Graduation Procedures
Students are eligible to graduate from Western Michigan University once they complete all academic requirements for a degree, fulfill all financial and legal obligations to the University, and meet all relevant processing deadlines. Degrees are awarded at the end of each semester or session. Commencement ceremonies are held following fall, spring, and summer I. Students receiving a bachelor’s degree at the completion of summer II are eligible to attend summer I commencement. Students will only be allowed to participate in commencement if they are on track to complete their degree requirements by the end of the semester/session.
Applying for Graduation
Students must contact their college advisor to receive approval to submit an application for graduation. Once approved, students apply via goWMU. A graduation auditor in the Registrar’s Office will perform a thorough audit of the student’s academic records to determine outstanding requirements. Once the audit is complete (usually within four to six weeks), results will be sent to the student’s WMU email address.
Application Deadlines
Spring Graduation: October 1
Summer I Graduation: February 1
Summer II Graduation: February 1
Fall Graduation: February 1
A $55 fee will be applied to the student’s account when the application is submitted through goWMU.
Final Date for Completion of Work
Students who fail to meet academic standards or complete all degree requirements within 30 days after the established commencement date will be cancelled from graduation. Students should contact the Registrar’s Office to change their graduation date. No additional fees are charged for submitting a Change of Graduation Date form.
Graduation Requirements
General Requirements for Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
Any curriculum leading to a bachelor’s degree consists of at least 122 hours of credit. The student must meet the following requirements or the equivalent.
- The requirements in at least one of University approved curricula must be fulfilled before graduation.
- The student must complete a major with a minimum of 24 hours and a minor with a minimum of 15 hours. A minor is required unless the major states otherwise. Specific departmental major and minor requirements may exceed these minimums; please refer to the departmental sections in this catalog that identify the specific major and/or minor requirements. Courses elected to satisfy requirements in one major and/or minor may not be counted again to satisfy requirements in another major and/or minor. However, courses used in cognates may be used to fulfill a major, minor, or other degree requirements at the discretion of the department granting the major and/or minor.
- Each student must complete the required WMU Essential Studies program. Students who are graduating with an Associate of Science degree from a Michigan two-year college are signatory to the Michigan Transfer Agreement and only need to complete Level 3 (Connections), which requires one course in the Local and National Perspectives category and one course in the Global Perspectives category.
- A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be obtained in any major or minor(s) presented for graduation. Individual colleges, departments, or programs may have additional University approved requirements including a higher minimum grade point average.
- A student must also have an overall University grade point average of 2.0 or higher to graduate. If a student fails to meet minimum University academic standards, he/she is placed on academic probation or is dismissed.
- Each student will fulfill all requirements of the Intellectual Skills Development Program as outlined in this section.
- Minimum residence requirements. All candidates must present a minimum of 30 hours through Western Michigan University. Ten of the last 30 hours must be taken through Western Michigan University. Correspondence credit and credit by examination may not be used to satisfy any of the minimum requirements. Individual colleges and departments may have additional residency requirements.
- A maximum of 8 hours of general physical education (PEGN) courses may be counted toward graduation.
- Students transferring from an accredited two-year institution must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours of the academic work required at an accredited four-year, degree-granting institution. Exceptions to this policy, for specific programs, can be approved only if there is a formal Memorandum of Understanding and articulation agreement, as approved by the Faculty Senate Undergraduate Studies Council, between Western Michigan University and the participating accredited two-year institution.
- Students may graduate under the WMU catalog in effect at the time of their initial registration or any succeeding catalog providing the catalog is not more than ten years old upon the completion of requirements for graduation. Students who have been gone from the University for ten years or more must enter the University under the catalog in effect at the time of re-entry. For exception, see special policy under “Graduation Requirements-Bachelor of Science in Engineering” listed in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences section of this catalog.
- In cooperation with accredited two-year institution, a student who transfers to Western Michigan University within three years upon leaving the accredited two-year institution may elect to graduate under the WMU catalog in effect at the time of the initial registration at the accredited two-year institution.
Requirements for Earning a Second Bachelor’s Degree
WMU Graduates
Students wishing to pursue two or more baccalaureate degrees either concurrently or otherwise from WMU must also meet these minimum requirements:
- Completion of a minimum of 30 credits in residency beyond the requirements for the first degree.
- Completion of new major requirements as well as all specified University, college, and program requirements.
- Generally, no second degree will be granted from the discipline in which the first degree was earned. Rather than seeking a second bachelor’s, students may enroll as post-baccalaureate students and have the completion of an additional major recorded on the transcript.
- Program accreditation standards may impose additional requirements or limitations. Completion of certification requirements generally does not qualify the student for a second degree.
Non-WMU Graduates
Students who received a bachelor’s degree from an institution other than Western Michigan University, must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Possession of a prior bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
- Completion of a minimum of 30 credits in residency beyond the requirements for the first degree.
- Completion of new major requirements as well as all specified University, college, and program requirements, including WMU Essential Studies, and a minimum 2.0 grade point average.
- Generally, no second degree will be granted from the discipline in which the first degree was earned.
- Program accreditation standards may impose additional requirements or limitations. Completion of certification requirements generally does not qualify the student for a second degree.
Major and Minor Requirements
A major is a sequence of related courses totaling a minimum of twenty-four hours. A minor is a sequence of related courses totaling a minimum of fifteen hours. However, since not all majors and minors require the same number of hours, students should consult the departmental advisor to be assured of the requirements.
- The student’s major and minor will be the subject specialization, such as mathematics or accounting.
- Departmental requirements for a number of majors and minors are listed elsewhere in this catalog. Where requirements are not specified, students should consult the departmental advisors for approval of a major or minor program as soon as possible but not later than the student’s reaching junior status.
- Most candidates for a degree must complete a major and a minor. If a minor is not required, it will be noted under the program requirements.
- In certain cases “group” majors and “group” minors are permitted. The student’s academic advisor can explain the circumstances.
- Under certain conditions WMU Essential Studies courses may be counted toward major and minor requirements. (See departmental requirements.)
- The following courses are not to be counted as satisfying major and minor requirements:
- Required professional courses in education.
- Required courses in general physical education.
- A combination of foreign language courses, or of English or American Literature courses with a foreign language, is not a permissible method of constructing a major or minor.
- Mathematics courses may not be counted towards a science (physics, geography, or chemistry) major or minor sequence, but may be required to satisfy curricula requirements.
- Courses elected to satisfy requirements in one major and/or minor may not be counted again to satisfy requirements in another major and/or minor.
- Only approved majors and minors listed in the catalog can be placed on a student record.
- Any program change occurring after the last day of the drop/add period will be effective for the following semester or session.
Adding a Major or Minor to a Previously Awarded Degree
Students wishing to add a major or minor to a previously awarded Western Michigan University degree must meet the following requirements:
- Courses elected to satisfy requirements for the new major/minor were not used to satisfy requirements in the previous major/minor.
- The major/minor being added is active at the time it is added to the degree.
Intellectual Skills Requirements
A baccalaureate degree at Western Michigan University includes proficiency in the intellectual skills of writing, reading, and quantification. In order to insure development of students’ abilities in these skills, the University maintains an Intellectual Skills Development Program. New students entering WMU will participate in the program. The first phase of the program occurs upon entry to the University, typically at orientation, when student competencies are assessed via SAT or ACT scores and/or University-developed tests. Skills requirements for each student are determined at this time.
Guidelines for Writing, Reading, Quantification Skills
Grades earned in ENGL 1000, LS 1040, and MATH 1090 are included in calculating the student’s grade point average. However, the credits for these courses constitute an additional graduation requirement beyond the total number of credit hours required for a student’s curriculum. Students who are placed into any of these courses must pass the course(s) before registering for their 33rd credit hour at Western Michigan University. Students who fail to demonstrate competency by test or by course by the time of enrollment in the 33rd credit will be permitted to enroll only in the above-named skill-building course(s). Students may resume regular course enrollment only after all entry-level competencies are demonstrated. A college-level writing course must be completed before a student registers for the 62nd credit hour at WMU.
Writing
Students whose test results indicate weak writing skills must pass a basic writing course before proceeding to the required college-level writing course. All WMU students are required to pass a college-level writing course. Students who demonstrate superior writing skills may be exempted from the college-level writing course requirement.
Basic writing course option: ENGL 1040
College-level writing course options: ENGL 1050, BCM 1420 (Business students), or IEE 1020 (Engineering and Applied Sciences students)
Reading
On the basis of test scores, certain students are required to pass LS 1040, Effective College Reading. This course is designed to improve comprehension, vocabulary, and study skills, and thus prepare students for further college work.
Quantification
On the basis of scores on a test of basic mathematical skills, certain students are required to pass MATH 1090. Students must earn a “C” or better in MATH 1090 in order to proceed to fulfill other mathematics requirements
Intellectual Skills Requirements for International Students
Failure to enroll in the Intellectual Skills Program as outlined below will result in cancellation of admission.
Writing and Reading
The Diether H. Haenicke Institute for Global Education requires proof of English proficiency prior to the student’s first enrollment period at WMU. The student may then proceed to fulfill the college-level writing requirement. Score requirements may be reviewed in the Section for Admission Procedures For International Students.
Quantification
International students will fulfill all Intellectual Skills Requirements in quantification (see section above).
Intellectual Skills Requirements for Domestic and International Transfer Students
Domestic and international transfer students will abide by the Intellectual Skills Requirements for transfer students. See below for the specific requirements.
Writing
Students who transfer a college-level writing course with 2.7 or more semester hours credit (or a sequence of courses that satisfies the college-level writing requirement at the transfer institution), will be exempted from the writing assessment upon entry. These students will be considered to have met the Intellectual Skills Program college-level writing course requirement. All other transfer students will be placed in a remedial or college-level writing course according to assessment results.
Reading
Students who transfer 26 semester hours or more of credit with a GPA of 2.0 or better, or who transfer the equivalent of LS 1040, are exempted from the reading assessment upon entry. All other transfer students will have their reading skills evaluated by standardized test and will either place into or be exempted from LS 1040, Effective College Reading.
Quantification
Students who transfer a mathematics course at the level of MATH 1100 or higher are considered to have entry-level computation skills and need not take the computational skills assessment test upon entry. All other transfer students will place into or be exempted from MATH 1090 according to assessment results.
Computer Usage
A computer or technology usage requirement, if applicable to a student’s curriculum, is described in the departmental or college sections of this catalog. Entering students should contact their college advising office for specific information concerning any applicable requirement and/or option for fulfilling the requirement.
Foreign Language Requirement
The foreign language requirement for students who will graduate through the College of Arts and Sciences is described in the Arts and Sciences section of this catalog.
Non-degree Undergraduate Certificate Programs
Students should contact their college advisor to receive approval to submit an application for graduation. Once cleared, students may apply in goWMU. The undergraduate certificate program of study will then be audited in the same manner as a degree program. For a student concurrently pursuing a degree program and an Undergraduate Certificate Program, the application should be submitted separately from the undergraduate degree application.
The student must apply, through the Registrar’s Office, to be awarded an Undergraduate Certificate. The following general requirements must be met:
- Completion of the requirements, as stated on the program of study, of the Undergraduate Certificate Program with a “C” (2.0) or better average within a six-year period;
- A grade of “C” or better must be earned in every required course listed on the program of study; and
- Completion of departmental requirements, if any,
To signify that a student has satisfactorily completed an approved curriculum in an Undergraduate Certificate Program, a certificate of completion is awarded.
Graduation Rate
Number of first-time, full-time, degree-seeking beginning freshman, Class of 2016: 2,891.
After six years, the number (and percentage) of those in the Class of 2016 who graduated: 1,591 (55.1%).
Academic Advising
The faculty and administration of Western Michigan University believe that academic advising is a necessary part of undergraduate education. The University has committed many faculty and staff to this essential service and strongly urges all students to make full use of the available resources in order to receive the best possible education.
All students should consult with their curriculum advisors who will help them plan their degree programs. Curriculum advisors offer academic advising, which includes WMU Essential Studies requirements, specific curriculum requirements, career opportunities, etc. In addition, they offer academic guidance, that is, exploration of alternatives and other educational possibilities. This is a useful and productive means of attempting to match a student’s interests and abilities with an academic program. Curriculum advisors will make referrals to other advising facilities and departmental advisors when it is appropriate. It should be emphasized that it is the student’s responsibility to arrange to meet with curriculum and/or departmental advisors.
A listing of curriculum advisors may be found on the advising website at wmich.edu/registrar/students/advising.
Academic Advising for First-Year Students
First-year students admitted for a fall semester will receive a written invitation to attend one of the orientation sessions held during the summer. Attendance is mandatory. During orientation, students will have the opportunity to meet with their curriculum advisors, at which time they will receive academic information and assistance in requesting classes for their first semester. Orientation provides comprehensive advising, as well as important campus information.
Students who have been admitted for spring, summer I, or summer II will be required to make individual appointments for advising prior to registering. A listing of curriculum advisors may be found on the advising website at wmich.edu/registrar/students/advising.
Academic Advising for Transfer Students
Transfer students should arrange appointments for advising shortly after admission. Students will be advised as to how transfer courses apply to programs at WMU. In addition, students will receive curriculum and major/minor advising, as well as Intellectual Skills Program advising. It is important that transfer students bring their most recent credit evaluations to these meetings. Transfer students are urged to obtain advising before registering for classes.
Academic Advising for Graduation
Students must receive approval from a college advisor before they are eligible to apply for graduation. Advisors will assist students with the application process and students should visit regularly with their advisors to ensure that their progress toward degree completion conforms with all University and degree requirements.
College Advising Offices
College of Arts and Sciences
2318 Friedmann Hall
(269) 387-4366
College of Aviation
Aviation Education Center
(269) 964-6375
Haworth College of Business
2130 Schneider Hall
(269) 387-5075
College of Education and Human Development
2421 Sangren Hall
(269) 387-3474
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
E102 Floyd Hall
(269) 276-3253
College of Fine Arts
2132 Dalton Center
(269) 387-5810
College of Health and Human Services
2125 Health and Human Services Building
(269) 387-2656
University Curriculum
203 Moore Hall
(269) 387-4410
Lee Honors College
Lee Honors College Building
(269) 387-3230
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