7.1-7.5
Students and Student Organizations
Effective Date: 09/01/2010
7.1 On-Campus Living Requirement
All single undergraduate students are required to live in University housing facilities during their first full academic year at Michigan Technological University. This does not apply to commuting students who reside at home with their parent(s) or guardian.
History
- 08/19/1939: Freshman required to live in dorms
- 01/11/1950
- 06/11/1951
- 04/10/1970
- 04/21/1972: Waiver of Second year
- 02/16/1973
- 02/15/1974
- 02/07/1975
- 02/06/1976
- 06/11/1976
- 01/28/1982
- 01/27/1984
- 10/11/2001: Removed reference to the trust agreement in the second paragraph
- 10/04/2007: Added the word guardian.
- 07/15/2010: Was previously Policy 8.2. Renumbered and deleted second paragraph as inconsistent with previously revised first paragraph.
- 10/2/2026: Minor language changes; clarified first-year housing requirement timeframe as "academic year" and updated commuting student exception phrasing.
Effective Date: 05/20/2020
7.2 Requirements for Graduation
The requirements for a student to receive a baccalaureate degree from Michigan Technological University are the following:
- Thirty (30) semester credit hours of advanced level courses (3000 or higher) which apply to the degree must be completed at Michigan Tech.
The requirements for a student to receive a graduate degree from Michigan Technological University are the following:
- A minimum of two-thirds of the required non-research course-work credits required for the degree must be taken through Michigan Tech. Ph.D. students must take at least 20 credits beyond the masters or 50 credits beyond the bachelors through Michigan Tech.
- Research credits used to satisfy degree requirements must be taken through Michigan Tech and must be supervised by a member of Michigan Tech graduate faculty.
- Some graduate programs may have other specific requirements.
Courses which meet the "at Michigan Tech" requirement are defined as courses that were taken as part of a university-approved study abroad program or as courses that are listed in the course catalog and taught by Michigan Tech faculty either on campus, at field locations, or through distance learning.
The President or the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, is authorized to grant exceptions to this requirement in extraordinary individual cases.
Degree programs with special requirements may apply for exemptions. The President or the Provost, and Vice President for Academic Affairs may grant such programmatic exemptions upon recommendation of the Senate.
History
- 04/15/1966
- 01/28/1982
- 01/28/1989: Revised positions authorized to grant exceptions
- 03/17/1989: Clarified type of degree
- 05/17/1991: Revised in-residence work program
- 08/03/2000: Reflect the change in academic calendar from quarters to semesters
- 05/11/2001: Revised to provide a common standard of residency for all Michigan Tech baccalaureate degrees whether completed on campus or through distance learning.
- 07/15/2010: Was previously Policy 8.5. Renumbered and modified power to grant exceptions.
- 04/29/2016: Clarified “in-residence” courses and thirty credit hours at an advanced level toward degree program.
- 5/20/2020: Removed requirement that 30 of the last 36 hours must be completed at Michigan Tech to obtain degree.
Effective Date: 05/01/2015
7.3 Residency
Domicile and Resident Status
Michigan residents benefit from lower tuition fees than nonresidents. A resident student
is defined as a student domiciled in the State of Michigan. "Domicile" is defined
as the place where a student intends their true, fixed, and permanent home to be—both
during and after completing their education at the University—and to which they intend
to return whenever absent.
- Burden of Proof: A presumption of resident status does not guarantee classification. The student bears the burden of proving Michigan domicile by clear and convincing evidence.
- Continuity of Status: Students who enroll as nonresidents remain nonresidents throughout their attendance unless granted formal residency reclassification.
Special Circumstances (In-State Rates)
In-state tuition rates apply regardless of domicile to:
- Honorably discharged U.S. military veterans; and
- Individuals entitled to educational assistance under Title 38 of the United States Code, as amended.
Factors Considered for Domicile
The following facts and circumstances have probative value and are considered when
evaluating a claim for resident classification, but are not determinative or conclusive,
whether presented individually or in combination:
- Both parents (or, in the case of divorce, a parent) permanently domiciled in Michigan as demonstrated by permanent employment, establishing a household, and severing out-of-state ties;
- An applicant employed in a full-time, permanent position in Michigan, where that employment is the primary reason for their presence in the state;
- An applicant whose spouse is employed in a full-time, permanent position in Michigan, where the spouse's employment is the primary reason for the applicant's presence in the state;
- Continuous Michigan domicile for one full calendar year prior to reclassification while not enrolled as a full-time student;
- Parents or guardians of a financially dependent applicant establishing Michigan residency after the applicant's initial enrollment; and
- Other demonstrable factors indicating intent to make Michigan the student's permanent domicile.
Insufficient Factors Standing Alone
The following circumstances, standing alone, do not constitute sufficient evidence
of domicile to classify a student as a resident:
- Continuous enrollment in a community college or university;
- Participation in a graduate program, fellowship, or internship;
- Temporary or short-term employment;
- Employment in a position normally held by a student;
- Ownership of property in Michigan;
- Presence of relatives in Michigan (other than parents or guardians of a minor);
- Possession of a Michigan driver’s license or voter registration;
- Payment of Michigan income or property taxes; or
- An applicant's statement of intent to be domiciled in Michigan.
Immigrants and Non-U.S. Citizens
Only individuals authorized to reside permanently in the United States may be eligible
for resident classification, and they must establish Michigan domicile under this
policy. Possessing permanent residency status in the United States does not, by itself,
entitle an individual to resident classification.
The Admissions Office reviews residency eligibility for the following immigrant classifications:
- Permanent Resident Aliens who possess a permanent resident alien card or passport stamp verifying final approval; or
- Refugees with official documentation (e.g., Form I-94 designated "Refugee").
History
- 05/08/1952
- 06/15/1973: Interim policy
- 08/24/1973
- 01/28/1982
- 01/27/1984
- 11/18/1988: Changed to Vice President for Student Services in item 5
- 03/19/1993: Changed to Executive Vice President and Provost in item 5
- 08/03/2000: Changed Executive Vice President and Provost title to Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
- 12/15/2000: Changed term to semester in item 1.b
- 03/09/2001: Rewritten to further clarify the residency classification guidelines and procedures for admissions and tuition purposes
- 07/15/2010: Was previously Policy 8.6. Renumbered, deleted military assignment as now covered by Military Family Policy, deleted appeals process and reclassification procedures that were procedure rather than policy and are left to administration.
- 09/19/2013: Granted in-state tuition rates for U.S. military veterans
- 05/01/2015: Revised in-state tuition rates to apply to students entitled to educational assistance under Title 38 of the U.S. Code.
- 10/2/2026: Restructured for clarity
Effective Date: 09/01/2010
7.4 Involuntary Dismissal
When a counseling or medical evaluation demonstrates that a student must withdraw from Michigan Technological University and the student refuses to withdraw voluntarily, the Dean of Students may place the student on an involuntary leave of absence.
History
- 11/20/1981
- 01/28/1982
- 11/21/1986: Changed Director of Legal Services to University appointed attorney
- 11/18/88: Changed to Vice President for Student Services
- 09/22/89: Revised entire policy
- 09/18/92: Changed to Executive Vice President and Provost and Appeal to the President
- 08/03/2000: Changed Executive Vice President and Provost title to Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
- 07/15/2010: Was previously Policy 17.12. Renumbered and completely written.
- 10/2/2026: Updated language for clarity.
Effective Date: 09/01/2010
7.5 Student Organizations
Purpose and Registration
Student organizations are student-operated groups formed around shared interests—such
as scholarship, social development, or special interests—that contribute to the University
community. To access University facilities, resources, and support, student organizations
must register as required by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Registration
establishes a relationship in which the University provides advice and assistance
while the organization accepts responsibility for its operations, conduct, and contributions.
Administrative Oversight and Advising
The Vice President for Student Affairs provides operational guidance and maintains
policy continuity across changing student leadership. In fulfilling this responsibility,
the Vice President for Student Affairs must:
- Promote the interests of student groups and assist in resolving operational or inter-organizational conflicts;
- Appoint one or more University-affiliated advisors for organizations receiving direct University funds or Undergraduate Student Government (USG) allocations, or as otherwise deemed desirable;
- Require compliance with University policies, standards of conduct, and democratic operational procedures;
- Require efficiency and integrity in organizational business and financial affairs; and
- Request and inspect information regarding organizational purpose, structure, membership, officers, activities, and finances upon request.
Student Body Governments
The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) and the Graduate Student Government (GSG)
are recognized as the official governing bodies for undergraduate and graduate students,
respectively. Both governments represent the general student body and allocate University-designated
funds to support student activities. The University, primarily through the Vice President
for Student Affairs, works with USG and GSG on matters affecting the student body.
Accountability, Remedies, and Liability
- Member Responsibility: Ultimate responsibility for organizational performance, conduct, and financial liabilities rests solely with its members. University staff, advisors, and the Vice President for Student Affairs cannot create financial liability on behalf of the University.
- Remedies and Appeals: Failure to meet organizational responsibilities may result in administrative remedies by the University, up to and including denial or revocation of registration. Student organizations may appeal employee administrative actions directly to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
History
- 08/08/1975
- 04/23/1976
- 01/28/1982
- 09/21/1984: Changed President to Vice President for Administrative and Student Services
- 11/18/1988: Changed to Vice President for Student Services
- 03/19/1993: Changed to Executive Vice President & Provost
- 08/03/2000: Changed to Executive Vice President and Provost title to Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
- 05/10/2002: Changed Student Council to Undergraduate Student Government
- 09/28/2006: Changed to recognize both student organizations: Graduate Student Council and Undergraduate Student Government; and changed references from Provost and Senior VP for Academic and Student Affairs for Student Affairs
- 12/15/2009: Changed to reflect the current Student Affairs roles and responsibilities with respect to student organizations, and to reflect the name change of the Graduate Student Council to Graduate Student Government
- 07/15/2010: Was previously Policy 11.1. Renumbered and changed Dean of Students to Vice President for Student Affairs. Changed adviser to advisor. Removed some procedure and placed responsibility with the Vice President for Student Affairs rather than at other levels through that Vice President.
- 10/2/2026: Restructured for clarity.