H1N1 Flu Information

Please view the Michigan Tech H1N1 Flu Information site for for helpful information and instructions.

 

Michigan Tech Parent and Guardian Philosophy

Michigan Technological University views students as young adults who are in the process of becoming responsible, accountable, and capable. We respect their growing independence and hold them accountable for decisions they make. We also respect their privacy, but don’t always promise confidentiality and if needed, we will get others involved to ensure their well being.

As such, Michigan Tech views parents and guardians as our partners and will collaborate with them to the best of our ability to assist their student. However, it is our preference to work directly with students in order to foster their growth and development. Parents and guardians are encouraged to continue to strengthen and build the relationship with their student by adding the role of mentor and coach.

Parent and Family Orientation

Parent & Family Orientation is available to provide information to parents & family members. Parent & Family Orientation will take place Saturday through Monday, August 22 to August 24, 2009. Activities include: Family Picnic, Campus Tours, University Welcome, Academic Department introductions, and various informational seminars such as Finances for Every Direction and Health and Safety Matters. For more detailed information, visit the Michigan Tech Orientation website.

Student Grades Release

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (also referred to as FERPA or the Buckley Amendment) limits the information that the University can disclose about an adult student without the student’s permission. Students who are 18 years old or older are considered legal adults, therefore faculty and staff will not, as a general rule, discuss academic progress with parents, guardians, or financial supporters of students without the student’s permission. More information on FERPA can be found at the Records and Registration privacy website.

If a student would like their parents, guardians, or financial supporters to have access to their mid-term and final grades, he or she must grant such individuals guest access to view their student records information on Banweb, the University's Student Information System. Once your son or daughter logs in to Banweb and provides the necessary information to grant Guest Access, the guest can then create their own Banweb username and password to log in and view the student's information. More information on Guest Access can be found online at the Records and Registration Guest Access website.

Banweb Guest Access allows users authorized by the student the ability to view any or all of the following information:

• Electronic Bill Notification
• The tuition bill and associated holds on the account
• Ability to pay the bill online
• The student's emergency contact information
• Financial Aid awards
• Cost of Attendance
• Unofficial academic transcripts, midterm grades, and term end grades
• Class schedules by day/time and course detail

If a student does not grant guest access, parents, guardians, or financial supporters will not be able to access information on their grades or student bills. Students will have access to their grades online. The Office of Student Records and Registration website explains how students can access the Student Information System to register for classes and view grades.

Tech Parents Annual Fund

The Tech Parents Annual Fund, administered through the Center for Orientation, Mentoring, Parents, and Academic Student Success (COMPASS), was instituted in 1998 in an effort to support student organizations. Activities and events that have been supported include:

• Speakers and programs
• Non-alcoholic social and community building events
• University traditions (such as K-Day, Family Weekend, Homecoming, Winter Carnival, and Spring Fling)
• Travel to professional development opportunities, such as conferences and networking events
• Participation in national and regional competitions 
• Events that encourage involvement in the Michigan Tech and campus communities

Several events that were supported during the 2008-2009 year include travel to national conferences and competitions, equipment purchases, the IMPACT institute for Greek Life, African Night and Chinese New Year celebrations, the Relient K concert, and the new Relaxation room in Counseling and Wellness Services. For more information regarding the Parents Fund, or if you would like to contribute to the fund, please click here. Interested student organizations or departments may view the parent fund policy and print a request form here (PDF) or may review the policy online and submit an electronic request using our online form. You may also view the Parents Fund Rubric here. Questions and comments regarding the Tech Parents Annual Fund can be directed to Michelle Nightingale.

More information regarding parent involvement, campus activities and Michigan Tech’s parent list serve can be found on this Michigan Tech parent and family website.