August 26, 2025

Save the Date: Research Day 2025 will be held Dec. 17 in the Memorial Union Building at Michigan Tech. Registration for the event will be open later in the fall.

Research Day is a long-standing event offering opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and engagement with researchers, centers, institutes, shared facilities and funders. This annual event is also a chance to celebrate the research accomplishments of our campus community.

The event steering committee is excited to collaborate with the Michigan Tech research community to make Research Day 2025 a truly enriching experience, highlighting the breadth and depth of research at MTU. Research Day connects to the University's Values of Community by improving through understanding and acceptance; Scholarship by inspiring scholarship through continued learning; and Leadership by addressing boundaries and serving others.

You're invited to submit topic suggestions or session proposals for Research Day 2025. This is your opportunity to suggest speakers, breakout sessions and learning opportunities.

Examples from last year:

• Advising and mentorship of graduate students
• Forming and sustaining large team proposals
• Transitioning from individual to collaborative grants
• Artificial intelligence and research
• Reaching out to program officers
• Award Management 101

Please tell us what topics you would like to hear about or what expertise you would like to share. The submission form is open until 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 12.

The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) has named Michigan Technological University an Academic Engagement Enterprise member, effective July 7.

USSPACECOM collaborates with universities to shape the future workforce of space professionals, increase applied research and innovation, expand space-focused analytical partnerships, and enrich strategic dialogue on space. MTU joins more than 80 universities and academic institutions from around the country as part of the Academic Engagement Enterprise. Acceptance was based in part on the University's established aerospace research and the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering's (MAE's) aerospace bachelor's degree program. This partnership will expand collaborative research, academic programming and workforce development for students, faculty and staff.

Joining USSPACECOM's Academic Engagement Enterprise marks a major milestone for Michigan Tech, enhancing our hands-on aerospace curriculum with direct access to defense-level education, research collaboration and internship placements. This relationship underscores Tech's rising profile in national space domains and positions our students and faculty at the forefront of national space innovation and security.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact MAE Professor and Chair Jason Blough at jrblough@mtu.edu.

Michigan Tech is committed to providing a healthy, safe and clean campus community. For this reason, the University is tobacco-free, smoke-free and vapor-free. In addition, Michigan Tech is covered by the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act, which prohibits the use of marijuana on college campuses.

The use of all tobacco products and vapor e-cigarettes as well as any use of marijuana is prohibited on all Michigan Tech-owned or leased properties. Students, faculty, staff and visitors are asked to respect this policy and help us create a healthier campus. Those seeking an exception for spiritual or religious ceremonies are asked to coordinate with Environmental Health and Safety at ehs-help@mtu.edu.

The Van Pelt and Opie Library and Campus Store invite you to support textbook affordability! Leverage Course Reserve, a service that allows instructors to share print materials with students. Instructors may complete a Course Reserve Request and share a copy of the materials with the library. The library will add the item to the Course Reserve Collection so that any student may check it out for a limited amount of time.

Don't have a copy to share? Search the library's catalog for any assigned texts. Student Research Consultants (SRCs) and librarians are eager to help anyone who'd like assistance with this task. Stop by the Ask Us! station on the first floor of the library or email library@mtu.edu for more information.

All materials currently placed on Course Reserve can be found in a special collection on the library's webpage. This additional list can be searched by course code: Course Materials webpage.

Please note: The library is unable to purchase new copies of every book assigned in Michigan Tech classes. We rely on collaborations with instructors to make the Course Reserve system a valuable resource for our students!

Career Services is hosting an on-campus jobs expo today, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge in the MUB. Students are encouraged to come check out the job opportunities available right here on campus. Many departments will be represented.

On-campus jobs provide opportunities for Michigan Tech students. A part-time job offers income to students who need it and is an important co-curricular opportunity. As a co-curricular opportunity, on-campus work can lead to internships and co-ops, opening the door to full-time offers immediately after graduation. It can also help a student establish a strong foundation for research that leads to enhanced graduate school opportunities.

Some departments in attendance include the A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Husky Eats, Facilities Management, Student Support and Mentorship, the Waino Wahtera Center, and more.

If your department has not signed up and would like to attend, please contact Jill Patterson at jspatter@mtu.edu. It's not too late.

What is the Early Intervention Team?
The Early Intervention Team, also known as EIT, is charged with reviewing and screening potential at-risk students and critical situations. The Early Intervention Team utilizes an evidence-based risk rubric to identify early indicators of potential risks and harms to self and others, and the team appropriately intervenes with strategies and outreach efforts.

Who are Students of Concern?
Some examples of students of concern include, but are not limited to, students who:

• show extreme change in behavior (from their typical baseline),
• are dealing with the death of a family member or friend,
• are alleged to have engaged in significant violations of the Student Code of Community Conduct or serious criminal behavior,
• are victims of a crime, or
• show cause or concern indicating potential harm to self or others.

How Do I Make a Report?
Anyone can report a student of concern to the Early Intervention Team in the following ways:

• Submit a concern online by using the Report a Concern page. 
• Email eit@mtu.edu 
• Call the Dean of Students Office at 7-2212
• Contact any EIT member (member list can be found below)
• Report anonymously through the TIP Line
• Call 911 or Public Safety for concerns of immediate threats

What Happens When I Make a Report?
The Early Intervention Team, made up of professional staff from across campus, examines and evaluates the reported concern using an evidence-based risk rubric from the National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment (NABITA). Professional staff will engage with the student, following NABITA's recommended intervention guidelines. Students are often referred to services at Michigan Tech and within the community. Students who are in danger of harming themselves or others are quickly evaluated. After the initial evaluation, the team will discreetly monitor the student's progress in multiple areas. Individuals who report a student of concern may be contacted for additional information; however, due to confidentiality, EIT may be limited in the type of information that can be relayed back to the original reporter.

Who is on the Team?

• Laura Putwen, assistant dean of community conduct (chair)
• Alexandra Putwen, director, Residence Education
• Anna McClatchy, assistant dean of student success; director, Waino Wahtera Center for Student Success
• Brian Cadwell, director and chief of police, Public Safety and Police Services
• Crystal McLeod, director, Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being
• Christian Montesinos, director, International Programs and Services
• Jodie Filpus-Paakola, Title IX coordinator
• Kellie Raffaelli, associate vice president for student affairs; dean of students
• Laura Bulleit, vice president for student affairs 
• Tiffany Jaeger, manager of student outreach and retention

To learn how to identify students of concern, when it is appropriate to report, and more, you can request a presentation for your department or staff by emailing the Early Intervention Team at lcputwen@mtu.edu.

Partnering with the Sponsored Programs Pre-Award team ensures timely, accurate and compliant proposal submissions. As the campus community continues to grow into our R1 status and funding request volumes increase, meeting our MTU internal deadlines is essential.

Proposals submitted to your analyst with missed internal deadlines risk containing errors or may not be submitted to the sponsor in time.

We're seeing submission requests for some unusual sponsors. We love your creativity! We'd like to offer a reminder: Researching compliance guidelines takes more time with new or unfamiliar sponsors. Please keep this in mind when planning.

Regardless of your sponsor, we want to hear from you early and often. Mutual support between principal investigators and Pre-Award analysts helps streamline the process and improve outcomes.

Remember: As soon as you decide to apply for funding, complete our Notice of Intent to Submit a Proposal form.

Use our Internal Deadline Calculator to help you plan.

As always, thank you to our MTU research community! We're proud to support your work and honored to serve you. Your dedication inspires us every day.

As Michigan Tech begins a new academic year, this is a reminder of the importance of timely timesheet approval. Accurate and prompt approval ensures payroll is processed correctly, efficiently and in compliance with regulations. This reduces the need for reallocations, off-cycle payrolls and additional adjustments — helping employees receive correct and timely pay.

Supervisors are responsible for promptly and accurately approving timesheets for their employees. Payroll will not approve timesheets on behalf of supervisors.

Timesheet Approval Deadlines:

• Standard Approval: Approved timesheets must be submitted by midnight on Monday of payroll week.
• Manual Paper Timesheet: If the standard deadline is missed, a paper timesheet may be submitted by the secondary deadline of noon on Tuesday of payroll week.
• Holiday Adjustments: Payroll Services will communicate any altered deadlines in advance when holidays or other circumstances affect processing.

Best Practices for Time Approval:

• Use electronic time submission whenever possible — paper timesheets should be a last resort. If an employee does not have electronic access, contact Human Resources.
• Set calendar reminders for approval deadlines.
• Establish proxy approvers in advance to ensure coverage during absences.
• Maintain clear departmental processes for handling approvals during absences or staff transitions.

Labor Day Deadlines – Detailed Schedule:
Due to the Labor Day holiday on Monday, Sept. 1, the deadlines for the pay period ending Aug. 30, 2025 (Bi-Weekly 18) are adjusted as follows:

• Electronic Timecards Expected to Payroll: Friday, Aug. 29, at noon
• Payroll Submission of Unsubmitted Timecards: Friday, Aug. 29, by 1 p.m.
• Electronic Timecard Submission Deadline: Monday, Sept. 1, at midnight
• Electronic Web Time Entry Approval Deadline: Monday, Sept. 1, at midnight
• Paper Revised Timesheet Submission Deadline: Tuesday, Sept. 2, at noon

Pre-proposals for Spring 2026 Copper Shores Community Health Foundation (CSCHF) Graduate Assistantships are being accepted and are due no later than 4 p.m. on Sept. 10 to the Graduate School. Students who best meet the foundation's criteria will be invited to submit a full application, which will be due on Oct. 22. Instructions for all steps of the process, including the pre-proposal, full application and evaluation process, are found online.

Students are eligible if all of the following criteria are met:

1. Must be a Ph.D. student conducting a research or outreach project that will promote and/or improve the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon communities.
2. Must be two years after starting the graduate program at the time of application.
3. Must not be a prior recipient of a Portage Health Foundation (PHF) or CSCHF Graduate Assistantship.
4. Preference will be given to applicants with long-standing local connections to Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon county.

Previous recipients of a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship are not eligible to reapply.

Priority will be given to students originally from Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga or Ontonagon counties. Nonresident students and international students are encouraged to apply if their health research is applicable to health needs and job shortages of our local community (obesity research, rural health, medical informatics, drug delivery and lab testing, physical therapy, etc.).

These assistantships are available through the generosity of the Copper Shores Community Health Foundation. They are intended to recognize outstanding Ph.D. talent in health-oriented research areas. Applicants should be a catalyst for promoting and improving the overall health of Houghton, Keweenaw, Baraga and Ontonagon communities through one of the following:

• health research and technology development
• health education or preventive and wellness initiatives
• rural health care access, informatics and assessment of care

Students who receive full support through a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship may not accept any other employment. For example, students cannot be fully supported by a CSCHF Graduate Assistantship and accept support as a GTA or GRA.

Grab your canteen and roll up your sleeves — it's time for an adventure that saves lives! Sign up today to donate at the Fall Blood Drive. Whether you're a first-time donor or a seasoned camper, your generous gift will make a lifesaving impact.

Help us reach our goal of 185 units — that's a merit badge worth earning!

Michigan Tech's Fall Blood Drive will be held in the MUB Ballroom on:

• Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The American Red Cross recommends making an appointment for your donation; however, walk-ins are welcome based on availability. To schedule, please call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or make an appointment online.

Learn more on the American Red Cross website:

1. Eligibility Requirements
2. Type of Blood Donations
3. How Blood Donations Help
4. Common Concerns

A Banner production system maintenance window is scheduled for Sept. 7  from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. The following production services will be unavailable during that time:

• apps.mtu.edu
• Banner
• Banner Self Service
• Degreeworks
• Experience
• MyMichiganTech
• ASPIRE
• Course Tools
• OAP Rental System
• Oracle Reports
• UC4/Appworx
• Virtual Cashiering
• WebFocus

If you have any questions or concerns, we can help. Email IT it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

On Sept. 7 from 8 a.m. to noon, Michigan Tech IT will be performing quarterly maintenance on the Fischer mylogin system, which requires a full shutdown and restart.

During this maintenance, password resets and mylogin.mtu.edu will be unavailable.

If you have any questions, we can help. Email IT at it-help@mtu.edu or call 906-487-1111.

Tech Today will not publish on Monday, Sept. 1, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

Submissions for publication in Tech Today next Tuesday, Sept. 2, are due by noon on Friday, Aug. 29.

Thursday, Aug. 28
• Football vs. Bemidji State, 6 p.m. at Kearly Stadium on Mix 93 WKMJ and FloCollege

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Athletics News
Read more in the MTU Athletics weekly update.

David Flaspohler (CFRES) was mentioned by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about "Science on Tap," a new monthly talk series launching Sept. 9 in Hancock. Flaspohler will open the series with a talk on Hawaii's birds and how climate change and invasive species are reshaping their populations.

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Matt Weekley (RL) was quoted by My UP Now in a story about the opening of East Hall, the University's newest residence hall. The facility houses more than 500 returning students and includes amenities like private bathrooms, study lounges, a fitness center and a 24/7 convenience store.

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Cindy Pindral (ATH) was quoted by the Daily Mining Gazette in a story about her first season as head coach of Michigan Tech volleyball. Pindral spoke about the Huskies' potential and preparations for their Sept. 5 season opener.

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The Daily Mining Gazette quoted first-year students Haylie Murillo (biomedical engineering) and Morgan Griswold (electrical engineering) in a story about An Afternoon on the Town, held Saturday, Aug. 23. The annual event welcomes new Huskies to downtown Houghton.

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ECO Magazine mentioned Michigan Tech's Great Lakes Research Center (GLRC) in a story about Seatrec's infiniTE float, an ocean-powered autonomous research platform that recently completed its 1,000th dive. The article noted the GLRC was the site of a successful Arctic Power Station test, supporting Seatrec's development of long-endurance ocean observation technology. The test was highlighted in a Michigan Tech News story.

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The Ely Echo of Minnesota mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Isle Royale National Park's decision to euthanize a wolf that had shown signs of habituation to humans and reliance on human food. The article referenced Michigan Tech's long-running Isle Royale wolf-moose report, which has tracked the island's predator-prey dynamics for nearly 70 years.

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The Daily Mining Gazette mentioned the Michigan Tech Archives in a story about Houghton's historic Lyric Theater. The archives noted the theater was forced to close during the Spanish Flu pandemic.

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The Daily Mining Gazette and WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the GLIAC preseason soccer coaches poll, which placed the Huskies sixth for the 2025 season.

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Finishing & Coating and Metal Construction News mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the appointment of Troy Johnson '97 (B.S. Environmental Engineering) as president of Apogee Architectural Metals.

CTL Technical Workshop: iClicker

The William G. Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will host a technical workshop next Tuesday, Sept. 2, to introduce instructors to iClicker Cloud software.

iClicker Cloud helps instructors engage with their students in the classroom by asking polling questions that can promote discussion, identify areas of confusion and generate questions. Michigan Tech has a campus site license for iClicker Cloud, so instructors can use this tool at no additional cost to their students.

In this CTL technical workshop, we'll review how to get started using iClicker Cloud in your classroom. We'll review how to set up your instructor account, iClicker Groups, make custom course settings to meet your needs, and integrate the course with your Canvas course.

Register for the workshop and make plans to join us next Tuesday from 2-3 p.m. in Library 243.

Contact the CTL at elearning@mtu.edu with any questions about this workshop, requesting accommodations, or using iClicker Cloud in your class this fall semester.

To have your event automatically appear, please submit them to the University Events Calendar.

Oh! The Places You Came From!

Tuesday, August 26, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Library

Our students come from all over the world! Stop and put yourself on the map at our Digital Scholarship@VPOL display so we can see where you were before coming to MTU.

Donuts First, Then Class: Welcome to Campus!

Tuesday, August 26, 8:30–9:30 a.m. | Husky Statue, Husky Plaza (Featuring Husky Statue)

Happy second day of school! Find Career Services staff outside near the Husky statue - we have donuts to share!

Library Origami Inquiry Quest

Tuesday, August 26, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | Library

Explore the library in search of origami creatures. Scan their QR code to check out our library FAQs. Afterward, stop by the “Ask Us!” desk on the first floor to tell one of our Student Research Consultants something new you learned about the library in exchange for a prize.

Build-a-Bridge Challenge

Tuesday, August 26, 11–11 a.m. | Walker Lawn

Hosted by Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, this interactive event invites students to team up and put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. Using only popsicle sticks, string, and tape, teams will compete to build the strongest and most innovative bridge. Prizes and snacks will be provided. Come meet fellow engineers and learn more about Tau Beta Pi in a fun, hands-on way!

On Campus Jobs Expo

Tuesday, August 26, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. | Memorial Union Building (MUB, Building 34), Alumni Lounge

Looking for a job on campus' Come check out the On-Campus Jobs Expo! This is your chance to meet with departments across Michigan Tech that are hiring students for the school year. You'll be able to: Learn about different on-campus jobs Talk to staff from places all around campus Ask questions and see what jobs fit your schedule Get tips on applying and maybe even get hired! Bring a copy of your resume if you have one, and dress neat(ish). Stop by anytime during the event'whether you're just curious or ready to apply.

On-Campus Career Fair

Tuesday, August 26, 11 a.m.–1 p.m. | MUB Alumni Lounge

Looking for work? We've got roles for you! From offices to labs — and a paycheck too. Stop by the Job Fair, take a look around, Your next campus job is waiting to be found!

Van Pelt & Opie Library New Student Orientation

Tuesday, August 26, 1:00 p.m.–1:30 p.m. | J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library, East Reading Room (1st floor)

Learn the basics of using library resources at MTU. Including how to locate and download materials, use interlibrary loan, and search within specialized databases. New graduate students are highly encouraged to attend but all are welcome—including transfer students, and students who have already started but want to upgrade their library searching skills. Registration reccommended but not required! Tuesday, August 26 from 1-2:30pm registration here Wednesday, August 27 from 11am-12:30pm registration here Tuesday September 2 from 4-5:30pm registration here

Chemical Engineering Research Showcase

Tuesday, August 26, 2 p.m.–2 p.m. | HSTEM Bottom Floor

During the chemical engineering graduate student orientation, incoming graduate students will have the opportunity to talk to fellow peers about the research conducted in the department. There will be a poster showcasing each research group set up as stations and ice cream from Copper Scoop.

Pitch it, Don't Perfect it!

Tuesday, August 26, 2:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m. | Outside Fisher Hall

Stop by for a fun, drop-in creative challenge where you can come up with your own product idea or use one of our random prompts for inspiration! Try to convince AMA members to “buy” your idea with your best pitch—no pressure, just creativity and fun. Bring a friend or go solo—everyone’s imagination is welcome!

SWE Tie-Dye

Tuesday, August 26, 4 p.m.–4 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Join your fellow SWEsters to make your own SWE tie-dye shirt. Work side-by-side current SWEsters to get know what SWE does at Tech and design and keep your own SWE tie-dye shirt!

DiscoTech Ultimate Frisbee Practice

Tuesday, August 26, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Hubbell Field

Join us for an introduction to the sport of ultimate frisbee hosted by the DiscoTech Ultimate Frisbee Club! No prior experience is necessary. Come make some friends during our first practice of the year!

Putt Putt Mini Golf and Chipping Contest

Tuesday, August 26, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Walker Lawn

Hosted by the Women's Golf Club, the Putt and Chip Challenge invites students to test their short game skills in a fun and friendly putting and chipping contest. Join us for a chance to win prizes, meet the team, and enjoy a great time on the green with new friends or family!

Radiant Recipes with SASE!

Tuesday, August 26, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Fisher 139

The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers invites you to trade your favorite recipes and the stories behind them with friends in this relaxed event, whether it's from your grandma's cookbook, the internet, or a Frankenstein from your local gas station. Join us if you would like to learn about, share, or document your recipes. There will be art supplies. All are welcome!

Wiffle Ball

Tuesday, August 26, 5 p.m.–5 p.m. | Walker Lawn

The Baseball Club is hosting a game of wiffle ball on Walker lawn for incoming students as well as returning to get together and learn about our club.

NCSA General Meeting

Tuesday, August 26, 6 p.m.–6 p.m. | Chem-Sci 211

NCSA's weekly meeting is where we cover what's going on in the organization, often followed by a guest presenter, then discussion of what's going on in the world of tech. Meeting time and location may be subject to changes (ex. room conflicts, guest availability). Announcements will be made in NCSA's Discord server, invite link available via our website.

Weekly Practice

Tuesday, August 26, 6:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m. | Upper Field

Come practice your soccer skills with us! We run practice like a competitive club team. We practice similarly to how a competitive club or high school team would. We start with a warm-up lap, dynamic warm-up up and passing. This is followed by technical drills or small-sided games to work out team weak areas. Usually, we end with a scrimmage or shooting.

First Tracto Discussion - What is the best fast food restaurant?

Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.–7:00 p.m. | Fisher 125

This is our first meeting for Tracto for the Fall ‘25 semester. We are starting with a rather simple and low key topic to get people back into the swing of deep discussions. At this meeting, we will also briefly discuss our topics for the rest of the semester. If you love discussing things that matter, Tracto is the place for you; come join us at our first meeting or any of our other weekly meetings throughout the year! (We also have free drinks like tea, hot chocolate, and apple cider)