University and Student Services

Complete and current information about University and Student Services may be obtained by visiting the University’s website (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 Libraries houses the WMU Archives and Regional History and Special Collections in the Zhang Legacy Collections Center on Oakland Drive. Staff collect, preserve and make accessible historical records from the University and twelve southwestern Michigan counties and rare and special items, including medieval manuscripts, author archives and much more. Holdings include books, ephemera, newspapers, microfilm, photographs, oral history tapes and manuscript collections. The collections are open to all WMU and community researchers. Faculty, staff and students may make appointments for research assistance. 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, 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 assists students with exploring career options, interviewing, negotiating, resumes and cover letters, and finding internships and jobs. Services include virtual career advising appointments, resume and cover letter reviews, and maintaining part-time, internship, and full-time employment opportunities listed on Handshake. The office facilitates regular employer and alumni campus visits to participate in job 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, schedule a virtual career advising appointment, email wmu-handshake@wmich.edu, or call (269) 387-2745. The office is located on the first floor of Ellsworth Hall. 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: wmich.edu/healthcenter/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.

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

Global Engagement Services

Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education

The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education, established by the Board of Trustees in 1998, fortifies global engagement by fostering international and intercultural understanding and empowering globally-engaged leaders. The Haenicke Institute strives to internationalize the curriculum, integrate global learning outcomes in educational programs and advance cross-cultural competence among its constituents. The Haenicke Institute prepares students to participate effectively in the global economy, promotes dialogue and collaboration at home and abroad, and provides equal opportunities for all.

The Haenicke Institute is comprised of six major units:

Global Education Programs – The Haenicke Institute’s Global Engagement Programs are innovative, one-, two- and four-year global learning programs that prepare undergraduates to exercise leadership in global, international and intercultural contexts, and to tackle the problems of our increasingly interconnected world within their chosen fields of study. Students in the WMU Global Engagement Programs explore global topics and develop leadership skills through coursework, study abroad and international community involvement.  The Global Education Programs unit includes a comprehensive offering of global engagement student activities, which facilitates regular and ongoing international activities on campus, such as International Orientation, International Festival, and International Education Week. (wmich.edu/international/globalengagement)

Study Abroad – offers access to hundreds of programs, varying in length from a few weeks to a full academic year, in numerous countries around the world. Programs are available for undergraduates and graduates in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Scholarships and grants for study abroad are available. 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. The Study Abroad unit also serves as a contact point between WMU students overseas and the university. External scholarship opportunities such as Fulbright are also administered by the Study Abroad unit. (wmich.edu/studyabroad)

International Student and Scholar Services – recruits and facilitates the admission and enrollment of students from around the world who would like to obtain an education at Western Michigan University. Provides comprehensive immigration advising and services to WMU international academic students, visiting scholars, foreign-national faculty and staff, and their WMU hosting or sponsoring departments. (wmich.edu/internationaladmissions)

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

CELCIS: Center for English Language and Culture for International Students – 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. Extra-curricular activities include conversation circles, volunteer opportunities, and various social, recreational, and cultural opportunities. Additionally, CELCIS offers a range of customized, short-term programs that may include English language training (at any level and for professionals) and introductory studies in American culture and society. (wmich.edu/celcis)

International Partnerships – establishes contacts and working collaborations between WMU and prospective and current partner universities and institutions around the world, including developing institutional agreements and contracts such as dual degree programs and student exchanges. (wmich.edu/international/partnerships)

Asian Initiatives—includes the Soga Japan Center, the Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies and Chinese Language and Cultural Programming; together, these units enhance scholarship and disseminate knowledge about East Asia and provide language and culture opportunities for the WMU campus and the greater Southwest Michigan community. (wmich.edu/asia)

Office of Health Promotion and Education

The mission of the Office of Health Promotion and Education is to create a culture of well-being 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 well-being topics, such as stress management, self-care, healthy relationships and more. Participants earn credit for WMU Signature. 

For more information, visit the website at 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.  Housing and 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.

Residence hall sign up begins in January. Continuing students self-select their room as they sign up, and new students select their room in May. 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 Arcadia Flats and Western View)

For information contact Housing and 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, remote and in-person computing labs, classroom technology, email, internet connections, online information security education and more. Learn about campus information technology at wmich.edu/it. 

The University’s portal, GoWMU, allows the WMU community to access secure online resources. You can check grades, access email and Elearning, make payments, view and change personal information and more. Visit gowmu.wmich.edu to log in.

Use Help Hub to discover resources and get support for technology, teaching and learning. Help Hub makes finding the resources and information you need to succeed easy. Explore Help Hub at helphub.wmich.edu.

The Technology Help Desk is your first point of contact to address issues or inquiries regarding computing, tablets or smartphones. 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 

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
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, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m, or Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Visit our web page at wmich.edu/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 web page: 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 (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 University-wide 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 sindecuse.com.

Important Phone Numbers
Information and appointments (269) 387-3287
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (269) 387-1850
Insurance (269) 387-4219
Lab/X-ray (269) 387-3245
Pharmacy (269) 387-3301
Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy and Chiropractic care (269) 387-3248
Sports Medicine Clinic (269) 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: (269) 387-8047.

Office of Student Engagement

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 wmich.edu/studentengagement or visit our office in 223 Bernhard Center.

University Libraries

The University Libraries supports students wherever they are—at home, on-campus or studying abroad. Access millions of resources online or at a library location. Request print items for pickup in Waldo Library or home delivery. Call, chat online, make an appointment or just come into a library if you need help with a research project or assignment.

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

Choose from a variety of spaces to fit your needs, from quiet areas for individual study to group meeting rooms. Visit the Graduate Student Commons in Waldo Library for quiet space reserved for graduate students.

Use a computer in the library to work on assignments, attend an online class, complete an exam, print documents or take a break online. Explore the Virtual Reality Lab and Multimedia Editing Studio to play games, create content and work on media projects.

The University Libraries’ archives, regional history and special collections are located at the Zhang Legacy Collections Center on Oakland Drive. Plan your visit to access rare manuscripts, primary documents, artifacts from WMU History, historical records and one-of-a-kind collections.

Questions about the University Libraries? Connect with us on campus or online. wmich.edu/library, (269) 387-5059

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is one of the most popular places on campus! The programs created by the staff are designed to support students to keep them positive, healthy and active while they pursue their academic goals. We love to give a tour and share what we have to offer. Below are some of the offerings available to members of the building.

Access to the SRC:

The SRC is a student-funded facility. Graduate student access to the SRC is based on enrollment fees paid. Check your tuition bill to see if you were charged the enrollment fees. Usually students who are taking all on-line classes or enrolled in internships will not be charged the fee. Therefore, as a student, you may choose to purchase a semester membership for $90. If you paid the enrollment fee, your Bronco ID will be activated and set for you to use the SRC.  If you have questions, feel free to contact Cindy VanderWoude, Membership Specialist, for a tour and to activate your membership. Contact: Cindy.vanwoude@wmich.edu or (269) 387-3115.

Fitness Programs:

University Recreation offers a wide range of fitness classes that appeal to individuals of all fitness levels.  Our highly skilled instructors will motivate, encourage and educate participants throughout each class leaving participants wanting more!  A variety of classes are offered each semester including yoga, Zumba ®, cycling, full body strength, butts & guts, and tighten & tone. We are also the first University in Michigan to have a Functional 45 (F45) Studio where participants experience an unlimited array of circuit-based workouts in a high-tech, team environment that is fun, fast and gets results.  Memberships are required for admission for all fitness classes in addition to completing the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and waiver prior to initial participation.

Personal Training:

Our certified personal trainers will provide excellent motivation and instruction while taking the client through a comprehensive workout that is unique to each client’s needs and goals.  Clients have the option to choose from a variety of personal training package options for either individual or group training sessions.

Fitness/Weight Room:

Located on the 2^nd floor of the SRC is our 8,000 square foot cardio and weight room spaces and indoor 200-meter jogging track.  With valid membership, students have access to a variety of Selecterize Weight machines, free weights, cable machines, treadmills, ellipticals, exercise bikes, rowing machines, stair steppers and step mill.

Informal Recreation:

The SRC offers a wide variety of facilities for “drop-in” recreation. They include the following: basketball courts, racquetball, volleyball, fitness/weight room, badminton, climbing wall, leisure pool, indoor track and indoor tennis courts.

Intramural Sports:

Intramural Sports are available to students who are interested in competitive activities. The program provides scheduled leagues or tournaments for students. We offer leagues around soccer, volleyball, flag football, basketball, and ice hockey. Students who have sports experience and are looking for part-time work may apply to be a sports official. Playing sports is also a great way to meet others on campus and to keep active. Visit wmich.edu/rec/intramurals to see the listing of leagues and tournaments offered.

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 VA Certifying Official will assist any person who seeks certification, or application, to the Veterans Administration under applicable programs.

Students who wish to receive VA benefits must annually file a “WMU VA 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 VA Certifying Official 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 honorably 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.

Financial Aid

The VA suggests that students contact Student Financial Aid regarding additional scholarships, loans or financial aid that is available prior to seeking outside loans.

Active Duty

The federal government and the University have modified numerous regulations and policies to assist students called to active duty. Students that are called up to active duty status will need to pay immediate attention to a number of academic, financial and record concerns prior to their departure from campus. 

• Class Schedule 

Students should request to drop all classes with the VA Certifying Official for a 100 percent tuition refund or—depending on the time of the semester—meet with the professors to discuss mutually agreeable arrangements for the completion of missed assignments or the possibility of receiving an incomplete in the courses. When an incomplete is granted in this situation, the student will have two years to make up the work and remove the incomplete grade.

• Housing Contracts

There will be no penalty imposed for terminating the housing contract prior to the end of the term. The refund will be calculated based on the time remaining in the semester or session.

• Parking Fees

A 100 percent refund for parking fees is available for students called to active duty. Please contact Parking Services for details regarding the refund. 

• Books

The WMU Bookstore will provide a 100 percent refund on returned books.

• Student Loans

Please contact Student Financial Aid. Per federal government regulations, administrative forbearance and deferment benefits are available for active duty call-up status.

• Procedures
  • A single point of contact has been established at the Registrar’s Office to assist with deployment.
  • A copy of the activation papers is required from the student.
  • The student needs to contact the Registrar’s Office and submit their paperwork.
  • The Registrar’s Office is responsible for providing the student with pertinent information about potential refunds, academic effects and overall impact.

  • The Registrar’s Office is also responsible for ensuring enrollment is adjusted, VA certification is terminated and for maintaining a list of all activated students.

  • The Registrar’s Office maintains a list of students who request incomplete grades and enters a comment on the student’s academic record.

  • If there is no financial aid, Accounts Receivable will process a refund for any remaining credit balance. For Post 9/11 GI Bill® Benefits paid, that credit balance will be held pending VA determination of overpayment.

  • If there is financial aid, the Financial Aid office will review your status and may adjust your financial aid accordingly. If a credit balance remains, Accounts Receivable will process a refund. For Post 9/11 GI Bill® Benefits paid, that credit balance will be held pending VA determination of overpayment.

• Upon Returning

Please contact the VA Certifying Official at (269) 387-4115 for assistance.

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 (resumes, 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: wmich.edu/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.