The Board of Trustees and Graduate Student Government each convened this week, covering the ratification of the new Undergraduate Student Government constitution, the establishment of a new department in the College of Computing, and an upcoming research colloquium.
Board of Trustees votes on USG constitution and the addition of a new Department of Data Science
On Friday, Feb. 27, the Michigan Tech Board of Trustees met in MUB ballroom B to vote on several important resolutions.
The Board granted the title of Professor Emetrius to Dr. Mari Windsor Buche, Dr. Gary L. Campbell, and Dr. Sonia Goltz. This is a title of honor that allows distinguished retirees to keep their title as professor.
In addition, the Board voted on the establishment of a new department in data science to fall under the College of Computing, and removed shelved programs as recommended by the University’s Faculty Senate. More information on the individual removed programs can be found in our previous article, “Faculty Senate approves new Data Science department, USG opens voting.” The establishment of the Department of Data Science is a developing story.
The Board passed the Undergraduate Student Government constitution, marking the completion of the final step to its ratification. This has been a long process to get to this point, starting over the Winter Break of last academic year when they started redrafting the constitution. They also approved the 2026-2027 room and board rates.
Dr. Smitha Rao gave a presentation about the ongoing research being performed in her lab in the field of biomedical engineering, focusing on cancer detection.
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be held on Friday, Apr. 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in MUB Ballroom B.
GSG encourages research participation, leadership nominations
The Graduate Student Government (GSG) urged greater participation in the Graduate Research Colloquium (GRC), promoted upcoming elections, and highlighted campus invitations during their bi-weekly meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in the ChemSci, room 101.
The GSG E-board emphasized the importance of personal outreach for student engagement, as GSG works to communicate the value of participating in the GRC to graduate students. “It’s always beyond the emails and the posters,” one GSG representative said. “It’s all coming down to each of you asking people to participate in this event. It’s a great event and it’s a great showcase.” GSG members were asked to recruit volunteers for roles such as moderators, photographers, and session assistance. Non-GSG volunteers will receive banquet invitations. Current registration stands at 18 students and 20 judges, short of their goal of 120 participants.
Will Cantrell, Dean of the Graduate School, spoke at the meeting. He encouraged graduate students to run for leadership positions in the March elections, and to consider committee service. “These are really important aspects of service to your community,” Cantrell said. “It’s also beneficial to you,” explaining that involvement in GSG can lead to future professional opportunities and strong letters of recommendation. Cantrell ended with, “These winters can wear on you, and they can wear on your mental health. Please keep an eye on each other and reach out for resources.”
Updates from the Student Commission included the annual “Can the Citation” food drive. This “Can the Citation” food drive will run Mar. 9 to 20. “Can the Citation” allows students to pay off their parking tickets by donating to the Husky Food Access Network (Michigan Tech’s food pantry). Eight 12oz cans will remove a $25 citation, while four 12oz cans will remove a $10 citation. All donations must be non-expired and nonperishable food or hygiene products. Donations will be accepted at the Dean of Students office.
To stay up to date with GSG, visit their Instagram, @gsg.mtu
