October 31, 2025

Michigan Tech's 2026 Benefits Guide and a recording of the recent Open Enrollment informational session are officially available!

Head over to the Open Enrollment website today to access both resources. These are essential tools to help you review your options and make informed choices during this year's enrollment period.

Open Enrollment for the 2026 plan year will run from Nov. 12-26.

Reminder: All benefits-eligible MTU employees are required to complete Open Enrollment this year, even if you are not making changes.

Insights from Student Affairs is a monthly series providing the latest updates and information directly from Student Affairs professionals at Michigan Tech.

In our latest entry, Danielle Meirow, director of Student Leadership and Involvement, discusses student engagement being essential for success.

"National research makes it clear that these experiences are not 'extras.' They are essential to student development, sense of belonging, and ultimately, their retention and persistence to graduation," Meirow writes. "Faculty and staff can make a tremendous difference by recognizing the educational value of campus engagement and helping students see involvement as part of their education — not separate from it."

To learn more about what national data shows and how you can play a part in student engagement and success, check out the latest installment on the Student Affairs Newsblog.

John T. Sherrill, visiting assistant teaching professor in the Department of Humanities, is accepting proposals for potential client projects for HU3694 Grant Writing, which is being offered this spring 2026 semester.

For their final projects for the course, students research and write grant proposals (or portions of grant proposals) for campus and community partners, usually nonprofit organizations. The best grant projects for this class are small, well-defined projects that can be funded through grants (typically $50,000 or less) from foundations or state government grant programs.

If you are involved with an organization that would be interested in collaborating with students to work on a grant proposal, or if you know of a potential client, contact Sherrill at jtsherri@mtu.edu by Jan. 5, 2026.

It’s time to recognize excellence, leadership, growth and civic engagement within Michigan Tech's Fraternity and Sorority Life community!

Nominations for the 20th Annual Fraternity and Sorority Life Awards open tomorrow, Nov. 1, and will close on Dec. 7. Alumni, faculty and staff are encouraged to submit nominations to celebrate those Greek students who go above and beyond in our campus community.

Visit the Student Leadership and Involvement website to find the nomination forms, which are located in the Award Descriptions dropdown information for each award.

Saurabh Nath of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology will give a talk as part of the Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences Institute (EPSSI) Fall 2025 Seminar Series on Monday, Nov. 3.

This event will be held in the Great Lakes Research Center. Refreshments and a social will be held at 3:30 p.m. in the GLRC Lobby on the first floor, with the lecture to follow at 4 p.m. in GLRC 202.

The title of the talk is "All Things Ice. Drops. Bubbles. Carbon. Climate." 

Read Nath's abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 3, in GLRC 202.

Sepehr Mohammadi, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Tech, will present "Implementing Low-Carbon Materials and Practices in Asphalt Paving Projects."

Yasaman Abdolvand, Ph.D. student in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Tech, will present "Nature-Based Geohazard Mitigation with Denitrification-MICP: From Mine-Pillar Protection to Dune-Sand Stabilization."

Read the graduate students' abstracts and bios at the University Events Calendar.

Ph.D. student Bianca Mercado Velez (biological sciences) is presenting her research, “Physicochemical Characterization of Empty and Full AAV9 with Chemical Force Microscopy,” at the Society for Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) NDiSTEM Conference, being held in Columbus, Ohio, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1.

Mercado Velez is advised by Professor Caryn Heldt (ChE/HRI).

MLive mentioned the Michigan Tech Research Institute in a story about plans to transform Chippewa County International Airport into a high-tech drone operations hub for U.S.-Canada border flights. The project will leverage MTRI’s expertise in data analytics and remote sensing to evaluate performance and support safe drone integration by 2026.

The Daily Mining Gazette and My UP Now mentioned Michigan Tech in coverage of the GLIAC Preseason Men’s Basketball Coaches’ Poll, which placed the Huskies first for the 2025-26 season. Senior guard Marcus Tomashek was the coaches’ pick for Player of the Year and was named to the Preseason All-GLIAC First Team. Senior forward Dawson Nordgaard was named to the Preseason All-GLIAC Second Team.

Call for Proposals: CISR Seed Funding Opportunity

The Center for Innovation in Sustainability and Resilience (CISR) is accepting applications for the CISR Seed Research Funding Award. Proposals can be developed and submitted in three tracks of seed funding: 

• Track 1 — “Early Career” Awards
  Designed to complement or expand research efforts that may have also been supported by start-up funds for early career faculty. These proposals should provide a clear budget detailing how seed funding will complement start-up funding and how these funds will be leveraged together to support research development.

• Track 2 — “New Directions” Awards
  Designed to support established researchers who are pursuing new ideas or topics around sustainability and resilience themes. These proposals can be for initial research activities to establish methods, collect preliminary data, or access equipment needed for external proposal development; team formation to target specific large funding opportunities; or other creative activities that initiate new research directions in areas related to sustainability and resilience.

• Track 3 — “Gap” Awards
  Designed to address gaps in personnel, data analysis or other research needs created by sudden disruptions or instability in federal research funding streams in areas related to sustainability and resilience.

Award eligibility requires being an affiliate of CISR (CISR affiliation is open to anyone on campus) and contributing to the CISR research community by submitting future external funding proposals that result from this seed funding award through CISR.

The fall 2025 application deadline is Nov. 21, but rolling submissions and inquiries are encouraged.

Awards are targeted in the range of $3,000-$5,000. The timing and types of expenditures are flexible, but generally should occur before the end of summer 2026. Proposals that emphasize how this support will contribute to future research proposal development will receive priority.

In your application, please provide: 

• A title indicating whether the submission is to be considered for a Track 1, Track 2 or Track 3.
• A brief description of your proposed work and how it relates to sustainability and/or resilience. This should include any relevant citations to explain novelty relative to current state of the art or current literature.
• A clear description on how this award will propel future research productivity in sustainability and/or resilience research, providing as much detail as possible. This should include specifically identified agencies, programs and/or funding opportunities that will be pursued as a result of the work supported by this seed funding.
• A detailed budget and budget justification, including project start and end date and details on what additional resources, if any, are being leveraged for the proposed project. These additional resources may include other sources of funding, data or laboratory needs, etc. 

Proposal narratives, budgets and budget justifications should be submitted as a single document via email to Chelsea Schelly at cschelly@mtu.edu. Potential submitters are encouraged to reach out with questions or to pitch ideas before developing a proposal.

CISR looks forward to receiving your inquiries and applications!

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CFRES Friday Seminar Series Speaker: Adrienne Keller

Please join the College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science (CFRES) for our Friday Seminar Series. This week's presentation will be held today, Oct. 31, from 3-4 p.m. in Noblet 144, followed by a social in the Forestry Atrium.

Adrienne Keller, a Northern Institute of Applied Climate Science team member and assistant research professor in CFRES, will discuss how an integrated above- and belowground perspective of carbon and nutrient cycling can provide new insights to understanding plant-soil-microbial feedbacks and how anthropogenic forces alter such feedbacks.

Keller's presentation is titled “An integrated above- and below-ground perspective of carbon and nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.”

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Used Book Sale at the Library Tomorrow

The Friends of the Michigan Tech Library will have a used book sale in the Van Pelt and Opie Library from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. tomorrow, Nov 1. The sale will be held in the first floor exhibit area just past the Circulation Desk.

This will be a smaller sale than the annual used book sale held in the Memorial Union Building each spring. Tables and carts will be filled with some of the most popular-selling subjects, such as art, biography, local history and culture, home and self-help, etc. Prices are $2 for hardcover books and $1 for softcover books.

Please come to browse our many used but quality books! All funds raised by the book sale benefit the Van Pelt and Opie Library.

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Night Parking Ban Goes Into Effect Tonight

Michigan Tech's annual Night Parking Ban goes into effect one minute after midnight on Saturday, Nov. 1, and will remain in place through April 30, 2026. The overnight parking ban is enforced regardless of snow conditions.

During this time, parking is prohibited on campus between 2 a.m. and 7 a.m., except as noted below:

• Michigan Tech employees with shifts beginning before 7 a.m. who have been assigned a designated parking location.*
• Occupants of University housing with a valid residential parking permit for their designated lot or space.
• Visitors with purchased permits who have been assigned a designated parking location.*
  * Employees and visitors who have not yet been assigned a parking location should email parking@mtu.edu to request a location from Transportation Services.

Individuals who need to request permission to park on campus beyond 2 a.m. must call Michigan Tech Public Safety and Police Services at 906-487-2216 after 1 a.m. to be assigned a designated parking space.

Overnight Parking Requests
When making a request to remain parked overnight, please provide:

• Name
• Reason for request
• Campus location
• Phone number
• Vehicle information (license plate number, make, model, color and permit number)

Those granted permission to park overnight will be directed to a designated lot or one of two designated metered areas. Note: Meters must be paid, and vehicles must be moved prior to 7 a.m. unless alternate arrangements have been approved.

Visitor Parking Permits
Visitor permits can be purchased in person at Transportation Services, located on the first floor of the Administration Building in Room 100, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitor permits can also be purchased online via the Michigan Tech Parking Portal.

If arriving after 4 p.m., please purchase an overnight permit dated for the next day to allow for parking past midnight. Visitors will be assigned a designated parking location, typically Lot 24, depending on the dates of the visit and on-campus events.

Exceptions:

• Daniell Heights visitor permits are required 24/7.
• Hillside Place and Lot 19 meters require payment 24/7 via the ParkMobile App.

For further questions, email parking@mtu.edu.

Thank you, and have a safe winter season!

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

Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries

Friday, October 31, 8 a.m.–7 p.m. | Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts, Rozsa Art Galleries

MICHIGAN TECH ART SERIES EVENT For centuries, humanity has been fascinated with the microscopic world. Through advancements in technology, visually investigating this hidden landscape has become increasingly possible. One of these devices, the Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope, allows us to see the microscopic surface of things more clearly than ever before. The Art Galleries at MTU’s Rozsa Center are proudly hosting a juried exhibition of photographs taken by the Hitachi SEM during its residency at Michigan Tech. Titled Nanowonder, this exhibition is truly collaborative and emphasizes how powerful the relationship between science and the arts can be. See beyond the surface of your stuff for free! The Hitachi Scanning Electron Microscope will be on location at the gallery reception on Friday September 26, 5-7pm. The reception is free, open to all, and light refreshments will be served. All are welcome to bring a small (approx 1"x1"), dry, flat sample to be scanned by the microscope technicians. Support for this event provided by Hitachi, ACMAL (Applied Chemical and Morphological Analysis Laboratory) at Michigan Tech, A. E. Seaman Mineral Museum, Michigan Tech Visual and Performing Arts Department, Michigan Tech Biomedical Engineering Department, Michigan Tech Materials Science and Engineering Department, and Michigan Tech College of Sciences and Arts. Things to know ROZSA ART GALLERIES HOURS | M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturdays 1-8 p.m. EXHIBIT DATES | September 12-November 7, 2025 RECEPTION | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. ADMISSION| Free and open to the public CONTENT GUIDANCE | none Plan your visit with information about parking, accessibility, and more. Rozsa Art Galleries are open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. M-F and 1-8 p.m. on Saturdays. Closed during academic recesses. Contact the Rozsa Box Office for more information. Thanks to Our Sponsors Support for this Michigan Tech Art Event provided by: and the Visual and Performing Arts Circle of Supporters. About the Presenter Professional exhibitions in the Rozsa Art Galleries. Student showcases. Artist Talks with Studio Here Now. Cross-campus collaborations. The Michigan Tech Art Series offers dynamic programming that supports Michigan Tech students and our wider community. Part of the the annual Rozsa Season, the Michigan Tech Art, Music, and Theatre Series are presented by the Visual and Performing Arts Department. Through these series, students from across campus, community members, and faculty create art that connects us to the world. With majors in audio production and technology, sound design, theatre and entertainment technology, and nine minors, the department fosters creativity, self-motivation, and the development of practical and artistic skills. Everyone is welcome, and there's something for everyone. View all Michigan Tech Art Series Events. Related Events Nanowonder: Images of the Microscopic World Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries September 12-November 7, 2025 Reception | Friday, September 26, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Artful Intersections: Fall Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries November 21-December 2, 2025 Reception | Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5-7 p.m. Through the Quiet Hours: Night Sky Photography Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 16-23, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 16, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Women's Rights are Human Rights Gallery Exhibit - Rozsa Art Galleries January 30-March 28, 2026 Reception | Friday, January 30, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Beyond the Frame: Spring Student Art Showcase - Rozsa Art Galleries April 10-14, 2026 Reception | Friday, April 10, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. Explore upcoming Michigan Tech Art Events. Plan Your Visit to the Rozsa Rozsa Box Office InformationAccessibility Services Find a Digital ProgramPlan your Parking​ Get Involved Volunteer to UsherDonate to Support the RozsaMeet Our DonorsGet Updates via Email View All Upcoming Events Personal Responsibility Statement Not all productions may appeal to or be appropriate for every person or for all ages. The Rozsa Center provides content guidance to alert audience members to common potentially sensitive or distressing material. Guests are encouraged to familiarize themselves with each event in order to make informed decisions prior to attending an event. Views Expressed Statement The views, information, thoughts, or opinions expressed in this program or event are those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent the policies of the Rozsa Center or Michigan Technological University. Effective Date: 2025/26.

MAE Halloween Costume Contest

Friday, October 31, 12 p.m. | R. L. Smith Building (MEEM), First Floor Lobby

Dress up in your best costume for the Halloween Costume Contest presented by the MAE Social Committee.

UN 2013 Transfer Seminar- Section 1

Friday, October 31, 2 p.m.–2 p.m. | Administration and Student Services Building (Admin, Building 1), 220 Career Services

Job Search Strategies and Resources (25 minutes)

Master's Defense: Sara Fitzgibbon

Friday, October 31, 3 p.m.–3 p.m. | Dow Environmental Sciences and Engineering Building, 873

Integrated Geospatial Tech Advisor: Jae Sung Kim The Role of Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Analysis of Southern California Wildfires in January 2025

Physics Bowl

Friday, October 31, 5:00 p.m.–5:45 p.m. | Fisher 101

The Women in Physics Annual Physics Bowl is back-get ready for a fun and exciting trivia challenge this Halloween! Show off your physics knowledge and compete for prizes, along with the prestigious title of Physics Bowl Champion. Come in your spookiest or most creative costume for a chance to win the Best Halloween Costume award-and enjoy a festive, fun-filled event!

Trunk or Treat Meet

Friday, October 31, 6 p.m.–7 p.m. | MTU Lot 26

Come join AEMT for our Trunk or Treat meet! Dress up yourself, your car, or both and bring some candy (or tricks!) to hand out to the others that are there!

Women's Soccer vs Parkside

Friday, October 31, 6 p.m.–8 p.m. | Sherman Field

Women's Soccer vs Parkside Houghton, Mich.

Men's Ice Hockey at Clarkson

Friday, October 31, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Potsdam, NY

Men's Ice Hockey at Clarkson Potsdam, NY

Women's Volleyball at Parkside

Friday, October 31, 7 p.m.–9 p.m. | Kenosha, WI

Women's Volleyball at Parkside Kenosha, WI