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.
Students can check MyMichiganTech for their Student Checklist and personalized Degree Completion Timeline for each degree they are pursuing. Both links will require a student to log into MyMichiganTech and will not be available to faculty or staff. See the Graduate School's online tutorial for help with MyMichiganTech.
The Forms Don't Work. What Should I Do?
All Graduate School forms may be completed in newest versions of Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader. If you are experiencing problems try:
- Switching to a different browser.
- Students who click on a form link and receive the message, "Please wait.... If this message is not eventually replaced by the proper contents of your document..." have an incompatible browser or plug-in.
- Saving the file to your hard drive and open with the newest version of Acrobat Reader rather than clicking on the link and opening in your browser.
- Right-click or option-click the hyperlink
- Save the form on your hard drive.
- Open the file directly from Adobe Acrobat or Adobe Reader.
- Reconfiguring your browser to open PDF files using a compatible plug-in. Firefox users
may reconfigure their browsers using the instructions below:
- Select Tools...Options from the menu bar
- Select the "Applications" tab in the pop up window
- Search for and select "Portable Document Format (PDF)" in the Content Type list
- Select "Use Adobe Acrobat (in Firefox)" as the Action
- Press "OK"
TDR-Review is provided as a sample for your information and does not allow data entry, since the Graduate School completes and returns this form for you.
- Before You Arrive
- Before Classes Start
- Every Year
- Every Semester
- First Year
- Semester Before Planned Degree Completion
- Semester of Planned Degree Completion
- Defending Your Thesis
- Completing Your Thesis
- After Completing Degree
Before You Arrive on Campus
On campus students only.
Arrange for housing
Submit your arrival information of your travel plans (international students only)
You must submit your arrival information on MyMichiganTech to notify International Programs and Services (IPS) of your travel plans (International students only).
Details
- The IPS Office will arrange for airport pick- up for all new international students
only if you complete and send the Itinerary Form.
- Please see important dates for this service
- Submit your itinerary online on your MyMichiganTech account three (3) weeks before the required arrival date.
- Please include flight number, arrival date and time (at CMX), number of dependents arriving with you, date of scheduled visa interview or date visa received.
Why?
Submitting your information will help IPS plan for your arrival and provide you information about the transportation and pick up services they offer.
Upload your photo for your HuskyCard (optional)
You must upload your photo for your HuskyCard (optional).
Details
- Submit a picture to MyMichiganTech
- 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.
Provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy
On campus students only need to provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy.
Details
Submit the Health insurance comparability waiver form to the Student Health Insurance Office or sign up for a policy on Banweb
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.
Obtain a parking permit for any vehicle you are driving to campus.
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 https://mtuparking.t2hosted.com/cmn/index.aspx 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
Consult with graduate program director and/or advisor for proper course selection
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.
Register for courses
Details
- See MyMichiganTech for your time to register and links to registration
- 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.
Pay your bill
Details
See MyMichiganTech for your balance due and links to web payment.
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.
Confirm your enrollment
Details
See MyMichiganTech for links to confirm your enrollment.
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.
Update your preferred first name (optional)
Details
When you are a current student:
- Login to the Current Students tab of MyMichiganTech
- Find the Personal Information box on the right side
- Select “Review or Update Preferred First Name;”
Before you attend Tech:
- Login to Banweb
- Go to the Personal Information tab
- Select "Update Preferred First Name"
- Enter name and hit "Set Preferred Name"
Why?
Michigan Technological University recognizes that individuals may choose to identify themselves using a name that differs from their legal name. Because of this, individuals may designate a preferred first name 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, please see the Registrar's web page.
Obtain a HuskyCard
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
Report to IPS, international students only
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.
Submit official proof of previous degrees earned
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.
Provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy
On campus students only need to provide proof of health insurance or pay for University policy.
Details
Submit the Health insurance comparability waiver form to the Student Health Insurance Office or sign up for a policy on Banweb
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.
Obtain a parking permit for any vehicle you are driving to campus.
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 https://mtuparking.t2hosted.com/cmn/index.aspx 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
Register for courses
Details
- See MyMichiganTech for your time to register and links to registration
- 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.
Pay your bill
Details
See MyMichiganTech for your balance due and links to web payment.
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.
Confirm your enrollment
Details
See MyMichiganTech for links to confirm your enrollment.
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
Complete Basic Responsible Conduct of Research Training
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
Attend orientation or complete an online training course
Why?
- Michigan Tech requires all students to complete this training
- Consult MyMichiganTech for your current training status
Submit Patent, research, and proprietary rights agreement form
Patent, research, and proprietary rights agreement form
Details
- Log in to MyMichiganTech
- Find the link to view the agreement on your Student Checklist or Degree Completion Timeline
- Read the agreement, and click "Agree" to complete it
- Your status will be updated immediately and can be viewed on your checklist or timeline. 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.
Complete Sexual Assault Prevention course
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 completion timeline on MyMichiganTech 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
Select advisor by submitting the Advisor and committee recommendation form.
Details
- Fill out the Advisor and committee 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. Although the form will ask if you want to appoint a committee, this is not required at this time. You will need a committee in your second (post master's) or fourth (post baccalaureate) semester.
Complete Advanced Responsible Conduct of Research Training
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 who started spring 2013 or later to complete this training
- Consult MyMichiganTech for your current training status.
Semester Before Planned Degree Completion
Appoint advisory committee
Select committee by submitting the Advisor and committee recommendation form.
Details
- Fill out the Advisor and committee recommendation form
- Ensure that at least three committee members, including your advisor, are members 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
Submit Degree schedule to Graduate School
Details
- Fill in the Degree schedule
- Obtain signatures
- Submit to Graduate School
Why?
The Graduate School will review your courses and ensure that they meet the requirements for your degree.
Submit Petition to enter candidacy (optional)
Details
-
If you decide to enter candidacy:
- 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 web page for more information about this policy.
Semester of Planned Degree Completion
Plan for your final oral examination ("defense")
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 three committee members, including your advisor, are members 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 written document.
- Ensure that you have the 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.
Submit Commencement application form (optional)
Details
- Fill in the Commencement application form in fall or spring to participate that semester
- Obtain signatures
- Return to Graduate School by the deadline
Submit Degree completion form
Details
- Fill in and save the form
- Email to Graduate School
- Check MyMichiganTech for your current status
Why?
This form lets the Graduate School know you intend to complete your degree this semester. If you have any missing paperwork, we can let you know at this time. The form will also let us know how you wish to have your name printed on your diploma, your future career plans, and if you intend to participate in commencement.
Pick up diploma folder
Details
If you are not attending the upcoming graduation ceremony, or have not yet participated in a graduation ceremony, the Graduate School will provide a diploma cover to you.
Why?
If you have not already received a diploma folder, or will not be attending a ceremony, we will provide a diploma folder so you will have a safe place to store that important document. When we are able to give this to you, it saves the University the expense of mailing it to you.
Pick up Graduate School pin
Details
Every Graduate School alumni receives a pin as gift from the Graduate School.
Why?
We would like the opportunity to congratulate you on your success and give you this small token of our best wishes to you. When we are able to give this to you, it saves the University the expense of mailing it to you.
Submit the Graduate student workspace cleanout form
The Graduate student workspace cleanout form gets submitted on MyMichiganTech.
Details
- Download the form
- Complete the form with oversight from your advisor and department
- Upload to MyMichiganTech
- See your Student Checklist or Degree completion timeline for the submission link
Why?
University policy requires that all faculty, staff, and students clean their workspace prior to leaving campus or completing a degree program.
Complete Exit Survey (optional)
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 Thesis
Schedule your final oral examination (" defense")
Schedule your defense by completing a scheduling request onMyMichiganTech. (This online process replaces the pre-defense form.)
Details
- Due two weeks before your defense
- Complete on MyMichiganTech
- 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 thesis to the Graduate School
Submit complete defense draft of your thesis to the Graduate School.
Details
- Due two weeks before your defense
- Upload document to the Pre-defense Thesis 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 MyMichiganTech for your current status
Why?
The Graduate School will review your thesis and give you information about formatting changes that will be required in order to submit an acceptable document.
Submit complete defense draft of your thesis to your advisor and committee
Details
- Ask your advisor and each committee member what form they would like to review your thesis (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 thesis 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 thesis.
Publicly defend your thesis
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.
Bring copy of Report on final oral examination form to defense
Report on Final Oral Examination Form
Details
- Obtain signatures of advisor and committee
- Obtain signature of Graduate Program Director or Chair
- Ensure form is returned to Graduate School
- Your program may do this for you, or you may need to pick up the form from the program
Why?
Your advisor and committee will use this form to report the final results of your defense.
Completing Your Thesis
Make all required technical corrections from advisor and committee
Details
Correct your document using the comments provided at or after your defense.
Why?
Your advisor and committee want to ensure that your thesis is technically accurate and well written.
Make all required formatting corrections from Graduate School
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 professional in appearance, and can be printed now or in the future.
Submit thesis to Digital Commons
Details
- Log into Digital Commons using 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 MyMichiganTech 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 thesis is one of the final requirements of your degree. Your thesis 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.
Submit thesis to ProQuest
Details
- Log into ProQuest with your Michigan Tech credentials
- Upload your thesis
- See our tutorial for assistance
- Check MyMichiganTech 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 thesis.
Pay fees (if needed)
Details
Visit MyMichiganTech for fee payment instructions. The Graduate School will email you when your fees are ready to be paid.
Why?
All Graduate School fees are required to be paid before we can award your degree.
After Completing Degree
Watch for notification that your degree is awarded
Watch your e-mail or MyMichiganTech for notification that your degree is awarded
Details
Watch your e-mail or visit MyMichiganTech 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.
Watch your e-mail for notification that your diploma is ready
Details
Your diploma will be printed two months after the semester you complete your degree requirements. If you are still in the Houghton area, you may pick up your diploma after the Graduate School emails you. If you are not in the Houghton area, you will receive a final e-mail asking for updates to your mailing address that you provided with your Degree completion form.
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.
Check Digital Commons to see your published thesis
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.