Transfer Student FAQs

Each department has an assigned academic advisor. The list of departmental academic advisors, along with their contact information, is available here. With the exception of your initial contact with Transfer Services, meeting with your advisor is the most important step a transfer student can make to ensure a smooth transition.

Transfer students should first meet with their advisor, then contact Transfer Service to have credits from a pervious institution transferred to Michigan Tech.  You can access your transfer information, including credits transferred, via Banweb’s Student Records tab.  You can also check out Michigan Transfer Equivalency System online for additional information.

International transfer students should submit course descriptions and a final official transcript from previous institution(s) to IPS (International Programs and Services) 6 weeks before arrival on campus. IPS works with academic departments to determine the number of transfer credits.

Transfer students may find it difficult to adjust to the new academic environment and expectations found at Michigan Tech. COMPASS, the Center for Orientation, Mentoring, Parents, and Academic Student Success, provides study tips for transfer students. In addition, your academic advisor is always willing to help, and can suggest various campus resources, such as the library or learning centers.  For more information, please refer to Michigan Tech's Resources webpage - here you can find staff listings, hours, and additional information on each of the individual learning centers. 

Another great resource for tutoring and mentoring is the ExSEL program, offered by COMPASS. The program is a comprehensive partnership between COMPASS and all schools and colleges on the campus of Michigan Technological University.

International or ESL transfer students may find the Canterbury House a great resource for tutoring and mentoring. The Canterbury House is a place where international students and their spouses can get help to improve their conversational English, reading, and writing skills. It is located across from the Administration building at 1405 East Houghton Avenue.

Michigan Tech’s grading scale is slightly different from a standard 4.0 grading scale.  Michigan Tech’s grading scale does not included grades with ‘+’ or ‘-‘, but instead combines these into a single grad.  For example, any grade that would usually fall in the ‘A-‘ to ‘B+’ range is simply awarded an ‘AB’ on Michigan Tech’s grade scale. In addition, Michigan Tech replaces the grade ‘E’ (effort unsatisfactory) with an ‘F’. For more information about the grading scale at Michigan Tech, please see the Grading Information.

To monitor your progress toward your degree, you can meet with your advisor or run the Degree Audit Reporting System (DARS), which is located on Banweb’s Student Services tab. The audit plays an important role in selecting the courses you should take in the upcoming semesters. 

For information on DARS, including a tutorial, please visit the DARS information page.

Every student should maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 for graduation, however, official requirements can vary based on class year. For more information, please review the Michigan Tech's Standards of Progress.

Yes, All new international students must check in at IPS for immigration purposes within one week of arrival.

There are many organizations and activities that transfer students can get involved with on campus.  Refer to Involvement Link to see what Student Organizations Michigan Tech offers.  Students may also refer to the student handbook for additional ways to become involved on campus.

Students can also get involved in the campus community through community service.  Student Activities hosts many community service events throughout the academic year.  

Vehicles need to be registered to park on campus and in the residence halls.  For further information, please visit the Vehicle Registration and Parking Information.  

Questions regarding parking violations, including contesting a parking ticket, should be directed to Transportation Services. Parking tickets can be paid for by visiting the Student Service Center in the Administration Building.

Sometimes it is stressful finding transportation in a new and unfamiliar area. However, there are numerous transportation opportunities available in Houghton. There are several businesses within walking or biking distance of the campus.  In addition, the Houghton Motor Transit Line can provide transportation to a variety of Houghton locations for a small fee.

International calls:

To make an international call, first dial the exit international code (011), followed by the country code, city code, and phone number.   

EXAMPLE

How to call China from the U.S.:  Dial 011 + 86 + (2-4 digit area code) + local phone number

U.S. (Domestic) Calls

Calling within the U.S. is easy!  To make a local call, simply dial the 7-digit phone number.  Calls to other regions or states will require dialing 1, then the three digit area code before the phone number.

EXAMPLE

How to call the IPS Office at Michigan Tech from California:

Dial 1 + area code + the 7 digit phone number

Thus, you would dial 1 906 487 2160 to reach Michigan Tech’s IPS office.

Additional Information

For more information, check the websites:

http://www.tc.mtu.edu/voice/studentphoneservices.php,

http://www.howtocallabroad.com/

Yes, however there may be some constraints. 

For more information about on-campus employement, for international students, visit International Programs and Services.

There are around one hundred international transfer students on campus now. They are from countries all around the world, such as Malaysia, Norway, India and China.

To get a Michigan Driver’s License, international students will need to submit information and documents about themselves.  Please visit here to see what information will be required.