New area code 269 effective July 13
June 20, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Southwest Michigan's new area code goes live
in less than a month.
The new 269 area code will be introduced July 13.
WMU's Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and Benton Harbor campuses are included in the region that will change to the new code. The Grand Rapids campus will retain the current 616 code. During a seven-month introductory period, callers may use either the old or new area code. Mandatory use of the 269 code is slated for Feb. 15, 2003.
David H. Smith, WMU's director of graphics and design, recommends that University offices begin distributing materials with the new area code on Aug. 1. Remaining printed items may be used through February 2003, but any new or reprinted materials should include the 269 code. Web sites should be updated by August to reflect the change.
Media contact: Cheryl Roland, 269 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu