HuskyGOLD is designed to prepare students for lifelong engagement in their communities. It
provides a wealth of options so every individual has the autonomy to choose a path
that fits their personal interests and ambitions. Through completing the program's
pillars, students will gain a greater awareness of themselves, others, and the communities
they are a part of.
The five pillars of HuskyGOLD are:
- Leadership - At Michigan Tech, we inspire the leadership necessary for all individuals to boldly
push everyday boundaries while serving others. Through this pillar, you will develop
interpersonal skills, explore personal goals and passions, and broaden your personal
leadership style.
- Health and Well-being - At Michigan Tech, we embrace a holistic approach to well-being to assist students
in developing their whole selves so they can be successful in life during and after
their academic careers. Through this pillar, you will integrate lifestyle choices
that promote holistic health, well-being, and personal strategies for self-care.
- Civic Engagement - At Michigan Tech, we inspire individuals to hold themselves accountable and to
act with integrity, honesty, and diligence. Through this pillar, you will explore
intercultural competence, social responsibility, and community service.
- Culture and Community - At Michigan Tech, we inspire an engaged community actively seeking improvement
through acceptance and understanding. Through this pillar, you will build a greater
understanding of yourself and your values so you can act with integrity and respect.
- Professional Enrichment - At Michigan Tech, we create and explore possibilities. Through this pillar, you
will refine your communication and collaboration skills, learn to navigate the professional
world, and apply your holistic experience to achieve future success.
HuskyGOLD is a self-paced experience available to all Michigan Tech students. Students can
enroll as early as their freshman year. Since it takes multiple semesters to complete,
we strongly encourage students to enroll by their junior year. Students receive recognition
throughout the program as they make progress and upon completing all items. The drop-down
information below outlines the events, tasks, and involvements that are necessary
to complete each pillar.
Required Items:
Elective Items (must complete three):
- Attend GRIT
- Engage in the LeaderShape Institute
- Become an officer of a Registered Student Organization
- Participate on or chair a Registered Student Organization committee
- Work in a Leadership Role on campus, such as a Resident Assistant, Orientation Team
Leader, etc
- Hold an Academic Leadership Role, such as a Teaching Assistant, Success Coach, Learning
Center Coach, etc
- Hold an Advocacy or Advisory position such as Student Commission, Academic Advisory
Groups, University Committees, Tech Traditions Committee
- Hold a community-based leadership position such as Girl Scout Leader, non-profit board
member, local governance, poll worker, poll worker observer, etc
- Present at a Conference, Workshop, or other program
Required Items:
- Complete QPR Training
- Attend five Health and Well-being Events or programs
Elective Items (must complete three):
Required Items:
- Complete 30 Service Hours and track them on GivePulse. All 30 hours must be completed in one academic year. Excludes Make a Difference
Day and Alternative Spring Break.
- Create a Voter Engagement Plan (This can be for a campus-wide, local, state, or federal
election)
Elective Items (must complete three):
Required Items:
Elective Items (must complete three):
Required Items:
- Attend five Career Development presentations or workshops
- Create and update a Handshake or LinkedIn Profile
Elective Items (must complete three):
Important Dates
Event Date |
Event |
Monday, October 27 |
Fall 2025 Open Enrollment Begins |
Tuesday, October 28 from 12:00-1:00 PM |
Info Session |
Thursday, October 30 from 3:30-4:30 PM |
Info Session |
Tuesday, November 4 from 5:00-6:00 PM |
Info Session |
Friday, November 21 |
Fall 2025 Open Enrollment Ends |
Monday, January 5 |
Spring 2026 Open Enrollment Begins |
Wednesday, February 4 |
Spring 2026 Open Enrollment Ends |
Friday, March 27 |
Deadline to Complete Pillars for Recognition at the 32nd Annual Student Leadership Awards |
Friday, April 10 |
32nd Annual Student Leadership Awards |
Friday, April 17 |
Deadline to Complete HuskyGOLD (For Spring 2026 Graduates) |
Frequently Asked Questions
HuskyGOLD is designed for undergraduate students and ideally is started in a student’s
junior year or earlier. We want to recognize any student for seizing opportunities
available to them across campus. There are no major, GPA, or other academic requirements
to participate, however, you must:
- Enroll with at least a full academic semester remaining.
- Starting in the 2027-2028 academic year, students must have at least three academic
semesters remaining to enroll in HuskyGOLD.
- Be an actively enrolled student at the time of pillar or HuskyGOLD completion to receive
recognition.
Interested students must attend an information session during the open enrollment
window. If you are not able to make any of the information session dates, you may
contact activities@mtu.edu to request an alternative meeting time.
When can I join HuskyGOLD?
HuskyGOLD will have open enrollment during each fall and spring semester.
- Open enrollment for Fall 2025: October 27-November 21
- Open enrollment for Spring 2026: January 5-February 4
Can I get credit for something retroactively?
Yes, retroactive credits are permitted if requested within the first two months of
program participation. To establish retroactive credit for an item, contact Student
Leadership and Involvement by emailing activities@mtu.edu. Currently, retroactive credit can be requested for any items completed during your
time at Michigan Tech.
What can I do if a credit isn’t showing up that I believe I attended?
If a credit isn’t showing up on Involvement Link that you believe you attended, please
email activities@mtu.edu.
I can’t do one of the required items. Can I do something else?
Typically no, however, if you believe you have an extenuating circumstance, you may
email activities@mtu.edu.
What are the incentives for participating?
- Upon joining the program, participants will receive a HuskyGOLD sticker.
- After completing each pillar, participants will receive an award panel. Completion
of all five pillars will result in the full award display.
- If all pillars are completed prior to graduation, participants will be awarded a HuskyGOLD
stole.
When do the pillars need to be completed for recognition at the Student Leadership
Awards?
To receive recognition at the Student Leadership Awards for a completed pillar, all pillar items must be completed two weeks prior to the
Student Leadership Awards.
If you have any questions, please email Student Leadership and Involvement at activities@mtu.edu.