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 UMass 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.wmich.edu/career

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 6 p.m. on Mondays or 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Tuesday 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 may also provide classroom or academic adjustments including accommodation for classroom test, electronic text format and sign-language interpreters. DSS can assist with application for alternative transportation with 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 Western View)

For information contact Residence Life, 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 (OIT) coordinates computing, networking, telephone, video and other technology services for the Western Michigan University community (www.wmich.edu/it). This includes access to online services, network connectivity, wireless services, email, anti-virus protection, data security, cable television, and telephone services. OIT operates general purpose computer laboratories in the Bernhard Center and the University Computer Center. If you need assistance with computer hardware, software, or mobile devices, your first point of contact should be the Help Desk (269) 387-4357 (www.wmich.edu/hd).

International studies and programs at Western Michigan University are led by the Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education. The university has 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 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
2425 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-5908; FAX (269) 387-0630
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

Mr. Juan Tavares, Director
4271 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: international.wmich.edu/apply.

Ms. Lee Ryder, J.D.
4280 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan Universtiy
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246
Telephone: (269) 387-5873; FAX (269) 387-5899

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, and various social, sport, and cultural programs.

CELCIS operates four terms per year: three fifteen-week terms (fall, spring and summer). CELCIS offers the institutional TOEFL during each term. Admission to CELCIS does not imply admission to any degree program at Western Michigan University.

Dr. Jane Blyth Warren
2425 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.

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 Division of Multicultural Affairs mission is to provide support in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of diverse students through programs and services that will enhance their learning experiences, build new relationships, and prepare them to successfully interact in a multicultural world.

The Division of Multicultural Affairs initiates and coordinates cultural programming and facilitates opportunities for learning and personal development for all students at Western Michigan University. Activities are designed to define and positively react to diverse students’ needs. By doing so, students are ensured the greatest opportunity for a successful and relevant educational experience.

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

As a learner-centered, research university, Online Education offers a broad spectrum of courses and programs via 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 to pursue and/or continue their academic goals. Online Education and WMU academic units partner to offer expanded access to educational opportunities. Courses are offered through Online Education in the following modalities:

• Online courses - no required face-to-face meetings, delivery is all online.
• Hybrid courses - there is a mix of distance and face-to-face instruction, with at least 51% of the instruction online.
• Open Learning - self-paced, undergraduate online courses with flexible start/end dates, student have up to six months to complete the course.
• Compressed Video Semester - courses taught using compressed video interactive television, CVIT. CVIT is a video over internet protocol system that provides a connective and interactive student experience between multiple Extended University Programs sites

Along with acting as a first line of student and faculty support for online programs and courses, Online Education provides access to student support services, instructional design, course development and maintenance support to faculty, and on-campus/off-campus testing services.

3^rd floor Ellsworth Hall
Telephone (269) 387-2847
Fax (269) 387-4226
www.wmich.edu/online

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 webpage: www.wmudps.wmich.edu/police/ the office, telephoning (269) 387-5555 or 911 in an emergency.

The Western Herald or www.westernherald.com is WMU’s independent student news website, newspaper, and email newsletter. The Herald website is available 24/7 and print editions of the Herald are available throughout the fall and spring semesters in convenient campus newsracks. Free editions of the Herald email newsletter are available Monday-Friday during fall and spring semesters by emailing herald-editor@wmich.edu. All Western Herald news, advertising, technical, and business positions are staffed by students. More information about Herald employment opportunities is available at herald-editor@wmich.edu.

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 health 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.sindecuse.com

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
Counseling Services (269) 387-2850
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 over 350 registered student organizations representing a diverse range of interests.

Our services include coordinating major campus wide events including Bronco Bash and Homecoming. We advise and provide resources to registered student organizations, and coordinate campus wide leadership development programs through a variety of different formats for individual student leaders at all skill levels. We provide support to the Office of Faith and Spiritual Development and Fraternity and Sorority Life. We coordinate two large opportunities for service and civic engagement called “Fall Into the Streets” and “Spring Into the Streets”.

Student life in an 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 semester and summer I and summer II sessions, 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.

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.

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 may check their tuition invoice to see if they were billed the enrollment fee.

Academic courses with activities that may occur off campus, such as student teaching, internships, practicums and field experiences, may be exempt from enrollment fees.  In addition, courses offered through Extended University Programs and CELCIS are not assessed the enrollment fee. Students that DO NOT pay enrollment fees may purchase $90 for Fall or Spring semester and $45 each for Summer I or II session.

Facility tours are available during all building hours by stopping at the service desk or main office.

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 enhance team building and leadership skills. Leadership opportunities 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 knowledgeable 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, functional trainer, 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 techniques or just drop by and climb. The wall is a top-rope system where climbers are harnessed in for safety.

Club Sports

Students who wish to compete or learn a new sport may join a sport club. 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, and 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.

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 higher 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 commitment 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 promptly through their degree programs.

Accelerated Degree Programs - A number of degree programs at WMU are designed to help students work quickly toward bachelor completion; some enable a student to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in as few as three years (including summers) and a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years.

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.

Career Edge - Career Edge helps WMU students to engage their learning beyond the classroom to develop the skills they need to be competitive in their chosen profession. This is done through an emphasis on career planning, pursuit of a co-op or internship opportunity, and by documenting accomplishments with a portfolio or co-curricular transcript.

Students are encouraged to select the components of the Western Edge 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 fit their current educational objectives.

For more information about the different components of the Western Edge, go to www.wmich.edu/edge. To learn how the Western Edge fits with a specific major, or to learn more about three and five year accelerated degree programs, students are encouraged to visit their college advising office.

The Writing Center, located at 1343 Ellsworth Hall, helps all Western Michigan University graduate and undergraduate students improve their writing abilities. Our writing consultants include undergraduate and graduate students as well as adjunct instructors. Consultants are trained to help students with any aspect of written, oral, visual, and electronic communications, 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 much more. We work with students enrolled in any class on our main campus, at any regional campus, or online and with students who are studying abroad or working at internships. We help students for whom English is an additional language, and we help students who have disabilities. Finally, our instructional assistance is free to all students.

Typically, a consultant will meet with a student one-on-one to offer feedback on the student’s work, though we also meet with groups of writers who are collaborating on projects. Some students ask for help getting started on a writing assignment or task; and some work with us to improve their test writing abilities, decrease their writing phobia, develop proofreading skills, or improve their understanding of a particular documentation style (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, etc.). Consultants and students may meet in person on our main campus, and we are also available by telephone and email for students who cannot come to campus.

Students may get help from consultants in a 50-minute appointment or a 20-minute drop-in session. It’s easiest for students to make appointments through our online scheduler, which can be found on our website: www.wmich.edu/casp/writingcenter. Students may also call us at (269) 387-4615 to make an appointment or get directions. In addition, students who want to use our drop-in services by telephone should also call (269) 387-4615, and should leave a message with their telephone number if they reach our voice-mail.

Our hours for each semester and summer session are listed on our website. In addition to our Monday through Friday hours, during fall and spring semesters, we also offer Sunday evening hours from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at our 3rd floor Waldo Library location. Students who want help when the University is not holding classes, may email the Writing Center director at kim.ballard@wmich.edu.

At the request of instructors or organization leaders, Writing Center staff will develop and present workshops in classes or meetings. We are also available for in-class writing assistance.

Our consultants truly enjoy working with students on their writing and hope as many students as possible take advantage of our eagerness to help them learn. As part of the Center for Academic Success Programs (CASP), we are dedicated to helping students excel at Western Michigan University.