First Generation | Student Success Center

Are you a First-Generation student? Meaning, are you the first person in your immediate family to attend college? Let us provide some information and resources to assist you in your Michigan Tech journey.

Obstacles that can face a First-Generation Student:

Lack of knowledge about college
Pressure of family expectations
Lack of family support leading to low academic self-esteem
Difficulty adjusting to college life
Financial Challenges

Advice:

ASK QUESTIONS
Classes should be your first priority
Attend all classes
Study twice as much as you think you should study
Take good notes

Some of the Michigan Tech Lingo:

On Campus (Campus Map):

EERC

Electrical Energy Resources Center (Building 7 on the campus map)

FAFSA

Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid. You need to complete this every year to receive aid.

FERPA

Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act. University staff and faculty cannot speak to your parents, guardians, or family without your consent.

MEEM

The R. L. Smith Building (Building 20 on the campus map)

MUB

Memorial Union Building (Building 34 on the campus map). The MUB houses "the ballroom" on the second floor, "the bookstore" on the first floor, and "the commons" on the ground floor.

UChem

University Chemistry 1. It is a course many first-year students take.

Admin

The Administration Building (Building 1 on your campus map). This building houses the Dean of Students, the Wahtera Academic Support Center and Disability Services, Registrar, Financial Aid, International Programs and Services, Career Services, Counseling Services, Title IX Coordinator, Equal Opportunity Compliance and Title IX, Academic and Community Conduct, the Graduate School, and administrative offices like the University President, Provost, and University Senate.

Fin Aid

The Student Financial Services Center is located in the Admin Building (Building 1 on your campus map). Staff in this area can help you with any questions or concerns about financial aid and paying for school. The cashier's office (where you can pay a tuition bill) is also housed in this area.

SDC

The Student Development Complex (Building 24 on your campus map) houses athletic facilities for students to use like an indoor track, basketball court, weight room, dance studios, ice arena, etc. The SDC is also where varsity sports such as volleyball, basketball and hockey are played. Several physical education courses are offered here.

SDS

Student Disability Services located in the Admin Building (Building 1 on your campus map). Where to go to register for accommodations; you will not receive accommodations without meeting with SDS.

Wads

Wadsworth Hall, the largest residence hall on Michigan Tech's campus (Building 37 on your campus map).

DHH

Douglas Houghton Hall, a residence hall on Michigan Tech's campus (Building 31 on your campus map).

USG

Undergraduate Student Government, the governing body for all undergraduate students.

Carnie

Winter Carnival, the festival in early February that celebrates all of the snow that Michigan Tech receives.

OAP

Outdoor Adventure Program features trips, events, and equipment rentals. (Building 51, O'Connor House on your campus map).

On and Off Campus:

The Bridge

The bridge can mean the bridge between the Rekhi Building and the library, the Portage Lift Bridge, that is the structure that connects Houghton and Hancock or the Mackinac Bridge, the structure that connects the Upper and Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The Library

The Michigan Tech Library, the Portage Lake Library (located by the Lakeshore Building on the canal), and the Library Restaurant and Brew Pub (located in downtown Houghton).

Off Campus:

Ambo

The Ambassador Restaurant

The Downtowner, a bar/restaurant at the end of downtown Houghton, near the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.

Hungarian

Hungarian Falls, waterfall located near Lake Linden, MI.

The Yooper Loop

The Houghton side turn-off by the bridge where people can either to Hancock from Houghton or to Houghton off of the bridge from Hancock.

Yooper Loop

The Harbor

Copper Harbor, MI., a local destination about one hour north of Houghton.