September 24, 2025

As the fall semester progresses and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s time for the Husky family and community to prioritize their health by taking advantage of Michigan Tech's upcoming flu shot clinics. In a collaborative effort between the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being and UP Health Systems, flu shots will be offered on campus on a few dates scheduled in October.

Flu Shot Clinic Details:

• Monday, Oct. 6, from 4-6 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby
• Tuesday, Oct. 7, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Rozsa Lobby
• Monday, Oct. 13, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the SDC Blueline Room

The clinics represent a crucial opportunity for students, staff and faculty to protect themselves and their peers from the seasonal influenza virus. With college campuses often serving as hubs for the spread of illnesses, ensuring high vaccination rates is essential to maintaining a healthy academic environment.

The Importance of Vaccination
Influenza can have serious consequences, particularly in crowded settings like college campuses where individuals are in close proximity. The flu can lead to severe illness, missed classes and even hospitalizations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu-related complications can be especially severe for certain populations, including young adults with underlying health conditions.

By getting vaccinated, the Husky community not only safeguards their own health but also contributes to the overall well-being of the campus community. The flu vaccine reduces the risk of infection and helps prevent outbreaks, allowing everyone to focus on their studies and social activities without the interruption of illness.

Clinic Details and Accessibility
The campus flu shot clinics are designed to be convenient and accessible for everyone. No appointments are necessary, making it easy to fit vaccination into a busy schedule. The clinics will be staffed by trained health care professionals who will administer the flu shots and answer any questions students may have about the vaccine.

Additionally, for those who may be concerned about the cost, most insurance plans will cover the flu shot, and self-pay is $40. If you plan to use insurance, be sure to bring your insurance card with you.

Upcoming Flu Shot Clinics: A Vital Health Initiative in Collaboration with UP Health
The upcoming flu shot clinics are an important health initiative for Michigan Tech's campus community. By participating, students, staff and faculty can protect themselves and their friends, helping to ensure a healthier environment for learning and growth. With the potential to mitigate flu outbreaks, the clinics are a proactive step toward maintaining a vibrant and productive academic year.

We urge all students to take advantage of this opportunity — get vaccinated, stay healthy and support one another in creating a safer campus. Your health matters, and together we can make a difference!

To learn more, please visit the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-being's Flu Shot Clinics page.

Next Monday, Sept. 29, the University will send out a message at 11:55 a.m. to all students, faculty and staff as a routine test of our emergency alert system. This routine test is an important part of our commitment to the safety and security of all our Huskies.

The initial message will be sent via email with the subject “MTU Alert: Routine test of MTU’s Safety First Alert System.” A secondary message will be sent via text with the same information.

Before this Friday, Sept. 26, please log in to the Safety First Alert messaging system to update or confirm your emergency contact information.

Additionally, on Oct. 17, Public Safety and Police Services will conduct a routine test of the public address system in buildings around campus. This test will occur during the fall semester's October recess in order to minimize disruption.

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and Michigan Tech will be assigning mandatory training to all employees to be completed during the month.

Starting next Wednesday, Oct. 1, all employees will receive an enrollment email with links and details, after which you’ll have four weeks to complete the training program. The email's sender will appear as "Michigan Tech IT" and it will be sent from the email address it-help@mtu.edu. The subject line will be "Michigan Tech Security Awareness Training."

This training is designed to:

• Help you identify phishing and other social engineering attacks.
• Help you recognize other threats and teach ways to respond to them.
• Demonstrate how you can support our information security and IT staff in protecting MTU data and technology.

The training contains multiple modules and should take about 45 minutes to complete. The modules do not all need to be completed in one sitting, but each individual module must be completed in a single viewing.

Thank you for your support of this security awareness training initiative. If you have any questions, we can help. Email IT or call 906-487-1111.

Michigan Technological University's high-energy STEM outreach program, Mind Trekkers, is set to bring its signature hands-on learning experiences to both ends of the state this October through two major events: the OneUP: Superior Shores Festival in Marquette and the Next Gen STEM Festival in Grand Rapids.

Mind Trekkers events are often described as where "science fair meets carnival" — offering youth the chance to explore real-world science, technology, engineering and math through interactive, curiosity-driven demonstrations led by university, industry and community partners.

The first stop will be in the Upper Peninsula for the Superior Shores Festival, happening Oct. 7 at Northern Michigan University's Jacobetti Complex. This event will welcome approximately 600 seventh-grade students from the Marquette area.

The following week, Mind Trekkers will head to West Michigan for the Next Gen STEM Festival, taking place Oct. 17-18 at the Grand Rapids Community College Field House. This two-day event will engage over 3,000 sixth-grade students and families, creating a large-scale celebration of STEM learning and exploration.

Both festivals are offered free of charge to students, families and schools thanks to the generous support of sponsors and collaborators. These events reflect Michigan Tech’s commitment to expanding access to STEM education and inspiring the next generation of thinkers, makers and leaders.

More information about each event:

• Superior Shores Festival
• Next Gen STEM Festival

Early hands-on experiences at Michigan Tech can spark lifelong passions. In fact, over 10% of current Michigan Tech students began their Husky journeys as middle or high school participants in Tech's Summer Youth Programs (SYP).

As the Center for Educational Outreach gears up for SYP Summer 2026, we invite faculty, staff and departments to submit a proposal to teach a week-long SYP course that will inspire and empower young students to discover their educational and career interests.

What We’re Looking For:

• Audience: Students in middle schoolers (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-11)
• Course Length/Format: One week of four or five days, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for 31.5 total contact hours

Available Dates:

• June 14-19
• June 21-26
• June 28-July 2
• July 5-10
• July 12-17

Course focus areas include STEM, humanities, social science, business, leadership development, computing and more. Teaching styles should be highly interactive, experiential and engaging!

Compensation includes a weekly supplemental instructor wage and funding for supplies and materials.

Join us in creating unforgettable learning experiences that go beyond the classroom. From lab experiments to design challenges, your course could be the spark that lights a student’s path forward.

Submit your proposal or reach out with ideas by Oct. 17. Email syplogic@mtu.edu to get started — our team will follow up to schedule a quick planning meeting.

Help shape the future by inspiring the next generation of doers and makers!

Provost Andrew Storer will be holding open office hours from 1:30-2:30 p.m. next Wednesday, Oct. 1, near Velodrome Coffee Co. in the Van Pelt and Opie Library. Feel free to stop by; appointments are not required for open office hours.

Additional open office hours are scheduled for:

• Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. to noon
• Tuesday, Feb. 3, from 11 a.m. to noon
• Wednesday, April 1, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

The provost continues to hold office hours from 1:30-3:30 p.m. each Thursday during the 2025-26 academic year. Faculty, staff and students are welcome to schedule an appointment by emailing Amie Ledgerwood at provost@mtu.edu.

The information provided here is also available on the Academic Affairs website. To view it, click the Office Hours icon in the bottom right corner of the banner image at the top of the page.

You're invited to the Rozsa 25th Anniversary Gala: Opening Nights Under Northern Lights on Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts.

For 25 years, the Rozsa Center has been at the intersection of art and community, as a place where the Keweenaw comes together to experience something meaningful, memorable and alive. It’s where the biggest shows in the Upper Peninsula have landed, where the arts spark new conversations, and where people across our region have gathered thousands of times under our northern skies.

On Oct. 4, we’ll celebrate all of that and look ahead to what’s next with a special anniversary gala. We’d be honored to have you with us!

This celebration marks 25 years of connecting the Keweenaw through live performance and community gathering. Inspired by the theme "Opening Nights Under Northern Lights," your presence and generosity will directly contribute to ensuring the continued vibrancy of the performing arts and enduring success of the Rozsa Center for years to come.

Get Tickets
Tickets are still available, but only until the end of the day tomorrow, Sept. 25. Join the celebration — get your tickets today and help support 25 more years of Rozsa performances!

The Michigan Tech Office of Sustainability and Resilience is planning for the 16th annual Sustainability Film Series in spring 2026. We are gathering input for potential films to screen and opportunities to connect with partners through academic courses or student involvement, and the Michigan Tech community is invited to contribute ideas.

Share Your Ideas for the Sustainability Film Series. 

For reference: We typically show four to five films in Fisher Hall at 7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, from January to April or May. However, we could be flexible on the timing if required for an on-campus partnership.

Please send questions to Alan Turnquist at sustainability@mtu.edu.

Join MTU Aquatics for WIBIT Wednesday today, Sept. 24, from 5-8 p.m.! Test your individual skills on the course or challenge a friend to a race across the obstacles.

Current MTU students and SDC members (minimum three-month membership) participate for free! No registration is required. Show your student or member ID for admission.

Not a current student or SDC member? Purchase a WIBIT Wednesday Pass!

Receipt is required upon entry. No SDC Day Pass or Action Pass will be accepted for admission. A waiver of liability and concussion awareness form are required to be completed prior to participation. All participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Adults must have event access (MTU student/SDC member/WIBIT Wednesday Pass holder).

Sept. 24 WIBIT Combination: Step, Bridge, V-Connect, Slope

Potential WIBIT Obstacles:

• Step — Allows users to climb up onto the course.
• Base — Users must make their way across a horizontal surface. Be careful how fast you move, as it can get slippery!
• Cliff — Users must navigate either side of a slope using the handles and their balancing skills.
• V-Connect — Users must use limited footing space to navigate across the horizontal structure.
• Bridge — Users must navigate up and over an arched structure without falling through.
• Slope — Users must climb up a six-foot wall that leads to a slide into the pool water below!

Can’t make it? Come visit us next time!

Future WIBIT Dates:

• Oct. 29 (Step, Cliff, V-Connect, Slope)
• Dec. 3 (Step, Bridge, Cliff, Slope)

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!

The next Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) Graduate Seminar speaker will present at 2 p.m tomorrow, Sept. 25, in Fisher 329.

Krishna Garikipati will present "Fokker-Planck-Inverse Reinforcement Learning: A physics-constrained approach to Markov Decision Process models of cell dynamics." 

From the abstract:
In this presentation, we conjecture there exists an isomorphism between the time-discrete FP and MDP that extends beyond the minimization of free energy (in FP) and maximization of the reward (in MDP). We identify specific manifestations of this isomorphism and use them to create a novel physics-aware IRL algorithm, FP-IRL, which can simultaneously infer the transition and reward functions using only observed trajectories.

Rebecca Bates will present as part of the Department of Chemical Engineering (ChE) Seminar Series this Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m. in person in Chem Sci 211 and virtually via Zoom.

Join the ChE Seminar on Zoom.

Bates will present "Applying the Engineering Mindset Report to Improve Chemical Engineering Education."

Read Bates' abstract and bio on the University Events Calendar.

Bates is a professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and is hosted by Adrienne Minerick.

This program/lecture is partially funded/sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King-Chávez-Parks Initiative.

Deutsche Welle quoted Rupali Datta (BioSci) in a story about phytomining, harnessing specialized plants that naturally accumulate metals to recover nickel and other elements from soils. Datta explained that while phytomining can’t fully replace conventional mining, it can complement it by cleaning contaminated land and providing communities with new opportunities. The story was picked up by Yahoo! News UK.

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WCMU Public Media mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about Michigan high school students who engineered and drove a solar-powered car on a multiday statewide road trip that concluded at Tech’s campus in July.

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WLUC TV6 mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about this weekend’s GeekU.P. festival, which will take place inside the Memorial Union Building. The event will feature cosplay contests, video game competitions and celebrity appearances. Proceeds will benefit the Copper Shores Meals on Wheels program.

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My UP Now mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about a candlelight vigil at Northern Michigan University, which included Turning Point USA chapters from MTU, NMU and Lake Superior State University.

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The Keweenaw Report mentioned Michigan Tech in a story about the 36th annual Parade of Nations. The event, which began in 1989, brought the community together to celebrate international cultures with a parade through downtown Houghton and a multicultural food and entertainment festival at Dee Stadium.

CEGE Seminar with Kristin Cetin

The Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering (CEGE) will host a seminar by Kristin Cetin, associate professor of civil engineering at Michigan State University, titled "Evolving Occupant Behavior and Smart Buildings." 

The seminar is open to all interested Michigan Tech students, faculty and staff, and will take place on Friday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m. in Dow 875.

This program/lecture is partially funded/sponsored by the Visiting Professor Program, which is funded by a grant to the Office of the Provost from the State of Michigan's King Chávez-Parks Initiative.

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.

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MTU Aquatics: Registration for PADI Open Water SCUBA Course Closes Friday

Dive in with us! Registration for MTU Aquatics' PADI Open Water SCUBA Course is open for just a short while longer! Register before it closes on Friday, Sept. 26, at 11:59 p.m.

This SCUBA diving course is conducted over two weekends. Oct. 10-12 is the first weekend, which includes 10 hours of academic instruction (with some coursework to be completed independently) and 10 hours of confined water training in the SDC Pool. The second weekend is for certification dives in Lake Superior at a Marquette location, and students are offered a choice between Oct. 18-19 or Oct. 25-26.

Upon registration, students will be given all required reading material and paperwork to complete prior to the start of the course. Class size is limited.

For more information or to register, visit the SCUBA course page on Michigan Tech Recreation's website.

Questions? Contact MTU Aquatics at 906-487-2995 or email aquatics@mtu.edu.

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Fall MTU Aquatics: Registration for Session 2 Programs Opens Today!

Registration for Session 2 of Fall 2025 MTU Aquatics programs opens today, Sept. 24, at 8 a.m.!

Explore our programs for all ages and abilities:

• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Parent & Child Aquatics (ages 6 months to 3 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Preschool Aquatics (ages 4-5 years)
• Huskies Group Swim Lessons Learn to Swim Levels 1-5 (ages 6-17 years)
• Huskies Swim Training (ages 6-17 years)
• Adult Huskies Swim Lessons (ages 18 and older)
• Adult Huskies Swim Training (ages 18 and older)
• Private and Semi-Private Swim Lessons

We’re excited to announce that beginning with fall 2025 program registration, we will be transitioning to a new recreation program registration system designed to better support our youth and family programming. As part of this upgrade, there is an important change to how you will register your child for youth programs.

Important Information for Parents/Guardians:
To register your child for aquatics programs this coming fall, you’ll need to:

1. Create your account.
   Note: Due to system constraints, only current students, faculty and staff may use an MTU email. All others must use or create a different email address to create an account.
2. Add your children as your affiliates (with their date of birth).
3. Register your child through their affiliate profile (profile options in top right corner), not your own, for any program with an age requirement (this ensures accurate participant info and correct age group placement).

Create your accounts early to be ready!

• Additional information on how to create your user account
• Additional information on how to create your child’s affiliate account

Thank you for your support as we make this exciting transition! We’re confident this new system will offer a more user-friendly and efficient experience for all.

Questions? Contact Aquatics Manager Annie Boyle at ambengry@mtu.edu or 906-487-2995.

See you at the pool!

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

Wednesday, September 24, 8 a.m.–8 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...

Interview Day

Wednesday, September 24, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. | TBD, To Be Determined

nterview Day is your opportunity to turn Career Fair conversations into job, internship, or co-op offers. Many employers stay on campus the day after Career Fair to conduct...

Automate Your Funding Search: GrantForward Opportunity Search Tool

Wednesday, September 24, 12–1 p.m.

Join the Research Development and GrantForward teams to learn how to use this comprehensive tool to move your research program forward. In addition to system basics, the team...

Pokeman League - Weekly Meeting

Wednesday, September 24, 5–6 p.m. | Dillman 202

Come hangout and play pokemon

SME General Meeting

Wednesday, September 24, 5–6 p.m. | M&M 516

Bi-Weekly Meeting for SME!

Post-Fair Beach Affair

Wednesday, September 24, 6–7 p.m. | Breaker's Beach

Unwind after Career Fair and get ready for UWW at our beach social at Breakers Beach! Join us for s’mores, casual debriefing about the fair, and an introduction to the...

Main Meeting

Wednesday, September 24, 7–9 p.m. | Wads G42W

Want to be trained in Righteouesness? Interested in developing more faithful work ethic? Building the Kingdom? Glorifying God? Come check out our main meeting where we are...