Contents 02 New Student Check-in 02 Residence Hall Move-in 03 Essential Information 06 Reading as Inquiry 07 AlcoholEdu 08 Orientation Trips 09 Orientation Week Overview 11 Parent and Family Orientation 11 Family Picnic 11 Sibling Orientation 12 Frequently Asked Questions
Swedetown Creek
View of the Swedetown Creek from the Maasto Hiihto Recreation Trails in Hancock, Michigan. Photo provided by Nora Heikkinen.
www.orientation.mtu.edu
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New Student Check-in New Student Check-in will be held in the lobby of the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 25 and 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 26. All new students need to check-in before Orientation Week, and all on-campus residents need to do so before moving into their residence hall. At New Student Check-in you will receive your Orientation schedule, your Orientation team assignment, your room key (if applicable), and other important information. Your Orientation team will consist of approximately 20 other first-year students and your Orientation Team Leader (OTL). Your OTL will lead you and your team through the week’s events, and will be a resource to answer your questions.
Residence Hall Move-In Room Assignment
In late July, you will receive a letter with your room assignment, meal plan, and roommate’s name and contact information. Your letter will also contain information about your mailing address, online bill, and much more. If you have not received your room assignment by August 1, contact Housing and Residential Life at 906-487-2682 or housing@mtu.edu.
Packing Tips
Living in the residence halls is a great experience, though space can be limited. Pack all you need, but remember you will be sharing a room. To maximize your living space, we recommend you contact your roommate(s) to find out what large items or appliances they may be bringing. The Campus Bookstore carries most of the academic supplies you will need so you can maximize your luggage space by purchasing these supplies once you arrive. For a list of suggested items to pack, visit www.mtu.edu/admissions/accepted/bring.
Please note that the Memorial Union Building and Campus Bookstore have extended Orientation weekend hours:
Friday, August 24: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday, August 25: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday, August 26: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
Move-In
You can start unloading your belongings into your room on Saturday, August 25 at 9:00 am after you check-in. The Michigan Tech Welcome Crew - consisting of students, faculty, and staff - will assist you in getting to the designated unloading area.
Loftable Furniture
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All residence halls have loftable furniture. These pieces interconnect in various configurations to allow you to maximize your space. Be sure to discuss the furniture layout with your roommate(s) to find a setup that works for both of you. Please remember that building your own loft is not allowed. Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
Essential Information Financial Aid
Michigan Tech highly encourages all students to take care of any financial needs before arriving to campus. For financial aid questions, visit www.finaid.mtu.edu or call the office at 906-487-2622 or 888-688-1885. Students who receive Federal Direct Loans are required to complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and a sign Master Promissory Note (MPN). Entrance Counseling can be accessed online at www.mtu.edu/finaid/students/current/directloan. Students will be notified via email when the MPN is ready to be signed. Parents who would like to borrow through the Parent PLUS Loan will find information about this loan, including a link to the application, at www.mtu.edu/finaid/types/loans.
Tuition
All bills are accessed electronically through Banweb, the online student information system. You will be notified via your Michigan Tech email address when the online bill is available. Tuition is billed per credit hour, and your first bill will reflect a 15 credit load. After you finalize your registration during Orientation Week, your bill will be adjusted to reflect your actual schedule. Any additional amounts will be billed and any overpayments will be refunded around the third week of classes. Make sure to confirm your enrollment on Banweb by Wednesday, August 29, even if you do not owe any money. If your payment and/or confirmation is received after Wednesday, August 29, you will be assessed a $50 late payment fee. If no payment or confirmation is received by Wednesday, August 29, your course schedule will be canceled. In order to reschedule your classes you will be charged a $100 late enrollment fee. We encourage electronic payment to avoid late fees. If mailing a payment, please allow ample time for delivery. You can access your Student Bill and learn about payment options by visiting www.banweb.mtu.edu and clicking on the Student Bill/ Confirm Enrollment tab.
Cardboard Boat Race
Students try to stay afloat in the annual cardboard boat race, a Homecoming Week event. Photo by Dr. Les Cook.
www.orientation.mtu.edu
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Essential Information, continued Tech Express ID Card
The Tech Express Service Center issues official University identification cards to all Michigan Tech students, faculty, and staff. The Tech Express ID Card is used for building and parking access, meal plans, library checkout, and Express Cash (debit) purchases. The Tech Express website is available 24/7 to view your Express Card debit balance, review you transactions, and add value. The website is where you should report a lost or stolen card as well. You are encouraged to submit your photo online by Monday, August 20 at www.techexpress.mtu.edu so that your ID card is ready for pickup when you arrive for Orientation. A form of photo ID and your student identification number (M number) are required to obtain your Tech Express ID card. You will need your ID card to enter the dining halls beginning Monday, August 27. It is also required to enter your residence hall after hours. If you submit your photo online before Monday, August 20, you can pick up your Tech Express ID card at the Library and IT Service Center located in the Van Pelt Library. If you do not submit your photo online, you can get your photo taken and obtain your Tech ID card at the Library and IT Service Center. Tech Express Service Center Location: Library and IT Service Center 906-487-1111 techexpress@mtu.edu For hours and additional information, please visit www.techexpress.mtu.edu.
ISO Password Sync
In your Michigan Tech Guide, you received a username and password that will allow you to login to campus computers and access Michigan Tech online resources such as your Michigan Tech email account and Banweb. However, you must first sync this password in order to use it for each of these services. To sync your ISO password: • Go to www.login.mtu.edu • Select Active Directory/ISO Password Synchronization from the menu at left • Enter the username and password that you received with your Michigan Tech Guide • Enter your password in the required fields and click Sync Password Now you can use the same ISO password to access all of Michigan Tech’s resources and services. This will be very important when you register during Orientation, so be sure to sync your password before arriving to campus. If you have misplaced your Michigan Tech Guide, you may obtain your ISO login information by calling 888-688-1885 or emailing mtu4u@mtu. edu.
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Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
Get Connected
The Center for Orientation, Mentoring, Parents, and Academic Student Success (COMPASS) has a Facebook page where you can keep track of the latest Orientation news, upcoming campus events, and other exciting information for students. It’s also a great place to ask questions and interact with the Orientation staff. Be sure to “Like” the Michigan Tech COMPASS page to stay up to date on the latest happenings and information! Updates will also be added to the Orientation website.
Disability Services
Michigan Tech has resources available if you have unique challenges that could impact your academic experience. Disability Services handles accommodations for disabilities that might affect your academic performance. To be eligible for services, you will need to provide professional documentation of your disability to the Coordinator for Student Disability Services. Until appropriate documentation is filed, accomodations may not be provided. Please do not hesitate to call 906-487-2212 if you feel that you may benefit from additional support. For more information about disability services, visit www.mtu.edu/dean/disability/services.
Counseling Services
Counseling Services is available to help with any personal or academic issues that you may face during your time at Michigan Tech. College can be stressful at times and talking with one of the counselors can help to alleviate anxiety from academics, homesickness, and other challenges that you may face. This service is confidential and free of charge to students. To make an appointment with one of the counselors, call 906-487-2538 Monday through Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more information about the services that Counseling Services provides, visit www.counseling.mtu.edu. Superior Summers
Michigan Tech students enjoy the Keweenaw summer with boat cruise on Lake Superior. Photo provided by Susan Liebau.
www.orientation.mtu.edu
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Reading as Inquiry What is Reading as Inquiry?
This summer, in preparation for the college experience, all first-year students are required to read Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal by Conor Grennan. During Orientation, your team will be meeting with a faculty or staff member to discuss the book as a group. There will be a presentation by the author on Tuesday, August 28. In order to prepare for the discussion, it is important that you read the book and look for main points to discuss. Expect to engage in intellectual discussion and respectfully talk about different perspectives. Be sure to formulate your own questions about the book in addition to those in the study guide.
Where can I get my book?
You may purchase Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal online and have it mailed directly to you from the Michigan Tech Campus Bookstore at www.bookstore.mtu.edu. If you are an international student, you can order your book at a local bookstore or from your favorite online bookseller.
Conor Grennan to visit Michigan Tech Students and community members will have the opportunity to hear Conor Grennan, author of Little Princes, speak about his experiences during Orientation week.
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Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
What if I have questions?
You can visit the Reading as Inquiry website at www.hu.mtu.edu/SummerReading. If you have any questions, contact Robert Johnson, Humanities Professor, at 906-487-3236 or email rrjohnso@mtu.edu.
AlcoholEdu Michigan Tech is one of hundreds of institutions nationwide taking a comprehensive approach to alcohol-prevention education. We are excited to offer you AlcoholEdu for College — an online, non-judgemental, science-based program. The program aims not to preach, but rather to teach the facts about alcohol and its effects on the mind and body. Whether or not you drink, AlcoholEdu empowers students to make well informed decisions and provides some simple strategies to help keep you and your friends safe. Michigan Tech requires every new incoming student to complete AlcoholEdu for College. You may access the program beginning August 1, 2012 by logging on to the Husky Hub at www.huskyhub.mtu.edu and following the instructions found on the Enrollment Checklist. You will need to complete Part 1 (approximately 2 hours) by August 19, 2012.
For More Information
Visit the AlcoholEdu website at www.outsidetheclassroom.com. COMPASS Contact Katie Cooper 906-487-3558 orientation@mtu.edu
Fall Footsteps
Students enjoying their walk to class on a fall afternoon. Photo provided by University Marketing and Communication. www.orientation.mtu.edu
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Orientation Trips The Keweenaw Peninsula is full of natural wonders and fun adventures. Orientation Trips are a great way to explore some of the opportunities available to Michigan Tech students while discovering several of the U.P.’s most unique and beautiful destinations. Whether you want to backpack through the Porcupine Mountains or work on a community service project with a local organization, there is a trip for everyone. Check out www.orientation.mtu.edu to see all of the trip opportunities. These trips take place at the end of Orientation week. Tickets are available at www.orientation.mtu.edu or by calling the Michigan Tech Central Ticketing Office at 906-487-3200. Some gear is available to rent at the OAP www.oap.mtu.edu, for a small fee; to reserve, email oap@mtu.edu and mention the orientation trip to receive a special discount.
Bete Gris
Students kayaking from Bete Gris to the mouth of the Montreal River near Lac La Belle, Michigan. Photo provided by Nora Heikkinen.
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Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
Orientation Week Overview The Michigan Tech Orientation program is designed to help you adapt to your surroundings and make the transition to college life both academically and socially. The week will kick off on Sunday night with the University Welcome and first-year class photo. Some of the events that will take place Monday through Friday are highlighted below. For a more detailed orientation schedule, please visit www.orientation.mtu.edu.
Monday:
• Meet your Orientation Team Leader and your Orientation team • Get to know your academic department • Discuss academic success with fellow students and faculty • Attend the Math Success and Science Success sessions
Tuesday:
• Meet with your academic advisor to get your academic questions answered and to learn more about courses for your major • Talk about the Summer Reading as Inquiry book with your Orientation team • Attend a presentation about Little Princes: One Man’s Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal given by the author, Conor Grennan
Wednesday:
• Learn about campus resources at the University Expo • Visit your academic advisor • Attend Student Development Sessions to learn more about college life, the Michigan Tech community, and the resources that are available to help you succeed
Thursday:
• Participate in a campus-wide resource tour • Discuss college life with your Orientation Tea • Complete your fall schedule during registration
Friday:
• Check out ways to get involved on Michigan Tech’s campus through Involvement Sessions • Attend Academic Department Workshops • See illusionist Craig Karges on stage at the Rozsa Center Activities and Orientation trips continue throughout the weekend and provide you with opportunities to explore Michigan Tech and beyond before classes start on Tuesday, September 4. www.orientation.mtu.edu
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Cliff Drive
This 30 minute hike near Ahmeek, Michigan, offers stunning panoramic views of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Photo provided by Nora Heikkinen.
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Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
Parent and Family Orientation Parent and Family Orientation is an engaging, informational event open to the family members of incoming students. Activities include a family picnic, campus tours, the University Welcome, and various informational seminars. Parents who choose to attend will: • Obtain a better understanding of the adjustments students face during their transition to college life. • Become familiar with Michigan Tech’s Parent/Guardian Philosophy. • Gain knowledge of where and how to get support from Michigan Tech. • Feel confident in your student’s ability to succeed at Michigan Tech. For additional information, and to preview the Parent and Family Orientation schedule, visit the Parent and Family website at www.mtu.edu/compass/orientation/parent.
Family Picnic
After a weekend of travel and unpacking, please join us for some food and fun between 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 26, at the Family Picnic. Michigan Tech first-year students and children under five eat for free. Family members and guests must purchase tickets in advance for $10.00 per person. Order your tickets by calling the Michigan Tech Central Ticketing Office at 906-487-3200 or order them online at tickets.mtu.edu. Your reserved picnic tickets will be ready for you to pick-up upon your arrival.
Sibling Orientation
Sunday August 26, 10:00 am -3:00 pm This program is for the younger siblings of Michigan Tech first-year students. While parents are attending Parent and Family Orientation, siblings who are in middle school or high school can have their own exciting Orientation experience! Staff and current Michigan Tech students will guide participants through teambuilding, hands-on projects, and creative explorations. Participants will be grouped by grade level completed. The cost for participation is $25.00, which includes all supplies and lunch. Pre-registration is required. To register, please purchase tickets online at www.mtu.edu/compass/orientation/parent or call the Michigan Tech Central Ticketing Office at 906-487-3200.
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Frequently Asked Questions When and where do I check Where can family members in? stay? New Student Check-in will be held in the lobby of the Rozsa Center from 9:00 am – 7:00 pm on Saturday, August 25, and from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm on Sunday, August 26.
Visit www.orientation.mtu.edu/lodging.html for a list of local accommodations. Please make your reservations early because rooms fill quickly.
Residence Hall move-in begins at 9:00 am on Saturday. Please check-in at the Rozsa before beginning to move in.
Parents and family members may not stay in the residence halls during Orientation.
When does Orientation begin?
Orientation officially begins on Sunday, August 26, with the Family Picnic and the University Welcome. Orientation events for new students continue through the end of the week.
Is Orientation required?
Yes, all first-year students are required to attend Orientation. Our Orientation program will ease the transition to college life at Michigan Tech by introducing you to campus resources, giving you opportunities to meet other firstyear students, and by offering strategies to enhance your college experience. Please note that a $250 fee for Orientation will be applied to your student bill.
Where do I find phone numbers?
To find the phone number for the office or department you need, see the campus directory listed in the Michigan Tech Guide or use the online search function on Michigan Tech’s website at www.mtu.edu.
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Michigan Tech Orientation 2012
When is Parent and Family Orientation?
Most Parent and Family Orientation events, as well as Sibling Orientation sessions, will occur on Sunday, August 26. A schedule is available online at www.orientation.mtu.edu. Parent and Family Orientation ends the evening of Sunday, August 26. We encourage family members to say good-bye at that time.
What is the Spatial Visualization test and am I required to take it?
The Spatial Visualization test is a placement test required for all incoming engineering students. This test helps to measure how well you are able to visualize a three-dimensional object from various perspectives. If you do not pass this test, you will be enrolled in a course designed to strengthen this skill and further prepare you for your engineering courses.
Have additional questions? For answers to more frequently asked questions, please visit our Orientation FAQ webpage at www.mtu.edu/compass/ orientation/first-year/FAQ.