Nov 08, 2024

Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

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.

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 helps students to get jobs. Services include maintaining the University’s job posting platform, Handshake, where all on-campus jobs, part-time jobs, internships, and full-time jobs are posted. Students can receive assistance with their resume through drop-in locations throughout campus. Students seeking more assistance can also make an appointment with a career coach for assistance with the entire job search process including exploring career options, drafting/revising resumes and cover letters, finding internships and jobs, interviewing, and negotiating job offers. High quality resources are provided to all students including Big Interview (online interview preparation and practice tool); What Can I Do With This Major (online career exploration tool); Focus 2 Career (online career exploration assessment); and the Career Development Guide. Students are connected to employers through annual job fairs, campus employer information sessions/tables, and classroom/student organization visits. Career and Student Employment Services also houses the Broncos Lead Internship program and the WMU Signature program.

For more information, access to resources, or to schedule a career coaching appointment visit 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. Additional information can be found at wmich.edu/healthcenter/counseling.

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: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Counseling Services: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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.

wmich.edu/disabilityservices (269) 387-2116
wmich.edu/autism/asc (269) 387-4349

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, international 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

Health Promotion and Education is a team of health educators and nationally certified peer educators creating a culture of equitable well-being to enhance the success of all members of the campus community. We focus on prevention and provide support at the individual, community, and systemic levels through trainings, workshops, wellness services, and health-promoting policy and communication initiatives.

Guiding principles:

Health and safety are essential for optimal intellectual, emotional, social, physical and spiritual development and to the academic mission of Western Michigan University.
Health behaviors need to be addressed from both an individual and community context.
Best practice standards of health promotion involve theory-based, data-driven needs assessment, program development and evaluation.
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.
Creating healthy communities involves an integration of advocacy, education, service, community building and research.
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:

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 prevention, response, and support. WMU Signature and academic credit are available for F.I.R.E. peer educators. F.I.R.E. also advocates for campus cultures that actively and effectively prevents and responds to sexual assault and change rape-supporting environments at WMU and beyond.

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.

Mental Wellness Education Programs
Professional staff and nationally certified peer educators lead mental and emotional well-being initiatives focused on prevention, resiliency skill building, and access to support services. Mental health peer educators staff the Common Ground, a space intentionally designed to be inclusive and mental health promoting where students collaborate in fun and meaningful ways about mental health and well-being through interactive programming and community building. WMU Signature and academic credit are available mental health PALS (Powerful Advocates Learning to Support).

Sexual Health Peer Education
Sexperts are nationally certified peer educators at WMU who encourage other students to make healthy choices about sex and relationships through interactive presentations, awareness events individual consultations, and access to safer sex supplies. WMU Signature and academic credit are available for sexual health peer educators.

Substance Use Risk Reduction Program
Evidence based, environmentally focused, comprehensive programming, resources, and advocacy for the prevention and reduction of alcohol and other drug related harms.

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.

Wellness Workshops
Professional health educators and peer educators offer multiple opportunities for interactive programming on a variety of wellness topics, such as stress management, self-care, healthy relationships, the WMU Well-being Wheel and more.

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. Summer housing options are available.

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 for residence hall and apartment selection for new and continuing students. Stadium Drive Apartments are pet-friendly.

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 open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Office of Information Technology

The Office of Information Technology (OIT) offers a wide variety of information and instructional technology-related services to students, faculty, and staff. These services include online collaboration tools, two-factor authentication, classroom technology, email, network connectivity, online information security education, and more. Learn about campus information technology at wmich.edu/it

The University’s portal, goWMU, allows members of the WMU community to securely access online resources and get support for technology, teaching, and learning. You can look up and register for classes, connect with support services, review grades, access email, and Elearning, make payments, view and change personal information, and more. goWMU makes finding the resources and information you need to succeed easy. Visit goWMU and log in at go.wmich.edu

The Technology Help Desk is your first point of contact to address technical issues or inquiries regarding computing, tablets, or smartphones. To reach the Help Desk call (269) 387-4357 or visit wmich.edu/it/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

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 (near Howard Street, at the corner of W. Michigan Ave and Ring Road S, 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 Public Safety web page at wmudps.wmich.edu. 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 is WMU’s independent student-run news organization offering students the opportunity to experience working in journalism, news gathering, photography, video, and more. All positions at the Western Herald are staffed by students. Western Herald facilities will be part of the Student Media Center in the new Student Center beginning fall 2023. Find the Western Herald online and at all major social media platforms.

• Website: westernherald.com

• Twitter: @westernherald and @WMU_Sports

• Instagram: @WesternHerald

• Facebook: @WesternHeraldWMU

The Western Herald print edition is published from September through April and is distributed in convenient news racks throughout campus. The Western Herald offers employment and volunteer opportunities for students. More information is available at westernherald.com. Funding for the Western Herald is provided in part through a Student Assessment Fee.

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 division also produces several e-newsletters, including The Stampede, a monthly newsletter for about and the student body, and WMU Matters, a quarterly e-publication sent to alumni and friends of the University.

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 West Michigan and Northern Indiana. This Station offers primarily NPR news and information, as well as local news and cultural coverage. Classical WMUK is a 24/7 classical music service offered on WKDS 89.9 FM in Kalamazoo, and can also be heard on the HD2 channel of 102.1 FM. Both WMUK 102.1 FM and Classical WMUK 89.9 FM can also be live streamed at wmuk.org or via the Station’s apps on iOS and Android.

WMUK-FM 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 the Public Radio Exchange (PRX).

Since its founding over 70 years ago, WMUK-FM 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 West Michigan and beyond. WMUK additionally provides comprehensive student internships through the WMU School of Communication.

WMUK-FM 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).

89.1 WIDR-FM, a 100-watt station operated by students, broadcasts on 89.1 FM, on widrfm.org and The WIDR app. 89.1 WIDR-FM facilities are part of the Student Media Center in the new Student Center. 89.1 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. Funding for 89.1 WIDR-FM is provided in part through a Student Assessment Fee.

Sindecuse Health Center

Sindecuse Health Center offers high-quality, cost-saving health services by an experienced, multidisciplinary staff. Board-certified clinicians offer evaluation and treatment for illness or injury to students, faculty, staff and their dependents by appointment. In addition to clinical care, we serve the campus community with pharmacy, lab, x-ray, physical therapy and massage therapy services. For students, we can serve as primary care physicians and offer psychiatric care. 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 wmich.edu/healthcenter.

Important Phone Numbers
Information and Primary Care appointments (269) 387-3287
Counseling and Psychiatric Services (269) 387-1850
Insurance (269) 387-4219
Pharmacy (269) 387-3301
Physical Therapy, Massage Therapy (269) 387-3248
Sports Medicine Clinic (269) 387-3248

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

The Charles Van Riper Language, Speech & Hearing Clinic provides audiology and speech-language pathology services to persons seeking to improve their communication. It is located in the Unified Clinics, 1000 Oakland Drive. Students may take advantage of evaluation and therapy services by contacting the Clinic for an appointment. Telephone: 269-387-7000

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 300 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 the new Student Center, Suite 3400.

Student Recreation Center

The Student Recreation Center (SRC) is one of the most popular places on campus! The programs and activities 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 in the building. For more detailed information and building hours visit wmich.edu/rec.

Access to the SRC:
The SRC is a student-funded facility. Undergraduate student access to the SRC is paid through tuition. Your Bronco ID will be activated for you to use the SRC. If you have questions, feel free to contact Michael Berdowski, Asst. Director Membership Operations, at michael.berdowski@wmich.edu or (269)387-3115 for a tour.

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 a 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 2nd 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 selectorized 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, soccer/futsal, fitness/weight room, badminton, climbing wall, leisure pool, indoor track and indoor tennis/pickleball courts.

Intramural Sports:
Intramural Sports are available to students who are interested in competitive activities on campus. 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.

Club Sports:
Club Sports are registered student organizations formed by individuals motivated by a common interest and desire to play a favorite sport or activity. A sport club may be competitive, recreational or social. Many of these clubs compete off campus. Some of the Club Sports include sailing, rugby, lacrosse, skiing, synchronized skating, ultimate Frisbee and sky diving. For more information on the various clubs visit wmich.edu/rec/sportsclubs.

Esports Arena:
The Esports Arena provides opportunities for students to compete at the club and varsity levels in a variety of games. Located in the Little Theater, the Esports Arena offers state-of-the-art gaming computers in a venue that serves the University and Kalamazoo gaming communities. Esports also offers the opportunity for students to gain experience in production and casting live events. Visit wmich.edu/esports to learn more.

University Libraries

The University Libraries supports students wherever they are—at home, on campus or studying abroad. Access millions of resources online or in the library. Request print items for pickup in Waldo Library or home delivery. Call, chat online, make an appointment or visit the 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.

Find spaces that help you get your work done—from cozy couches to quiet areas to individual and group study rooms. Visit the Graduate Student Commons in Waldo Library for quiet space reserved for graduate students.

We have over 100 computers in the library, so you can work on assignments, attend an online class, complete an exam, print documents or take a break online. Explore the 3D Printing, Virtual Reality and Flight Simulator Labs in Waldo Library. Create and edit content and work on projects in the Media Studio.

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, by phone at (269) 387-5059 or online at wmich.edu/library.

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.

Yellow Ribbon Program
Western Michigan University participates with the Yellow Ribbon Program. The Yellow Ribbon Program policy states that the program will cover the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition. WMU grants all VA students and their dependents in-state tuition.

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 is located at 1343 Ellsworth Hall. It is open Monday through Friday and in Waldo Library on Sunday nights. The Writing Center 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 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 virtual consulting.

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. Students may also call us at (269) 387-4615 or email at writing-center@wmich.edu to make appointments, get directions, or ask questions.

Our webpage lists our hours for each semester and summer session, which may change. During fall and spring semesters, we offer Sunday hours from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at our 1st floor Waldo Library location.

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 Merze Tate College, we are dedicated to helping students excel at Western Michigan University.