Guidelines for Political Activity

With the midterm elections fast approaching, many members of the Michigan Tech community have questions about the extent to which University employees and students may engage in political activity, both on campus and off.

All members of the University community have the right to fully engage in political activities on their own time and on their own behalf. However, Michigan Tech and anyone acting on the University’s behalf is prohibited by state law from using public resources to support or oppose a candidate or to qualify, support or oppose a ballot initiative.

In practical terms, here’s what that means for MTU employees:

  • You may wear buttons, shirts and hats that advocate for a political candidate or ballot issue on campus so long as the context does not imply you are acting on behalf of the University. For example, when speaking to a group as a representative of the University, it is not appropriate to wear such items because they could imply University endorsement of your views.
  • Posters, flags and similar material advocating for a political candidate or ballot issue may be displayed on campus in the same manner as nonpolitical material so long as the context does not imply University endorsement. For example, you may display such material in your own private office, but not in a front-facing office or community break room (unless, e.g., a bulletin board is equally available for all). No outdoor campaign signs are permitted on University property.
  • When engaging in political activities on your personal time, do not purport to speak for or campaign on behalf of the University — and do not make statements that could lead a reasonable person to think you are doing so. You should either refrain from stating your University affiliation or, if you include your University affiliation, include a disclaimer stating your affiliation is only for identification purposes and does not indicate University support for or endorsement of your views.
  • Do not use your University office, computer, email, phone, listserv or social media account for activity supporting or opposing a political candidate or ballot initiative.
  • Do not use University paper, postage, copiers or printer ink for materials supporting or opposing a political candidate or ballot initiative.

The potential penalties for violating these rules are not insignificant. It is a misdemeanor to knowingly violate Section 57 of Michigan’s Campaign Finance Act and you may be subject to fines of up to $1,000 and imprisonment of up to one year. Further, if Michigan Tech resources are used illegally, the University could be fined $20,000 or an amount equal to the value of the resources used, whichever is greater.

If you have questions about political activities, please contact Heidi Reid in the Office of the General Counsel at hereid@mtu.edu or 906-487-2229.

Humans of Michigan Tech: Larry Sutter

“I didn’t choose Michigan Tech. Michigan Tech chose me. I came here in 1978 to install an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer in the metallurgical engineering department, and while I was here, I learned of a job opening in the electron microscope lab. I was looking for an opportunity to work at a university and continue my education, and I loved the small-town environment of Houghton, so I applied. I came to the interview in December of 1978, the record snow year. Professor Al Hendrickson picked me up at the airport in his VW bug. As we drove to town in that little car — with no heat, with six-foot-high snowbanks on either side — I knew this was the place for me. I was hired, moved here in March of 1979 and so it began.”

Read more about Professor Emeritus Larry Sutter’s accomplishments — and the next things he’s ticking off his personal and professional to-do lists — on the Humans of Michigan Tech blog.

Creditable Coverage Notice for Medicare Enrollees

Federal regulations require Michigan Tech to send the Medicare Part D certificate of creditable coverage disclosure form prior to the annual Medicare Part D election period, which begins Saturday (Oct. 15) and runs through Dec. 7.

The disclosure only applies to those employees who are age 65 and older or who have a dependent enrolled in Medicare. Michigan Tech’s prescription coverage is creditable, meaning that it is expected to cover on average as much as the Standard Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. The certificate of creditable coverage notice can be viewed online.

Talk: 'A Roadmap for Climate Action at Michigan Tech'

From 4-5 p.m. on Oct. 26 in Dillman 320, Director of Sustainability and Resilience Alan Turnquist will present a talk titled "A Roadmap for Climate Action at Michigan Tech."

Turnquist will talk about the challenges and opportunities that climate change presents for higher education and share a roadmap for climate action at Michigan Tech. There will be plenty of time for discussion.

Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar

The next Environmental Engineering Graduate Seminar will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 17) in the Great Lakes Research Center, GLRC 202.

Assistant Professor Shan Zhou of Michigan Tech's Department of Social Sciences will present "Solar Adoption Inequality in the U.S.: Trend, Magnitude, and Solar Justice Policies."

Read the abstract on the University Events Calendar.

BioSci Seminar: 'Dendrochronology'

The next speaker in the Biological Sciences (BioSci) Seminar Series is Associate Professor Steven Voelker of Michigan Tech's College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science.

Voelker's presentation is today (Oct. 13) from 3-4 p.m. in the Great Lakes Research Center, GLRC 202. It is titled "Dendrochronology: Forensic Biology for Inferring Effects of Global Change."

From the abstract:
Dr. Voelker uses dendrochronology (tree-ring science) and plant ecophysiology to track down and interrogate competing hypotheses for what environmental influences have been affecting organismal and ecosystem functioning over time. These investigations always assign absolute dates to inter-annual growth rates to trees and sometimes to fish! However, Dr. Voelker's group digs deeper; specializing in the use of stable isotopes of carbon, oxygen and hydrogen imprinted upon tree-rings to infer past ecophysiological or climatic variability. In this Biology Seminar Dr. Voelker will discuss some recent and ongoing dendrochronological investigations in Michigan and across regional to global scales.

The Road to Open: MTU Celebrates Open Access Week

Next week, the Graduate School and J. Robert Van Pelt and John and Ruanne Opie Library celebrate Open Access Week 2022. Festivities will include Tech Today articles highlighting 10 years of Michigan Tech graduate student scholars sharing their work on Digital Commons @ Michigan Tech and a reception.

Please join us Wednesday (Oct. 19) at 3 p.m. in the East Reading Room of the Library for a brief presentation, light refreshments and lively discussion on all things Open Access.

CTL Lunch and Learn: iClicker Showcase

The Jackson Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) reminds instructors that there is still time to register for the iClicker Showcase Lunch and Learn on Tuesday (Oct. 18) at noon. Join your colleagues and the CTL team as we revive our lunch and learn format.

Featured instructors who will be demonstrating their iClicker polling strategies for attendees include:

  • Rebecca Ong (ChE)
  • Trever Hassell (ECE)
  • Travis Wakeham (BioSci)
  • Laura Connolly (COB)
  • Brigitte Morin (BioSci)

Whether you're new to iClicker this semester, a power user, or just want to learn ways to improve and expand your teaching practices, make plans to register and attend the CTL iClicker Showcase. All registered attendees will have lunch provided.

As always, instructors who need assistance getting started with iClicker or have specific technical questions can contact the CTL for assistance at elearning@mtu.edu or 906-487-3000.

Sign Up for Virtual Lean Workshops

The Office of Continuous Improvement (OCI) is offering the following virtual Lean workshops to Michigan Tech employees. These tools can assist you in your efforts to create the best possible experience for students, faculty, staff and other customers.

  • Finding the Source of the Problem: Root Cause Analysis and Decision Making Tools Workshop
    • Wednesday, Oct. 26 — 9 a.m. to 12 noon
      Use several fun tools for exploring the how, what and why of the gap between how things are and how you want them to be, brainstorming possible causes and using decision-making tools to select the most likely root cause to pursue.

  • Processes, Flow, and Waste: Lean Fundamentals
    (formerly "Introduction to Lean")
    • Wednesday, Nov. 16 — 9 a.m. to noon
      Practice visualizing the fundamental Lean concepts of flow and waste and see how you can apply them to your job right away.

  • Countermeasures: Solving Common Problems using Lean Methods and Tools
    • Wednesday, Nov. 30 — 9 a.m. to noon
      Explore several Lean tools that are used as countermeasures for common workplace problems so you can close the gap between what is currently happening and what we want to happen.

  • Understanding the Impact: Collecting and Visualizing Metrics to Support Improvement
    • Thursday, Jan. 26 — noon to 3 p.m.
      Discover some simple methods for collecting and visualizing data so you can visually tell the story of the impact of your work.

  • Practical Problem Solving: Leveraging the Plan-Do-Check-Act Cycle
    • Thursday, March 2 — noon to 3 p.m.
      Practice different problem solving methods to test and learn your way toward your goals.

To see more workshop details and register, complete our brief form or visit our website. Once registered, we'll add you to a calendar event for the course.

These workshops will be taught virtually using Zoom and Miro. There will be a brief pre-work assignment before a workshop, and you'll receive a certificate after completing a post-work assignment.

These stand-alone workshops are part of the Lean Basics workshop series. They can be taken independently or, if you complete all five workshops in the series, we’ll award you a Lean White Belt certificate! For more information, email improvement@mtu.edu.

Soccer Hosting Parkside and Purdue Northwest

The Michigan Tech soccer team welcomes Wisconsin-Parkside and Purdue Northwest this weekend to close out a four-game homestand.

MTU faces Parkside tomorrow (Oct. 14) at 7 p.m. before a Sunday (Oct. 16) clash with Purdue Northwest at noon.

Fans can catch both games on FloSports, as part of the four-year media partnership with the GLIAC beginning this fall.

Read more about the teams at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Football Battling Old Rivals for Miner's Cup

Michigan Tech football meets Northern Michigan for the 20th annual Miner's Cup at 1 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 15) at Kearly Stadium.

The Huskies have won each of the past 11 matchups and are 16-3 against the Wildcats since winning their first Miner's Cup in 2002. 

Fans who cannot attend the game have a range of options for watching and listening to the game, including FloSports streaming video, Mix 93.5 FM and Pasty.net radio, and WLUC TV6 television coverage.

Read the preview at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

Hockey in Alaska for Nonconference Series

Michigan Tech hockey is in Fairbanks, Alaska, for a nonconference series against the Alaska Nanooks.

The teams will meet today (Oct. 13) at 11:37 p.m. ET and tomorrow (Oct. 14) at 11:07 p.m. ET at the Carlson Center.

Tech is 0-1-1 in the regular season and UAF is 2-1-1.

Fans can listen to both games live on the radio at Mix 93.5 FM, online at TheMix93.com or Pasty.net, or on another radio streaming app. Both games will also be streamed on FloHockey.tv.

Read the preview at the Michigan Tech Athletics website.

This Week in Michigan Tech Esports

Thursday (Oct. 13)
• Apex Legends vs. Various, Phase One Fall Series, 7 p.m.
• Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate vs. Northwood, NACE Starleague, 7 p.m. Watch the Twitch stream.
• Overwatch 2 vs. Jamestown, NACE Starleague, 7 p.m.
• League of Legends vs. North Carolina - Chapel Hill, NACE Starleague, 7 p.m.

Friday (Oct. 14)
• CSGO vs Drexel, NACE Starleague, 7 p.m.

Times are subject to change. Check Twitter @MTUEsports for updates.

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Esports News
Read more in the MTU Esports weekly update.

Job Postings

Job Postings for Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022

Staff and faculty job descriptions are available on the Human Resources website. For more information regarding staff positions, call 906-487-2280 or email mtujobs@mtu.edu.

For more information regarding faculty positions, contact the academic department in which the position is posted.

Administrative Aide 7 (12 months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #22285RP, Merchandising Operations (UAW posting dates Oct. 13 to Oct. 19, 2022 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal UAW applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal UAW posting dates). Apply online.

Coordinator, Center for Educational Outreach. Apply online.

Food Service Helper (nine months/ 40 hours/ first shift) #22294, Dining Services (AFSCME posting dates Oct. 13 to Oct. 19, 2022 — external applicants are encouraged to apply; however, internal AFSCME applicants are given first consideration if they apply during the internal AFSCME posting dates). Apply online.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer that provides equal opportunity for all, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Accommodations are available. If you require any auxiliary aids, services, or other accommodations to apply for employment, or for an interview, at Michigan Technological University, please notify the Human Resources office at 906-487-2280 or mtujobs@mtu.edu.

On the Road

Laurie Stark, manager of circulation services for the Van Pelt and Opie Library, presented a session at the Back in Circulation Again 2022 conference titled "A Manager’s Perspective: Lead a Successful Team Using Lean Principles."

The session, with over 100 attendees, focused on how the library's circulation team applied lean tools to improve our culture and processes, which helped create an environment for our team that engages everyone to problem-solve, supports creative thinking and new ideas, and fosters self-confidence and mutual respect.

The regional conference was held Oct. 2-4 in Madison, Wisconsin.

New Funding

Dukka KC (CS/ICC) is the principal investigator (PI) on a project that has received a $432,111 research and development grant from the National Science Foundation.

The project is titled "MRI: Acquisition of a GPU-accelerated cluster for research, training and outreach."

Laura Brown and Zhenlin Wang (CS/ICC), JingFeng Jiang (BioMed/ICC) and Issei Nakamura (Physics/ICC) are co-PIs on this potential two-year project.

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Jared Anderson (VPA) is the PI on a project that has received a $24,000 Other-Public Service Grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.

The project is titled "2022-23 Presenting Series Season."

Mary Jennings (VPA) is a co-PI on this project.

In the News

Ph.D. candidate Cameron Shock (physics) was mentioned by Mirage News in a story on several new agreements signed by Sandia National Laboratories. The agreements are expected to increase the numbers of students and faculty partnering with Sandia to support its growing national security workload.

Shock is currently a research fellow at Sandia studying polymerized ionic liquids and expanding the capabilities of the open-source LAMMPS molecular dynamics simulator. He was pictured in one of the images accompanying the story.

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WNMU-FM covered the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees’ approval of a new campus plan.

Reminders

ROBOT101 Event: Tech Theatre Company to Perform 'R.U.R.'

The Tech Theatre Company will perform the 1920 dystopian play "R.U.R: Rossum's Universal Robots" in McArdle Theater at 7:30 p.m. tomorrow (Oct. 14) and Saturday (Oct. 15). Witness a world of robots in revolt against the limited human population in this semi-staged radio drama. A post-performance discussion will take place following Saturday's performance.

Limited Student Rush tickets are available 30 minutes prior to the performance and are included with the Experience Tech fee. Public tickets are on sale now at mtu.universitytickets.com.

Most ROBOT101 events are held both in person and via Zoom webinar. Find more information and register for the webinars at the ROBOT101 website.

ROBOT101 events are supported by:

Institute of Computing and Cybersystems | College of Computing | College of Sciences and Arts | College of Engineering | College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science | Department of Cognitive and Learning Sciences | Department of Computer Science | Department of Engineering Fundamentals | Department of Humanities | Department of Social Sciences | Department of Visual and Performing Arts | 41 North Film Festival | Institute for Policy, Ethics, and Culture | Pavlis Honors College

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MS Defense: Tino Moore, CS

M.S. in Computer Science candidate Tino Moore will present his thesis defense tomorrow (Oct. 14) at 2 p.m. in person in Rekhi 101 and virtually via Zoom.

Moore's thesis is titled “Poor Man’s Trace Cache A Variable Delay Slot Architecture.”

Read the thesis on the Computing News Blog.

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Virtual Lecture: Security, Privacy of Bluetooth Low Energy

Zhiqiang Lin, distinguished professor of engineering in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Ohio State University, will present a Computer Science Colloquium virtual lecture tomorrow (Oct. 14) from 3-4 p.m. via Zoom.

The title of Lin’s talk is “Rethinking the Security and Privacy of Bluetooth Low Energy.” The lecture is presented by the Michigan Tech Department of Computer Science.

Lin’s research interests center around systems and software security. He has published over 100 papers, many of which appeared in the top venues in cybersecurity.

Join the Zoom lecture.

Read more on the Computing News Blog

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Physics Colloquium

Laura Fierce of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will be presenting at the next Physics Colloquium.

The seminar will be presented in person at 4 p.m. today (Oct. 13) in Fisher 139.

Fierce's presentation is titled "Multi-Scale Modeling of Aerosol Interactions with Clouds and Radiation."

Read the abstract at the University Events Calendar.

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This Week's C3 Luncheon

Menu for Thursday (Oct. 13):

  • Jerk Chicken (Gluten Friendly)
  • Fried Plantains (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
  • Caribbean-Style Coconut Rice (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
  • Moroccan Vegetable Stew (Gluten-Friendly, Vegan)
  • Papaya Slaw (Gluten Friendly, Vegan)

Dining Services presents this week's C3 Luncheon, being held today (Oct. 13) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge (MUB 107). All faculty and staff, along with their guests, are invited.

The C3 lunch buffet menus are created and prepared by executive chef Michael Landini and his culinary team. As the name suggests, the meals are meant to foster conversation, community and collegiality. Attendees may bring their lunch instead of purchasing the buffet. Fruit-infused water, coffee, tea, cookies and fruit are available free to all attendees.

The buffet lunch is $12 per person. Cash, credit cards and gift cards are accepted. Gift cards can be purchased in the Memorial Union Office (MUB 101). You can submit C3 feedback using our Google form. To join the C3 Google group and receive weekly menus, email business-support@mtu.edu.

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Mexico Spring Break Study Abroad Info Session

Today (Oct. 13) at 5 p.m. in the Academic Office Building Commons (AOB 209), we will hold our first info session for the Mexico Spring Break Trip.

At this session, we will go over some of the basics of the program and, most importantly, answer any and all questions you may have. 

Bring a friend and stop by to chat and enjoy some Mexican snacks!

Today's Campus Events

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

The Rozsa Galleries Present: Arabesque

THE ROZSA GALLERIES PRESENT ARABESQUE AN ART EXHIBITION OF THE WORKS OF CLEMENT YEH AND TOMAS CO FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2022 GALLERY HOURS: M-F 8...

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KP Pride Week - Aiden's Rocks Rock Painting

Come paint rocks on the CDI lawn! Brushes, paint, and rocks will be available, so just bring yourself!

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Robot101 - Invited Talk with Visiting Professor Heather Love

As part of the Robot101 initiative this fall (robot101.mtu.edu), join us to hear Heather Love from the University of Waterloo examine the interplay between robot literature...

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SRC-Squared on Circular Economy

You are invited to the second meeting of the Sustainable and Resilient Communities Social Network and Research Collaborative (SRC-Squared) for the 2022-23 academic year! ...

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Let's Talk and Color

De-stress with an afternoon of adult coloring and find out more about what the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being has to offer! Confidential Consultations...

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Dendrochronology: Forensic Biology for Inferring Effects of Global Change

Biological Sciences Seminar Series Dr. Steven Voelker Associate Professor College of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University ...

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CTL Instructional Award: Loredana Valenzano-Slough

Thursday, October 13 at 3:45 PM https://mtu.libcal.com/event/9608625

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LEED Green Associate Program Training

Who: Open to MTU Students and Employees Dates: The class will be held on five Thursdays, starting October 13, 2022. Time: 4–6 p.m. Location: Chem Sci 211 Instructor: Joe...

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Physics Colloquium - Dr. Laura Fierce

Laura Fierce of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will be presenting at the next Physics Colloquium. Please join the in-person presentation at 4:00 PM EST Thursday...

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Adult Huskies Swim Lessons Fall 2022 Session 2

Adult Huskies Swim Lessons provides aquatic education for the beginner to the intermediate swimmer who is looking to become more comfortable in the water and learn the...

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Adult Huskies Swim Training Fall 2022 Session 2

Adult Huskies Swim Training provides additional attention and competitive guidance to swimmers ages 18 and older who are looking to improve their swimming skills and fitness...

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2022 3MT Competition

Participating in the 3MT can be a way for you to develop important communication and research skills, and to participate in the building of research culture at Michigan Tech....

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Mocktail Making Rush!

Hey hey! Come hangout with the sisters of Phi Delta Chi and make some fun mocktails :) All nonbinary + women welcome!!!

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Leading Scholar Webcast

Join us to learn more about Michigan Tech's premier scholarship program, the Leading Scholar Award!

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Leading Scholar Webcast

Join us to learn more about Michigan Tech's premier scholarship program, the Leading Scholar Award!

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(Men's Ice Hockey) Michigan Tech at Alaska

Men's Ice Hockey: Michigan Tech at Alaska