Employee Handbook - Getting to Know Us
Employee Handbook - Getting to know us
About WMU
Western Michigan University is a dynamic, student-centered research university. Read more about WMU:
Commitment to excellence
A University is, more than other large organizations, a product of its people. Students, faculty, support staff, alumni, retirees, and friends are what distinguish great universities. Size is not the most important ingredient. While Western's significant size as a major university is an asset, its greatness depends primarily upon the people associated with the University.
The University administration is keenly aware of the contributions made by each employee toward the goal of excellence. As a member of the Western team, you will be expected to accept the obligations and responsibilities for helping WMU maintain its reputation for excellence.
—Your personal commitment to excellence is important to WMU—
Our students
The primary mission of the University is to provide a quality education for its students. Our employees help fulfill this mission. Students are our most important asset—they are the primary paying customers of the University. As a WMU employee, you are expected to do your best to be helpful, courteous, and respectful of students' needs and legitimate purposes. Friendliness and helpfulness go a long way in maintaining a successful relationship between your particular work and the overall mission of providing students with a quality education in a positive environment.
Your role as a WMU ambassador
University employees can be the best public relations officers on campus. Often prospective students and visitors have their first contact with WMU through employees. Efficient, knowledgeable staff members with pleasant smiles and friendly greetings can do a great deal for Western. We encourage you to acquaint yourself with the campus and various departments so you can assist students and visitors.
—You are an ambassador for Western Michigan University—
Safeguarding University information and property
In the course of their work, staff members have access to information about WMU operations. Western Michigan University is a public university and as such welcomes public accountability. However, some information is legally, medically, or personally privileged and/or confidential. Discretion and the maintenance of confidentiality are expected of all employees.
Western employees are asked to be careful to turn out lights and lock doors and windows. Equipment breakdowns should be reported to your supervisor. Employees are not to remove equipment, office supplies, or other University property from campus without proper authorization. All lost, stolen, or missing items should be reported to the Department of Public Safety.