Student Communication

The end of the semester is approaching fast.  Your residence hall will close at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, but you may move out whenever your finals are done. Information about moving out can be found on your floor bulletin board and will be discussed at your move-out floor meeting.

Check out our video!

There are three key parts to checking out of your room:

• Removing your personal belongings.
• Cleaning the room and putting it back the way it was when you moved in.
• Checking out with a staff member.  Do not leave without seeing an RA.

All halls close at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29.

A detailed list of what to do to move out is online:  wmich.edu/housing/new-students/moveout

Please see your RA or the hall office if you have questions about moving out and the hall closing.

Reminders:

• Staying for summer school? Summer housing is available.
• WMU Apartments are available. Sign up in the housing portal for two-bedroom studios in Arcadia Flats, two-bedroom units in Stadium Drive Apartments or Spindler Hall.

Looking for a roommate?
WMU's Roommate Finder is live!  Log into the housing portal to search by living habits, social habits, interests and academic college.  A list of up to 20 potential roommates will be generated, including their WMU email addresses so you can reach out to introduce yourself.

You do not have to have a roommate to choose your hall and room in May.  When you search for rooms, you will be able to see the roommate profile, age and college of anyone already occupying a room.

I found/know someone to live with.  What is next?

Create a Roommate Group to link you in the housing system. This will let you choose a room together in May. One person will start the Group and send an invitation to the second person’s WMU email account. The second person can then accept, decline or ignore the invitation. Either person may leave the Roommate Group if they meet someone new.

Click on the Create/Accept Roommate Group option in the housing portal to get started. You will need your friend’s Western Identification Number (WIN = 9-digit number) to create a group. After you enter their WIN, 

1.  “Search” to find their name in the system,
2.  “Select” to confirm it is the right person, and
3.  “Submit” at the bottom of the page to send the Roommate Group invitation email.

Your roommate will get the invitation in their WMU email.  They need to accept or decline the invitation by logging into the housing portal and going to the Roommate Group link.  Roommate groups are limited to 2 people.

How do Roommate Groups affect room selection?

If you are in a Roommate Group, when one person selects a room, it assigns the second person to the room too. Talk beforehand about where you want to live and what meal plan each person wants. Whomever choose the room will enter the meal plan preference for each person in the room. After a room is selected, the second person will get an email confirming placement.
Roommate Groups must be confirmed before selecting a room. You cannot add a roommate after the fact.
If you have any questions, check out our roommate section webpage.

No access to the Roommate Finder or Roommate Group?
If you are a minor, it means the co-signature part of your contract is not complete.  Ask the parent/guardian whose email you listed when you signed the contract to check their email.  Once they click the link provided, your contract will be complete.  If you need the email resent, contact us at WMU-Housing@wmich.edu.

Housing and Residence Life Staff
(269) 387-4735
Taking a stand: Housing and Residence Life Call to Action

Spring break is almost here! Read below for key reminders about housing and dining during the break. 

Residence halls:  All buildings remain open; reduced services
3/4 – Front desk service closes
3/7 to 11 – Hall offices open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; daily mail service
3/13 – Front desk reopens at regular hours

If you are staying for part/all of break:
Register online so we know when you will be here:
https://www.sais.wmich.edu/SelectSurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=SpringBreak
Letting hall staff know that you will be here means we can better look out for the safety and security of your property, as well as provide services and assistance to you throughout the break.

A staff member will be on duty at all times during the break and will be available to assist you.  Information on how to contact staff will be posted on your floor, at your hall front desk and outside of your building.

If you are leaving for break:

• Close and secure windows; close blinds.  If you are on a ground or roof level room, insert the wooden security stick in the window track (if you don’t have one, see your hall office).
• Take out all of your trash to the dumpster and recyclables to the appropriate bin outside.
• Shut off and unplug all unnecessary appliances (TV, computer, stereo).
• Clear your heat register of any obstruction.
• Take home any valuables.
• Clean and lock bathrooms.  

Dining:  Limited service
All food service will be at Henry Grab’n Go starting Friday, March 4.  Please visit their website for hours:  https://wmich.edu/dining/hours

Summer, Fall employment opportunities
Housing is hiring for summer staff, conference and orientation positions, as well as resident assistant (RA) and learning community assistant (LCA) positions for fall.  Application links and deadlines are at https://wmich.edu/housing/employ.

Summer housing
Planning to stay this summer?  Sign up is underway for Stadium Drive Apartments and Spindler Hall.  Sign up begins March 14 for summer residence hall housing in Hall-Archer-Pickard West.  Contracts are available for Summer I, Summer II or both sessions. https://wmich.edu/housing/signup

Please contact your hall staff if you have any questions.  Enjoy your break!

Housing and Residence Life Staff
(269) 387-4735
Taking a stand: Housing and Residence Life Call to Action

Fall 2022 housing sign up for WMU apartments and residence halls is here!

1. Want to keep your current room next fall or move to a new room? 
Claim your current room 10 a.m. Jan, 24 through 26 during same room sign up.  If you live in a learning community space, only students who match eligibility will be able to select the room.  General room sign up begins 10 a.m. Jan. 27, meaning you can choose any room in any hall other than Western Heights.

To reserve your room, log into the housing portal:  GoWMU >> My Self Service >> Housing and Residence Life.  Click the down arrow to show all service items if the link is not in your most frequent list.

2. Considering a single room?
Single rooms are a great option your second year.  Not only is it more space, there is the single room continuing student rate that is up to 25% off the traditional single room rate.  The lower rate applies to all continuing students regardless of GPA.

3. How do I get the GPA discount with a single room?
If you are in a single room for fall 2022, we will automatically check your GPA after spring semester.  If your cumulative GPA is 3.3 or higher and you are at sophomore credits, we will apply the discounted rate.  You will get your single for the price of a double, which is a savings of $1,019 (2021-22 rates).  Discount only available those who choose a single room during the returner sign up process (Jan. to Aug. 15).

4. I am thinking about switching to a WMU apartment.
A great choice – convenience and independent living.  Compare the complexes if you want more information.

• Arcadia Flats/Western View:  Get a lottery number by noon Feb. 4 to be eligible to choose a unit.  A lottery number does not commit you to choosing an apartment, nor does it guarantee you an apartment.  Apartment selection begins Feb. 8.  If you have friends you want to room with, we recommend making a roommate group first in the housing system.  That is what will link you together to get in the same unit.
• Stadium Drive Apartments or Spindler Hall:  Sign up for these complexes begins at 10 a.m. April 6.  You will choose your specific apartment for fall.

o   Stadium Drive Apartments will be designated pet friendly.  Pet application required, and all pets must be approved prior to move-in.

Extra Information:

• If you are in the Transfer LLC-you will not be able to return to the Transfer Community next fall.  The Learning Community is for first-year transfer students only. 
• You would no longer get a single room for the price of a double but could be eligible for the continue single rate (refer to #2).
• If you live in Hall Archer Pickard (Western Heights)-This complex will remain for first year students only.  So, you are welcome to choose a different space on campus (refer to #2-4).

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact our office at WMU-housing@wmich.edu or (269) 387-4735.

Go Broncos!
Sincerely, 
WMU Residence Life

WMU’s residence halls reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 8, and food service resumes Monday, Jan. 10.  We are looking forward to welcome everyone to campus.

Should I come back if I have COVID?
WMU will continue to use the 10 day isolation timeline for all positive test results. If you are COVID positive, please do not move in to your on campus housing until your isolation date has expired. Also, you should upload your results to Sindecuse Health Center using the secure messaging system found in your GoWMU and they will change your badge. Should you have questions, please visit Sindecuse Health Center for more information https://wmich.edu/healthcenter

Water discoloring:
You may experience a slight discoloring of the water upon your return.  Running the faucet/shower for a minute will clear it.  The discoloring is sediment from pipes that have not had water flowing in them during break.

Employment opportunities:

• Applications for 2022-23 resident assistants and learning community assistants are live. 
• Contact your hall’s graduate assistant to inquire about desk staff vacancies.
• Applications for resident managers in the WMU apartments are live in the housing portal.
• Immediate openings on the move crew.  The application, a short job description, and requirements is found at https://wmich.edu/housing/employ/students
• Coming soon!  Applications for summer employment as a summer school RA, summer conference assistant, and orientation conference assistant.  Watch wmich.edu/housing for applications.

Change your meal plan for Spring:
Students can change their spring meal plan up to Jan. 29, 2022.  Changes are done via the housing portal (GoWMU >> My Self Service >>All Links>> Residence Life Housing).

Spring COVID testing and booster plan
President Montgomery sent an email Jan. 4 explaining boosters are now needed to be considered fully vaccinated and what will be expected of testing spring semester.  A copy of that message is here:  https://wmich.edu/covid-19/messages#booster.

Snow, snow, snow
Residence halls have snow shovels that can be borrowed if you need to clear snow away from your car.  Should we get a massive snow storm and need to plow parking lots, you will be notified via email and GroupMe of when you need to move your car.
If you have questions, please contact us at WMU-housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735.

Housing and Residence Life Staff
(269) 387-4735
Taking a stand: Housing and Residence Life Call to Action

Subject:  Residence halls close for holiday recess

The residence halls close for holiday recess 7 p.m. Friday, December 17.  They reopen at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 8, and food service resumes Monday, Jan. 10.  WMU and the housing office will be closed starting December 24 and reopens January 4, 2022.

If you are coming back this spring:

You do not need to move out of your room.  Take home the things you will need over break and secure your room.  To prevent pests, take out your trash and recycling, remove food that will spoil, clean dishes left in the room, and close and lock your windows.  Unplug non-essential electrical items.  Access to your hall will not be available Dec. 18 to Jan. 7. 

Staff will be doing supervised room checks beginning 7 p.m. Dec. 17.  The checks are for maintenance and safety inspections, and they are done while still respecting your privacy. 

Residence halls reopen Saturday, Jan. 8 at 10 a.m.  You may return then or any time there after.

If you are not returning to WMU:

Click here for more information.

1. Request to cancel your housing contract.  Sign into the housing portal and fill out the cancellation request.  You will receive an email regarding your cancellation status. The portal is located at GoWMU >> My Self Service >> All Links>>Residence Life Housing.
2. Empty, clean and wipe down your part of the room as well as the bathroom (suites). Return your bed to its original set-up position.  
3. Make arrangements with Bedloft to return any MicroFridges (www.bedloft.com).
4. Return your room key via the established process in your hall.  The hall office or your RA can give you information.
5. Change your mail forwarding information on GoWMU. 

If your roommate moves out:

If your roommate leaves, please keep the second half of the room open for new students joining us in January.  They will move in starting January 8.  If you get a new roommate, you will receive an email right before the residence halls reopen.

Employment opportunities:

Applications for 2022-23 resident assistants and learning community assistants are live.  Contact your hall’s graduate assistant to inquire about desk staff vacancies. Applications for resident managers in the WMU apartments are live in the housing portal.

Change your meal plan for Spring:

Students can change their spring meal plan once between Dec. 1 and Jan. 29, 2022.  Changes are done via the housing portal (GoWMU >> My Self Service >>All Links>> Residence Life Housing).

If you have questions, please contact us at WMU-housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735.

Good luck on finals and enjoy break!

Subject:  Thanksgiving Break Reminders

All residence halls remain open during break.  Reduced services include:

• No mail delivery Thursday, Nov. 25 to Monday, Nov. 29
• Front desks close Wednesday, Nov. 24 and reopen Sunday, Nov. 28
• Hall offices close Thursday, Nov. 27 and reopen Monday, Nov. 29
• Dining closes at 1 pm Wednesday, Nov. 24 and reopens at breakfast Monday, Nov. 29

Staff are not doing room checks.  However, they will enter a room if a window was left open.

If you are staying for part/all of break:

Register online so we know when you will be here:  https://www.sais.wmich.edu/SelectSurvey/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=8lKKn67M

A staff member will be on duty at all times during the break and will be available to assist you.  Information on how to contact staff will be posted on your floor, at your hall front desk and outside of your building.

If you are leaving for break:

• Close and secure windows; close blinds.  If you are on a ground or roof level room, insert the wooden security stick in the window track (if you do not have one, see your hall office).
• Take out all of your trash to the dumpster and recyclables to the appropriate bin outside.
• Shut off and unplug all unnecessary appliances (TV, computer).
• Clear your heat register of any obstruction.
• Take home any valuables.
• Clean and lock bathrooms.  

COVID-19 Testing Reminder

In order to protect the campus community, WMU has created the COVID-19 testing program. Students, faculty and staff who live, attend classes or use resources at any of Western's campuses must test regularly unless they are fully vaccinated (14 days past their final dose) and have had their vaccination status verified by Sindecuse Health Center. 

Mandatory no-cost testing will continue every week. Individuals will continue to participate in regular testing until they are fully vaccinated and verified. Learn more about testing here. You can learn more about our commitment to keeping the campus community safe during COVID-19 here. 

Please contact hall staff if you have any questions.  Enjoy your break!

Subject:  Fall Break Information

Fall Break begins Wednesday, Oct. 20.  While classes are canceled Wednesday through Friday, residence halls and dining remain open with reduced services. 

Room Checks

Staff will be doing supervised room checks beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 19. The checks are for maintenance and safety inspections, and they are done while still respecting your privacy. If you have questions about room checks, please see your hall director.

Fall Break Dining Hours – Henry Grab’n Go

Wednesday, Oct. 20 through Friday, Oct. 22

• Breakfast 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Lunch 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• Dinner 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 23

• Noon to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 24

• Henry Grab’n Go:  Noon to 6 p.m.
• Valley Dining Center:  4 to 8 p.m.

Normal serving hours for dining resume on Monday, Oct. 25.

COVID Testing Clarification

Students who do not have a verified COVID vaccine will need to continue weekly testing at the Fetzer Center.  Testing is continuing all semester.  If you are going to be gone for break, please do your testing prior to departing next week.

If you are interested in changing your room or residence hall below are the steps you need to take.

Contact the hall office of whichever building you would like to live in. You can walk over or call the hall office. Hall offices are able to tell you what is available and walk you through the process of changing rooms.

• Britton/Hadley – (269) 387-6603
• Garneau/Harvey – (269) 387-4763
• Eicher/LeFevre – (269) 387-4770
• Harrison/Stinson – (269) 387-6612
• Eldridge/Fox – (269) 387-6619
• Western Heights complex – both Hall-Archer-Pickard East and Hall-Archer-Pickard West please email rl-whgts-ara@wmich.edu or call (269) 387-4717.

Eligibility:

• You must be eligible for the space you want to live in. For example, if you would like to move to Western Heights you must be a beginner.

• All rooms that are completely empty must have two people moving in together.

• All room changes must be completed by December 1, 2021. If you don’t move by then, you’ll need to wait until room change opens up again in January 2022.
  
  

Singles:

• If you live in a room with an available bed you may choose to purchase the room as a single by contacting your hall director. If you do not purchase it as a single you may receive a roommate at any time. Once someone has been assigned to the space you cannot purchase it as a single.

Doubles:

• Please understand, living in a double room without a current roommate is different than living in a single room. 
• If a roommate is assigned to your room and the room is not ready to receive a roommate, you may be automatically charged for a single and be subject to conduct.
• You may not get notice of a roommate moving into your double room.

Subject:  Move-in pre-arrival form

We are excited to welcome you to campus next week.  As a reminder, masks are required of students and guests regardless of vaccination status. 

Before arriving on campus

The day you are scheduled to arrive on campus, please: 

• Complete the online check-in the housing portal. The form goes live Monday, Aug. 23.  Show housing staff the confirmation email when you get to the building.  See below for notes if you have trouble logging into the portal.
• Bring a photo ID
• First-year students:  Check the Student Orientation Hub for your QR code needed to check in for Fall Welcome

WMU Dining Services is limiting dining to enrolled students and Fall Welcome program staff only during move-in. Please plan accordingly and eat before or after moving into your hall at an off-campus location, or pack your own beverages and meals.  

When you arrive

Pull in front of the building.  Students will go inside to check in while family/friends unload onto the grass.  Carts are available to help transport things to your room.  When the car is empty, we encourage moving it to a nearby parking lot in order to open space in front of the hall for the next student to arrive. 

Aug. 26 – 28 arrival notes: 

• Volunteers will be in the roadways to issue an unloading pass and direct you where to unload.  The passes show where to park for the day, including Valley overflow parking when Valley lots fill up.
• Valley 2 road is one-way 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Students have a 5:30 p.m. building meeting prior to leaving to meet their Fall Welcome ambassador.

Trouble logging into the portal

IT recommends trying the following if you have trouble logging in to the portal.

• Try incognito mode.
• Clear your cache.
• If you bookmarked the portal, unmark it and log back in via GoWMU (My Self Service >> Residence Life Housing)

Subject:  Choose your move-in time

Can you believe move-in is three weeks away!  Your designated arrival day is below.  Starting Monday, Aug. 9, you can sign up for your move-in time.  The 60-minute block is the window to arrive, get your room key, and unload the car.  You have all day to take things to your room and get settled. 

Choose your move-in time – One-hour slots between 9 a.m. and noon and 1 and 5 p.m.  

Arrival schedule

Final details about move-in will be emailed Aug. 20.  Click here for more information now.

Masks

As of Aug. 4, masks are required of vaccinated and unvaccinated students and guests on campus.  This is a change from recent information mailed home.  Continue to monitor our COVID information page for updates.

WMU ID

If you submitted your photo for your Bronco ID, you will receive it when you arrive.  If you have not sent in a photo, please submit it as soon as possible.

Vendor deadlines for in-room delivery are coming up!  Microfridge orders are due August 12.

If you have questions, please contact us at WMU_housing@wmich.edu or 269-387-4735.

Subject:  Housing Updates for Fall

We hope you are getting excited about fall semester.  Our staff is finalizing plans for a smooth move-in and creating welcoming, engaged floor communities.  WMU recently revised several of its COVID-related polices, as did Housing.  Updates are below, as well as two service changes. 

Guests

Housing’s guest policy is returning to its pre-pandemic status. Students may have up to two guests who are at least 18-years-old.  Guests are permitted to stay overnight with prior consent of all roommates and suitemates, if applicable.  Hosts are responsible for all guest behavior.  Off campus guests and non-vaccinated WMU students must wear a mask while indoors. 

Masks

Masking is not required in your room.  Masking is required in public areas unless:

• You are fully vaccinated and verified by Sindecuse Health Center as indicated on your badge.
• You have a medical exemption to not wear a mask.

Guests are required to wear masks inside all residence halls unless they are fully vaccinated.

Entertainment

Students use the WMU network to access and stream content from their own personal streaming accounts.   There is no University provided cable at this time.

Laundry

Laundry is free for on-campus students.  You can check the status of your laundry by visiting washview.com. Get an email or text message when your laundry is complete.

Campus Vaccine Clinics

Sindecuse Health Center is offering free COVID vaccines.  No appointment is necessary.  Simply walk in or drive up.  Bring a picture ID.

• Aug. 30 from 8:30-11:30 a.m.
• Aug. 31 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Summer Calendar

• July 28 - Carpet order deadline for in-room delivery
• Aug. 6 - First-year students emailed directions on choosing a move-in time
• Aug. 9 - Meal plan changes for fall begin – limited to one change 8/9-9/30
• Aug. 12 - Microfridge and futon order deadline for in-room delivery
• Aug. 20 - Move-in final directions and pre-arrival form link

Subject:  Roommate information, room changes, rates

Roommate information and floor plans are live! 

If you need your roommate’s contact information or a floor map to see where your room is located, the information will be live at noon tomorrow, June 25. Log into the housing system and choose View My Assignments.  

If you have questions, please contact the Housing and Residence Life office at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing @wmich.edu.  We are unable to share suitemate information.

How do I Change My Housing?

If you would like to change your residence hall room, you may do so in the housing portal starting 10 a.m. EST July 6.  Because more than 3,000 students are in rooms, you may need to look at multiple halls or floors to find a new space.

• Roommate groups used during room selection are not used during room change. If you had a roommate group and both you and your roommate wish to change rooms, you must each complete your own room change. (You must both pick the same empty room, one at a time.) 
• Hint:  The building dropdown menu on the left indicates how many open spaces are in the hall.  Hit the down arrow by the hall name, and you will see the number of spaces on each floor in parenthesis.  Rooms with an open bed are outlined in green.

Room changes close at 5 p.m. July 20.  The next room change period will begin in mid-September.  During July, you are limited to 5 total changes and can make one change per 24-hour period.

Housing and Dining Rates

WMU’s Board of Trustees are voting on housing and dining rates today.  Rates for 2021-22 will be posted on our website by 5 p.m. June 24.

Move-in Information

Click here for the full schedule and current details about our move-in process.  Decisions are still being made about masks, limit of two helpers and COVID screening questions. Updates will be provided in our July and August emails.

Guest Policy Update

Housing’s guest policy is returning to its pre-pandemic status.  Students may have up to two guests who are at least 18-years-old.  More information is on our policy webpage.

Upcoming dates:

7/20 @ 5 p.m. – last day to make room or roommate changes before move-in

7/28 Carpet order deadline for in-room delivery  

8/1 Deadline to submit your photo to get your student ID at check-in

8/6 New students emailed directions on choosing a move-in time

8/9 Meal plan changes for fall begin – limited to one change 8/9-9/30

8/12 Microfridge and futon order deadline for in-room delivery  

8/20 Move-in final directions and pre-arrival form link

Helpful links:

• What to know over summer – residence hall orientation 
• Housing supports all its students. Read our call to action.  Black Lives Matter.

New International Students

Subject:  Campus housing arrival information

Housing and Residence Life is looking forward to welcoming you to campus.  You will be able to move in beginning 9 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 24.  You may arrive any time that day or evening. If you arrive before Aug. 24, please plan to stay in a local hotel.

For more information about move-in, please visit wmich.edu/housing/new-students/movein.  Additional move-in directions will be emailed in August. 

Beginners

Subject:  Housing move-in schedule

Residence hall move-in is a multi-day process. Your assigned arrival day is below. Information about your individual arrival time will be emailed to you Aug. 9. For more information about move-in, please visit wmich.edu/housing/new-students/movein. Additional move-in directions will be emailed in August.

Aug. 24 - Local drop off day:  Kalamazoo County students drop off belongings, return Aug. 26-28 for Fall Welcome move-in. Eligible students to be emailed week of Aug. 2.

Aug. 26 - move in for the following groups:

• AROTC, AFROTC 
• College of Aviation 
• College of Education and Human Development
• Lee Honors College

Aug. 27 - move in for the following groups:

• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• First-year seminar students (course FYE-2100)

Aug. 28 – all remaining first-year students arrive

Bronco Marching Band and fall athletes - Move-in will be communicated by the band director or your coach. 

Transfers

Subject:  Housing move-in schedule

Residence hall move-in is a multi-day process. As a new transfer student, when you arrive depends on if you are participating in the University’s Fall Welcome program. Additional move-in directions will be emailed in August.

Not participating in Fall Welcome:  

• Move-in begins 9 a.m. Aug. 29 - 31. You may come on the day of your choosing.

Participating in Fall Welcome:  

• Move in Aug. 26 if you are in one of these groups:

• AROTC, AFROTC 

• College of Aviation 

• College of Education and Human Development

• Lee Honors College

• All other transfer students move in Aug. 27.  

• Information about your individual arrival time will be emailed to you Aug. 9.

Bronco Marching Band and fall athletes:

• Move-in will be communicated by the band director or your coach.

For more information about move-in, please visit wmich.edu/housing/new-students/movein.  Additional details will be emailed in August.