Meles School of Literomantic Technology and Mining Engineering

Three generations in my family (my grandpa, my dad, and I) all attended Meles Mines. The small class size and close bonds you form with your fellow students really make it feel like you're there with extended family. The courses are tough, but we all helped each other learn.   But what really made me know I was in the right field was getting to help shore up Windy Cave National Monument. There was a cave-in after a week of heavy rain, and a group of spelunkers was trapped down there.

Jess by Shyredfox

  The school called for volunteers. My hand shot up right away. Our Earth Literomancy is nowhere near what the Royal Family can do, but we saved lives that day by using our magic and engineering skills.

— Jess Nielson, badger folk (Literomantic Mining Engineering 2024)

    Meles Mines is a tight-knit campus community where high tech is combined with Earth Literomancy! Attend classes where you aren’t just a nameless face in big lecture halls. Professors here know you by name and all have reasonable office hours so you can get help easily.   While our biggest focus is Literomantic Mining Engineering, we offer a variety of top-notch degrees.   Meles Mines always strives for excellence. Our students consistently rank in the top for STEM degrees. Our labs are cutting edge and our research is used by companies and governments the world over. Before graduation, every student is paired to a company internship in their field to ensure they see what the job is truly like.  

Academics

After the reawakening of Literomancy in 2020, Meles Mines chose to embrace earth magic, viewing it like a set of ley lines that could connect all technology. So, the school rushed to combine Literomantic studies with science, engineering, and mathematics. Meles Mines quickly became one of the top schools that dared to teach the combination.    

Departments

Meles Mines has the following departments. Undergrad and graduate degrees (of the same name) may be earned in each department. Literomancy is infused into all classes and coursework.

Chemistry

Civil and Structural Engineering

Biology and Biological Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Geology and Geological Engineering

Literomantic Studies

Materials and Metallurgical Engineering

Mathematics

Mechanical Engineering

Mining Engineering

Physics

  Additional departments include Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, English, and Language Studies.  

Campus Life

Dorms and apartment-style married student housing are available on campus. The cafeteria and on-campus eateries cater to a variety of dietary needs.  

Sports and Clubs

Meles Mines has a football, soccer, and swim teams. Campus clubs include art, crafts, chorus, glee, gaming, and more.   (Please note that fraternities and sororities were disbanded after a series of rowdy parties turned into riots over political matters regarding Literomancy with a rival college. Meles Mines has worked hard to clean up its reputation and is no longer considered a party school.)  

Traditions

Kessel Tunnel Run

Every year a Meles Mines team enters the national Kessel Tunnel Run, where the team uses Literomancy and engineering skills to guide their chosen mascot as quickly as possible through a constantly changing maze of tunnels and avoid their mascot being trapped. (No mascots are ever harmed. They're just momentarily stuck in a small space then magically transported back to the start line.)  

Mines Hill Hike and BBQ

The Meles Mines Hill Hike on the edge of the Black Hills happens every October. It's a great time to see the beautiful fall aspen and birch foliage contrast with the pines and spruce as we clean the plaques with the names of every graduate at the top of the hill. Afterward an excellent barbecue is provided.  

Local attractions

Black Hills National Forest

Custer Park

Mammoth Dig Site

Mount Badgermore

Stavkirk church (moved over from Norway)

Downtown sculpture walk

Train museum in Hill City

and much more!