Michigan Tech’s Student Commission gathered on Oct. 31 to discuss a variety of campus issues and upcoming initiatives with staff members of departments such as Facilities, Student Leadership and Involvement (SLI), Public Safety, and Athletics and Services. The staff are interspersed with student representatives from various campus organizations, particularly student government. The meeting discussed pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns, student voter participation, the new summer orientation model, and other ways to enhance the student experience on campus.
The main priority of this meeting was regarding campus safety, specifically pedestrian and cyclist safety while commuting to and around campus. Kellie Raffaelli, Dean of Students at Michigan Tech, expressed concerns about students crossing Highway 41 without using designated crosswalks, especially in the dark, and encouraged them to wear reflective clothing for added safety.
One representative reported observing an effect of the expanded parking Lot 26 along Seventh Avenue, which increased pedestrian crossings on Highway 41 outside the existing crosswalks. Many students descend the hill after parking and continue that path toward campus without walking the extra block to get to a designated crosswalk. Additionally, concerns were raised about speeding along Cliff Drive.
The commission discussed implementing potential safety measures, such as more speed bumps and increased bike lane visibility. The commission also plans to keep a bike maintenance station open all year for students who utilize bikes in the winter, along with increased signage for bike lanes around campus.
With election day quickly approaching, Michigan Tech’s administration is encouraging all students to vote. Michigan Tech President Dr. Rick Koubek recently signed the President’s Commitment to Full Student Voter Participation, which qualifies Tech for the 2024 Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting Award.
Student Leadership and Involvement is holding two focus groups to gather feedback on this year’s Homecoming events. The focus groups are being held in the Superior Room of the MUB on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. and on Nov. 7 at noon, where students are invited to come and share their thoughts on this year’s Homecoming. A complementary lunch will also be served to participants who register by emailing ahjerste@mtu.edu.
Michigan Tech’s new summer orientation program was also discussed. O-Week has been shortened, with new undergraduate students having the option to move in Sunday through Tuesday, with the O-Week events starting on Wednesday. USG member, Daniel Branagan, stated that the USG is collecting students’ opinions on the orientation changes via a survey. The survey and more information about the O-Week changes can be found by going to usg.mtu.edu/oweek.
The Student Commission holds a meeting every three weeks, on the third Thursday of the month at 4 p.m., to focus on enriching the student experience for everyone at the university. For more information feel free to visit mtu.edu/student-affairs/who-we-are/committees/student-commission/.
