Haenicke Institute for Global Education

About the Welcome Here Campaign

You are Welcome Here poster

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education launched a Welcome Here campaign in 2017 and revived it in 2025. A free poster is available for distribution. Contact Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Maddie Christians for a copy.

WMU's International Student and Scholar Services assists more than 2,500 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration suport, student success and post-graduation job training. 

Everyone on our staff is here to help you. We're here to put our arms around you. If you get behind academically, ask for help immediately. If you are feeling homesick, if you are feeling unhealthy either physically or mentally, we have services on campus that can help you. We're very glad to see all your faces today, and we welcome you to Western.
— Dr. Rosemary Max, Associate Vice President for Global Education , International Student Orientation, Fall 2025

How to Help International Students at WMU

There are many ways you can help keep our campus a welcoming place.

The “You are Welcome Here” image was designed by WMU graphic and printing science alumna, Nastasia Harden, in 2017. It was updated in 2025. The poster is sized for 11"x17" printing, but will work with any sized paper. We also have horizontal and vertical screen images and round stickers. Reach out to Recruitment and Outreach Specialist Maddie Christians for promotions.

WMU's International Student and Scholar Services office helps international students, faculty and staff stay updated on all immigration matters that could affect them. Please direct questions about immigration status to our advising staff.

Every semester WMU welcomes more international students to campus. Join us on social media @wmuintl by liking or sharing our posts or creating your own content that supports the international community at Western. Don’t forget to tag us @wmuintl and use the hashtags #WMUInternational or #GlobalBroncos to show your support.

There are many opportunities to become globally engaged on WMU campuses, in the Kalamazoo community and around the world. 

The International Student Emegerncy Fund, managed by the Haenicke Institute for Global Education, helps international students in times of crisis. Funds have been used to support international students during health emergencies, house fires, travel emergencies and more. Give to the International Student Emergency Fund. 

WMU's International Student and Scholar Services office assists more than 2,500 international students and recent alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. Support this office financially by making a donation. 

Donate to the International Student Emergency Fund
Donate to the International Student and Scholar Services Office

Behind WMU's Welcome Here Design

WMU Graduate Nastasia Harden created the original "You are Welcome Here" poster in 2017 when she was still a student. Read her remarks.

Student designer Nastasia Harden is a graphic and printing science major at WMU. She stands next to the original Welcome Here sign.
Student designer Nastasia Harden was a graphic and printing science major at WMU.

"When I was given the job of designing this poster I will admit I was a little overwhelmed with the task. How can I make everyone feel welcome? There were a lot of different drafts before the finished product. I never imagined that it would be as big as it is now. I guess that just means I did my job well. 

We used the different languages to adhere to international students and student from different backgrounds, the rainbow “Welcome” to speak to our LGBTQ community, and the hands to represent people of color.

As a black woman there are many times I feel as if I’m not welcomed or that my voice isn’t heard, and with the changes that are happening in our world right now it’s important that people feel safe here at Western, here in Kalamazoo, and everywhere.

I think the success of the poster is because of how simple the message is. “You are Welcome Here:” it's saying your life and existence is welcome here, your ideas and voice are encouraged here, and that we appreciate all types of people from our international students, our diverse faculty and staff, and our domestic students of different backgrounds. Western is a diverse community and it’s so much better when we celebrate our differences and create a community where everyone can feel safe.

Nastasia Harden
Graphic and Printing Science Major
Student Designer, Haenicke Institute for Global Education

About the Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Your journey at Western Michigan University is a global one. Through transformative events, immersive classes and Experience-Driven Learning, the Haenicke Institute for Global Education connects Kalamazoo to the world—and the world to Kalamazoo. We assist more than 2,000 international students and alumni at home and abroad with admissions, immigration support, student success and post-graduation job training. We host 80+ study abroad programs and bring students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.  From fostering academic opportunities to showcasing cultural events and providing K-12 outreach, the Haenicke Institute promotes learning that transcends borders and takes you wherever you want to go.  

A student wearing a study abroad map tshirt while making a W symbol with his hands. He is posing in downtown Kalamazoo.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.

A student proudly holding a Western flag during a study abroad adventure in another country. He stands in front of an historic building.

Study Abroad

WMU Study Abroad supports more than 80 programs around the world, sending students, faculty and staff to 30 countries, on average, each year.

Students talking to each other outside at a picnic table in downtown Kalamazoo. They wear tshirts promoting global eduction at Western Michigan University.

Global Engagement Program

The Global Engagement Program provides opportunities for all  students at Western Michigan University to become globally engaged. 

Students working together at a table. They are both looking a paper, as if they are studying together.

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers short- and long-term intensive English language study.

A member of the WMU Asian Initiatives staff working with children at a community outreach event.

Asian Initiatives

WMU Asian Initiatives enhances scholarship and knowledge of East Asia on campus and throughout southwest Michigan.

Robert Brown, an instructor at the Haworth College of Business, sitting side-by-side talking to a student as he teaches an Applying Business Fundamentals class in Schneider Hall.

Faculty Enrichment

The Haenicke Institute supports partnerships with more than 100 international institutions, offering options to faculty who are interested in collaboration and exchange.

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