New to WMU? Check out our Peer Mentor Program
Don't forget to sign up for the peer mentoring program. We pair first-year and transfer students with peer mentors to help the transition into the Western Michigan University environment. The program offers one-on-one meetings each week with a mentor as well as skill and competency development that help you succeed at WMU and increase your marketability to prospective employers. Students participating in this program can earn points to spend on a range of Promise spoils including t-shirts, water bottles, laundry detergent, deodorant, pencils, mouthwash, tattoos, food, etc.
NEED TO MEET WITH YOUR CAMPUS COACH OR A PEER MENTOR?
Campus coaches and peer mentors are available to meet with students one-on-one who have questions about the Promise at WMU, need help navigating the University, would like academic and personal support or need help accessing available resources. Students can schedule appointments or visit our drop in hours.
We are located in 1310 Adrian Trimpe Building. Entry to our offices is through "Our Space" in 1320 Trimpe.
Appointments
- Ron Dillard, campus coach, is available by appointment on Mondays and Wednesdays between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- Lauren Carney, campus coach, is available by appointment Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Schedule an appointment with Lauren.
What we do
Academic support
Campus coaches provide one-on-one meetings with students to discuss progress toward degree, campus and community resources, and their overall experience at WMU.
We monitor academic progress to ensure students are on track for graduation.
"Our Space" is a student-centered, equal access environment that houses the Kalamazoo Promise Study Zone and is open to all WMU students. This gathering space is also home to the Diversity Educational Resource Collection which includes books, CDs, DVDs, and games.
We work to establish an Academic Network that brings students and instructors together to provide a comfortable environment to discuss ways to increase student success.
Leadership Development
Peer mentors receive extensive training to serve as mentors, tutors, and advocates for fellow students who are awarded the Kalamazoo Promise.
The Community Mentorship Program partners current students with professionals in the community to explore the transition from college to career.
The Kalamazoo Promise Speakers Bureau invites current Kalamazoo Promise students enrolled at WMU to speak with middle school students enrolled in
Kalamazoo Pubic Schools about their experience at WMU.
Global learning experiences are highly encouraged for our students. We work with WMU faculty and staff to develop unique opportunities for students to study abroad.
Community Outreach
The Resilience Project is a partnership between WMU and Friendship Village that pairs students with senior citizens for activities that highlight resilience in the lives of participants.
Bronco BUDS is a collaborative program between the University and Kalamazoo Public Schools to create a college-going culture by introducing sixth grade students to higher education.
The annual MLK Celebration is a series of coordinated events throughout the campus and Kalamazoo communities that engages participants in meaningful education, research,
and service initiatives.
Dual enrollment offers graduating seniors of Kalamazoo Public Schools the opportunity to take a college course. This First-Year Seminar is specifically designed for students who are awarded the Kalamazoo Promise.