College of Arts and Sciences

Alexander Enyedi
Dean

Cathryn Bailey
Associate Dean

Terrell Hodge
Associate Dean

Susan Stapleton
Associate Dean

Mission

The mission of the College of Arts and Sciences, in accordance with the traditional stewardship of the College, is to engender in students those skills, attitudes, and habits of mind which permit them to function responsibly in a profoundly complex and changing world. The College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University offers undergraduate courses and programs of study in the humanities, the social and behavioral sciences, and the physical, biological and mathematical sciences. In addition to providing specialization in its many disciplines, the College contributes to the basic knowledge and the general liberal education of all students attending Western Michigan University.

The goals of the College for the undergraduate student, while including professional, pre-professional or vocational training, are specifically focused on developing the liberally educated adult. To this end, the College seeks to ensure that its students learn the skills necessary for critical thinking, decision making, problem solving and adapting to change; that they explore broadly in areas that will encourage understanding of their western and/or global heritage; and that they develop a respect for diversity in the world and the pluralism in this society. The College strives to encourage the growth of persons who have the self-confidence that comes with knowledge and the ability to seek out, analyze and evaluate information; persons who are prepared to make their way in a changing world, who are competent, humane and sensitive to the human condition and to the physical environment in which they live, and who, therefore, will make effective and substantial contributions to society.

The College regards classroom attendance as an essential part of the educational experience of each student. Accordingly, the College has a strong expectation that students attend class, be punctual to class, and remain in attendance for the full class period unless there is a legitimate reason to be excused.

Academic Units:

Anthropology
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Communication
Comparative Religion
Economics
English
Foreign Languages
Geography
Geosciences
History
Mathematics
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Public Affairs and Administration
Sociology
Spanish
Statistics

Interdisciplinary Programs:

Africana Studies
African Studies
Black Americana Studies
American Humanics
Criminal Justice
Environmental Studies
Global and International Studies
Mallinson Institute for Science Education
Medieval Studies
Women’s Studies
World Literature

Academic Advising Office

Kevin Knutson, Director
Jacquelyn Bizzell
Nick Gauthier
Kerrie Jo Harvey
Bette Ludwig
Tammi Roberts
Yumi Takahashi-Ede
2318 Friedmann Hall
(269) 387-4366
www.wmich.edu/cas/advising

Mission and Goals Statement

Vision

Western Michigan University’s College of Arts and Sciences Academic Advising Office strives to be internationally recognized as a comprehensive advising program model for its students, the University community and the increasingly globalized academic arena.

Mission Statement

Academic Advising, as a key component in a student-centered research university, is dedicated to engaging students in intentional, collaborative, supportive, and meaningful partnerships that promote personal growth, educational excellence, cultural appreciation, and career development in order to facilitate self-directed, life-long learning.

Goals Statement

The College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office reflects the institutional goal of excellence in teaching and learning that is focused on student success. We will…

Ensure that students have access to knowledgeable and informed advisors who demonstrate care and respect.
Provide accurate information about educational opportunities, requirements, policies, and procedures.
Collaborate with students on the development and implementation of academic plans and educational experiences congruent with the student’s interests and abilities.
Teach students to utilize university resources to maximize their unique educational and personal potential.
Develop critical thinking, communication, research, aesthetic and creative abilities, problem solving, and multiple learning skills.
Serve as a resource to the university and local, state, national and global communities.
Transform university academic advising via ongoing assessment, evaluation, and dissemination of findings.

Students in the Arts and Sciences Liberal Education Curriculum should see a college advisor to plan their degree programs. The staff of the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Office advises students concerning Liberal Education Curriculum requirements as well as Intellectual Skills and other University requirements. An appointment with an advisor should be scheduled during the student’s first enrollment period in order to obtain information regarding requirements.

Transfer students in the Liberal Education Curriculum, after they have received their credit evaluation forms from the Admissions Office, should have their transfer courses evaluated for credit toward their Liberal Education and other college or University requirements.

The staff of the Academic Advising office will provide introductory information about the programs, majors and minors available within the College of Arts and Sciences and will make referrals to other advising facilities and university resources, such as departmental advisors, etc. Students seeking exploratory information about the programs and curricula of the College are encouraged to visit this office.

Within the College of Arts and Sciences at Western Michigan University, we offer a two-tier advising system for undergraduates. Students receive major/minor specific advising through the faculty or staff expertise within the department and general advising regarding university and general education requirements as well as pre-professional advising through the college’s advising office located in 2318 Friedmann Hall (schedule an appointment online at www.wmich.edu/cas/advising/ or by calling (269) 387-4366).