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.

Learn more about financial literacy services  

Submit a financial literacy and events request form  

Find the financial programs and resources that fit your needs

  • Prospective students: smiling students at an event on campus.

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.

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

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.

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.

  • Community and organizations: Our outreach service creates customized financial interactive programs and college prep presentations to fit the needs of the population served. Our efforts are to support and promote our southwest Michigan communities and school districts and increase the number of college-ready students by having a browsing table at high school parent conferences and college nights, attend parent advisory council meetings and present financial aid information in high school college prep courses.

  • FAFSA completion and high school nights: We host events designed for high school seniors and parents where we discuss the transition from senior year of high school to first year of college, generally located at high schools within the KRESA area. Some high schools we serve outside our district are Niles, Bangor, Paw Paw, Battle Creek, Plainwell, Hopkins, Decatur and Mattawan.

  • College Access Network: We provide grade-level materials, information, resources and program ideas to College Access Network (CAN) professionals working in the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA) area by collaborating and presenting information to students and parents. We maintain professional engagement with Michigan College Access Network (MCAN) and National College Attainment Network (NCAN) to ensure programs and presentations align with college access goals and objectives as well as remain current on best practices.

  • Career readiness and education for employment: Xtreme Reality is an event that engages students and provides an interactive experience that simulates future financial choices from a career or college perspective. Xtreme Reality is an eye-opening experience that not only promotes an appreciation for the financial struggles and sacrifices of families but also increases awareness of some of the real expenses associated with life and living on a budget.

Explore our financial literacy events

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