Resources for Undocumented and DACA Students

High school seniors who identify as undocumented or DACA will follow the steps below to complete the Common Application (Common App) for the upcoming year. 

Citizenship Question

In the "Common App" tab, "Profile" section, under "Geography and Nationality"

Under "Select your citizenship status" select "DACA, undocumented, Deferred Enforced Departure, or Temporary Protected Status"

Common App Western Michigan University Citizenship Question

In the "My Colleges" tab, "Questions" section, under "General"

Under "Are you a US Citizen, US Dual Citizen, US Permanent Resident, Asylee/Refugee, or undocumented/DACA?" select "Yes" 

Prospective transfer students interested in applying to Western Michigan University will apply via the Gold Gateway Application.

Once you have created an account and started a New Application, under "Are you a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Dual Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident, Asylee/Refugee, or undocumented?" select "Yes" in the drop-down menu as pictured below. 

First-Year Scholarships

As a first-year student at WMU, you have scholarship opportunities that can help you save on your education. There are a number of admissions merit based and need-based scholarship opportunities you are eligible for such as our automatic merit scholarships based on your high school GPA at the time of admission and the Foundations Scholarship.

Transfer Scholarships

Students who wish to be considered for Community College Competitive Transfer scholarships should complete their admission application file by April 1†. Community College Competitive scholarships are awarded to domestic (including undocumented/DACA) students transferring from a community college and entering in the fall semester. Scholarships are highly competitive and selective.

†Transfer students interested in Aviation Flight Science and direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing must complete their admission application by the Early Action deadline of February 15. Learn more on the Competitive Admission Programs website. 

Undocumented Student Scholarship

WMU offers a limited number of privately funded scholarships for noncitizen students who demonstrate financial need. Applications for this scholarship are submitted electronically through the ScholarshipUniverse system.

Scholarship Universe

ScholarshipUniverse is WMU’s tool for students to identify and apply for scholarships, both institutional and private. Admitted and current students can access the system at https://wmich.scholarshipuniverse.com with their Bronco NetID and password.

You can find further instructions on how to use the system at https://wmich.edu/finaid/pdf/fact-sheets/SUinstructions.pdf

When the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form first became available, the U.S. Department of Education discovered an issue preventing contributors without a Social Security number (SSN) from starting or accessing the form. The Department has made technical updates that enable students with contributors without an SSN to now successfully submit the form. 

For details and updates, navigate to the WMU Financial Aid website for weekly updates, and there are updates to SSN creation under the March 15, 2024 update.

Navigation Specialist

Multicultural navigation specialists provide direct support to students from historically marginalized communities, including asset-based coaching and connections to relevant student groups, support and programming that create belonging. 

Noemi Mendez serves as the Navigation Specialist focused on Hispanic/Latine students. She graduated from WMU in 2024 with a Bachelor's of Social Work. 

Noemi's favorite part as a Navigation Specialist is working with students to be successful and finding a sense of belonging on campus. She enjoys creating programs for students to help them grow professionally and socially.

Advice that she would give to students, once you're admitted to Western Michigan University, you will find that there is a team of professionals in various departments that want to help you find success. We want you to have the resources you need to graduate. Explore the different resources the university offers and utilize them to your benefit. 

Noemi's office is in Ellsworth 2250. Her email is @email and her office phone number is (269) 387-3373.