Financial Literacy Events
Learn how to make smart spending choices
Our Financial Literacy, Educational Planning and Outreach office at WMU is a place of exploration, innovation and inclusivity. We design programs and events to help our diverse community members achieve the highest level of financial and academic health. From learning about financial aid, scholarships and experience-driven learning opportunities to attending one of our unique events, students have access to everything they need to make college financing easier. Join us today for a journey toward successful college planning!
Here is a general sampling of the student programs we offer:
- Customized college prep presentations for high school seniors and their families
- Financial aid presentations for each student type
- WMU Employee Education Fair to inform employees and their families of financial aid benefits
- Xtreme Reality event that simulates future financial choices from a career or college perspective
Financial literacy
Financial Literacy, Educational Planning and Outreach is a single point of service to assist WMU students, families and the local community with financial guidance.
Find the financial programs and resources that fit your needs
![Prospective students: smiling students at an event on campus.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2023/Perspective.jpg)
Prospective students
- Admissions' campus and program visit—Interactive presentations individualized for each group explore what financial aid is, types of aid, scholarship opportunities and what you can do now to prepare for college.
- On-site admissions, Medallion Scholarship Program, transfer programs and admitted student events—These presentations focus on information and resources from a "What's next?" perspective in the financial aid process. Families and students have an opportunity to engage with financial aid professionals one on one.
- Fine arts: Dance, music or theatre audition days—Families who attend have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about financial aid at WMU.
![Parents and their student at an admitted student event, posing with Buster.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2023/admittedevent.jpg)
Admitted and returning students
- Orientation—We provide students and parents time to learn and ask questions about financial aid at WMU. This includes a browsing session, panel discussion and informal questions at mixers. Discussion topics include: Types of funding and how to access; loan pros and cons; importance of a budget; scholarship opportunities the first year and beyond; overview and explanation of the student financial aid offer letter; and communications and special circumstances that may affect financial aid offers and disbursement.
- Student organizations and departmental presentations—Presentations take place on and off campus. Information and materials are appropriate to the audience and targeted pursuant to the needs of the department. We receive frequent requests to provide information and educate students about financial aid. We welcome opportunities to share and educate our colleagues, specifically those who significantly impact the recruitment and retention of students. You can expect to gain information, a financial aid perspective, resources and a "What's next?" timeline to enable you to answer general financial aid questions and refer students to appropriate resources and staff.
![Ambassadors pose for the camera, near the fountain, and the Richmond Center for Visual Arts](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2023/recruiters.jpg)
Admissions recruiters
We will share updates, information and resources so admissions staff can address general financial aid inquiries and refer parents and students to appropriate financial aid staff when needed. Conversely, financial aid staff should receive information on scholarships, programs and admissions staff contact information.
![Young man shaking a person's hand behind a table, at an education job fair on campus.](https://files.wmich.edu/s3fs-public/images/u171/2023/edjobfair.jpg)
WMU Employee Education Fair
We support the University's effort to ensure employees and their families have an opportunity to gain knowledge about all the benefits and programs WMU has to offer, including answering general financial aid and tuition remission questions.