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):
CDI
The Center for Diversity and Inclusion located in the Hamar House (Building 13 on the campus map). The area is dedicated to providing outreach and support to students of multiple social and cultural identities, educational programs around diversity, inclusion and social justice, training and other programming, and a safe and comfortable space available to all members of the campus community.
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 Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics 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, Institutional Equity, 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:
DT
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.
The Harbor
Copper Harbor, MI., a local destination about one hour north of Houghton.