As you have heard from President Koubek, the health, safety, and security of our campus and our community is most important to us. We need to make substantial changes in how we go about our daily lives in response to the evolving COVID-19 threat. This is a rapidly changing situation so we will, no doubt, need to continuously adjust our responses as we learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What about defenses, research proposal examinations, and qualifying examinations?
Commensurate with the current policy of virtual instruction through the end of the semester, all oral examinations and defenses will be conducted virtually (for example, via Zoom to allow all to participate. If you are presenting you should contact IT (it-help@mtu.edu, 906-487-1111) for assistance at least five business days in advance.
The IT Department offers Zoom (log in with Michigan Tech ID and password) for Web conferencing support. Zoom will allow you to share your screen, webcam, and microphone with up to 100 participants. The IT Knowledge Base on Conferencing includes helpful information on web conferencing options and support.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
2
How should ongoing research involving be handled?
See the University's recently issued COVID-19 Stay at Home Protocol, issued in accordance with the statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
3
Will the shuttles still run?
Husky Campus Shuttle and Daniell Heights Shuttle are suspended now until at least April 13. The City Commuter Shuttle operated by the City of Houghton is also suspended. The Shopping Shuttle will continue to operate using social distancing protocols on Wednesday through Saturday. Please plan for your shopping needs. There is no Shopping Shuttle service on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays. Houghton City continues to offer on-demand service at 906-482-6092. It is $3 each way for service in Houghton and $4 each way to go to Hancock and back.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
4
What if I need emergency financial help?
Funds from the Graduate School Emergency Fund are available to assist graduate students with emergencies and financial hardships.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
5
I have kids. What are my options since all k-12 schools are closed?
See the University's Stay At Home Protocol issued March 23, 2020 in response to the statewide Stay Safe, Stay at Home order issued by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. No guests, including children, are permitted on campus at this time. If you are a University employee, if remote work or other dependent care options are not available you may qualify for Pandemic Leave.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
6
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offered through the College of Business got canceled. How can I get help with my taxes?
- Students seeking tax assistance can contact a certified public accountant (CPA) or credentialed tax return preparer. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has a search directory. Eligible students may also choose to utilize the IRS Free File service.
- International students can get tax assistance with federal tax returns and Form 8843. Information can be found on the IPS site and also on Financial Services' site.
- Questions regarding state tax preparation should be referred to a certified preparer.
Updated March 25, 2020, 9:45 p.m.
More Information
For comprehensive and up-to-date information please see the University's COVID-19 web page. For a general, comprehensive list of questions and answers, please visit the University's FAQ page for students.
- Email regarding Academic Policies for Graduate Students (sent 4/2/2020)
- Email regarding Academic Policies for Accelerated Master's Students (sent 4/1/2020)
- Email regarding adjustments of dissertation, thesis, and report deadlines for spring 2020 (sent 3/26/2020)
- Email regarding the signing of forms sent to Students and Faculty (sent 3/18/2020)
- Email regarding contacting the Graduate School (sent 3/13/2020)
- Email from Dean Murthy to Graduate Students (sent 3/13/2020)
- CDC's coronavirus page
- US State Department's coronavirus page