New Student FAQs

We are planning for an in-person Orientation this fall.  We will put into place physical distancing measures and other limits as dictated by the best science and state and campus policies.  Even if restrictions stay at the same level as spring 2021, new students will be able to participate in-person for meetings with their orientation teams, which will give them of opportunities for interaction with their peers and their Orientation Team Leaders.  Many of the informational programs will be delivered virtually into those team meetings, but there will also be opportunities for discussion and in-person Q & A.  There will also be a host of optional programs that students can attend, ranging from information sessions on academic programs to fun social events.  Overall, the spirit of our Orientation programs will continue to be personal, interactive, and tailored to meet each students' needs in transitioning to the fall semester.

Submit your HuskyCard ID photo by August 1, 2021 through your MyMichiganTech portal and you can pick up your Tech ID, in your Orientation packet, on Saturday, August 21, 2021 in the Van Pelt and Opie Library (#17 on the campus map).  If you have not submitted a photo, IT will be available to take your photo and print your ID. You pick up your Tech ID at the same location after August 21. A valid government-issued photo ID is required, such as a driver's license, a state ID, or a passport. The HuskyCard is the official Michigan Tech ID card that is issued to all students, faculty, and staff.  
For more information visit: HuskyCard Information

Michigan Tech’s Reading as Inquiry initiative—known as the summer reading program—is intended to prepare incoming first-year students for college-level reading, inquiry, and discussion. You’ll hear from the author and participate in a group discussion during Orientation, so be prepared - buy and read the book before arriving on campus.  For more information, see the Reading as Inquiry page.

All students are required to have a computing device.  This will help maximize your success in a range of class scenarios during your college career. 

This requirement means that all students, in the classroom and remote, can fully participate in mixed-mode classes (taught through a combination of in-person and remote instruction), as well as in remote assessment.  It will also ensure that students will have access to the technology they need to be successful, while maintaining the physical distancing necessary due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students living off campus are strongly encouraged to have regular and reliable internet access.

Check out "Computing Device Requirement" for device specifications.

There are several banks in the area that assist students with finances. Access a listing of local banking options and banks with campus ATM options.  

Verizon and AT&T provides cell service to the local area. Phones are also available throughout the residence halls in the shared kitchenettes for student use and local, domestic, and Canadian long distance calls are free.

Students living on campus and choosing to bring a vehicle must register it with Transportation Services through the MyMichiganTech portal (the registration link will be available later in the summer). During Move-In, Saturday, August 21, 2021, students who have pre-registered will have their parking pass in their Orientation packet.  Other students can finalize parking arrangements during check-in.

Students arriving after Saturday, August 21, 2021 should go to Transportation Services at the Administration Building, Room 100 (#1 on the campus map) to finalize parking arrangements.

Students living in the local area and commuting to campus must register their vehicle online through Transportation Services or in person at Transportation Services at the Administration Building, Room 100 (#1 on the campus map).

Register your bike online through Public Safety and Police Services. Registration helps to ensure that bikes found without owners can be returned to the proper person. It is recommended to have a lock on your bike and secure it to bike racks located across campus at academic buildings, administrative buildings, and residence halls.

High-quality healthcare options are available in the surrounding area including clinic and emergency locations. Review immunization recommendations, student health insurance, and campus health resources. Counseling Services at Michigan Tech can assist students in need of counseling services or medication management. Counseling sessions are free and confidential. Contact Counseling Services by phone at 906-487-2538 to arrange services.

Student Disability Services provides accommodations for disabilities that might impact students’ college experience. To be eligible for accommodations, students must provide professional documentation to the Coordinator for Student Disability Services, Dr. Christy Oslund. She can be reached at cmoslund@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

Given that many of our students travel 8-10 hours from home to get to campus, many students or their families will book local lodging to arrive to campus the day before move-in or stay the weekend for Parent and Family Orientation. Hotels and other lodging accommodations fill quickly during busy times so the earlier you reserve, the better. Visit our Admissions page to access detailed driving directions and an up-to-date listing of local lodging options.

Every student and family is unique. Some students will travel to campus and move-in on their own while others will have their family accompany them.  There will be some activities and opportunities for drop-in questions for parents and family through the morning of Sunday, August 22.  The nature of these programs is COVID dependent, and still uncertain.  We will update the Parent and Family Orientation page regularly to reflect the most recent details.

 

At noon on Sunday, all parents and family who have come to Houghton will day goodbye (for now) to their students as they will be busy with Orientation activities the rest of the week.

Programming for parents and families is offered on Saturday, August 21 and Sunday, August 22, 2021. The remainder of Orientation Week programming is specifically designed for new students and their full attention and presence on campus is important to learning how to be a successful Michigan Tech student.

Parents are encouraged to join the Michigan Tech Parents Facebook Group. It’s a parent-administered closed group to actively engage in various discussion topics, post questions for one another, and share stories about their Huskies. 

Michigan Tech provides a variety of resources to help students adjust to college life. A great first stop for students is the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success. The Wahtera Center staff coordinate Orientation and assist students throughout their time on campus to identify mentoring and tutoring opportunities along with strategies to support the academic transition to college. 

Account access for parents, also known as Guest Access, allows Michigan Tech students to grant individuals access to the students' confidential records. The student may grant access to any or all of the following information: electronic bill notification, tuition bill and associated holds, student's emergency contacts, financial aid awards, unofficial academic transcripts, midterm grades (for first-year students only), term end grades, and class schedules and course details.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which is a federal law, protects the privacy of students over the age of 18 or enrolled at a postsecondary institution such as Michigan Technological University. Students have the right to choose those to whom they give access to their confidential records. To learn more about FERPA, you may visit our FERPA information online.

For a student to grant guest access, they must first log in to BanWeb. They will then identify the guest by name and email address and select the information that they would like to make available to the guest. The guest is sent an email containing their user name and a link to BanWeb to access and set up a password to view their student's information. Once this step is completed, the student is notified and guest access is granted. In addition to this process, students have the alternative of granting verbal access to individuals without access to the Internet.

It is very important that students do not share their personal log in with anyone. Student's access to their email and Canvas is intended for the student only and sharing of personal login information can be a violation of Michigan Tech's Academic Integrity Policy.

Michigan Tech views students as young adults who are in the process of becoming responsible, accountable, and capable individuals. We respect their growing independence and hold them accountable for decisions they make. We also respect their privacy, but don't always promise confidentiality, and if needed, we will get others involved to ensure their wellbeing.

As such, we view parents and guardians as our partners and will collaborate with them to the best of our ability. However, we prefer to work directly with students in order to foster their growth and development. Parents and guardians are encouraged to continue to strengthen the relationship with their student by assuming the additional role of mentor/coach.

Parents, guardians, and family members often have questions or concerns about their student's Michigan Tech experience that may be helpful to share with us. Our staff is dedicated to assisting parents and family members and encourages you to communicate with us at any time. Please call the Center at 906-487-3558 or email your inquiry to parents@mtu.edu.

 

No. All first-year students and transfer students with fewer than 30 credits who have paid their deposit are automatically registered for First-Year Student Orientation.

Transfer students with more than 30 credits will be registered to attend Transfer Student Orientation (see Transfer student FAQ below). Transfer students with more than 30 credits can also attend the four-day long First-Year Student Orientation by contacting the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success at 906-487-3558 or emailing orientation@mtu.edu

Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students.

In the fall of 2021, first year orientation will begin just after noon on Sunday, August 22 and run until the afternoon of Friday, August 27.  Classes start the following Monday, August 30.

Even though some students may have some college knowledge or experience, Orientation provides the tools to be successful at Michigan Tech. Orientation provides information about campus resources, introduces students to University policies and expectations, creates opportunities to meet other students (specifically students in their major), faculty and staff, familiarizes students with campus, and supports a successful transition to college life.

Students spend four days learning about campus resources, connecting with other students in their major, getting to know their academic department and advisor, experiencing all that campus has to offer, and preparing to personally and academically engage in college.

Yes. Orientation is valuable for commuter students. It provides a way to meet students in the same major and become familiar with all that campus has to offer. Each commuter student is provided meal swipes to any residential dining hall to be used during Orientation Week; allowing commuter students to enjoy meals with resident students or eat without needing to leave campus during Orientation Week.

All students will receive a check-in time through their MyMichiganTech account by the first week of August.  The assigned time slots will all fall between Noon on Friday, August 20 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021.  Following the assigned time is important this year, as it will facilitate our adherence to social distancing and make check-in and move-in as safe as possible by spreading out our student arrival and traffic flow to each residence hall.

Students arriving after 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 21, 2021 should check in at the Wadsworth Hall Reception Desk. Students arriving after 8 a.m. on Monday, August 23, 2021 should check in at their assigned residence hall reception desk.

Students planning to arrive on campus prior to their scheduled move-in time must fill out the early arrival form on the Housing and Residential Life website. Early arrivals will be permitted under extenuating circumstances only. If you have further questions, please contact the Housing and Residential Life Office by phone at 906-487-2682 or by email at housing@mtu.edu.

By August 1, 2021, students will receive notification by email of their room assignment, meal plan, mailing address, roommate’s name and contact information, and more. If you do not receive this information by August 1, contact Housing and Residential Life by phone at 906-487-2682 or email housing@mtu.edu.

Refer to this list of items to bring (and those to leave at home).

More information about campus living and frequently asked questions about on-campus housing are available on the Residence Education and Housing Services website.

No. All transfer students with over 30 credits and have paid their deposit are automatically registered for Transfer Student Orientation. Transfer students with more than 30 credits can elect to attend the four-day long First-Year Student Orientation.  There are many good reasons to attend the full four-day long orientation, and each year a portion of transfer students elect to do so.  Please contact us to discuss this at orientation@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

Orientation is a mandatory program for all new students, including those transferring from another institution.  Our transfer orientation is razor focused on the unique needs of transfer students, connecting you to campus resources and creating opportunities for you to meet other students, faculty and staff.  Past transfer students consistently rate our orientation as useful in their transition to Michigan Tech.

Transfer orientation will occur before the start of classes on Monday, August 30.  The details will be set by June 1, and transfer students should expect to receive multiple communications over the summer with further details.  In addition to transfer-specific programs, transfer students will be able to access a variety of other optional programs throughout the week.

Transfer students spend the day getting familiar with campus resources, learning about their academic department, meeting with their academic advisor, and getting to know other incoming transfer students. Transfer students will have the opportunity to make changes to their schedule during this day.

Transfer students are welcome to join the week-long orientation.  Doing so will provide opportunities to make connections with other students in your major and gain a much more detailed understanding of the resources available on campus.  There is a difference in fees.  Please contact us at orientation@mtu.edu or 906-487-3558.

All first-year students and any transfer students with fewer than 30 transfer credits are registered and placed into classes in mid July by the Registrar’s Office at which time students can access their schedule through their MyMichiganTech portal. Students must be sure to send their final high school transcript to the Admissions Office so the class schedule can be created and once created won’t be dropped.
Students must also send official transcripts for any college-level courses taken while in high school so classes can be evaluated for transfer credit along with any Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program scores that may earn college-level credit. Students attending the four-day long orientation will have the opportunity to register for General Education courses, other required courses, or physical education electives during fall orientation.

Transfer students with more than 30 credits can register for courses through their MyMichiganTech portal after their transfer evaluation is complete. Academic advisors will connect with transfer students about course recommendations prior to registration based on the transfers evaluation. Transfer students enrolled in courses that do not appear on the most recent transcript can email a list of those courses to transfer@mtu.edu so the courses can be added to the record as pending transfer credit. Students must send an official transcript to the Admissions Office once pending courses are completed. Transfer students will have the opportunity to make changes to their schedule during Transfer Student Orientation, by contacting or visiting the Registrar’s Office, or by working with their academic advisor.

You will be placed in your first math course based on the highest of the following:

• If you do not have an ACT or SAT math score, qualifying Math AP or IB score, or transfer credit for college algebra or higher on file with Michigan Tech, you will not be scheduled for a Math course and may not have a fall schedule.  If you do not have any of the above scores, you will need to take the ALEKS math assessment which is available until September 6 and can be accessed through your MyMichiganTech account using the link in your checklist.
  
  
• AP or transfer credit can be viewed in your MyMichiganTech account by using the link "View Transfer/AP Credit" under your Personal Information section.
• If you have received an AP test score of 3 on the Calculus AB test, you will be registered for MA2160 (Calc II).  Upon earning a grade of C or better in Calc II, you will be awarded credit for MA1160 (Calc I).  If you prefer to start in Calc I, email schedule@mtu.edu.
• If you have received an AP test score of 3 on the Calculus BC test, you will be registered for MA3160 (Calc III).  Upon earning a grade of C or better in Calc II, you will be awarded credit for MA1160 (Calc I) and MA 2160 (Calc II).  If you prefer to start lower, email schedule@mtu.edu.
• If you placed into MA1032 (Pre-Calculus) and your major requires Chemistry, you will initially be scheduled in CH1000 (Introductory Chemistry).  If you have a working knowledge of high school chemistry, are proficient in algebra, and have good problem solving skills, you may want to change your class to CH1150/1151 (University Chemistry I).  For more information on Chemistry course selection go here.  To request a change to your Chemistry course, email shedule@mtu.edu.

Only students WITHOUT the above MUST take ALEKS.

Your advisor’s information will be accessible on Banweb one week prior to orientation. Access a full listing of undergraduate academic advisors by major. Please note not all advisors hold summer office hours. You'll have the opportunity to meet with your advisor during your first-year or transfer orientation program.

All first-year students will meet with their advisor during fall orientation. Advisors will also hold open office hours throughout the week to address additional questions and schedule changes. Transfer students will meet with their advisor during Transfer Student Orientation.

Students can get a list of the books they need and purchase them online via the Campus Bookstore. Students can also print a copy of their schedule and visit the Campus Bookstore in the Memorial Union Building (#34 on campus map).

Students requesting a major change prior to Orientation Week should contact the Admissions Office by phone at 906-487-2335 or by email at mtu4u@mtu.edu. Students requesting a major change after orientation should contact the Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success by phone at 906-487-3558 or by emailing orientation@mtu.edu.

Students enrolling in computer science, software engineering, or computer engineering must take the online Computer Science Knowledge Assessment in June to determine which introductory computer science course is best for you.

First-year students may be placed into a chemistry course by the Registrar’s Office prior to arriving at Michigan Tech as part of the course scheduling process, but this can be adjusted during orientation or within the first few weeks of class. Students who have not taken chemistry for several years or find math challenging may have difficulty with chemistry. These guidelines from the Chemistry Department can help you choose your first chemistry course. When selecting your course, consider the grades you earned in your last semester of high school chemistry and algebra, and the number of years since you last studied chemistry.

If you plan to continue studying French, German, or Spanish at Michigan Tech, you must take the online Modern Language Placement Exam to be placed into the correct course. The test is free and instructions for taking the test is available on the Modern Languages web page. Time to take the Modern Languages Placement Test will be offered on Monday of Orientation Week but it is recommended to take the test online earlier in the summer to allow adequate time to arrange course scheduling.

All engineering majors and engineering management students are required to take the Spatial Visualization Test during Orientation.  The spatial visualization test determines placement in first-year engineering courses. Arrangements will be made for all first-year students and transfer students that need to take the test to do so as a part of their orientation program.  We will be in touch with details leading up to the start of Orientation.