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
Will the shuttles still run?
Shopping Shuttle operates Wednesday through Saturday during the summer, with social distancing protocols in place. There is no Shopping Shuttle service on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays, so please plan ahead for your shopping needs. 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. Here is a sign-up sheet for transportation to ensure that only 10 people ride the shuttle at a time.
Updated April 28, 2020, 1:38 p.m.
2
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.
3
What if I'm on probation or suspension? Or is there a chance I could be placed on probation?
The process to place students on probation or suspension will be placed on hold for spring 2020. Students will maintain their current academic standing after semester grades are posted and no student will be suspended. Students currently on probation may return to good standing if their academic performance has improved in spring 2020. Dismissals (if any) will be handled on a case-by-case basis after consulting with the graduate program.
Updated April 28, 2020, 1:38 p.m.
4
I'm concerned about meeting deadlines. What deadlines have been extended?
The deadline to withdraw from classes with a “W” grade has been extended to 5 p.m. on April 24. W grades do not impact cumulative GPA calculation, and any graduate student with a CD, D, or F in a class should strongly consider dropping classes to help maintain good standing. Deadlines to complete a dissertation, thesis, or report have also been extended by the Graduate School. Information about those extensions is available on the Graduate School newsblog.
Updated April 28, 2020, 1:38 p.m.
5
I'm worried about my grades this semester.
The Graduate School allows up to six credits of BC/C grades to be used toward completion of a graduate degree. Please consult with your graduate program director to determine if programmatic policies have changed for spring 2020.
Updated April 28, 2020, 1:38 p.m.
6
How should ongoing research involving human subjects be handled?
Michigan Tech's Health and Safety Levels, issued July 27, 2020, issued in accordance with the statewide Stay Home, Stay Safe Executive Order.
Updated June 9, 2020, 11:43 a.m.
7
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.
Updated April 28, 2020, 1:38 p.m.
8
I have kids. What are my options since all k-12 schools are closed?
We have some family support services available, any other questions can be directed to mygrad@mtu.edu
Updated July 22, 2020 2:47 p.m.
9
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 International Program and Services' site.
- Questions regarding state tax preparation should be referred to a certified preparer.
Updated August 24, 2020, 3:36 p.m.
More Information
For comprehensive and up-to-date information please see the University's Flex web page.
- Email regarding Update from the Graduate School, May 18, 2020: MTU Flex online and research lab openings (sent May 19, 2020)
- Email regarding Report from Provost’s Committee on issues impacting graduate students (sent May 19, 2020)
- MTU Outlines Plan for Return to Campus (press release on May 11, 2020 town hall)
- The slides from the town hall are available online and a video recording is available on YouTube.
- Email regarding Graduate academic standing and pass/fail option for spring 2020 (sent May 5, 2020)
- Email regarding Summer 2020 Track B and research labs (sent May 1, 2020)
- Email regarding Updated Course Grading Options for Spring 2020 – for enrolled graduate students (sent 4/24/2020)
- Email regarding Updated Course Grading Options for Spring 2020 – for Accelerated MS students (sent 4/24/2020)
- Email regarding Academic Policies for Graduate Students (2) (sent 4/13/2020)
- Email regarding Guidance from the Graduate School during the COVID -19 pandemic (1) (sent to graduate program staff and chairs, 4/12/2020)
- Email regarding Academic Policies for Graduate Students (sent 4/2/2020)
- Email regarding Academic Policies for Accelerated Master's Students (sent 4/1/2020; this email has been removed because the information sent on 4/24/2020 has replaced this guidance)
- 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