May 2, 2025

Next Sunday, May 11, starting at 9 a.m., Michigan Tech IT will begin upgrading the network switch operating systems across campus. Each building, including residential buildings, will experience up to 30 minutes of downtime as upgrades are completed and switches rebooted.

During this time, phone service, internet and Wi-Fi will be unavailable for up to 30 minutes in affected buildings. IT will work building by building until the upgrades are complete.

If you have questions, we can help. Contact us at it-help@mtu.edu or 906-487-1111.

Michigan Tech IT is making several important updates to our Linux computing environment to improve security, supportability and performance. As part of this ongoing effort, we want to make the campus community, especially Linux users, aware of upcoming changes that may impact software access and system compatibility.

Please review our Michigan Tech IT News blog post for more information on:

• What’s changing and why
• Actions users may need to take
• How to check if your needed software is still supported and properly listed
• Where to get help or ask questions

If you have any questions or concerns, we can help. Email IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Bradley Wells (CEO) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $50,000 other sponsored activities contract from the Michigan Department of Transportation.

The project is titled "National Summer Transportation Institute 2025."

Gini Gesler and Jannah Tumey (both CEO) are co-PIs on this project.

Claire Helakoski (HU) is the author of a creative nonfiction essay published in the South Florida Poetry Journal.

The essay is titled "Coda."

Kristin Brzeski (CFRES) was quoted by BraveWords in a story about Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to combat red wolf extinction through cloning. Brzeski discussed how research into “ghost wolves” with red wolf ancestry is helping increase genetic diversity and support conservation efforts for the species. 

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Maria Bergstrom (HU) and Cassandra Reed-VanDam (APUE) were quoted by WLUC TV6 in a story about Michigan Tech's new Essential Education program. The program, the topic of a symposium held April 30 at MTU, aims to help students connect their coursework to real-world experiences and better prepare for their future careers.

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Brad King (MAE) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about MTEC SmartZone's launch of the AMMP Accelerator 2025 program, a summer cohort-based program aimed at Midwestern manufacturing companies in early-stage operations. In addition to King's comments, Michigan Tech was noted for providing “a relatively steady pipeline” of innovators and entrepreneurs in the Houghton area.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a performance by the University of Michigan Jazz Ensemble at the Hancock Community Hub. The concert featured the U.P. Jazz Collective, made up of Michigan Tech faculty members and local musicians.

Campus Construction Update: EERC Renovations

Please note that construction is taking place on the first and third floors of the Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC) on Michigan Tech's campus.

Lecture halls EERC 101 and EERC 103 are being renovated. The removal of furniture began this week on Monday, April 28. Abatement will begin next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 6 and 7, with construction activities to follow.

Additionally, third-floor classrooms EERC 313, 314, 315, 316 and 330 are being renovated, along with the third-floor corridor. The third floor will be closed for abatement from today, May 2, through Tuesday, May 6.

Please be aware that construction activities in the EERC will continue after the abatement is complete. Continuing work will include the removal of ceiling systems; the updating of lighting, power and IT/AV; the painting of walls; and the installation of new flooring. We anticipate these renovations will be completed the week of Aug. 17.

Please remember to be alert, follow all posted signage, and use caution when walking around and near construction areas.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact facilities@mtu.edu. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve these learning spaces on campus.

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Campus Construction Update: MEEM Renovations

Please note that construction is taking place in the R. L. Smith Building (the MEEM) over the summer.

The building's lecture halls are being renovated. Furniture removal began this week, starting Monday, April 28. Abatement will begin next week on Monday, May 5, with construction activities to follow. Additionally, the entire 11th floor is closed for the summer for construction. We anticipate these renovations will be completed the week of Aug. 17.

Please remember to be alert, follow all posted signage, and use caution when walking around and near construction areas.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact facilities@mtu.edu. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve the learning spaces on campus.

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Free Event at the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum

Join performance artists and poets Petra Kuppers and Stephanie Heit for a gentle engagement: a Crip Drift with Mineral Specimens in the A. E. Mineral Museum tomorrow, May 3, at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

A crip drift is a community performance that explores methods for moving through the world as disabled people who live with pain. The event is free to attend and admission to the museum will be free all day. We hope to see you here!

Kuppers is a German disability culture activist, community performance artist and professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Heit is a disabled poet, dancer and teacher, and co-directs Turtle Disco, a somatic writing space on Anishinaabe territory in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Track & Field at GLIAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships

Friday, May 2, 12–3 a.m. | Allendale, Mich.

Track & Field at GLIAC Outdoor Track & Field Championships Allendale, Mich.

Military Service Appreciation Weekend

Friday, May 2, 12 p.m. | Michigan Tech Campus

Please join us to celebrate our military alumni during Michigan Tech Military Service Appreciation Weekend on May 2 and 3, 2025. The weekend will offer a variety of...

The Graduate School is pleased to announce the following dissertation, thesis and report defenses occurring next week. Please consider attending to learn more about our students’ scholarship and celebrate their academic accomplishments. Check the University Events Calendar for last-minute updates to times, dates and locations.