May 14, 2024  
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-24 
    
Undergraduate Catalog 2023-24

Western Michigan University Strategic Plan


The Western Michigan University Commitment

As a premier, comprehensive, doctoral high-research university that is driven by our core principle, “so that all may learn,” Western Michigan University guides our students to pursue their purpose, thrive in a life well-lived and prosper in a meaningful career. Our top-tier faculty and dynamic, committed staff are the foundations that support our high-quality University. Western’s holistic educational environments, along with exceptional learning and experience-based opportunities, empower our graduates to become leaders in an ever-changing world.

Vision

We empower every person to grow, thrive and belong. We contribute to making the world a better place through creativity, research, innovation and compassion.

Mission

We are an access-oriented institution that provides an impactful and inclusive education that integrates discovery and fosters holistic growth and well-being so that all may learn.

Core Values

Community-Engaged
We collaborate with local and global partners with an emphasis on trust, respect, reciprocity and cultural humility.

Discovery-Driven
We pursue inquiry, disseminate knowledge and foster critical thinking that encourages life-long learning.

Equity-Centered
We transform systems and remove barriers to ensure we represent, serve, include and empower every member of our community.

Learner-Focused
We challenge every member of our community to be responsive to and responsible for the education of our students by intentionally cultivating an engaging university experience that creates skilled, life-long learners.

Sustainability-Guided
We serve our communities by discovering transformational, multidisciplinary solutions, being environmentally, socially and financially responsible; and improving the quality of life for current and future generations

Strategic Priorities and Goals

Academic Excellence
We empower one another to develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in life and make a positive difference in the world by leveraging our institution’s academic strengths.

Community Building
As a Carnegie Community Engagement Classification institution, we strengthen our relationships with those we serve by cultivating a campus culture grounded in communication, collaboration and engagement that fosters a sense of belonging, safety and support for all.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We actively create and continuously invest in building an inclusive and equitable environment where every member of our community feels like they belong and has access to the resources they need to thrive.

Internationalization
We provide extensive, renowned global learning opportunities to all community members that develop cross-cultural competence and enhance understanding of and contribution to a more peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Research and Creative Scholarship
As a doctoral university with high research activity (R2) , and growing recognition of our high-caliber research and creative scholarship, we advance our institution by having a diverse portfolio of research and creative scholarship that engages students, benefits the planet, expands the frontiers of knowledge and elevates the human condition.

Sustainability
We integrate sustainability into all aspects of university functions and invest in this commitment at the highest level of institutional decision-making.

Well-being
We safeguard the overall health of our community by embedding well-being into all aspects of WMU’s culture, administration, operations and academics by utilizing the social determinants of health and eight dimensions of wellness—physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social, environmental, financial and occupational.

To view the University’s Strategic Plan in its entirety, please visit wmich.edu/strategic