ParentNET
A slice of campus life written by an MTU student

A few last details:
Textbooks, schedules, and IDs

At this time next month, all of us students will be sitting in class and getting used to the long hours of studying once again. Even though we still have a few weeks, as parents, you can help your student remember a few last details that can be taken care of now, before the big move up to Michigan Tech.

Textbooks
It is a well known fact that textbooks are expensive. The average first year student spends between $400 and $600 on textbooks their first semester. Engineering students tend to have to spend more because their books are generally all hardcover and contain more content. However, now is the time to think of ways to put money aside for textbooks for your student for the next four years. I have found that there are many smaller private scholarships available through Michigan Tech and through doing community work that can help cover textbook costs.

So as a parent, the first questions you may be wondering is where do we get our student’s books from, and how do we know what books to get? To answer the first question, the most convenient option for buying textbooks is at our Campus Store. They will also beat other bookstores’ competitive prices. The Campus Store is located in the Memorial Union Building (we call it the “MUB”). Since all students should have at least a generic schedule by now, you can start by ordering books for those classes you know your student will have. You can order ahead of time by going online to www.bookstore.mtu.edu, and the books will be set aside and ready for you when you and your student get to campus. Books can also be delivered to your student’s residence hall room. If you would like to look at the books prior to purchasing them, you can always stop in the Campus Store in person as well. I highly recommend purchasing used books when possible because you can save you a lot of money that way.

Some students do not purchase books until after the first day of classes. I like to feel prepared so I do not wait to buy my books. However, if your student wants to wait until classes start but you won’t be around the area then, you can give your student limited access to your credit card by filling out a credit card authorization form. You can find this online at www.bookstore.mtu.edu. This form must be sent in by August 19. Financial Aid refunds can also be used to buy textbooks as long as a valid ID is presented.

If you have any questions about textbooks, please email our Campus Store at campusstore@mtu.edu, or call them at (906) 487-2410. Keep in mind that students can also sell their books back right on campus through the Campus Store at the end of each semester.

If you like to have options, there is also the College Bookshelf (which is moving to the new strip mall by Jim's Foodmart), if you would like to shop around, or in case some of your student’s books aren’t available at the Campus Store. You can visit the College Bookshelf online at http://www.bkstr.com/. Of course there is always the option of ordering books online (aside from the Campus Store, I have found Barnes & Nobel to be the best choice), but watch prices because shipping costs can easily add up and end up not saving you any money. Your student may also risk not getting their books on time with the back to school textbook shopping rush.

Class Schedules
I remember as a first year student that one of the things I was most worried about was figuring out my class schedule. As most of you have already discovered, Michigan Tech will automatically place your student in the prerequisite first-year student classes depending on their major. This schedule can be found online through BanWeb or through the Portal. However, your student will have to fill the rest of their schedule once they arrive for Orientation.

Class scheduling is always done online. During Orientation, your student will learn about the options they have and what will work best for them. So yes, your student will most likely come to campus without textbooks and without a complete schedule, and that’s ok, that’s normal. I waited to buy my textbooks on campus at the end of Orientation.

Tech ID Cards
Like most universities, Michigan Tech requires your student to have a picture ID card known at the “Tech Express” card. Your student should have this ID on them at all times. They will need it to make purchases at the Campus Store, to use the library, to get into sporting events, and to eat meals in the residence hall dining areas. Your student can get their ID card anytime when they arrive on campus. The Tech Express office is located down the hall from the Campus Store in the MUB. Their hours are 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday. It only takes a matter of minutes for your student’s picture to be taken and for the card to print out! It is free to get your card printed the first time, but it costs $20 to reprint if a card is lost. More information can be found online at: http://www.aux.mtu.edu/techx/.

However, if your student is a returning student, please remind them they do NOT need to get a new card. Once you have a Tech Express card, then you’re all set. Students do not need new cards unless their card is damaged. I still have mine from my first year, and it is actually a comical reminder of how much you change over the years!

Until next week,

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