Athletic Facilities
Athletic Equipment Rental
Equipment is available for a minimal rental fee from the equipment room: cross-country skis, squash racquets, racquetball racquets and wallyballs. Other loan items are available for no cost from the equipment room, such as basketballs, volleyballs, footballs, badminton sets, and jump ropes. Tennis racquets can be rented for a fee from the Gates Tennis Center. Payment for equipment rentals is made at the Central Ticket Office in the Student Development Complex prior to issue.
Athletic Events
MTU teams participate in hockey, basketball, football, cross-country, track, tennis, volleyball, and Nordic skiing. Schedules and tickets for athletic events are available from the Central Ticket Office, located in the Student Development Complex. MTU faculty and staff may use the payroll deduction option for the purchase of season tickets. Contact the Central Ticket Office for more information.
Cross-Country Ski Trail
MTU maintains a groomed 9K cross-country ski trail with start and finish south of the Gates Tennis Center. Ski trail maps as well as rental equipment are available from the SDC. MTU's cross-country ski trails are located behind the Gates Tennis Center.
Gates Tennis Center
The center is located adjacent to the Student Development Complex and is available for use by both members and non-members. It features four indoor tennis courts and men's and women's locker rooms and shower facilities. Also featured is a pro shop with a complete selection of racquets and stringing capabilities, as well as other tennis items. During certain times of the year, classes, clinics, and team practices are held, so be sure to call ahead or visit the center for information about availability of courts and costs of courts/rental equipment.
Mont Ripley Ski Hill
The alpine ski hill, owned and operated by MTU, is open to the public and is located just outside of Hancock in Ripley. Daily or season passes may be purchased at Mont Ripley. Employees may purchase season passes, economically priced, through a payroll deduction option. Features include night skiing six nights per week, the ski chalet with snack bar, locker and ski rentals, beginners unloading station on the T-bar with a wide and gentle run, and runs from 2,000 to 2,500 feet with a 423-foot vertical drop for the advanced skier. A snowmaking system, operational beginning with the 2000-2001 season, will allow approximately four months of skiing. Contact the Mont Ripley Ski Hill at 487-2340 for more information.
Portage Lake Golf Course
MTU owns and operates the 18-hole Portage Lake Golf Course, located south of Houghton. It is open to the general public. Individual and family memberships are available for the season, or one may use the course by paying a daily fee. Contact the Portage Lake Golf Course for more information.
Student Development Complex
The SDC allows everyone who has purchased a membership or a daily pass, to participate in a variety of indoor recreational activities. The 235,000 square-foot complex, which is more than four and one-half acres under one roof, features
Campus Campaign
Every September, MTU faculty and staff gear up for Campus Campaign. It is an opportunity to make a voluntary contribution to the Michigan Tech Fund to support a favorite project, program, or scholarship. Through check, cash, pledge, credit card, or by the University's payroll deduction plan, you can provide funds that benefit the University and our students.
Check Cashing
Check cashing service is available at the following locations on campus with a valid University identification card:
An automated teller machine is located in the Memorial Union Building.
Child Care Center
The Michigan Tech Child Care Center "Home of the Little Huskies" is located at 1100 College Avenue in the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Please call the Head Start office at 482-3663 for more information. Remember to mention that you are associated with Michigan Tech.
Communications
Several systems are in place for communicating information about MTU events and personnel across campus. For example, there is an e-mail list for all departments to receive information (certain restrictions apply as to the type of information that can be relayed in this fashion; contact the Tech Topics editor in University Relations for details). In addition, all five of the following internal communications can be found on the Web through MTU's home page.
Cultural Activities
The Departments of University Cultural Enrichment (UCE) and Fine Arts coordinate a broad spectrum of cultural activities, including national and international theater and dance touring companies, orchestras and other musical ensembles, performing artists from a variety of disciplines, and lectures by leading figures in politics, technology, science, and humanities as well as University productions of music, theater, and arts.
Flyers and posters announcing the events as well the annual Great Events Calendar are distributed across campus.
Tickets for all performance events can be purchased at the Memorial Union Box Office and at the Central Ticket Office in the Student Development Complex.
Dining
You may purchase meals on-campus at the following locations:
Fax Machines
Fax machines are available (for a fee) for your personal use at the following locations:
The Ford Center
The Ford Center in Alberta, Michigan, is part of Michigan Tech's School of Forestry and Wood Products and is located nine miles south of L'Anse on U.S. Hwy. 41. Originally, Alberta was a lumber town built by Henry Ford; it now serves as an outdoor classroom for students, giving Michigan Tech foresters the opportunity to study about the forest and environment in a rustic, natural setting. The Center also offers modern conference facilities, lodging, and meals for interested groups. It is especially suited for business meetings, retreats and groups meeting to discuss natural resource topics. Research and demonstration areas in the School Forest are available by special request. No matter what the object of the meeting, the Ford Center will provide a comfortable atmosphere. The Historic Ford Sawmill, which is also located at the Center, has been renovated and available daily for tours from Memorial Day through October, 9:00-5:00 p.m. For more information about the Ford Center or for a tour of the Sawmill, please contact Gail Weisinger at 906-524-6181.
Guest Housing
Guest Housing is available with varying rates through the University at the following locations:
Informational Email List
In an effort to reduce the amount of paper use on campus, many announcements are distributed via an email list called alldepts-l. To subscribe to this email list, send an email message to majordomo@mtu.edu, and in the body of the message type (without the quotation marks): "subscribe alldepts-l".
To submit an announcement for distribution to alldepts-l, send an email to alldepts-l@mtu.edu. The announcement will be reviewed and, if approved, forwarded to list subscribers.
Library, J. R. Van Pelt
With a valid Tech Express card, you have access to checking out material from the J. R. Van Pelt Library, which provides books, periodicals, electronic databases, microform materials, and indexing/abstracting tools in print and electronic format to support the instructional and research programs of the University. The collection, which totals more than 780,000 volumes, including government documents, is particularly strong in the following areas: physical and natural sciences, mathematics, and engineering. The library receives approximately 5,000 serials and periodicals.
Other features available at the J. R. Van Pelt Library include:
Mail Services
Mail Services, located in the Administration/Student Services building, processes the daily incoming and outgoing U.S. postal mail, UPS and Federal Express parcels, and intracampus mail. Outgoing mail must be accompanied by an account number or correct postage. Contact Mail Services for information about mail pick-up times.
Postage Stamp Machines - located near Mail Services or in the Memorial Union Building.
Bulk Mail Center - located in the Administrative/Student Services building, processes the larger mailings of 200 or more pieces or 50 pounds of mail (excluding foreign and campus mail). Contact the Bulk Mail Center for services available, information on costs, timetables and specifications.
Personal Mail - stamped, personal mail may be mailed at Mail Services. UPS Next Day and Second Day mail envelopes can be purchased and sent through Mail Services. Personal UPS shipments may also be processed through the Campus Store.
Memorial Union Building (MUB)
The Memorial Union offers a variety of services:
Meeting Rooms, Conferences, and Catering - The Memorial Union provides facilities and catering for events ranging from small, intimate meetings to large parties and conferences. We have a spacious ballroom as well as smaller meeting rooms. Our total capacity at the Memorial Union exceeds 1,000 persons, and our Ballroom can accommodate banquets for up to 500 attendees. Central air conditioning in our ballroom ensures your guests’ comfort, and our attractive decor compliments any event. We can provide a variety of audio and visual equipment for an additional charge.
Dining Options - The Memorial Union Food Mall near the Keweenaw Commons offers a wide variety of food choices, which include deli sandwiches, pizza, grill, hot soup, salad bar, home-style entrees, exhibition wok cooking, and a wide variety of beverages, desserts, and snacks. Our Corner Store, also near the Keweenaw Commons, offers traditional convenience store snacks and sundries, as well has freshly blended smoothies and hand-dipped ice cream. Full-service catering is available.
Photocopy Machines
Photocopy machines are available (for a fee) for your personal use at the following locations:
Precollege Summer Programs
Academic
Contact the Youth Programs office in the Department of Educational Opportunity (487-2219). The following academic precollege summer programs are currently offered:
Athletic
Contact Recreational Programs (487-2975). The following athletic precollege summer programs are currently offered:
Public Safety
Also see Section 4, Emergencies
Public Safety is a service department responsible for law enforcement, safety, security, the registration of weapons and vehicles, the issuance of keys, parking permits and access to building doors secured with a Tech Express Card reader (see Tech Express Card).
Contact Public Safety (487-2216) when a campus emergency arises. Officers can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For extreme emergency, dial 123 on any University telephone.
Emergency telephones - Emergency telephones are located on the main campus in sixteen locations. Outdoor telephones are encased in yellow boxes underneath blue lights. For a listing of locations, see Campus Emergency Telephones in section 4 of this handbook (page 20).
Property identification - The Public Safety Department offers and encourages the use of an engraving tool to identify personal items such as calculators and radios that will be used on campus. Contact Public Safety for information.
Lost-and-found items should be reported to the Public Safety Department.
Radio Stations
WGGL
This radio station, an affiliate of Minnesota Public Radio, offers news and classical music. The station broadcasts from the campus in the Administration and Student Services building and receives some support from MTU. WGGL can be heard on 91.1 FM stereo throughout the western Upper Peninsula.
WMTU
This student-run radio station offers an alternative to the programming available from other local stations. Students, faculty and staff are given the opportunity to gain valuable experience in operating a nonprofit radio station. Experience can be gained in public relations, business, sales, electronics, communication, and management. All staffing is done on a volunteer basis with no experience necessary, but priority is given to students. Organizational meetings are held the first week of each academic semester (summer-first day of tracks A and B). WMTU is broadcast on 91.9 FM stereo throughout the University and surrounding community.
Seaman Mineral Museum
Seaman Mineral Museum, located on the 5th floor of the Electrical Energy Resources Center (EERC) building, is the home to one of the nation's premier collections of crystals, minerals, and ores from around the world. The museum contains approximately 60,000 specimens, including the world's finest display for Michigan's copper and iron mining history. The state of Michigan has designated the Seaman Mineral Museum the official "Mineralogical Museum of Michigan." Tours are available for a minimal fee. To learn more, see the Seaman Mineral Museum webpage.
Tech Tea Time
Tech Tea Time is a free weekly series, coordinated by University Cultural Enrichment, held in the Memorial Union Alumni Lounge each Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. during the academic year. It is open to students, faculty, staff, and community members to enjoy conversation and light refreshments followed by a presentation and discussion.
Topics have ranged from an outdoor demonstration by a sled dog team followed by a slide presentation and hot chocolate in the lounge, to panel discussions, mini performances, and controversial programs dealing with campus issues, censorship, and local politics. Tea Time guests are drawn from the campus and local communities as well as visitors to campus.
United Way
The Copper Country United Way Fund conducts its annual campus campaign during the months of October and November. Information is presented to Michigan Tech employees by campus United Way representatives. Voluntary contributions may be made to the (Copper Country) United Way Fund through payroll deduction, or agency direct giving, by completing the form included with the campaign materials. Contact the Copper Country United Way (482-3276) for more information.
University Traditions
Commencement
Michigan Tech has two commencements, Midyear (mid-December) and Spring (early May). Usually the Midyear Commencement includes fall graduates, and Spring Commencement includes spring and summer graduates.
Convocation
Faculty dressed in academic garb proceed across campus, beginning the annual convocation ceremony held in September of each academic year. All members of the University community are invited and encouraged to attend. The president delivers the State of the University address, detailing the recent accomplishments and plans for MTU. Research, teaching, employee excellence, and student awards are presented.
Family Fun Day
Staff Council sponsors a day of activities designed to build campus-community involvement and to expose MTU faculty, staff, and their families to MTU's facilities. This event includes the use of the SDC facilities, such as the ice skating arena, weight room, pool, racquetball and tennis courts, and the rifle range as well as the Memorial Union Building bowling alleys. Contact information for Staff Council members can be found on the Staff Council website: http://www.admin.mtu.edu/staff_council/.
Fine Arts Activities
Music, theatre, and visual arts activities offered by the Department of Fine Arts are open to student and community participation. Most performance activities require an audition for membership or casting. Musical organizations include two choruses, two bands, three jazz ensembles, and a symphony orchestra. Theatre activities includes several mainstage productions each season and an improvisational comedy troupe. Visual arts activities include watermedia, oil painting, charcoal drawing, and sculpture.
Fine Arts Exhibits
The University features juried and non-juried exhibits of a wide variety of art media by professional artists, amateurs, and students. Annual exhibits include the Tech Arts Festival and the Copper Country Gallery Show. For specific information about exhibit opportunities, contact the Department of Fine Arts or the Cultural Enrichment Department.
Homecoming
Few homecoming festivities on other campuses can rival Michigan Tech's for zaniness and all-around fun. Besides the usual Homecoming Queen and football game, there is a Hobo Parade. The parade features cars that can barely run, thanks to some customizing by the students. The students are also dressed in their worst attire to go along with the theme. Other Homecoming activities include bed races, human pyramid, and tug-of-war challenges; a tailgate party before the big game; and professional entertainment.
K-Day
Classes are canceled at noon on a Friday early in the fall semester so that students, faculty, and staff can celebrate Keweenaw Day (K-Day). It is a celebration of the beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula, which is home to Michigan Tech. Everyone heads out to McLain State Park, eleven miles west of Houghton, for a day of fun, sun, music, games, and food.
Parade of Nations
Each fall, usually at the end of September, the Parade of Nations and Multicultural Festival promotes the recognition of other cultures and peoples and helps promote an appreciation of diversity in the area. The parade features international students and community members walking with their country's flag and is followed by a festival featuring food, crafts, displays, and entertainment from around the world. For more information about the parade and related events, contact the Educational Opportunity Department.
Powwow
The Annual Spirit of the Harvest Gathering and Powwow is held each year in late October/early November. This is a newer tradition at Michigan Tech that started in 1996. The Powwow is a gathering of American Indian people and a time to celebrate, visit, feast, sing, and dance together. It is a time for hearing, reinforcing, and expressing Indian heritage. The public is always warmly invited. For details, contact the MTU Native American Outreach coordinator in the Educational Opportunity Department.
Tech Colors
MTU's official school colors are metallic gold and silver. The sports colors are gold and black.
Tech Songs
* The "Copper Country Anthem" is played at the intermission between the second and third periods of all home hockey games. Fans in the stands lock arms and sway to the Pep Band's rousing rendition. The song is actually "The Blue Skirt Waltz."
Winter Carnival
The Winter Carnival started in 1922 and has grown to become one of the
largest annual winter festivals in the nation. It features huge snow
statues on campus and in the local area; a home hockey series against
a tough WCHA team; men's and women's varsity basketball; skits, broomball,
and other sports; sleigh rides; a Winter Carnival Queen; and more midwinter
fun than you'd think was possible! Winter Carnival is usually held in
late January to early February with students getting two days off from
classes.
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