Haenicke Institute for Global Education

Haenicke Institute for Global Education
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5245 USA
(269) 387-5890

You are Welcome Here poster

The Haenicke Institute for Global Education launched a "Welcome Here" campaign in 2017 and revived it in 2025. The poster is available for download and distribution. Simply click here or on the graphic to your right.

Our International Student and Scholar Services unit 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. The office works in collaboration with various university departments, including Academic Affairs, Student Affairs and Housing and Residence Life, to promote international student success. 

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

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. You may download one to print here. The poster is sized for 11"x17" printing, but will work with any sized paper. We also have horizontal and vertical screen images and sticker templates. Click the links provided or reach out to @email for more.

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. Click here for contact information or email @email.

On August 21, 2025, WMU welcomed more than 200 new 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. Donate to support this effort by clicking here. 

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. You can also support this office financially. Make a donation by clicking  here.

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

Behind the Design

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

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Student designer Nastasia Harden is 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.

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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. 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 in a map tshirt.

International Student and Scholar Services

International Student and Scholar Services is responsible for international student recruitment, admissions and immigration support.
A student with a Western flag studying abroad

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 in class

Faculty Engagement

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

English Language Learning

The Center for English Language and Culture for International Students offers intensive English language study.
Students talking to each other

Global Learning

The Haenicke Institute facilitates a variety of large and small-scale events, experiences and courses to enrich the campus community and support WMU's internationalization efforts.
Students at an outreach event

Asian Initiatives

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

Contact US

Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To make an appointment, please contact staff directly. Express advising for international students is available Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Faunce Student Services.
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