University and Student Services

Click on a link to be taken to the entry below.

Complete and current information about University and Student Services may be obtained by visiting the University’s website (http://www.wmich.edu/). The services listed below are only a portion of those offered by the University to students, alumni, staff, and visitors.

The University Archives and Regional History Collections is located in East Hall, Room 111. Staff collect, preserve, and make accessible records documenting the history of the University and of twelve southwestern Michigan counties. Holdings include: books, ephemera, newspapers, microfilm, photographs, oral history tapes, and manuscript collections. In addition, local public records from southwestern Michigan are on deposit from the Archives of Michigan. The collections are open to researchers. Faculty, staff, and students may make appointments for assistance with research. Faculty may schedule instructional sessions.

The University is represented by men’s teams in football, baseball, basketball, tennis, ice hockey, and soccer. Women’s teams represent the University in basketball, cross country, golf, gymnastics, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, and volleyball. Represented by the athletics mascot “Buster Bronco”, WMU Athletics keeps every Bronco fan up to date through the official athletics website, www.wmubroncos.com.

Athletics are governed by the Athletic Board, which adheres to the policies and principles established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Mid-American Conference (MAC) and Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA). Western Michigan University is a member of the Mid-American Conference in all sports but Ice Hockey. Ice Hockey members are WMU, Bowling Green, Miami of Ohio, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, Lake Superior State, Northern Michigan, Nebraska-Omaha, Alaska, and Ferris State. Other members of the Mid-American Conference are Akron, Ball State, Bowling Green, Buffalo, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, Kent State, Miami (Ohio), Northern Illinois, Ohio, Toledo, and Temple in the sport of football..

Career and Student Employment Services advises students regarding skill development, exploring career options and obtaining professional employment upon graduation. Services include: advising by appointment and drop-in hours at various locations on campus, web-based employment listings and resources related to part-time employment, internship and full-time opportunities, on-campus interviewing, career fairs and integration of relevant career programs into existing courses throughout the university. Career program topics address current issues related to linking majors to occupational fields, interviewing, speaker panels, resume writing and job search strategies.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (269) 387-2745. The office is located on first floor of Ellsworth Hall. www.broncojobs.wmich.edu.

The Children’s Place Learning Center, located in the middle of campus at 2210 Wilbur, is open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays. The convenient location and flexible care schedules make the center an attractive child-care option for WMU faculty, staff, and students. Children 18 months to 9 years old may be enrolled full-time, part-time or hourly. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are included in the tuition and are provided by WMU Dining Services. A full vegetarian menu is available each day.

The Children’s Place philosophy emphasizes child-initiated learning within a culturally diverse community. The program nurtures and supports the development of children by providing developmentally appropriate activities which address each child’s need for fun, creativity, active play, communication skills, problem solving, social interaction, rest and nutrition. The program is licensed by the State of Michigan and accredited by the National Association for the education of Young Children (NAEYC). For more information and an application call (269) 387-2277 or visit www.wmich.edu/childcare.

Students are faced with many challenging situations and important decisions while attending college. They will engage in career planning and become involved in social and personal situations that may leave them feeling confused, dissatisfied or distressed. The inherent stresses of university life are likely, at some point, to interfere with academic achievement and personal growth. Counseling Services exists to help students deal effectively with many of these concerns.

Counseling Services is staffed with professionally licensed, accredited counselors and psychologists.

Counseling Services consist of the following:

Individual and Group Counseling is offered to assist students in better understanding themselves and manage emotional conflicts that may interfere with their everyday lives. Counseling also helps students develop and experience more satisfying and fulfilling lifestyles.

Career Counseling and Testing to provide students with the resources, skills, and experiences necessary for reasonable educational and career choices. Individual and group activities are offered to (1) increase self-understanding, including insights into one’s interests, values, abilities, and skills; (2) learn how to acquire information about careers; (3) review choices, make decisions, and establish plans of action; and (4) test the feasibility of individual plans by experiencing the reality of the working world. There is a nominal fee for testing services.

Counseling Services Career Resource contains a wide selection of printed materials and a computerized database with career exploration and decision making as well as occupational preparation and planning. Some standardized testing is available at counseling services. Additional resources are available online via out Center website: www.wmich.edu/counseling.

Training and Internship Programs for graduate students from the Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology and the Department of Psychology are available. Included in the training experience are case consultations, supervision of treatment sessions, didactic presentations and professional growth opportunities.

Counseling Services is committed to the need for confidentiality in client/counselor communications. Therefore, confidentiality of client information is maintained in a manner consistent with professional standards of ethical practice and conduct and legislative requirements in the state of Michigan. Copies of the Sindecuse Health Center policy on confidentiality may be obtained at the business office.

Appointments may be requested by telephone (269-387-1850) or by stopping at the reception desk of Sindecuse Health Center Counseling Services between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Website: www.wmich.edu/counseling.

Disability Services for Students assists Western Michigan University students with disabilities as they seek to find effective accommodations, maximize their abilities and gain independence. DSS offers university services including advocacy, registration assistance, campus accessibility information, adaptive equipment and referral to and liaison with other campus and community agencies. DSS also provides classroom or academic adjustments including accommodation for classroom test, electronic text format and sign-language interpreters. DSS can assist with application for alternative transportation on Metro County Connect. The website is www.wmich.edu/disabilityservices.

The office can be reached by calling (269)387-2116.

Western Michigan University students may live on or off campus. Various housing options exist on-campus, ranging from traditional residence halls to apartment living, and all deliver tremendous value to their residents. Besides the convenience of living in the heart of campus, studies show students who live on campus adjust better and are more successful academically than those who live off campus. For these reasons, students should carefully consider the benefits of on-campus housing when choosing where to live. Utilities, cable TV, and local phone service are included in housing costs for the residence halls and apartments (the new Western View apartments include cable TV).

Your residence hall application and apartment applications are available online and can be completed once you have been admitted and have a valid Bronco ID. The application date is the basis for assignment and the probability of an assignment increases with early application.

WMU Residence Halls, Spindler Hall, WMU Apartments (including the New Western View-opening August 2011)

For information contact the Residence Life Office, 3510 Faunce Student Services Building, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5312. Telephone: (269) 387-4735; Fax: (269) 387-4786; E-mail: RL-info@wmich.edu; Website: www.wmich.edu/housing.

The Office of Information Technology provides video, voice, and data services for the WMU community. This includes provisioning the Bronco NetID, which gives students access to the GoWMU portal for course registration, e-learning, e-mail, financial aid, and other resources. OIT also manages and maintains the data network for Internet access and the campus telephone system. OIT operates the public computing labs in the Bernhard Center and in the University Computing Center, located in the heart of the main campus. For more information, go to www.wmich.edu/oit

International studies and programs at Western Michigan University are led by the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. The university had made a serious commitment to continued expansion of international education across the campus, a goal that is included in the university mission statement. The “international” link on the university’s World Wide Web home page will take you to the Haenicke Institute’s comprehensive web page and a detailed directory and description of international programs and services. Almost all offices that administer international programs and services are housed within the Haenicke Institute which is conveniently located in Ellsworth Hall. The university annually hosts more than one thousand international students and has a long tradition of international involvement across all colleges. 

Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Dr. Donald G. McCloud
Dean
2530 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-3907; FAX (269) 387-0630
E-mail: dhi-dept@wmich.edu
http://international.wmich.edu

The Haenicke Institute (HIGE) collaborates with colleges, departments, and interdisciplinary programs to promote global, international, and area studies throughout Western Michigan University. The Institute houses designated centers and offices devoted to international education.

Office of International Student and Scholar Services

Ms. Rebecca Solomon, Director
A4265 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246
Telephone: (269) 387-5865; FAX (269) 387-5899
E-mail: oiss.info@wmich.edu
http://www.wmich.edu/oiss

Within the Haenicke Institute, the Office of International Student and Scholar Services handles admissions and special needs for international students. Services include:

• Processing of applications for admission
• Immigration advising
• Orientation program for newly arrived international students
• Assistance with housing arrangements
• Coordination of international student organizations and activities
• Liaison between international students and financial sponsors
• Personal and social counseling

International students interested in seeking admission to Western Michigan University may access application information and an online printable application at: http://international.wmich.edu.

Immigration

Ms. Lee Ryder, J.D.
4280 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-5873

Immigration services for international students, international visitors and faculty are provided through the immigration office of the Haenicke Institute.

Center for English Language and Culture for International Students (CELCIS)

Ms. Diana Vreeland, Director
B0522 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5223
Telephone: (269) 387-4800; FAX (269) 387-4806
E-mail: celcis-info@wmich.edu
www.wmich.edu/celcis
international.wmich.edu

As part of the Haenicke Institute, the Center for English and Culture for International Students (CELCIS) provides intensive English language instruction for prospective students who need further training in order to qualify for admission to Western Michigan University. CELCIS also offers a range of individually designed, short-term programs that may include English language training (at any level) and introductory studies in American culture.

CELCIS classes at various levels include: speaking and listening comprehension, grammar, academic reading and vocabulary building, academic writing, and research paper writing. Extra-curricular activities include monthly social hours, conversation partners, home visits, and various social, sport, and cultural programs.

CELCIS operates four terms per year: two fifteen-week terms (fall and spring), and two seven-week terms (summer I and II). University Testing and Evaluation Services offers the institutional TOEFL at the conclusion of each term. Admission to CELCIS does not imply admission to any degree program at Western Michigan University.

Study Abroad

Dr. Jane B. Warren
B2531 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-5890; FAX (269) 387-0630
E-mail: study-abroad@wmich.edu
www.wmich.edu/studyabroad

Study Abroad offers more than 60 study programs varying in length from a few weeks to a full academic year and access to hundreds of non-WMU study abroad providers to destinations in 35 countries. Programs are available for undergraduates and graduates in a broad spectrum of disciplines for an academic year, one semester, or summer terms. Competitive scholarships and grants are available, such as the President’s Grant for Study Abroad that offers up to $9,000 for foreign-language students seeking an overseas language-intensive experience.

Graduate students who undertake study abroad programs, or conduct individualized research, field studies, internships or other experiences outside the United States that carry WMU academic credit, and/or under the direct auspices of WMU faculty, must register with the Office of Study Abroad.

Study Abroad also provides a number of important services to WMU students preparing to study, intern, or do research outside the United States. Services include orientation programs, insurance procedures, and current information about conditions in countries of destination. Study Abroad maintains an extensive research area and databases for programs offered by other colleges and universities. The office also serves as a contact point between WMU students overseas and the university.

Global and International Studies Program
Dr. Donald G. McCloud
Global Studies Program Director
2530 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-3907; FAX (269) 387-0630
E-mail: study-abroad@wmich.edu
www.wmich.edu/international

The global and international studies undergraduate major and minor are interdisciplinary programs of study offered through the Haenicke Institute in cooperation with the College of Arts and Sciences. Structured around core courses in globalization, students in this program have a wide range of options for building their own study plan, selecting courses from a number of different academic departments. Students completing this major often seek employment in international business, government service of work with international or relief organizations. Many students seek a second major with a language focus.

International Research and Study Centers
Dr. Donald G. McCloud
Global Studies Program Director
2530 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-3907; FAX (269) 387-0630
E-mail: study-abroad@wmich.edu
www.wmich.edu/international

The Haenicke Institute hosts a number of international centers devoted to teaching and research for a particular are of the world. Each center has as its mission the goal of further understanding and knowledge of a country or region. These centers contribute substantially to the global understandings of faculty and students at Western Michigan University.

Center for African Development Policy Research
Dr. Sisay Asefa, Director
4235 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-1945

The Michitoshi Soga Japan Study Center
Dr. Stephen G. Covell, Director
4231 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-5874

Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies
Dr. Huang Wei-Chiao, Director
2449 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-3872

The Confucius Institute
Dr. Wang Xiaojun, Director
2505 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-3870
 

The mission of the Division of Multicultural Affairs (DMA) is to support the University’s efforts in the attraction, persistence, and graduation of diverse students through programs and services that will enable them to contribute to the advancement of our campus community and a multicultural world.

DMA strives to ensure that all students are given the full opportunity to discover and develop their talents, interests, and unique potential, and to provide a learning-centered environment that presents the context for intellectual, cultural, professional, and personal growth during the college experience. Through programs, services, and initiatives that address cross-cultural competency and personal empowerment, DMA fosters community development, leadership, and a campus climate that respects and appreciates the history, culture, and traditions of all students.

For information, call 269-387-4420 or visit 2260 Ellsworth Hall, or visit the website www.wmich.edu/multicultural.

In order to meet the varying needs of today’s learners, Online Education (formerly known as Academic Technology and Instructional Services or ATIS) offers a broad spectrum of courses and programs via multiple e-learning technologies. Through Online Education, Western Michigan University provides access to high-quality education for those unable to travel to campus, yet who want access to educational opportunities. Courses are offered through Online Education in the following modalities:

• Compresses video-interactive television (CVIT)
• Online (which includes open learning)
• Mixed mode or hybrid solution in which some class meetings are face-to-face or CVIT and some class work is completed on line.

Along with acting as a first line of student and faculty support for e-learning courses, Online Education provides additional services such as instructional design assistance to faculty, technical support for students, on-campus testing, and coordination of test proctoring arrangements.

Dr. Craig Kaml
Associate Dean, Online Education
1260 Ellsworth Hall
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 387-2847
www.online.wmich.edu

Detailed regulations concerning the use of motor vehicles on campus is available from the Department of Public Safety’s Parking Services. All students are eligible to park a motor vehicle on University property; however, they must first register their motor vehicle, motorcycle, and/or moped with Parking Services and pay a registration fee. Information concerning parking regulations, parking permits, and parking violations can be obtained by visiting Parking Services located at 2507 West Michigan Avenue (at the corner of West Michigan and Knollwood) or by telephoning (269) 387-4609 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit our web page at www.parking.wmich.edu for complete rules and permit prices.

Located at 511 Monroe Street, off the 1300 block of West Michigan Ave., the Department of Public Safety is open 24 hours a day, providing a full range of police services through the use of a uniformed patrol division, a detective bureau, and a communications center. The Department of Public Safety is responsible for investigating all crimes and accidents occurring on University property and is committed to providing an environment conducive to the education of the students at Western Michigan University. Towards that goal, the department’s various divisions and bureaus have coordinated their efforts to create and maintain a feeling of security and safety within the University community. Information can be obtained by visiting the office, telephoning (269) 387-5555 or 911 in an emergency.

Western Herald (www.westernherald.com), WMU’s student newspaper, is published Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters, Mondays and Thursdays during the summer I session, and Wednesdays during the summer II session. The Western Herald is 100 percent self-supporting, generating the majority of its revenue through advertising sales. All positions on the paper are filled by students with the exception of the general manager/advisor.

Western News is the official publication for administration, faculty, and staff members. It is published every other Thursday during fall and spring semesters and the Summer I session by the Office of University Relations. That office also produces WMU News, an online news source that is updated daily and can be found at www.wmich.edu/wmu/news , and the Western Michigan University Magazine, which is published. four times annually and distributed to alumni, donors, friends and members of the University community.

WMUK is owned and operated by Western Michigan University and broadcasts two separate program streams in HD with an effective power of 50,000 watts at 102.1 FM. The station is a non-profit public radio station and charter member of both National Public radio and the Michigan Public radio Network as well as an affiliate of American Public Media and Public Radio International. WMUK’s primary signal covers a 33 mile radius, with secondary coverage extending to 80 miles. Listeners can also hear WMUK over the Internet at www.wmuk.org.

WMUK provides a cultural extension of the University through its broadcasts of campus, community, and area events. The station has built an enviable reputation in classical, bluegrass, and jazz music programming, as well as programming for Spanish-speaking audiences. The station provides student internships through the School of Communication.

The majority of WMUK funding comes from Western Michigan University, listener support and local underwriting. Additional funds are provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting..

WIDR-FM, a 100-watt station operated by students, broadcasts on 89.1. Facilities of WIDR-FM are located in 1501 Faunce Student Services Building. WIDR-FM offers a unique opportunity for Western Michigan University students to gain experience in programming, promotion, and station operation. For more information, please visit the website at www.widr.org.

Accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), Sindecuse Health Center is a student-oriented medical facility that exists to assist the University community members to achieve and maintain their optimal health status. As a student attending Western Michigan University, you have access to high-quality, convenient health care through our many professional services. Our entire staff works as a team to assist you with your health care and health education needs. For a complete explanation of services, visit the center’s Web site at www.wmich.edu/healthcenter.

Important Phone Numbers
Appointments (269) 387-3290
Information (269) 387-3287
Aetna Student Insurance (269) 387-3266
Other Insurance (269) 387-4303
Pharmacy (269) 387-3301
Health Promotion/Education (269) 387-3263
Sports Medicine Clinic (269) 387-3248
HIV Antibody Testing (269) 387-4HIV
Social Work (269) 387-4623
Phone Nurse (269) 387-3288
Lab/x-ray (269) 387-3245

The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech, and Hearing Clinic is a service program provided by the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology for persons with communication disorders. It is located in the Unified Clinics at University Medical and Health Sciences Center, 1000 Oakland Drive. Students may take advantage of evaluation and therapy services by contacting the Clinic for an appointment. Telephone: 387-8047.

The mission of the Student Activities and Leadership Programs office is to enhance student learning and leadership development by engaging students in educationally purposeful academic and diverse co-curricular experiences. We welcome you as a valued member of our community and are excited to be a part of your learning and personal development. Currently, WMU has nearly 300 registered student organizations representing a diverse range of interests.

Our services include coordinating major campus wide events like Bronco Bash, Homecoming, and Fall and Spring Into the Streets. We advise and provide resources to registered student organizations, and coordinate campus wide leadership development programs for individual student leaders. We also provide support to the Office of Faith and Spiritual Development and fraternity and sorority life. There are also many opportunities we provide to connect students with volunteer opportunities through service and civic engagement.

Student life in as important dynamic of the college experience and we encourage students to become active members of our WMU community.

For detailed information, visit the website at  www.wmich.edu/activities or visit our office in 223 Bernhard Center.

The WMU Faculty/Staff/Student Telephone Directory is published annually by Office of University Relations. It is distributed during early November, without charge, to all students in residence halls and family housing units, and is available at the University Computing Center.

Individual listings in the WMU Student Directory contain the following information:

1. Name
2. Curriculum
3. Local address and telephone number
4. Home address

Students wishing to exclude any or all of the above information from the WMU Student Directory (printed and electronic) must fill out a Directory Exclusion Form in Room 3210, Seibert Administration Building, during the first five days of classes fall semester. During spring, summer I, and summer II terms, students may restrict this information to academic use by filling out the Directory Exclusion Form during the first five days of classes.

Waldo Library, the main library at Western Michigan University, was built in 1958, expanded in 1967, and then extensively renovated and expanded in 1991. The Library is named after Dwight B. Waldo, the University’s first president. In addition to Waldo Library, the University Libraries includes four branch libraries. The Education Library, in Sangren Hall, has over 733,400 items and receives more than 600 periodical titles. The Music and Dance Library, in the Dalton Center, houses over 50,200 books, musical scores, and periodicals, as well as over 20,000 audio and video recordings. The Archives and Regional History Collections Library, in East Hall on the East Campus, collects unique materials about the history of Southwest Michigan and the official records of the University. The Visual Resources Library, located in Sangren Hall, houses a collection of over 105,900 slides, most of which relate to the fine arts.

Each of these libraries supports teaching and research in disciplines related to the materials collected. Thus Waldo Library has resources and services supporting the University’s undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, fine arts, business, health and human services, social sciences, science, and engineering. University Libraries as a whole holds more than 4,456,200 volumes. Electronic books and journals number more than 80,000.

The major purpose of the University Libraries is to take an active role in the educational process at the University, and to provide facilities, materials, and an environment which will not only support the students’ educational progress but also will encourage them to develop the habit of self-education.

Visit the Libraries’ Web page (http://www.wmich.edu/library) for more information about services and a listing of available databases and electronic resources.

Student Recreation Center
(269) 387-4732

The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is a student-oriented, multi-use facility programmed, staffed, and financed by Western Michigan University Students. Recreational, educational, and health promotion programs are provided for the benefit of all WMU students, faculty, staff, spouses, emeriti and alumni facility members. The facility includes an 8,000 square foot fitness/weight room, a recreational pool with attached swirl pool and saunas, a 45’ climbing wall, indoor jogging track, 8 basketball courts, volleyball and badminton courts, indoor tennis courts, 9 racquetball courts, aerobics room, 2 multipurpose gyms and a cycling room.

Memberships are available on a Semester (fall/spring) and Session (summer I/summer II) basis. Facility tours are available during all building hours by stopping at the service desk or main office. Student access to the SRC is determined by enrollment fees paid, not credit hours registered. The access fee for the SRC is rolled into the enrollment fee. Students who pay the enrollment fee have access to the SRC for that semester or session. **Students involved in internships or student teaching may not be assessed the SRC membership enrollment fee. Students should check their tuition invoice to determine payment of fee. Students have the option to purchase a membership at the SRC.**

Informal Recreation
Informal recreation permits individual choice of activity. Various facilities are available on a drop-in or reservation basis including basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquetball courts, tennis courts, squash court, indoor and outdoor tracks, fitness/weight room, and swimming pool. Other open recreation opportunities include badminton, table tennis, climbing wall, and wallyball. Equipment for various activities may be checked out with a valid Bronco ID card.

Outdoor Recreation
University Recreation also provides competition-style outdoor track, tennis courts, soccer fields, intramural fields and a sand volleyball court. Selected outdoor equipment may be available for checkout with a valid Bronco ID card from the SRC Service Desk.

Intramural Sports
Intramural Sports are available for students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the SRC who are interested in competitive activities. The program offers both team and individual sports, including basketball, volleyball, soccer, softball, ice hockey, flag football, tennis, racquetball, in-line hockey, and much more. Intramurals provide opportunities for individuals to participate in sports experiences that will facilitate develop team building and leadership skills. Opportunities for leadership are available for students who wish to officiate contests.

Fitness Programs
University Recreation offers a variety of aerobics classes to meet fitness needs of participants. Motivating, enthusiastic, and  vivacious  instructors will lead participants in classes that consist of a variety of cardiovascular activity, strengthening, flexibility, and relaxation exercises designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels. Passes are necessary for admission to all classes. Additionally, completion of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) is required prior to initial participation.

Fitness Weight Room
Located in the SRC, the 8,000 square foot fitness/weight room contains a full line of variable resistance weight machines, treadmills, free weights, exercise bicycles, stair climbers, and elliptical machines. Personal Trainers are available to instruct on proper use of the equipment and to provide exercise training guidelines to meet personal goals. Located by the indoor track are 45 cardio machines where participants can exercise.

Climbing Wall
Students can feel the excitement of scaling a 45-foot wall. The Climbing Wall is designed to challenge and teach participants about the unique sport of indoor climbing. Students may take a climbing clinic to learn the proper belay technique s or just drop by and climb. The wall is a top-rope system where climbers are harnessed in for safety.

Sports Clubs
Students who wish to compete or learn a new sport may join sport clubs. A sport club is a registered student organization (RSO), formed by individuals motivated by a common interest and desire to participate in a favorite sport activity. Sport clubs vary in focus and programming since student members manage the operation of the club and decide club activities. A sport club may be competitive, recreational, social or any combination of all of these formats. These clubs hold practices and compete against other schools. WMU offers 20 clubs ranging from Sailing, Lacrosse, Volleyball, Ice Hockey to Ultimate Frisbee.

For more information on services and specific days and times of programs, pick up a SRC Program Guide or call our membership desk at (269) 387-3115. Current information may also be found on the web at www.src.wmu.edu.

The Office of the Registrar, on the third floor of the Administration Building certifies students under the G.I. Bill and its extensions. The Veterans’ Certification Officer will assist any person who seeks certification, or application, to the Veterans Administration under applicable programs.

Students who wish to receive V.A. benefits must annually file a “V.A. Certification Information Card” outlining plans for enrollment for the coming year. Students are certified on the basis of attendance and academic progress toward a declared degree. Address changes are also to be reported to the Veterans’ Certification Officer as soon as possible.

In addition to normal scholarship standards, students receiving benefits from the Veterans Administration are advised of their additional rights and responsibilities.

The Veterans’ Certification Officer may be reached in the Office of the Registrar at (269) 387-4115.

Returning Veterans Tuition Assistance (RVTA)

Veterans leaving active duty military service and beginning or returning to school often have a difficult time paying their tuition in the first semester. Financial aid eligibility is reduced by the amount of VA benefits the students will receive, and the payment of benefits can often by delayed for a few months. This creates a cash flow problem for the students, and covering living expenses as well a tuition is a significant burden.

With this difficulty in mind, Western Michigan University will support veterans by providing tuition assistance in their first semester after release from active duty. The program, Returning Veterans Tuition Assistance program (RVTA), will cover all charges not covered by other tuition-specific programs such as ROTC, SERP, ACES, Chapter 31 benefits, or any other tuition benefit. Students discharged from active duty for purposes other than training within six months of the beginning of class will be eligible to apply for this benefit in their first semester after entering or returning to WMU. The student must be eligible for VA benefits, and may only receive RVTA one time.

Returning veterans who meet the eligibility criteria for RVTA will be classified as Michigan residents for tuition purposes after their first semester.

In-State Tuition for Active Duty Military Personnel and Their Dependents

Western will grant in-state tuition to active duty military members of the armed forces of the United States and their spouses and dependents, if the member of the armed forces is a Michigan resident (and has not established residency in another state) or is stationed in Michigan. In addition, once an active duty member of the armed forces or his/her spouse or dependent qualifies for in-state tuition, the in-state tuition will continue to be recognized as long as there is no change to their military or dependent status and the military member or their dependent is continually enrolled in the current degree program at the University.

Questions should be directed to the Veterans’ Certification Officer in the Registrar’s Office or the Financial Aid Office.

The Western Edge is a strategic plan to promote student success and to help keep the quality education offered by Western Michigan University affordable. Designed by WMU President John M. Dunn, the Western Edge reflects Western’s commitment to build a culture that puts students first

The goal of the Western Edge is to provide incentives to behaviors that lead to student success. For instance, research has shown that students who live on campus do better both academically and socially than those who live off campus. Similarly, students who declare their major early and take a full load of courses (typically 15 hours per semester) tend to reach degree completion at a much higher rate than those who do not. The Western Edge both encourages as well as rewards these positive choices taken by our students.

The Western Edge has five independent components:

Retention Scholarship - Freshmen and transfer students who maintain a 3.0 or better GPA while earning at least 30 credits from WMU in their first year on campus will receive a $500 scholarship when they return the following fall to WMU. That financial incentive, coupled with the University’s commitments to keep tuition affordable, can help to keep students in school and on track toward their degree.

Enhanced Academic Scholarship - College and departmental academic advisors as well as electronic resources help move students smoothly and quickly through their degree programs.

Graduation Compacts - Graduation Compacts offer students the ability to systematically work toward degree completion, with assurance that courses will be offered to meet their needs in a timely manner, Most programs offer 4 year compacts, while others are 4-1/2 or 5 year programs.

Fixed Room and Board Rates - Freshmen and transfer students who opt to stay in campus residence halls will pay the same rates for room and board for up to four years from the time they begin at WMU.

Academic Opportunities - Co-ops, internships, and other for-credit opportunities are offered to help students graduate with the skills and experiences they need. This component will keep students both academically involved as well as excited about preparing for their professional future.

Students are encouraged to select the components that work best for them - we realize that no two students are the same. Some students will want to enjoy the benefits of all these components. Others may want to select only those components that will work best for them.

The only component of the Western Edge that requires students to sign up is the graduation compact. Students may received all the rest of the benefits of the Western Edge by virtue of being a student at WMU.

For more information about the different components of the Western Edge, go to http://www.wmich.edu/edge . To learn how the Western Edge fits with a specific major, or to sign up for the Graduation Compact, students are encouraged to visit their college advising office.

The Writing Center, which is located at 1343 Ellsworth Hall, helps graduate and undergraduate students improve their writing abilities. Our Writing Consultants, trained undergraduate and graduate students, as well as adjunct instructors, help students with any aspect of writing, including assignments from any class, employment search communications (résumés, cover letters, thank-you notes etc.), scholarship essays, graduate school personal statements, dissertation chapters, PowerPoint presentations, and many more. We are also available to work with students who do not speak or write in English as their first language, and we help students who have learning disabilities. The Writing Center can help all writers improve their writing because our consultants serve as live audiences who help writers recognize how readers understand their texts.

Typically, a consultant will meet with a student one-on-one to offer feedback on the student’s work. Some students ask for help getting started on a writing assignment or task; and some work with us to improve their test writing abilities, lessen their writing phobia, develop proofreading skills, or improve their understanding of a particular documentation style (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, etc.). Consultants also work with groups of writers who are collaborating on projects.

Our hours for each semester and the summer are listed at our website, www.wmich.edu/casp/writingcenter/. Each semester and summer session, students may make up to two weekly 50-minute appointments. It’s easiest for students to make appointments through our online scheduler, which in located on our website. If students prefer, they may also call us at (269) 387-4615 to arrange an appointment or get directions.

Students who want help when the University is not holding classes or who want to take advantage of our email consultations, may email the director at kim.ballard@wmich.edu. During the fall and spring semesters, students may stop by our 3rd floor Waldo library location Sunday evenings from 5:00 -8:00 p.m.; no appointment needed for our Sunday hours.

The Writing Center also provides workshops about writing, as requested by class instructors or organizations, and we train consultants to work with instructors and their students in classes. Our services are free to all students. We truly enjoy working with students on their writing and hope the students take advantage of our eagerness to help them learn.

As part of the Center for Academic Success Programs (CASP); and we are always eager to help students.