`  

Student Services

Contents of this page

Career Center

The University Career Center is designed to help all Michigan Tech students with career and employment decisions. It is located in the Harold Meese Center and is open 8:00 am–5:00 pm Monday–Friday. Call 487-2313 for information. The services listed below are of greatest interest to graduate students, but the Center provides other services as well.

UCC Computer Lab

UCC maintains a computer lab for students to work on resumés, cover letters, and electronic resumés for a referral service database, as well as electronic sign-up for interview times.

On-Campus Interviewing

Use on-campus interviews as one of many strategies during your employment search. Graduate students who want to work in industry should visit the Career Center six to twelve months before completing their thesis or dissertation. Many corporations visit Michigan Tech looking specifically for candidates with graduate degrees.

  • Employers usually want to interview students during the academic year in which they are graduating. Because the majority of interviews for the entire year occur in October, graduate students should register with the Career Center in the spring before the academic year in which they graduate or as soon as possible in the fall.

Special Programs

Corporate speakers, Career Day, and job fairs (on and off campus) are offered regularly. Seminars about resumé writing and interviewing help graduate students prepare corporate and government interviews. Individual consultation is also available to assist students with employment concerns. Contact the Career Center to request a special program.

Career Resource Information

The Career Center has corporate videotapes and literature, computerized resumé-writing programs, and federal government applications and information.

Student Advisory Council

The Career Center’s Student Advisory Council meets regularly to advise the staff about programs, policies, and any issues which affect student career and employment concerns. Students interested in serving as a Graduate School representative should contact the Career Center. Council members sometimes have the opportunity to meet with corporate recruiters.

Alumni Services

Graduate students who leave campus without finding employment may register with the Career Center. Participants’ resumés will be forwarded to interested employers free of charge.

 

[return to top]

J. Robert Van Pelt Library

Collections

Centrally located, the J. Robert Van Pelt Library provides electronic and print information resources to support the instructional and research programs of the University. The print collection totals more than 800,000 volumes, including government documents. Approximately 1,700 serials and periodicals are received annually in printed formats. Web-based access is provided to over 200 databases, some of which include full-text articles from journals. About 2000 individual electronic journal titles are also accessible on the library’s Website.

Michigan Tech Archives and Copper Country Historical Collections

Houses historically significant University material, including faculty publications and files, and student theses and dissertations. It also houses materials on the social, economic, and political history of the Copper Country and western Upper Peninsula.

Government Documents/Maps Department

A selective federal depository, housing publications and maps from such federal entities as the Energy Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Forest Service, Bureau of Mines, and Geological Survey. Also contains publications and maps from Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources, Labor Department, and Attorney General’s Office.

Borrowing Privileges

Graduate students may borrow books for seventeen weeks. However, after three weeks, books may be recalled at the request of another patron. Bound and unbound periodicals may be borrowed for three days. Materials may be renewed three times. Books may be renewed by in person, by telephone, or via e-mail; periodicals must be renewed in person. Fines are assessed for overdue and lost materials. Contact the Circulation Desk (487-2508) or e-mail: circlib@mtu.edu.

Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Services

Interlibrary loan and document delivery services provide access to materials not owned by the Van Pelt Library. Lending libraries and institutions establish the loan periods for these items. Contact the Interlibrary Loan Office (487-3207), e-mail: ill@mtu.edu, or use library forms on the Website.

Getting Assistance

Instruction in Using Library Resources and Technologies— Librarians can provide individuals, groups, and classes with customized instruction in the use of the library’s print and electronic resources and technologies. Contact the Instruction Office (487-3041), e-mail: instrlib@mtu.edu, or use library forms on the Website.

Reference and Research Assistance

Contact the Reference Desk (487-2507), e-mail: refib@mtu.edu, or use library forms on the Website.

 

[return to top]

Computing Facilities

Michigan Tech graduate students use computers and network services for a range of activities from the computation of assigned classroom problems to the design and solution of specialized research projects.

Access to Facilities

Access to computer labs and network services is coordinated through the individual programs.

Cost of Facilities

All Graduate Programs charge laboratory fees for computer access; the costs vary depending on the type of equipment and software used. All students are guaranteed access to e-mail, printing, and the use of basic spreadsheet and word-processing software.

Graduate Computer Facilities

All University departments, graduate programs and schools maintain labs of PCs, SUN Microsystem workstations, Macintoshes, or other specialized computational or visualization facilities. Some units maintain dedicated graduate student facilities, while others maintain shared facilities for graduates and undergraduates in related programs.

 

[return to top]

Tax Issues for Graduate Students

General Information for Supported Graduate Students, Scholars, and Fellows

Generally, the funding you receive for tuition, fees, books, and required supplies and equipment is tax free. Although the remainder of your stipend is taxable, educational institutions are not required to report fellowship dollars to US residents to the IRS. For income tax purposes, your Graduate Program Assistant can issue a calendar-year statement of the amount of the fellowship you received.

The Tax Reform Act of 1997 includes some federal tax credits for education. See a tax specialist and IRS Publication 970 for more information on your taxes. Other IRS publications that you might find useful are

  • Pub. 4—Student’s Guide to Federal Income Tax
  • Pub. 515—Withholding of Tax on Nonresident Aliens
  • Pub. 519—U.S. Tax Guide for Nonresident Aliens
  • Pub. 520—Scholarships and Fellowships
  • Pub. 596—Earned Income Credits
  • Pub. 901—U.S. Tax Treaties
  • Pub. 970—Tax Benefits for Higher Education

These may be downloaded from the IRS Website.

Graduate Teaching and Research Assistants

Wages received for services as an employee are taxable and are subject to graduated withholding rates. University-paid tuition is nontaxable. You will receive a W-2 form by January 31.

International Students

The United States currently has tax treaties with more than fifty countries. Some of these treaties may allow some additional nontaxable benefits. Also, because most international students are not eligible for the additional personal exemption or the standard deduction, the W-4 forms must be completed differently.

Circumstances and situations differ for each student, and, as a result, some tax questions should be answered on a case-by-case basis. For more information, contact Brenda Sutherland, tax accountant, Admin. 224B, 487-3149.

 

[return to top]

Gradstu-l

Gradstu-l is a moderated email list set up by the Graduate School Office for official communications from the Graduate School and the Graduate Student Council. Only the President of GSC and the Assistant Dean of the Graduate School may post to the list. In order to keep list messages to a minimum, we do not post notices about goods for sale, apartments for rent, etc.

All enrolled graduate students (including those registered for continuous enrollment and co-op) are automatically subscribed at the beginning of each term. The only students who do not receive the list mails directly are Peace Corps students on assignment overseas and students in sponsored distance learning programs. Their academic and/or program advisors are subscribed and forward messages to them as appropriate.

We will expect you to have received and read e-mails posted to this list. We might use it, for instance, for notices of registration deadlines, information about health insurance, and schedules for orientation. We therefore ask that you not unsubscribe as long as you are pursuing a graduate degree at Michigan Tech.

 

[return to top]

Childcare

  • Little Huskies—Enrollment is open for children ages 0 - 6. Part-time and full-time programming is available, and scholarships are available for graduate students. For more information, call 906-482-3528 or 800-236-5657 and identify yourself as an Michigan Tech Graduate Student. http://www.mtu.edu/childcare/
  • Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Child Development Board–Provides high-quality childcare in a variety of BHK facilities. Care is available for children from 4 weeks to 4 years of age. Graduate students may quality for low-income status and reduced rates. For more information, call 906-482-3663 or 800-236-5657. www.bhkresources.org
  • Michigan Tech Preschool—An independent, cooperative preschool is conducted out of the Daniell Heights Community Center for children ages 3 to 5 years old.  Enrollment is open to all families in the area; Daniell Heights student families are eligible for a tuition discount.  Non-English speaking families are welcome.  Please call 906-487-2720 for a brochure and preschool enrollment application or visit their website.
  • 4Cs of Michigan (Community Coordinated Child Care)–A network of regional offices dedicated to improving services and childcare for children and their families. Contact their regional office for information about other childcare providers in the local area or visit their website.

 

[return to top]

Living Accommodations

A variety of housing options is available to Michigan Tech graduate students, including University residence halls, University apartments, and off-campus housing. Based on the usual high demand for on-campus housing, it is a good idea to secure housing as early as possible. Check the Residential Services home page for more information: http://www.aux.mtu.edu/ressvcs.

Renters' Rights Page (USG)

Michigan Landlord Tenant Laws

University Residence Halls

Graduate students are not required to live on campus in the residence halls but certainly are welcome to do so. Priority for honoring hall and roommate preferences is based on the date your housing contract is received by Residential Services.

  • Michigan Tech has three residence halls with their own dining facilities, study areas, television lounges, fitness room, game room, and laundry facility. Each room has been wired for cable TV and a high-speed computer connection (ResNet). Professional residence-life staff and student resident assistants help students make the most of their living and learning opportunities. Wadsworth Hall, the largest, houses 1,220 students; McNair Hall, 660; and Douglass Houghton Hall, 360.
  • Each hall offers a variety of lifestyle choices. Residents and guests in the chemical-free sections may not smoke or consume alcohol. Other areas are smoke-free. The Community Governed area is for students who are 21 and older or are entering their third year of college. Students living in this area will have the opportunity to assist in determining some of the policy guidelines, like quiet hours, through the development of a Community Living Agreement. The International House pairs students from different nations and provides an opportunity to learn more about other cultures.
  • Residence Life Staff—Provides assistance to students who reside in University housing with adjustment, personal, or academic problems, residence-life staff also make referrals to appropriate resources or offices.

Michigan Tech Apartments

Graduate students with or without children may apply for one- or two-bedroom apartments in Daniell Heights located on campus. These economically priced apartments are close to main campus classrooms and athletic facilities. Placed throughout the complex are several children's play areas and school bus stops. A free bus to campus and back is available weekdays during the academic year.

  • Apartment assignments are based on the date the application is received at the apartment office. University apartment applications and brochures can be obtained from the Michigan Tech Apartments-Daniell Heights, Michigan Technological University, 2001B, Houghton, MI 49931-1017; call 906-487-2727, or fax 906-487-2801. Applications can also be printed from the Web.

Off-campus Housing

Many graduate students live off campus in either Houghton or one of the surrounding communities, renting or purchasing homes, cabins, or apartments. The Undergraduate Student Government office maintains a list of off-campus rentals and makes copies available. The list is on the Web at http://www.aux.mtu.edu/usghousing.

The local and student newspapers also list available off-campus housing—The Daily Mining Gazette, Houghton, MI 49931 (906-482-1500); The Lode, Michigan Tech, Houghton, MI 49931 (906-487-2404).

 

[return to top]

Office of Student Affairs

The Office of Student Affairs provides support to students in co-curricular and extra-curricular areas, including academic counseling. Students may contact the office for clarification on issues of academic integrity or student conduct as well as for accommodation for physical or learning disabilities. The office makes referrals to the appropriate resources or offices for a variety of student issues and problems.

Dean of Students

The Dean of Students Office provides support for individual student development and makes referrals to appropriate resources or offices for a variety of student issues and problems, including general academic counseling. The office also helps develop and enforce university policies and regulations.

Judicial Affairs

Participants in the student judicial process will be treated fairly and with respect. The goal is to resolve issues in an atmosphere of honesty and trust in the integrity of the process. The purposes of the student judicial process include:

  • Determining responsibility for conduct violations
  • Facilitating a student's development of ethical standards of conduct and personal accountability
  • Achieving an educational outcome in conduct case
  • Protecting the interest of the Michigan Tech community in an environment that promotes education, personal growth and peaceful resolution of conflicts.

Disability Services

Students with documented disabilities may request appropriate modifications, accommodations, or auxiliary aids that will enable them to participate in and benefit from University educational programs and activities. Documentation provided by qualified medical and/or educational professionals should be recent (within the past three years) with specific recommendations for appropriate accommodations. These recommendations will be reviewed by University staff, in consultation with the student, for implementation. Students requesting accommodations may present their documentation to the Office of Student Affairs, Administration 170 or call, 487-2212.

 

[return to top]

Student Life

The purpose of Student Life is to complement the academic experience and enhance the overall education of students through the development of a wide range of programs, services, and activities.

These events encourage exposure to and participation in a variety of social, cultural, intellectual, spiritual, recreational, and governance opportunities. Such experiences are meant to educate and enrich the lives of students, helping them reach their full potential. A committed staff strives to provide and promote successful achievement of students' organizational, interpersonal, and social skill development which are necessary tools for living full lives. Plan to get involved!

Student life activities include:

  • Community service
  • Residence life
  • Student organizations
  • Leadership development
  • Tech traditions
  • Campus programs

For more information, visit the Student Life website/ or call 906.487.1963.

 

[return to top]

International Programs and Services

From the time of enrollment to the time of graduation, international students at Michigan Tech receive specialized assistance and support. International Programs and Services co-sponsors an orientation program for new students that includes information about registration procedures; immigration regulations; health insurance; banking, shopping, and community services; and many other matters. Students also receive a detailed handbook, which supplements orientation information, and a quarterly newsletter to keep them informed of immigration requirements and registration procedures and deadlines. Students are invited to visit IPS for individual assistance at any time.

 

[return to top]

Educational Opportunity

Educational Opportunity (EO) provides academic, professional, and personal educational opportunities for students. The EO department:

  • directs programs and activities focusing on topics that address the needs of pre-college, women, minority, and nontraditional students;
  • assists in the recruitment and retention of a diverse undergraduate and graduate student pool;
  • provides support and services for individual students who are underrepresented on our campus, and for their professional organizations;
  • initiates campus and community diversity-related programs/ celebrations
  • coordinates conferences and institutes, and continuing education programs that benefit Michigan Tech students of all ages;
  • builds alliances with state and national organizations that provide graduate fellowships and research experiences for graduate and undergraduate students;
  • coordinates the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Program and the GEM (Graduate Education for Minorities) Program for Michigan Tech;
  • hires and trains a large number of students, including graduate students, to work on or teach for a variety of academic and diversity projects.

 

[return to top]

Counseling Services

Counseling Services assists students with social and personal/emotional issues that may interfere with the effective use of their talents at Michigan Tech. Professional counselors staff the Counseling Center, located on the main campus in the white house between Fisher Hall and Walker Arts and Humanities Center. Confidential individual and group services are available.

Counseling helps students and their significant others improve their feelings of well-being by helping develop decision-making skills, stress management skills, interpersonal communication skills, and self-awareness. Any concern a student may have, including depression, pregnancy, anxiety, loneliness, substance abuse, or relationship problems, can be discussed with a counselor.

The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator is administered and interpreted. Workshops are offered in the areas of time management, study skills, eating disorders, substance abuse, and self-defeating behaviors.

 

[return to top]

Area Health Resources

The local Houghton-Hancock-Calumet community includes two hospitals as well as convenient clinic locations near campus and in the surrounding area with a range of physicians and health care providers. The homepage for the Portage Health group can be found here. The Houghton Community Health Center is located on campus adjacent to the Student Development Complex, with regular weekday hours. The Portage Medical Group (483-1060), which operates the center, provides primary medical care for Michigan Tech students, their spouses, and their dependents on a fee-for-service basis. After-hours and hospital emergency care are available at Portage Health System in Hancock (483-1000) and Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center (337-6500) in Laurium.

 

[return to top]

Health Insurance

All graduate students are required to have health insurance and are eligible to enroll in a group health insurance plan sponsored by the University. Based on assistantship status, students are required to enroll in the appropriate University graduate student plan unless they have comparable coverage from another provider. Supported students will receive a subsidy toward the cost of the insurance premium.

 

 

 

 
Last reviewed on 02/19/2008
Contact Webmaster.