The table below shows a detailed timeline of items that you need to complete in order to obtain a degree and prepare for arrival on campus. Follow the links to find out more information on what you need to do.
Current students should look to their Degree Progress Checklist [guide] and Academic Audit [guide] for a list of items they need to complete their degree.
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- Before You Arrive
- Before Classes Start
- Every Year
- Every Semester
- First Year
- Steps to Candidacy
- Semester of Planned Degree Completion
- Defending Your Dissertation
- Completing Your Dissertation
- After Completing Degree
Before You Arrive on Campus
On campus students only.
Details
- International Program and Services (IPS) organizes arrivals for incoming students, please refer to them for further guidance.
Why?
Working with IPS will ensure you maintain your student visa status and obtain helpful services.
You must upload your photo for your HuskyCard (optional).
Details
- Submit a picture to our Michigan Tech app
- Approval will take several days, so plan ahead
- Photos are reviewed for clarity and appropriateness
Why?
If you'd like a favorite picture of you to be on your ID, this will allow you to customize your ID. You are not required to upload a photo.
On campus students only need to provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy.
Details
Submit the Health insurance comparability waiver form or sign up for a policy. See the Student Health Insurance Office for current procedures.
Why?
All enrolled graduate students, with the exception of off campus students, must have health insurance. You may select a policy from the University or submit proof of an equivalent policy. More information is available on the Student Health Insurance site.
A parking permit is required for any vehicle you desire to park on MTU property.
Details
- You will receive an email notifying you when parking permits are available for purchase
- Go to Michigan Tech Parking Portal to register
- Log in with your MTU ISO password, do not include @mtu.edu
- Graduate commuters can purchase a graduate commuter permit on this site; select "purchase permits," or you may come to the Transportation Service office
- Resident graduate students should select add/edit waitlists as directed by the link.
- Find more information about vehicle registrations and parking permits online
- When on campus, bring a picture ID and current vehicle registration to the Transportation Services office to obtain your parking permit or a temporary visitor permit for all vehicles on campus.
Why?
All persons who own and/or use motor vehicles on campus, including any type of motor-driven cycles, must register them online or at the Transportation Services office.
Before Classes Start
It's a good idea to consult with graduate program director and/or advisor for proper course selection.
Details
If you have not already been assigned an advisor, your graduate program director serves as your temporary advisor, and can advise you on courses that will meet your needs and degree requirements.
Why?
Some courses have restricted enrollment, or are only offered in certain years. Consulting early with your graduate program director will ensure you make the most of your education at Michigan Tech.
Details
- Review the registration information and register online
- Consult with your graduate program director and/or advisor for advice on proper course selection
- Registration is required in fall and spring semesters to maintain continuous enrollment.
- Details on registration, continuous enrollment, and full-time status are available online
Why?
Registration is required in fall and spring semesters to maintain continuous enrollment. Registration in the summer is only required if you are a supported student, plan to complete your degree, or defend.
Details
See the Payments page for your balance due and links to web payment.
If you have questions about your payments, please contact the Student Financial Service
Center at 906-487-2622 or student-billing@mtu.edu
Why?
Your bill must be paid in full by the Wednesday before classes start to avoid late fees. Payment is required by the Wednesday of first week, or the Registrar's Office will drop your course schedule.
Details
Why?
Even if you have a zero balance due, all graduate students need to confirm their enrollment by Wednesday of the first week or the Registrar's Office will drop your course schedule.
Details
- Login to the Update Preferred Name & Pronoun Michigan Tech App
- Enter preferred name and/or pronouns and hit "Save Preferences"
Why?
Michigan Technological University recognizes that individuals may choose to identify themselves using a name that differs from their legal name and/or a pronoun that differs from what may currently exist in Michigan Tech's system. Because of this, individuals may designate a preferred first name and/or pronoun to be used across university systems, where feasible.
For more information about how this affects your student record, and additional information on how to change your name and/or pronoun, please see the Registrar's webpage.
Details
- Go to the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) located at the front of the J. Robert Van Pelt & Opie Library.
- Bring a government photo ID to confirm your identity
- If you uploaded a picture, your ID will be printed
- If you did not upload a picture, a photo will be taken at this time
- Note that if you arrive on campus before the start of the semester, you may not have access to certain buildings until the semester begins
Why?
- Your HuskyCard gives you access to on campus resources, such as the SDC, Library, and residence halls
- It is also used as your meal card if you have a meal plan in the residence halls, or you can load Express Cash, Big Dog Bucks, or Top Dog meals onto it via Tech Express
International Programs and Services
Details
Please refer to Important Dates and Events for New International Students
- Bring: I-20 or DS 2019, passport, visa and I-94, transcript, IELTS or TOEFL score not previously submitted.
Why?
All F-1 & J-1 visa students are required to report to IPS so that we can activate your record in the SEVIS system.
Details
- Submit official proof of degrees earned to the Graduate School
- Copies, scans, emails, and provisional certificates are not acceptable.
Why?
In order to earn a graduate degree at Michigan Tech, all students must provide proof of a bachelor's degree or its equivalent. Doctoral students who have earned a master's must also provide proof of their master's degree to adjust the credits required to earn the doctoral degree.
Every Year
On campus students only.
On campus students only need to provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy.
Details
Submit the Health insurance comparability waiver form or sign up for a policy. See the Student Health Insurance Office for current procedures.
Why?
All enrolled graduate students, with the exception of off campus students, must have health insurance. You may select a policy from the University or submit proof of an equivalent policy. More information is available on the Student Health Insurance site.
A parking permit is required for any vehicle you desire to park on MTU property.
Details
- You will receive an email notifying you when parking permits are available for purchase
- Go to Michigan Tech Parking Portal to register
- Log in with your MTU ISO password, do not include @mtu.edu
- Graduate commuters can purchase a graduate commuter permit on this site; select "purchase permits," or you may come to the Transportation Service office
- Resident graduate students should select add/edit waitlists as directed by the link.
- Find more information about vehicle registrations and parking permits online
- When on campus, bring a picture ID and current vehicle registration to the Transportation Services office to obtain your parking permit or a temporary visitor permit for all vehicles on campus.
Why?
All persons who own and/or use motor vehicles on campus, including any type of motor-driven cycles, must register them online or at the Transportation Services office.
Every Semester
Details
- Review the registration information and register online
- Consult with your graduate program director and/or advisor for advice on proper course selection
- Registration is required in fall and spring semesters to maintain continuous enrollment.
- Details on registration, continuous enrollment, and full-time status are available online
Why?
Registration is required in fall and spring semesters to maintain continuous enrollment. Registration in the summer is only required if you are a supported student, plan to complete your degree, or defend.
Details
See the Payments page for your balance due and links to web payment.
If you have questions about your payments, please contact the Student Financial Service
Center at 906-487-2622 or student-billing@mtu.edu
Why?
Your bill must be paid in full by the Wednesday before classes start to avoid late fees. Payment is required by the Wednesday of first week, or the Registrar's Office will drop your course schedule.
Details
Why?
Even if you have a zero balance due, all graduate students need to confirm their enrollment by Wednesday of the first week or the Registrar's Office will drop your course schedule.
First Year
Michigan Tech has developed several training programs to support graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in their professional development and fulfill obligations to sponsors of our research programs.
Details
Complete Orientation to Graduate Studies and Research on Canvas
Why?
- Michigan Tech requires all students to complete this training
- Consult your Degree Progress Checklist for your current training status
- Contact the Graduate School with any questions
Patent, research, and proprietary rights agreement form
Details
- Find the link to view the agreement on your Degree Progress Checklist
- Read the agreement, and click "Agree" to complete it
- Your status will be updated immediately and can be viewed on your checklist. A hold (if present) will be released within 15 minutes.
- Contact the Graduate School if a prior agreement with a third party prevents you from signing this agreement
Why?
This form defines the rights you and the University have with respect to proprietary work you develop while a student at Michigan Tech.
If you do not complete this agreement in the first semester of your enrollment, you will have a hold placed on your account and you will be unable to register for future semesters.
Sexual Assault Prevention Course
Details
- You are required to take the course if you started a graduate degree in summer 2015
or later.
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist to determine if you are required to complete the course.
- Click on the link in the email invitation to complete the course or visit course page.
- Complete the online course.
- Your completion will be automatically recorded in University records.
- If the course is not completed by the deadline, a registration hold will be placed on your account.
- If a hold was placed on your account, it will be released within five business days after completing the course.
- Contact titleix@mtu.edu with any questions.
Why?
All incoming Michigan Tech graduate students are required to complete a Sexual Assault Prevention course. This online course prepares graduate students for a few of the unique challenges and responsibilities of graduate student life. It focuses on developing healthy relationships and addresses some of the unfortunate interconnected issues of substance abuse and sexual violence.
Please contact titleix@mtu.edu with any questions.
Select advisor by submitting the Advisor recommendation form.
Details
- Fill out the Advisor recommendation form
- Ensure your advisor is a member of the graduate faculty with a regular or adjunct appointment in your academic home
- Obtain the required signatures
- Submit it to the Graduate School
Why?
An advisor is needed to assist you to progress toward your degree. The Graduate School uses this form to identify which faculty member is working with you. You will need to appoint a committee in your second (post master's) or fourth (post baccalaureate) semester with a separate form.
Advanced Responsible Conduct of Research Training
Details
- Complete one of the approved courses
- Summer does not count as an academic semester, although training can be completed in the summer
- These courses may be graded and for a single credit in the summer which satisfies any need for full time enrollment
Why?
- Michigan Tech requires all students completing thesis, dissertation, or report to complete this training
- Consult your Degree Progress Checklist for your current training status.
Steps to Candidacy
Appoint advisory committee by submitting the Committee recommendation form.
Details
- Fill out the Committee recommendation form
- Ensure that at least four committee members, including your advisor, are members of the graduate faculty
- Ensure that at least one committee member is outside of your administrative home and is a member of the graduate faculty
- Obtain the required signatures
- Submit it to the Graduate School
Why?
Your committee will:
- Advise you on courses and research
- Provide cognate expertise
- Contribute diverse perspectives
- Promote cross-disciplinary communications
Details
- Consult your graduate program director or advisor for the format and timing of the exam
- Report the exam results to your graduate program assistant
- Complete the exam no later than five years after starting your degree
Why?
The qualifying examination is a test of your disciplinary knowledge.
Details
- Consult your graduate program director or advisor for the format and timing of the exam
- Report the exam results to your graduate program assistant
- Complete the exam no later than six years after starting your degree
Why?
The research proposal examination is a test of your capability to conduct independent research.
Details
- Fill in the Degree schedule
- Obtain signatures
- Submit to your Graduate Program
- The Graduate Program will submit the form to the Graduate School
Why?
The Graduate School will review your courses and ensure that they meet the requirements for your degree. When the form is processed by the Graduate School, you will receive an email confirmation.
Details
- Fill in the Petition to enter candidacy
Why?
Once you have completed 30 credits and all of your required coursework, you can enter candidacy. This will allow you to pay a reduced tuition rate for research credits. See our webpage for more information about this policy. PhD students are required to petition for candidacy prior to defending their dissertation.
Semester of Planned Degree Completion
Work with your committee to find a date and time that works for everyone then work with your department to schedule a room for your defense.
Details
- By this stage your defense draft should be almost complete with only minor edits needed prior to it going to your committee
- Ensure that at least four committee members, including your advisor, are members of the graduate faculty
- Ensure that at least one committee member is outside of your administrative home and is a member of the graduate faculty
- Schedule a room and any necessary technology for the defense
- Find out in what form each committee member would like to receive a copy of your dissertation
- Ensure that you have necessary documentation to reprint copyrighted material in your dissertation
- Consult with your advisor to determine the appropriate length and format for your presentation
- Schedule some time to practice giving your presentation and answering questions
Why?
You will need this information for the Pre-defense form that will be submitted two weeks prior to your defense. Planning early for your defense will help ensure you are on track to complete your degree.
Details
- Fill in the Graduation application form by the deadline
Why?
This form collects that name you would like on your credential, your diploma mailing
address, and allows you to confirm your participation plans in commencement.
Michigan Tech offers a commencement ceremony after the spring semester. The ceremony celebrates your accomplishments, and is open
for your family and friends to attend. All students must complete the Graduation application by the deadline for the given semester.
Details
If you are not attending commencement, the Graduate School will provide a diploma cover to you.
Why?
If you will not be attending a commencement ceremony, we will provide a diploma folder so you will have a safe place to store that important document. This will be mailed to students who complete an online degree.
Details
- Complete the survey
- Completion of the survey is mailed to the Graduate School
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist for your current status
Why?
The Survey of Earned Doctorates (SED) collects data on doctoral students to assess national trends in doctoral education and demographics. More information about confidentiality of your information and general information about the surveyis available on their web site.
Details
The Exit Survey is optional and anonymous. The inputs from this survey are very helpful in improving the experience for future graduate students and identifying areas in which we can improve the graduate student educational experience.
Why?
Your feedback helps us to improve our programs and communications with students.
Defending Your Dissertation
Please notify the Graduate School of your defense details on your Degree Progress Checklist at least two weeks before your defense.
Details
- Complete two weeks before your defense
- Consult with your advisor to determine if you are ready to defend.
- Schedule a time to conduct the defense with your advisor and committee.
- Book a room at the appropriate time, create a Zoom meeting room (as needed), and reserve any necessary technology.
- Notify the Graduate School of your defense details on your Degree Progress Checklist.
- A student tutorial is available
Why?
A public oral examination is required for all students, and providing this information will allow us to publicize your final oral examination.
Submit complete defense draft of your dissertation to the Graduate School.
Details
- Due two weeks before your defense
- Upload document to the Pre-defense Dissertation Submission module on the Graduate Candidates course in Canvas
- Need help? See our online tutorial.
- Your review will be uploaded to Canvas within six business days
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist for your current status
Why?
The Graduate School will review your dissertation and give you information about formatting changes that will be required in order to submit an acceptable document.
Details
- Ask your advisor and each committee member what form they would like to review your dissertation (paper, PDF, Word, etc.)
- Deliver it to them two weeks before their defense
- Note that each committee member may request a different format
Why?
Your advisor and committee will read your dissertation before your final defense, and will use this to formulate questions about your research topic for your defense. At your defense, they may each ask you to make changes or corrections to parts of your dissertation.
Details
- Present your research topic to your audience
- Consult with your advisor in advance to determine the appropriate length and format for your presentation
Why?
As a public University, Michigan Tech is required to share the results of our scholarship with the public. The defense will also give your committee the opportunity to examine the depth and breadth of your knowledge about your research topic.
Report on Final Oral Examination Form
Details
- Obtain signatures of advisor and committee
- Obtain signature of Graduate Program Director or Chair
- Your graduate program will submit the form to the Graduate School
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist for your current status
Why?
Your advisor and committee will use this form to report the final results of your defense.
Completing Your Dissertation
Details
Correct your document using the comments provided at or after your defense.
Why?
Your advisor and committee want to ensure that your dissertation is technically accurate and well written.
Details
Correct your document using the comments provided by the Graduate School. These comments are found on Canvas with your pre-defense submission.
Why?
The Graduate School's comments will ensure that your document is accepted by ProQuest, is professional in appearance, and can be printed now or in the future.
Details
- Log into Digital Commons with your Michigan Tech credentials
- Fill in the requested information and submit your document and supplemental materials (if applicable)
- The Graduate School will assign your advisor to review your dissertation to ensure it has completed the required technical corrections and has the correct access and embargo.
- The Graduate School review your document within six business days of advisor approval if your ProQuest submission is present and notify you if the document is accepted or requires revision.
- See deadlines for upcoming semesters
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist for your current status
Why?
- Digital Commons is the Michigan Tech Institutional Repository. All dissertations, theses, and reports available in digital format are archived here for campus or open access as you have defined on your Approval Form.
- Submitting your dissertation is one of the final requirements of your degree. Your dissertation must be completely submitted by the deadline for the semester in order to complete your degree in that semester.
- The review process on Digital Commons has replaced the Approval form effective fall 2021. It ensures that you have completed the required technical corrections and that it has the appropriate access and embargo.
Details
- Log into ProQuest with your Michigan Tech credentials
- Upload your dissertation
- See our online tutorial for assistance
- Check your Degree Progress Checklist for your current status
Why?
ProQuest is the leading archiver of theses and dissertations, and submission to them will allow 3000 domestic and international research libraries, cultural organizations both domestic and international (museums, national public libraries, historical societies), governmental agencies (e.g. US Supreme Court, state and local governmental agencies, international (European Patent Office) access to your dissertation.
Details
Visit your Degree Progress Checklist for fee payment instructions. The Graduate School will email you when your fees are
ready to be paid.
Fees can also be found on the Payments page - click on "Graduate School Fees" to pay this fee when available.
Why?
All Graduate School fees are required to be paid before we can award your degree.
After Completing Degree
Watch your e-mail or your Degree Progress Checklist for notification that your degree is awarded
Details
Watch your e-mail or visit your Degree Progress Checklist two weeks after the end of the semester for confirmation that your degree requirements are complete.
Why?
Degrees can only be awarded after grades are posted for the semester. Once grades are posted for the semester and your degree has been awarded, you can order official transcripts if you need official proof of earning your degree.
Details
Approximately six weeks after the semester you complete your degree, your diploma will be printed and shipped to the address provided in your graduation application. If there is a change in address, you should notify us as soon as possible.
You will receive an email notification when the document ships and be provided the option to purchase an e-diploma.
Why?
We want to be sure you receive your diploma in a timely manner. Watching for our notifications will help us deliver it to you promptly.
Details
- Go to Digital Commons when you receive notification that your work is posted
- Check the abstract, embargo, and publishing options
- Share your work if you'd like
Why?
Check that everything is published as you specified.
A permanent link to your submission can be used on your resume or social media sites to publicize your accomplishments.