement: InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Michigan Tech EMS, Broomball, Intramural Sports, Biological Sciences Learning Center Coach, Orientation Team Leader, Commuter Assistant
- Favorite Thing about Commuting to Tech: My two siblings are students here and my mother works here, so being able to be a part of campus life while continuing to have that strong sense of family is definitely my favorite part about commuting.
- Where you park: Lot 26
- Why you chose Michigan Tech: I chose Michigan Tech because of its outstanding academics and its beautiful campus. I also chose to come here because I could save money by living at home.
- What does your future hold?: After graduation, I hope to use my CLS degree to work in a hospital laboratory while gaining further knowledge in medicine to eventually go to medical school to become a doctor.
- Advice to First-Year Students: I wish I’d known how important it was to get involved on campus! I didn’t start to explore clubs, organizations, and on-campus job opportunities until halfway through the second semester of my first year, but I wish I’d looked into it right off the bat. My college experience improved dramatically once I got more involved in Tech’s campus community, and it allowed me to meet more people and overall just have a better time in college! I would encourage everyone to get involved right away in an organization you like, and continue to explore new opportunities throughout your college careers.
Kayleigh White
Commuter Student Mentor
- Year: 2nd
- Major: Marketing
- Campus Involvement: Entrepreneurship Club, Bob Mark Memorial Elevator Pitch competition, Photographer & Web Liaison for School of Business and Economics
- Favorite Thing About Michigan Tech: Being able to gain the experience of living with friends in a more personalized setting!
- Where You Park: When I decide to drive to class, I usually park in the Rosza parking lot or the 2-dollar lot. If those are full, I will park up the hill in one of the two lots by the SDC.
- Why You Chose Michigan Tech: I love the Upper Peninsula and everything it offers. I am originally from Sault Ste. Marie, MI, and I wasn't completely ready to leave the UP, but I wanted a chance to try something new.
- What Does Your Future Hold: I expect to graduate in 2015, and from there, I will try to find a job for a year and then travel to Finland for a year.
- Advice to Commuter Students: Get involved and meet as many people as you can! It is important to network with others and try to gain friendships that will last throughout your education at MTU.