College of Arts and Sciences

Thomas Kent
Dean

Alexander Enyedi
Associate Dean

Wendy Ford
Associate Dean

Mission

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, in accordance with the traditional stewardship of the College, is to engender in students those skills, attitudes, and habits of mind which permit them to function responsibly in a profoundly complex and changing world. The College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University offers undergraduate courses and programs of study in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical, biological and mathematical sciences. In addition to providing specialization in its many disciplines, the College contributes to the basic knowledge and the general liberal education of all students attending Western Michigan University.

The goals of the College for the undergraduate student, while including professional, pre-professional or vocational training, are specifically focused on developing the liberally educated adult. To this end, the College seeks to ensure that its students learn the skills necessary for critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and adapting to change; that they explore broadly in areas that will encourage understanding of their western and/or global heritage; and that they develop a respect for diversity in the world and the pluralism in this society. The College strives to encourage the growth of persons who have the self-confidence that comes with knowledge and the ability to seek out, analyze and evaluate information; persons who are prepared to make their way in a changing world, who are competent, humane and sensitive to the human condition and to the physical environment in which they live, and who, therefore, will make effective and substantial contributions to society.

The College regards classroom attendance as an essential part of the educational experience of each student. Accordingly, the College has a strong expectation that students attend class, be punctual to class, and remain in attendance for the full class period unless there is a legitimate reason to be excused.

Academic Units:

Anthropology
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Communication
Comparative Religion
Economics
English
Foreign Languages
Geography
Geosciences
History
Mathematics
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Affairs and Administration
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics

Interdisciplinary Programs:

Africana Studies
African Studies
Black Americana Studies
American Humanics
American Studies
Criminal Justice
Environmental Studies
Global and International Studies
Medieval Studies
Science Education
Women’s Studies
World Literature

Academic Advising Office

Kevin Knutson, Director
Jacquelyn Bizzell
Kerrie Jo Harvey
Maria McGurn
Steven Miller
Jan Tiderington
2318 Friedmann Hall
(269) 387-4366

Students in the Arts and Sciences Liberal Education Curriculum should see a college advisor to plan their degree programs. The staff of the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office advises students concerning Liberal Education Curriculum requirements as well as Intellectual Skills and other University requirements. An appointment with an advisor should be scheduled during the student’s first enrollment period in order to obtain information regarding requirements.

Transfer students in the Liberal Education Curriculum, after they have received their credit evaluation forms from the Admissions Office, should have their transfer courses evaluated for credit toward their Liberal Education and other college or University requirements.

The staff of the Academic Advising office will provide introductory information about the programs, majors and minors available within the College of Arts and Sciences and will make referrals to other advising facilities, such as departmental advisors, etc. Students seeking exploratory information about the programs and curricula of the College are encouraged to visit this office.

Students may stop by 2318 Friedman Hall, or call (269) 387-4366 for an appointment.