University and Student Services

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.

Archives

The University Archives and Regional History Collections are located in the Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center on the Oakland Drive Campus. 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. Call (269) 387-8490 for information.

Athletics, Intercollegiate

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 National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). Western Michigan University is a member of the Mid-American Conference in all sports but Ice Hockey. Ice Hockey members are WMU, Colorado College, Denver, Miami (Ohio), Minnesota-Duluth, Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota and St. Cloud 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, and Toledo.

Career and Student Employment Services

Career and Student Employment Services advises students regarding skill development, exploring career options and obtaining experience through employment. Services include drop-in career advising at the Career Zone, job listings for part-time, internship, and full-time employment. The office facilitates regular employer and alumni campus visits to participate in career fairs, visit classrooms, and provide mock interviews for students. Staff conduct workshops and seminars addressing current job market issues, linking academics to career paths, finding an internship or trending job search strategies.

For more information, visit the Career Zone, Monday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m., schedule an appointment in Handshake, or call (269) 387-2745. The office is located on first floor of Ellsworth Hall. www.wmich.edu/career.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services provides short-term individual, couples and group counseling for a diverse student population. The counseling process can help students learn skills to cope with problems and develop new ways of thinking, which may lead to a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Your time at Western Michigan University may include stress, complicated decisions or challenging situations. Counselors help students identify challenges and make changes to manage the emotional and social difficulties that might complicate college life.

How we work with you
Every student is unique, so we tailor our services to suit your particular needs. We collaborate with other clinicians at Sindecuse or outside care professionals to ensure counseling supports other care you receive.

We take a holistic approach when working with you to treat the whole person. Our counselors are licensed mental health professionals and graduate  student trainees under close supervision.

Your first visit
An initial appointment may be made by stopping by the reception desk of Sindecuse Health Center. When you first come to the health center, you’ll start with the receptionist on the main floor, check in at registration and then come upstairs to Counseling Services. Intake hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Counseling Services is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Thursdays. Website: www.wmich.edu/counseling.

Eligibility
Counseling services are available to all enrolled WMU students with full- or part-time status, including those at regional campuses.

Confidentiality
Counseling Services respects your right to privacy. Your consent is required before any information is released to a third party. In accordance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), patient health information is maintained in confidence throughout Sindecuse Health Center and Counseling Services. Here is the privacy policy.

Counseling Services is committed to the need for confidentiality in client/counselor communication. 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. 

Disability Services for Students

Disability Services for Students advocates for and supports Western Michigan University students with disabilities as they seek to find reasonable academic, classroom and housing accommodations. DSS offers students support with advocacy, campus accessibility information, and referral to other campus and community agencies. DSS may also provide, but not limited to, classroom or academic adjustments including accommodation for classroom test, electronic text format and ASL sign-language interpreters. DSS offices also house the Autism Services Center and a rehabilitation counselor from the Bureau of Services for Blind Persons.

www.wmich.edu/disabilityservices (269)387-2116
wmich.edu/autism/asc (269) 387-4349
www.michigan.gov/bsbp (269) 330-5336

Global Engagement Services

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education is the main driver of global engagement, promoting, administering, and housing many internationalization initiatives and services, with offices in Ellsworth Hall and the Faunce Student Services Building.

Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Dr. MK Mohanan, Associate Provost
2425 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-5890; FAX (269) 387-0630
www.wmich.edu/international

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education collaborates with colleges, departments, and interdisciplinary programs to promote global, international, and area studies throughout Western Michigan University. The Institute houses multiple centers and offices devoted to global engagement.

International Admissions and Services

Director
3110 Faunce Student Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5246
Telephone: (269) 387-5865; FAX (269) 387-5899
E-mail: oiss-info@wmich.edu
www.wmich.edu/internationaladmissions

Within the Haenicke Institute, the International Admissions and Services office handles admissions and special needs for international students. Services include:

• Processing of applications for admission
• Immigration advising
• Orientation program for newly arrived international students
• Coordination of international student organizations and activities
• Liaison between international students and financial sponsors

International students interested in seeking admission to Western Michigan University may access application information and an online application at: www.wmich.edu/internationaladmissions/apply.

Immigration Compliance

Ms. Lee Ryder, J.D., Director of Immigration Compliance
3110 Faunce Student Services
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5246
Telephone: (269) 387-5873; FAX (269) 387-5899

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

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

Ms. Eva Copija, CELCIS Chair
0522 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

As part of the Haenicke Institute, the Center for English and Culture for International Students (CELCIS), established in 1975, provides instruction in English as a second language for non-native speakers who will use English to study at an American college or university or in their workplaces.

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 offers classes at varying English language proficiency levels which include: speaking and listening comprehension, grammar, academic reading and vocabulary building, academic writing, and research paper writing. Extra-curricular activities include conversation circles, volunteer opportunities, and various social, recreational, and cultural opportunities.

CELCIS operates three fifteen-week terms per year (fall, spring and summer). Successful completion of CELCIS meets the minimum English proficiency requirements for all undergraduate programs and most graduate programs at Western Michigan University.

Study Abroad

Dr. Lee M. Penyak, Director
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 90 study programs in 40-plus countries, varying in length from a few weeks to a full academic year, and access to hundreds of programs administered by University-approved study abroad providers. Programs are available for undergraduates and graduates in a broad spectrum of disciplines for an academic year, one semester, or summer terms. Scholarships and grants are available, such as the President’s Grant for Study Abroad that offers up to $6,000 for foreign-language students seeking an overseas language-intensive experience, the Global Engagement Scholarship that offers significant funding to students participating in semester-length WMU study abroad programs to countries where English is not the native language, and the Haenicke Institute for Global Education Study Abroad Scholarship that provides need-based assistance to students who go on WMU faculty-led short term courses (3-credit minimum).

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 WMU 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.

International Research and Study Centers

Dr. Paulo Zagalo-Melo, Associate Provost
2425 Ellsworth Hall
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245
Telephone: (269) 387-5890; FAX (269) 387-0630
www.wmich.edu/international

The Haenicke Institute hosts four international centers devoted to teaching, research, or outreach for a particular area of the world. Each center has as its mission the goal of furthering understanding and knowledge of a country or region. These centers contribute substantially to the global understandings of faculty and students at Western Michigan University, as well as members of the community.

Center for African Development Policy Research
Director
4245 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-1945

The Michitoshi Soga Japan Study Center
Dr. Ying Zeng, Director
4271 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-5874

Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies
Dr. Ying Zeng, Director
4270 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-3951

The Confucius Institute
Dr. Ying Zeng, Director
Dr. Yi Wu, Associate Director
4235 Ellsworth Hall
Telephone: (269) 387-3871

Office of Health Promotion and Education

The mission of the Office of Health Promotion and Education is to create a culture of wellbeing and social justice to enhance the success of all members of the campus community. 

Guiding principles:

1. Health and safety are essential for optimal intellectual, emotional, social, physical and spiritual development and to the academic mission of Western Michigan University.
2. Health behaviors need to be addressed from both an individual and community context.
3. Best practice standards of health promotion involve theory-based, data-driven needs assessment, program development and evaluation.
4. The creation of healthy communities requires interdisciplinary partnerships involving health professionals, educators, artists, community leaders and community members working together to prevent or address critical health concerns.
5. Creating healthy communities involves an integration of advocacy, education, service, community building and research.
6. To be successful, community health initiatives must focus on key risks to health and involve a critical mass of community members whose engagement stimulates communication, trust, personal responsibility and shared interdependence.

Core Programs:

Alcohol and Other Drugs Risk Reduction Program

Evidence-based, environmentally-focused, comprehensive programming, resources, and advocacy for the prevention and reduction of alcohol and other drug related harms.

F.I.R.E. Sexual Assault Prevention and Education

F.I.R.E. (Fighting Ignorance and Rape through Education) is a group of nationally-certified peer educators committed to educating others in the WMU community about sexual assault, how and why it happens and what we can do to change our culture to prevent it. WMU Signature and academic credit are available.

FIRE Place Resource and Support Center

This center addresses sexual assault and other biased incidents by providing peer support, education, healing activities, referrals and reporting options for WMU students and employees. 

Gentlemen United

Gentlemen United is a registered student organization and program for students with an interest in violence prevention. Members learn about and make a difference on the topics of masculinity, healthy relationships, violent ideologies, and bystander intervention.

Sexual Health Peer Education

Nationally-certified peer educators encourage other students to make healthy choices about sex and relationships through interactive presentations, awareness events, and individual consultations. WMU Signature and academic credit are available.

Western H.E.R.O.E.S.

Western H.E.R.O.E.S. is a bystander intervention program that encourages members of the Western Michigan University community to step up and create a safe and inclusive campus environment. The program empowers participants to overcome the bystander effect when they find themselves in situations where unhealthy behavior can lead to harm. Participants earn credit for WMU Signature. 

Wellness Workshops

Professional health educators and peer educators offer multiple opportunities for interactive programming on a variety of wellbeing topics, such as stress management, self-care, healthy relationships and more. Participants earn credit for WMU Signature. 

For more information, visit the website at www.wmich.edu/healthpromotion, call 269-387-3263 or visit the office in room 3120 of Sindecuse Health Center.

Housing

Western Michigan University students may live on or off campus.  Residence Life provides a variety of housing options to meet students’ needs, including traditional residence halls, apartments, and learning communities. Living on campus offers convenience, the benefit of a community of peers, a safe environment, and support for the challenges associated with being a busy college student.

Housing sign up is online. Residence hall sign up begins in January.  When you complete your housing contract determines when you self-select your residence hall room in May.  The earlier you sign up, the more options are available to you.  Apartment sign up is in February or March, depending on the complex, and students self-select their apartment unit.  There is a lottery for Arcadia Flats and Western View apartments.

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: WMU-housing@wmich.edu; Website: wmich.edu/housing.

Office of Information Technology

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers a wide variety of technology-related services to students, faculty, and staff. These services include online collaboration tools, two-factor authentication, cable television, classroom technology, email, media services, internet connections and online information security education. Visit the information technology website at wmich.edu/it. Online secure transactions are handled through the University’s portal, GoWMU gowmu.wmich.edu. OIT provides student computing labs in the University Computing Center (UCC) and the Bernhard Center. The Technology Help Desk is your first point of contact to address issues or inquiries regarding computing, tablets or smart phones. To reach the Help Desk call (269) 387-4357 or visit wmich.edu/helpdesk.

Multicultural Affairs for Students

Multicultural Affairs for Students (MAS) strives to ensure that students are given the full opportunity to discover and develop their talents, interests, and unique potential through our programs: Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Scholars Academy, Mentoring for Success, and the College Assistance Migrant Program, we provide a learning-centered environment that presents the context for intellectual, cultural, professional, and personal growth during the college experience. MAS fosters community development, leadership, and promotes 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

Online Education

As part of a learner-centered, research university, WMU Online Education offers a wide selection of courses and programs. Through Online Education, WMU provides access to high-quality education for those unable to travel to campus yet want to pursue or continue their academic goals. Online Education partners with academic colleges and departments to expand access to learning opportunities. Courses are offered through Online Education in the following formats:

• Online courses - no required face-to-face meetings. Delivery is completely online.
• Hybrid courses - a mix of online and face-to-face instruction, with at least 51 percent of the instruction online.
• Open Learning - self-paced, undergraduate online courses with flexible start and end dates. Students have up to six months to complete the course.

Online Education provides expertise in and access to student support services, instructional design, on- and off-campus testing services, and course development and maintenance support to faculty.

3^rd floor Ellsworth Hall
Telephone (269) 387-4200
Fax (269) 387-4226
www.wmich.edu/online

Parking and Vehicle Registration

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 W. Michigan Ave (at the corner of W. Michigan Ave and Ring Roads near the traffic circle) or by telephoning (269) 387-4609 Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m, or Friday 3:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit our web page at www.wmich/parking for complete rules and permit prices.

Police

Located at 511 Monroe Street, off the 1300 block of West Michigan Ave., the Department of Public Safety is accessible 24 hours a day, providing a full range of police services through the use of a uniformed patrol division, and a detective bureau. 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 or the office. The Department’s telephone number is (269) 387-5555 or 911 in an emergency. For non-emergencies, Kalamazoo County Consolidated Dispatch Authority may be reached at (269) 488-8911.

Publications

Established in 1916, the Western Herald (www.westernherald.com) is WMU’s independent student-run news organization. All positions at the Western Herald are staffed by students. The Western Herald website operates 24/7 yearlong. The Western Herald prints weekly from September through May and is distributed in convenient news racks throughout campus. The Western Herald offers employment and volunteer opportunities. More information is available at herald-general-manager@wmich.edu.

The Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications produces the WMU News website, an online news source and events calendar that is updated daily and can be found at wmich.edu/news.

The Office of Marketing and Strategic Communications also produces the W Magazine, a quarterly publication distributed to alumni, donors, friends, faculty, staff and students. The magazine has a circulation of some 50,000 and focuses on new campus developments and initiatives, research and news of Universitywide importance.

Radio

WMUK-FM is the member-support public radio service of Western Michigan University (WMU). The main 102.1 FM signal broadcasts at 50,000 watts, primarily serving Western Michigan and Northern Indiana. This Station offers primarily NPR news and information, as well as local news and arts coverage. In 2020, WMUK launched a new 24/7 classical music service on 89.9 FM in Kalamazoo, which can also be heard on the HD2 channel of 102.1 FM.  Both stations can also be live streamed at wmuk.org or via our mobile apps on iOS and Android.

WMUK is a non-profit public radio service and charter member of National Public Radio (NPR).  The Station also offers programming from the BBC World Service, American Public Media (APM) and Public Radio International (PRI). 

Since its founding almost 70 years ago, WMUK has served as a vital extension of the University’s public service mission through its broadcast of award-winning local, national and international news and cultural programming to Kalamazoo and beyond. WMUK additionally provides comprehensive student internships through the WMU School of Communication.  

WMUK is licensed to Western Michigan University’s Board of Trustees.  Major funding comes from Western Michigan University, listener support, business underwriting, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). 

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 widrfm.org.

Sindecuse Health Center

Sindecuse Health Center offers high-quality, cost-saving health services by an experienced, multidisciplinary staff. Our board-certified clinicians offer evaluation and treatment for illness or injury to students, faculty and staff by appointment. In addition to clinical care and psychiatry, we serve the campus community with pharmacy, lab and x-ray, chiropractic care, physical therapy and massage therapy services. For students, we can serve as primary care physicians. We provide continuing care for ongoing concerns including therapeutic injections and allergy shots. Counseling services are available to students at no cost. The health center is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care Inc. For more information, including insurance company participation, visit www.sindecuse.com.

Important Phone Numbers (Area code 269)
Information and appointments 387-3287
Counseling and Psychiatric Services 387-1850
Insurance 387-4219
Lab/X-ray 387-3245
Pharmacy 387-3301
Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic care 387-3248
Sports Medicine Clinic 387-3248 

Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences

The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech, and Hearing Clinic is a service program provided by the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences 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.

Student Engagement, Office of

The mission of the Office of Student Engagement is to engage campus, empower students and develop leaders. 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 and certificates 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 are also home to the Student Media Group (student led radio and newspaper).

Research has shown that students who are involved will do better academically. Based on this research, we encourage students to become active members of our WMU community.

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

University Libraries

WMU Libraries supports students whether they are on campus, studying abroad or learning online. We offer both print and online resources and in-person and virtual services, so students can get what they need anywhere, anytime. We have designed our services to be convenient for you. Our staff and librarians are experts in connecting you with information and services when you need help.

If you’re on campus, our spaces make it easy for students to find a quiet place to study individually or host meetings with groups. Our facilities are open late and reserved just for WMU students after 9 p.m. most days.

At your WMU Libraries, you can:

• Access millions of resources online 24/7 or from our print collection at a library location. We can even mail books to you if you live outside of Kalamazoo.
• Make an online or face-to-face appointment with a librarian to talk about your research projects and assignments.
• Request materials from a global network of libraries through our interlibrary loan service. Items are delivered electronically or by mail for your convenience.
• Reserve a study room to meet with groups.
• Visit the Graduate Student Commons in Waldo Library for quiet space reserved for graduate students.
• Experience virtual reality technology and use it to explore the world and play games—or even create your own.
• Access computers, printers and advanced statistical and design software to complete your assignments.
• Use our multimedia editing studio to record and edit audio and video projects.

WMU’s main library, Waldo Library, is both a casual gathering place and a dynamic academic center with late-night hours, a café, personalized expert help and a wide range of spaces and technologies.

Questions? Connect with us on campus or online. You can call, email, chat online or visit any of WMU Libraries’ campus facilities: Maybee, Swain, and Waldo Libraries and Zhang Legacy Collections Center. Explore WMU Libraries today: wmich.edu/library.

Phone: (269) 387-5059
Email/Chat: wmich.edu/library/contact

University Recreation

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 a 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, student teaching or taking classes through Extended University Programs may not be assessed the SRC membership enrollment fee. Student should check their tuition invoice to determine payment of fee. Students NOT assess the fee 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 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 fitness classes to meet fitness needs of participants. Enthusiastic and energetic 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 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 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 Synchronized Skating, Sailing, Lacrosse, Rugby, 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.wmich.edu/rec.

Veterans’ Assistance

The Office of the Registrar, on the third floor of the Administration Building certifies students under the GI Bill® and its extensions. The Veterans’ Certification Coordinator 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 Form” 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 Coordinator 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.

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

Western Michigan University will grant in-state tuition to all individuals who are eligible for VA educational benefits. Western Michigan University will also grant in-state tuition to all individuals who are not eligible for VA educational benefits but have honorable served or are serving in the reserve or active components of the U.S. Armed Forces. 

• If the student is a child of the Veteran, we require a copy of the Veteran’s DD214 and a copy of the student’s birth certificate as documentation for our records.
• If the student is a stepchild, we require a copy of the Veteran’s DD214, a copy of the student’s birth certificate and a copy of the marriage license as documentation for our records.
• If the student is a spouse of the Veteran, we require a copy of the Veteran’s DD214 and a copy of the marriage license as documentation.

Priority Registration

All Veterans will receive priority registration each semester/session. They will be able to register for classes on the second day of registration each semester/session.

Compliance

A covered individual is any individual who is entitled to educational assistance under chapter 31, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment, or chapter 33, Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits. Any covered individual is permitted to attend or participate in the course of education beginning the date on which the individual provides a certificate of eligibility to WMU and ending on the earlier of the following dates:

• The date on which payment from VA is made to the institution.
• Ninety days after the date the institution certified tuition and fees following the receipt of the certificate of eligibility.

WMU will not impose any penalty, including the assessment of late fees, the denial of access to classes or institutional facilities or the requirement of borrowing additional funds, on any covered individual because of the individual’s inability to meet his or her financial obligations to the institution due to the delayed disbursement funding from VA under chapter 31 or 33.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Writing Center

The Writing Center, located at 1343 Ellsworth Hall Monday through Friday and in Waldo Library on Sunday nights, helps all Western Michigan University graduate and undergraduate students with any school, work, or personal writing task. We exist because every writer benefits from a live, trained reader. Our writing consultants, graduate and undergraduate students as well as adjunct instructors, are eager to serve as readers for WMU writers. Consultants are trained in the rhetoric of written, oral, visual, and electronic communications. We assist with assignments from any class, employment-search communications (résumés, cover letters, thank-you notes, etc.), scholarship essays, internship or personal statements, dissertation chapters, presentations, and more. We work with students enrolled in any WMU class at our main campus, at regional campuses, or online.

We are a welcoming resource for all students. And most importantly, our instructional assistance is free. 

In a typical session, a consultant will meet a student one-on-one to offer feedback on the student’s work, questions, or writing process. We also meet with groups of writers collaborating on projects. Some students ask for help getting started or planning their writing. Some work with us on writing anxiety, test taking skills, and proofreading strategies. Others ask questions about style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago Manual, etc.) or about a specific genre (lab reports, memos, proposals, grants, etc.). Others ask that we review a text and offer constructive feedback. Consultants and students may meet in person on our main campus, and we are available for telephone and email consulting for students who cannot come to campus.

The Writing Center offers 50-minute appointments or 25-minute drop-in sessions.  Our online scheduler, found on our website: www.wmich.edu/casp/writingcenter, allows students to make appointments and choose their consultant. Students must register to use our scheduler because we cannot sync our scheduler with students’ Western Michigan logins and passwords. Students may also call us at (269) 387-4615 to make appointments, get directions, or ask questions. If they reach our voicemail, which may happen if we’re talking to another client, students should always leave a message with their telephone number. 

Our website lists our hours for each semester and summer session, which may change. During fall and spring semesters, we offer Sunday hours from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at our 1st 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 and are eager to collaborate with instructors to develop Rhetorical Reading Guides for their classes or to help them require students to use Personal Proofreading Guides.

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