The University is fully prepared and excited to welcome students, faculty, and staff back to campus for face-to-face learning and events for the 2020-21 academic year. Congratulations once again on your admission to the Michigan Tech graduate program!
We understand that this is an unusual time to embark on your graduate education. We are working to ensure that you have the information, services, and resources to make the academic year as smooth as possible for all students.
Below, you will find important information as you prepare to enroll. This page is evolving and we continuously update with new information becomes available.
Please do not hesitate to email mygrad@mtu.edu with questions and concerns about your specific situation. Our regular office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (EDT), Monday through Friday.
MTU Flex and COVID-19
What does MTU Flex mean? MTU Flex is the University’s approach to a phased reopening that provides flexibility to navigate the potential impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on campus. As part of this plan, we will use Health and Safety Levels to guide our behavior on campus. These levels provide us with the agility to respond to COVID-19 on campus and in the local community in real time with scientifically informed, practical, and targeted steps.
We developed a strategic health screening process to detect, monitor, and trace any potential COVID-19 presence on campus. Our community will continue to observe all social distancing and hygiene protocols, including the wearing of protective face coverings. All incoming students should review MTU Flex prior to returning to campus.
Where do I find COVID-19 information? The MTU Flex website is continuously updated to provide our community with the most up-to-date information on the situation, including COVID-19 testing statistics. You can also find additional graduate school COVID-19 resources on the Graduate School COVID-19 page.
MyMichiganTech
MyMichiganTech is a website that provides personalized online content and services to prospective and current students at Michigan Technological University.
MyMichiganTech will help you stay informed about all things related to Michigan Tech. Set key features and notifications personalized for your needs. Enjoy easy email access and general information, including Michigan Tech news and campus events.
International Students
Michigan Tech extends a heartfelt welcome to international students! It is a big decision to study abroad. To ease your transition into the Michigan Tech community, we have provided the following information to get you started as you prepare to join us in Houghton.
Work with the Grad School to get your I-20
Visit the international applicants page to learn about programs, costs, and securing required documents prior to applying for a student visa.
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How do I submit my Certificate of Finance?
Download the Certificate of Finance form from the Graduate School website. Once you fill in all the required items on the form, save the document and submit on MyMichiganTech.
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When will I receive my I-20?
The Graduate School issues the initial I-20 for international students, We will automatically issue it via email with a digital signature. At this time (could change) we are not recommending mailed I-20s since many carriers are not delivering to remote/international destinations.
International Programs and Services (IPS)
The International Programs and Services (IPS) website has useful information on travel, clothing, and campus life for new students as well as more life-work resources for all international students.
Mandatory Life@Michigan Tech Course
Life@Michigan Tech is a seven-part workshop series that provides information and tools to help students adjust to college culture generally and to social and academic life at Michigan Tech specifically. The workshops will begin the first week of the semester. These workshops are mandatory for all new international undergraduate, transfer, exchange, and graduate students. Expect an email with information about time, dates and location for the workshops.
The (IPS) office supports international students with resources and documentation upon arrival and during their time at Michigan Tech. IPS provides documentation for:
Still have questions? Email ips@mtu.edu. For information on visa support and travel:
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What do I need to bring with me to campus?
In response to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Michigan Tech has introduced a new regulation that requires all students to have a computing device. We have a list of recommended laptop specifications for various disciplines. In addition to your laptop, plan to pack a few basic amenities, your phone, and some clothes for your first few days here. Hear from current Michigan Tech students in From a Husky on what to pack.
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Once I’m in the US, how do I get to Houghton?
Airport Information
There are daily flights from O’Hare International Airport (in Chicago, airport code: ORD) to the Houghton County Memorial Airport (airport code: CMX).
Bus Information
- Michigan Tech organizes buses from O’Hare to campus. Students will be emailed links to register for this travel option.
- Michigan Tech organizes bus pick-ups from Houghton County Memorial Airport to campus. Students will be emailed links to register for this travel option.
For more information on travel options, see directions to campus.
Next Steps
Accept/Decline/Defer
Accept, decline, or defer admission using the Confirm/Need to Confirm Admissions link in the prospective student tab of your MyMichiganTech. Only fully admitted students (that is international students who have provided proof of funding or domestic students) can accept their admission. Generally, we approve all requests for deferral of admissions. As the situation is in great flux worldwide, we strongly encourage you to wait to defer your admission until you are sure this is the best course of action.
Register for Graduate School Orientation
Graduate School Orientation is required for all new graduate students. To prepare you to be successful at both a great education and comfortable friendly life at Michigan Tech, the Graduate School as well as individual departments organize a number of orientation sessions.
The Welcome to Graduate School session will introduce you to the Graduate School staff, Career Center, Transportation Services, Graduate Student Government, Public Safety and other essential services. The “Responsible Conduct of Research” session will introduce you to critical information about being a responsible graduate student. Additional sessions organized by your home department and the Center for Teaching and Learning will prepare you for educational and work responsibilities.
For more information about the dates and venues for orientation, see Pathways to Graduate Student Success. Orientation is still evolving and you will be updated as new information becomes available. Note that there will be separate orientations for graduate teaching assistants and international students. Consult your graduate program director or chair for information on department specific orientations.
Department Orientations
Many departments organize discipline-specific orientations for new graduate students and trainings for Graduate Teaching Instructors and Graduate Research Assistants. Please consult your graduate program director or department chair for more information.
Register for Courses
- Contact your advisor and/or Graduate Director for guidance on course selection.
- Utilize the Academic Calendar for important deadlines including course add/drop dates, refunds, withdrawal dates, term dates, weeks, financial deadlines, and holidays.
- Registration for courses can be done via your Banweb Account. For more information on how to register see the Registration page. The Registrar’s Office (Administration Building, Room 130) can assist with your registration. You can also email: registrar@mtu.edu.
Registration Errors
Students may experience registration errors when adding courses. Sometimes waivers must be approved by the department/instructor before a student can take the course for which they are experiencing the registration error. Contact your advisor or email registrar@mtu.edu if you still have questions about the registration error.
If registration deadlines are missed (utilize Academic Calendar), late course add approval of the instructor is needed. A signature on Late Add form and/or email from instructor to registrar@mtu.edu is sufficient.
For registration errors relating to a course outside of your department, waiver must be obtained from the outside department.
Pay Your Student Bill/Confirm Enrollment
Payments can be done via your MyMichiganTech account or in the Cashier’s Office, Administration Building, Room 103. For more information on how to confirm enrollment, pay bill, and methods of paying your bill, see the Financial Services Center.
Get Health Insurance
All International Students, supported and unsupported graduate students, and student athletes are required to participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). All domestic undergraduate students may participate on a voluntary basis and have the option to enroll online at MyMichiganTech.
If you have a comprehensive health plan that meets Michigan Tech’s coverage requirement and is accepted in the United States, then you do not need to purchase a health plan through Michigan Tech. You must waive your coverage online through Consolidated Health Plan. J-1 students must fill the J-1 Waiver Request and Compatibility form and submit it to the Student Health Insurance Office at the Lakeshore Center. For more information on waivers for J-1 Scholars, call 906-487-1088 or studentinsurance@mtu.edu. Also see Student Insurance for more information on health insurance waiver
Campus Experience
The MTU Flex website has many resources to help you before and when you arrive on campus.
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What are the costs to attend Michigan Tech?
The cost of your education is dependent on your program, degree, and personal needs. The Cost of Education Calculator can help you determine your expenses for a nine-month period.
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What are the living accommodations for graduate students?
On-campus housing for graduate students include Daniell Heights Apartments, University Owned Houses, and Residence Halls. Email housing@mtu.edu or call 906-487-2682 about your housing questions. The Michigan Tech Off-Campus Housing website provides information for those who wish to live off campus.
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What kind of laptop do I need?
Michigan Tech requires all students to have a computing device. We have a list of recommended laptop specifications for various disciplines.
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What does Graduate Student Government do?
The Graduate Student Government is a student organization that advocates for Michigan Tech graduate students and organizes programs to support the professional and social life of graduate students. GSG organizes the Graduate Research Colloquium, 3 Minutes Thesis, Merit Awards, Orientation Picnics, and Friday Socials. GSG also partners with the Graduate School to organize professional development seminars and workshops for graduate students. You can get involved with GSG by attending GSG meetings and participating in programs. You may also serve as your department’s elected representative.
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How can Career Services help me?
Career Services connects students, employers, alumni, faculty, and staff. They help students communicate the unique skill sets they have developed, both in and outside the classroom. Their collaborative programming and coaching launches support career journeys. All services provided by Career Services are available virtually and staff are eager to connect with you.
Campus Jobs
Students may apply for university-wide positions ranging from reception desk staff to tour guides to learning center coaches. See Student Employment for on-campus jobs. Also see Campus and Community Employment for information on community employment.
Career Fair
Career Fairs are organized biannually. For more information on future fairs, see Career Services. The Michigan Tech Career Fair is one of the largest in the country, bringing more than 400 companies and 2,000 recruiters to campus each year. Career Fair is open to all students of all majors.
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Where do I find information about student organizations on campus?
Student Leadership and Involvement provides information about the 244 registered student organizations at Michigan Tech and how to register an organization. Organizations are formed on a wide range of topics including social, club sports, academics, service, and so on. There are also many international students organizations such as the Indian Students Association, Bangladeshi Students Association, and African Students Organization. These organizations serve as an important support system for many of our international students and foster cross-cultural interactions on campus.
Transportation and Community
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What does campus and the surrounding area look like?
Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Michigan Tech campus and its surrounding areas have breathtaking scenery year round. Experience campus through information, images, and videos, the Sister Cities (Houghton and Hancock), and the Copper Country. Use our Interactive Map, which allows you to virtually tour campus. Once you arrive on campus, the map can help you navigate campus buildings and locations. The live Webcams provide still images and live views of the campus surrounding.
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How do I travel in the area?
There are several options for navigating the Michigan Tech campus, downtown Houghton and the shopping centers.
- Campus shuttles take members of the University community around campus and downtown Houghton. In line with COVID-19 protocols, rides are limited to only 10 people at a time. To ensure that there are no more than 10 people on each shuttle , please fill the sign-up sheet.
- Zipcars allow you to reserve a car for your personal use for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of four days. You must have a valid driving license to rent a Zipcar.
See Transportation Services for more information on other travel options, including the local transit services and Indian Trails bus routes.
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Where will I park my car on campus?
You need a permit from Transportation Services in order to park your vehicle on campus. Different sorts of permits are available to graduate students, including the Michigan Tech apartment housing permits, graduate commuter permit, and the general permit. The type of permit determines where you can park. Permits can be purchased online or at the Transportation Services office.
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Do I need to register my bicycle?
Yes, registering your bicycle ensures that lost bicycles can easily be returned to their owners. Public Safety and Police Services registers bicycles free of charge. Fill out the online form to register your vehicle.
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Where can I find out more information about the City of Houghton?
See the City of Houghton website for information about the city.