Fall Welcome Checklist
Use your GoWMU portal
At the top of most Western Michigan University web pages is a small link called GoWMU. Click there and it will take you to the sign-in page for your personal portal. Then log into your portal. If you have any trouble logging in, call the Help Desk at (269) 387-HELP.
- Across the top you will see helpful links: “catalog” which links you to the WMU Academic Catalog; “Elearning” which links you to the Blackboard Learning System for online learning; and “email” which links you to your WMU email account. Remember to check your email daily to receive important information from financial aid, your academic advisor(s), your instructors, etc.
- Click on the “First-Year Student” tab. Review the information found under the heading, “Congratulations – You’re in!” for helpful first-year information.
- Click on “Student Home” Tab. From here you can check your financial aid status and view your award, add and drop classes, check your account balance and pay your bill, and take care of many aspects of your WMU business.
Set up an authorized user
If you want to allow someone to be able to view certain academic and financial aid information, you must set them up as an authorized user in the portal under the “Student Home” tab.
Looking for a Job?
You can search for on-campus employment by activating a Bronco Jobs account.
Purchase your books
The WMU Bookstore (Buster’s) is located on the lower level of the Bernhard Center. Note: Visit the bookstore website for online ordering options. The earlier you buy, the greater the opportunity for used books which are usually less expensive than new.
Take care of financial aid and figure out the bottom line
Visit Bronco Express located on the lower level of the Bernhard Center. Make sure WMU has received your FAFSA. Ask about scholarships. Find out what else you need to do. No appointment is needed. (269) 387-6000 | webpage
Access the cost of attendance calculator to figure your cost of attendance. Western charges a flat rate for full-time on-campus tuition (12-15 credits) in the Fall and Spring semesters. Online courses are included in the flat-rate tuition and also incur a $60 per credit hour fee. Regional site courses are not included in the flat rate; you will be charged by the credit hour. Summer courses are also billed by the credit hour. After calculating your expenses, subtract your financial aid to determine your bottom line. If needed, you can set up a payment plan through GoWMU. Contact Bronco Express for details: (269) 387-6000.
Get your parking pass
Go to Parking Services and purchase your parking pass if you plan to have a vehicle on campus. They are located behind the University bookstore near the corner of West Michigan and Howard. You can contact them at (269) 387-4609 to see when you should purchase your pass. You must pay for your parking pass when you pick it up; it cannot be billed to your student account. Check out their website.
If you prefer to use public transportation, all WMU students have free, unlimited access to the city-wide bus system. Learn more about public transit at WMU.
Figure out housing
Did you know business students have their own business learning community? Check out WMU housing options for business students or call Residence Life at (269) 387-4735.
Purchase your meal plan
Several meal plan options available. The number for Dining Services is (269) 387-3463.
Send your final transcripts
If you are currently taking non-WMU courses, request that your final transcripts (after grades are posted) be sent to WMU Admissions, 1903 W. Michigan Ave., Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5211.
Other important Haworth College of Business resources
The Haworth College of Business website offers great information about majors, study abroad, registered student organizations, career development, student success resources, etc. | wmich.edu/business
Stay in the know
Beat the rush and avoid long lines! Come to the Haworth College of Business for advising right after add/drop (in September and January) to update your progress with an academic advisor and to get your course recommendations for the next semester. Visit us early in the semester for the shortest wait time. View walk-in hours.
Attend fall welcome
First-year students are automatically registered for this week-long program designed to help you get settled on campus before classes begin. Fall Welcome officially kicks off Aug. 26 with early move-in Aug. 25 for students in FYE 2100, Lee Honors College, ROTC and Air Force ROTC. Visit the Fall Welcome website to get all the details before you hit the road.
Complete your required online modules for first-year students
All first-year students are required to take a series of online learning modules on academic success choices, alcohol education, student success and financial literacy. Complete these modules as soon as possible to avoid a registration hold. Access the modules through your first-year student tab in your GoWMU account.
Put spring registration dates in your calendar
Registration for spring 2015 classes begins in October. Registration dates will be on the academic calendar, found a few links down from the course registration menu in your GoWMU student home tab. Make sure you visit your advisor ahead of time so you are ready to pick your classes as early as possible to have the best selection.