Student Life

Facilities

Student Union & Mill Building - North Campus

The Student Union contains the Marcus Deli, Residence Hall dining facilities, meeting rooms, offices for Student Activities and Student Government, Digger Den game room, Student Health Center, Student Copper Lounge, Mailroom/Copy-Center/DIGGERCARD Center, Tech Bookstore and offices for the student newspaper and radio station. The Digger Den, in addition to providing pool tables, pinball machines, video games, board games, stereo music, TV and study area facilities, has an unobstructed view of the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness area. The revitalized Mill Building features an upscale coffee shop, a quiet study lounge, a large open air mezzanine, a computer lab/classroom, and a smaller upstairs social lounge for Montana Tech students. Students that live on-or-off campus are welcome to utilize all Union and Mill facilities. For information please phone (406) 496-4335, or see https://www.mtech.edu/student-life/

Apartment Housing

Montana Tech has a total of 60 two- or three-bedroom apartments located approximately one mile from campus. Housing apartments are leased giving priority to students with dependents. Tenants are responsible for their own electricity/gas service, but all other utilities including local phone service and data connection to the campus network, are included in their rent. Public-use facilities include a coin operated laundry room and playground. To receive information or an application, call the Office of Residence Life located in Prospector Hall at (406) 496-4425.

Residence Life

Montana Tech provides hall facilities for approximately 450 students. These facilities offer single and double rooms as well as three- and four-person suite-style units. The residence halls sponsor an array of activities and programs including intramural teams along with social and educational activities. Residence hall facilities include computer labs, laundry rooms, kitchens, study lounges and reception desk to facilitate students’ use of cleaning supplies, athletic equipment, mail service, and change.

Each student in a residence hall room is furnished with a desk and chair, super twin (36x80) bed which can be bunked, a large 4-drawer bureau or wardrobe unit, closet/shelf space or sink, and wastebasket. Each room is wired for phone and cable, and each residence hall has wi-fi capabilities. Students provide their own bed linens, blankets, bedspreads, towels and pillows.

All students may apply for Residence Hall housing. All North Campus first year students having accumulated fewer than 30 semester credit hours and younger than 21 years old are required to live on campus. (All degree and certificate seeking Highlands College students are encouraged, but not required to live on campus.) Exceptions may be requested by students who are married or living with their immediate family within commuting distance from Montana Tech. For information on residence halls and apartment housing, contact the Residence Life Office at (406) 496-4425, or see https://www.mtech.edu/student-life/housing/apply.html 

Tech Dining Services

Food service options are available for all students. A board plan is mandatory for all students living in the residence halls . Three meals per day are served weekdays, and two meals per day on weekends. Additional snacks or meals may be purchased at the Marcus Deli in the Student Union and the Coffee Shop in the Mill Building. Lunch service is provided in the Commons on the South Campus. Commuting students may purchase flex dollars or an incentive program to facilitate on-campus meals and convenience store shopping. For information on Tech Dining Services, call (406) 496-4590, or see https://www.mtech.edu/student-life/dining/index.html 

Services

Academic Advising

Each student is assigned an advisor at the time of admission. First-year students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are advised by professional advisors in the Academic Center for Excellence. Continuing students and transfer students pursuing a bachelor’s degree are primarily advised by faculty from the academic department they have selected. Students undecided as to a specific major are assigned a professional advisor according to their general area of interest. Questions concerning work in a particular course should be discussed with the course instructor.

Questions on scheduling and following the academic program can be answered by the student’s advisor at any time, but particularly during early registration advising sessions. Students register for classes during an advising session with their advisor.  Students seeking re-assignment of advisor should file the “Change of Major/ Advisor” form available at the Enrollment Services Office. If students are unsure who their advisor is, they can find that information in OrediggerWeb, Navigate, or they can request that information from Enrollment Services. 

Student Success Services

The TRiO Student Success Services (SSS) Program  is a program that provides students with personalized academic advising.  The program funded by the U.S. Department of Education is one of only twenty one (21) in the country, designed specifically to increase the number of engineers and scientists graduating from our nations’ colleges.  Students majoring in the rigorous STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programs at Montana Tech are eligible to participate.  One hundred and twenty (120) elite students are selected annually.  Such programs include: Engineering, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Mathematical Sciences, and Software Engineering.  SSS ensures all program participants have the maximum support and encouragement possible toward graduating. 

Counseling

Students have access to counseling services via on-campus staff and virtual therapists at no additional cost.  Professional staff assist students in developing greater self-awareness, independence and self-direction in a variety of areas.  The Office provides skill development and wellness-related resource materials.  Individual assistance and group presentations on topics such as career counseling, test anxiety, time management, alcohol education, and personal development are also available.  Individual and group testing in a variety of areas is available to students.  Interest and personality assessments are administered an interpreted.

Disability Services

Montana Tech is committed to increasing campus accessibility and removing barriers by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified students with disabilities. In order to receive accommodations, students must meet with Disability Services to discuss appropriate accommodations and provide proof of diagnosis of disability or injury. Students may visit the Disability Services webpage to find applications, consent forms, and guidelines for submitting documents as well as accessibility resources. https://www.mtech.edu/disability. Employees seeking accommodations may contact the Human Resources office.

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989 & Campus Security Act of 1990

The health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors is a primary concern to Montana Tech. In compliance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act and Campus Security Act; policies, procedures, publications and programs are designed to ensure a safe and productive learning and working environment. The specific policies, procedures and publications are located in Montana Tech’s Student Handbook and our Annual Report of crime-related information is available to all members of the campus community.

Although Montana state law permits the use of medical marijuana, i.e., use by persons possessing lawfully issued medical marijuana cards, federal laws prohibit marijuana use, possession and/or cultivation at educational institutions and on the premises of other recipients of federal funds. The use, possession or cultivation of marijuana for medical purposes is therefore not allowed in any University of Montana housing or any other University of Montana property; nor is it allowed at any University-sponsored event or activity off campus.

Student Health Center

The Montana Tech Student Health Center provides medical services on weekdays during the course of the fall and spring semester. A registered nurse is on duty from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, and a physician is on duty from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Health Center is located on the lower level of the Student Union on the North Campus, 1300 W Park St.

All services are available at no charge to enrolled students on the North Campus who have paid the Health Center fee, the service and fee is optional for South Campus students. The only exceptions are certain medications and vaccines for which a minimum charge is made. The Health Center does not provide long-term treatment of chronic illness, hospitalization, X-ray services, commercial lab tests, or payment for medications for which prescriptions are written. Students may use the Health Center during office hours and, in most cases without an appointment. If the Health Center is closed or the student is not on campus, care may be obtained at a physician’s office, ExpressCare, or at St. James Health Care Emergency Room. However, the charges incurred in doing so are the responsibility of the student and are not covered by the health fee.

Health Insurance

All students registered for six credit hours or more will automatically be enrolled in the mandatory insurance plan for the entire semester. The health insurance fee will automatically be assessed to your semester tuition and fees. Students already insured with another plan can waive the college’s mandatory insurance on Orediggerweb.

Montana Tech Identification Cards (DiggerCard)

Montana Tech Identification (ID) cards are available to the following: registered Montana Tech students (and certain classes of students from other UM affiliates), college and bureau staff, and faculty. Montana Tech ID cards are NOT available to the general public. IDs are validated each term for students who have paid fees, and for currently employed faculty/staff. The Digger Card Center is located adjacent to the Mail/Copy Center in the Student Union Building (SUB).

If an ID card is lost or mutilated, the replacement fee is $15.00. A nominal charge of $20.00 is assessed for an initial ID Card. Use of a Montana Tech ID Card is governed by the above policies. DiggerCards are non -transferable and must be shown to authorized campus representatives upon request. (Return postage for a lost card is guaranteed by the Montana Tech DIGGERCARD Center.)

Other Campus Services: The rates charged for services such as orientation services, copying facilities, testing programs, etc. are too varied to present in this publication. For more information concerning these services, contact the department providing the service.

International Student Assistance

New Student Orientation

The major goal of New Student Orientation is to integrate new Montana Tech students into the day-to-day operation of the college as quickly and smoothly as possible. Additional goals are to maximize contact with peers, to bring students into contact with relevant parts of the Montana Tech system, to minimize the anxiety of new students; and to inspire students with a favorable attitude toward learning. Information giving the dates of Orientation and an outline of the program is sent to all new students who have been accepted for admission.

Career Services

Career Services offers career-related assistance to students at all academic levels, from incoming first-year students through graduating seniors, graduate students, and alumni. The office staff provide a full array of career and employment services including: career coaching and interest assessments; career labs and individual appointments to help with professional communication, including resume and cover letter writing; career strategies; interview tips and networking; on-campus recruiting and internship coordination.

Students use their DR 2.0 - DIGGERecruiting account to post resumes, view student employment, internship, and summer jobs, participate in on-campus interviews (OCI) and register for career events throughout the year. Career Services develops relationships with employers to help students across all disciplines to find degree-related employment.

The Internship Program is a structured program in which students include periods of supervised, degree-related employment as an integral part of their academic experience. The student may receive academic credit for the work experience and is usually compensated at the normal salary level for the position.

Career Services tracks experiential learning including summer jobs, internships and full-time positions. This information is critical for accreditation,  helps the campus recruit prospective students to choose Montana Tech, develops relationships with new employers, and answers compensation questions so that employers remain competitive in hiring our students and graduates.

Student Employment

Student employees are those whose efforts are directed toward receiving a formal education and are employed part-time. Work-study employment is subject to additional requirements established by the federal government and the Office of Enrollment Processing (Financial Aid). Off-campus, non work-study employment is not governed by the university’s policies and procedures. Working off campus in a non-work-study position is done at the sole discretion of the student. Students seeking part-time employment, work study, non-work-study, on campus and off campus can find positions online in DIGGERecruiting. For additional information about Student Employment visit https://www.mtech.edu/career/students/index.html 

Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)

The Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) at Montana Tech University provides programs and services to currently enrolled Montana Tech students to support their academic success. Students will garner skills that will empower them to persist through graduation, prepare for graduate and professional endeavors, and develop an appreciation for lifelong learning. Services are provided at no additional cost to students.

Drop-In Tutoring

Students may “drop-in” and receive help in a variety of subjects. Drop-in tutoring hours are offered Monday through Thursday, 9:00-5:00. Students should check the online schedule to see when there subject is offered.  If a student needs help in a subject that is not listed online they should contact the Executive Director of Student Success.

Private Appointments

Students may schedule one-on-one or small group (up to three students) recurring tutoring sessions through the semester for specific courses. These appointments are up to 50 minutes in length and are available for a number of subjects, many of which might not be offered during drop-in tutoring. In addition to subject-specific private appointments, students can schedule Peer Academic Coaching appointments to learn more from an experienced peer about note taking, time management, study skills, test anxiety, and general college information. Scheduling for private appointments can be done online, by email at ace@mtech.edu, or by calling ACE at (406) 496-4418

Writers’ Studio

Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a writing consultant on issues specific to their own particular needs. Writing consultant appointments are more than simply proofreading or editing; the aim is to help students become more effective writers. This can mean assisting students to become better proofreaders and editors of their own work, reviewing assignment rubrics, and more.

Standards, Codes of Conduct

Every fall, each student is supplied with a Student Handbook listing College regulations governing conduct, including discrimination, alcoholic beverages, drugs, distribution of literature, as well as the process for filing a complaint. Anyone having additional questions concerning these regulations should contact the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students. The Community Expectations Program has been established to assist students in resolving disputes and grievances and to create better understanding of rights and responsibilities. More detailed information may be obtained in the Student Handbook or by contacting the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs/Dean of Students.

Vehicle Registration and Parking Regulations

All vehicles using the North and South campuses parking must be registered with the Physical Plant Office and also must display a valid decal issued through that office. Students are responsible for understanding and complying with all campus traffic parking regulations. A copy of these regulations is available at the Physical Plant Office.

Student Activities

Student Government committees, professional societies, living group organizations, special events, honor societies and interest group clubs add a balance to the Montana Tech community. Participants take part in leadership development and management training, while cultivating friendships, learning outside the classroom, and having fun.

Athletics

Montana Tech has a long and distinguished athletic tradition encompassing more than 80 years of competition and involving outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators.

The primary purpose of athletic competition at Montana Tech is to develop the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical maturity of the student/athletes. The competitive spirit among Orediggers, whether it is on the intercollegiate, club or intramural level, has always been excellent. An outstanding staff of professionally trained coaches allows the college to offer intercollegiate programs in football, basketball, cross country, track, and golf for men, and volleyball, golf, cross country, track, and basketball for women. The club sports program includes soccer, rugby, racquetball and handball.

Montana Tech has modern athletic facilities which include: 1) the HPER Complex, a 50,000 sq. ft. facility housing basketball and volleyball areas with seating for 2000, a 25-meter swimming pool, six racquetball courts, and a strength room with weights and cardio equipment; 2) a field complex large enough to accommodate a practice football and soccer field plus four tennis courts. The HPER complex also includes a mat room; 3) Alumni Coliseum, which is used for football has permanent seating capacity for 3000, and; 4) Leonard Field, which provides space for varsity, intramural and club sports.

Campus Recreation Programs

Intramural sports program are available for students interested in participating in team or individual recreational programs. This program is funded, in part, through activity fees allocated by the Associated Students of Montana Tech. Campus Recreation features competition in wallyball, basketball, softball, flag football, swimming, water polo, handball, volleyball, racquetball, pool, and tennis. The Campus Recreation Office is located in the Health, Physical Education and Recreation complex (HPER).

A wide selection of outdoor equipment can be rented from the Campus Recreation Office. This equipment is rented to students at minimal rates to provide opportunities to enjoy the many outdoor pursuits located near Butte. Equipment includes cook sets and stoves, sleeping bags, tents, backpacks, rafts, daypacks, and firstaid kits. For more information contact (406) 496-4737.

Clubs

ASMT recognizes a variety of clubs. These groups reflect academic interests, hobbies, philanthropic causes, athletics, music, drama, religion, cultural affiliations and career goals. Many of these organizations sponsor speakers, field trips, attendance at national conferences and other experiences which enhance students’ educational experience while at Montana Tech.

A complete listing of the clubs recognized by ASMT is available in the Student Union Office. Persons interested in joining a club are allowed the opportunity to sign up during Rush Week, a time when all clubs gather together to share interests and purposes with students interested in becoming members. Rush Week is held once a semester within the first two weeks of classes. Many clubs accept members throughout the academic year. Call the Student Union Office (406) 496-4335 for more information.

Student Activities Committee (SAC)

The Student Activities Committee is responsible for programming events and activities designed to enhance the social and cultural aspects of life at Montana Tech. Student fees provide the budget for this committee to bring local and national performers to campus. Many of the events are free to students, while others are offered at minimal cost. Comedians, bands, theater acts, hypnotists and concerts are examples of entertainment brought to campus. Membership on the Student Activities Committee is open to any interested student.

Student Government

The Associated Students of Montana Tech (ASMT) is comprised of all students enrolled in seven or more credits. The purpose of this organization is, in part, to advance the interest and promote the welfare of Montana Tech and its students and to foster and maintain harmony among those connected with or interested in Tech, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, regents, and friends.

Through funds collected as student fees, ASMT strives to ensure a full academic and social life for all students with its organizations, publications, clubs, major school functions and activities. The Executive Branch of ASMT is made up of the student body president, the vice president and treasurer. The Legislative Branch of ASMT serves as the Student Senate. Its membership consists of the ASMTvice-president and eleven student senators which includes a senate seat for the South Campus. As the representative governing body of ASMT, the Legislative Branch is responsible for disbursing Student Activity fees, organizing and planning extracurricular campus activities, student publications, intramural athletics and student clubs. The Legislative Branch also provides leadership and a strong voice for the student body, enforces regulations made by the student body, works to integrate the various campus organizations, and promotes the ideas and traditions of Montana Tech. Additionally, a three-member Judiciary Branch interprets the ASMT constitution, bylaws, parliamentary procedures, and Montana Tech Community Expectations Program.

In addition, the Montana Tech Residence Hall provides its own living group governance via the Residence Hall Association (RHA). The South Campus also organizes and sponsors a Student Council to provide student leadership opportunities.

Montana Tech Community Expectations Program: The primary purpose of this program is to assist individuals to achieve their maximum educational and personal potential and to allow members of the Montana Tech community to resolve differences and grievances to the mutual benefit and satisfaction of all concerned. It is also a necessary purpose of this program to maintain effective community standards and to protect the rights of individuals. In this regard, the community has the right to protect itself against the behavior of individuals who consistently or repeatedly demonstrate a disregard for the welfare of individuals in the larger community.

Any individual within the college community who feels that his or her rights have been infringed upon by student conduct may process a referral to the College Community Expectations Program. In cases where an individual feels that his or her rights have been infringed upon, that individual may also elect to file a complaint with legal authorities, take no action, or discuss the situation with the other individual involved rather than process a referral.

Referrals are made to the ASMT Judicial Branch or the Student Affairs Administrative Hearing Board. Cases of serious misconduct, repeated misconduct, sexual assault, or where professional guidance and confidentiality are deemed essential, will be routed to the Student Affairs Administrative Board.

Copies of the Community Expectations Program Handbook are available at the Student Life Office, Engineering Hall, Room 101 at the north campus, the Counseling Office at the south campus and https://www.mtech.edu/student-life/ 

Testing

The Student Success Center offers placement testing for incoming students and accommodation testing for current students.

Placement Testing

Students’ placement into math and writing courses is determined by their ACT or SAT scores.  However, if students do not have ACT or SAT scores, Montana Tech offers assessments that help determine placement.

Accommodation Testing

Current students who require accommodated testing (e.g., quiet space, extra time) may utilize testing services in partnership with their instructor to ensure an equitable testing environment.

Testing services are located in the Academic Center for Excellence in the SSC.  For more information or to schedule a test, call (406) 496-4428 or see https://www.mtech.edu/testing/index.html

Network & Computer Use Policies

The University System is covered with system-wide Network and Computer Use Policies approved by the Board of Regents; the “System Wide Policies” apply to the University System as a whole, i.e., The University of Montana and Montana State. Likewise, and more specific, both units have promulgated policy sets which govern their respective realms; the “UM Wide Policies” apply only to this branch of the university system. Montana Tech is covered not only by these policies, but also by those which we have set forth. Links to the network/computer use policies are located here .

The policies determine the standards for appropriate use of computing and networking systems and facilities at Montana Tech. The use of computers and network systems in no way exempts any Montana Tech student, faculty, or staff from the normal requirements of ethical or legal behavior. Although some rules are built into the system, these restrictions cannot limit completely what an individual can do or see. Each member of the community is responsible for his or her actions whether or not the rules are built in, and whether or not they can be circumvented.

Members of the Montana Tech community are expected to follow certain principles of behavior in using computers and network systems; in particular, to observe and respect policies and procedures governing:

1. the privacy or restrictions placed upon data or information stored in or transmitted across computers and network systems, even when that data or information is not securely protected;
2. an owner’s interest in propriety software or other assets pertaining to computers or network systems, even when such software or assets are not securely protected; and
3. the finite capacity of computers and network systems which limit use so as not to interfere unreasonably with the activity of others.

The policies apply to all users of Montana Tech’s computer and network systems. It is the user’s responsibility to know the contents contained therein. Those who violate these standards of behavior will be denied use of Montana Tech’s computer and network systems. Violators may also be subject to penalties under the institution’s regulations, as well as under State and Federal laws.