Other Benefits and Services
Employee Handbook Section 17
Athletic events
Western Michigan University employees receive reduced rates on season tickets for many Bronco sports. Ticket purchases can be made via wmubroncos.com and you can use payroll deduction for season tickets. Tickets for individual events or other sport are available at regular prices. The University invites you to attend any of our intercollegiate athletic events to cheer on our Broncos. WMU is a member of the Mid-American Conference.
Parking
Employees may obtain a WMU permit to park in faculty/staff parking lots, which are designated as "R" lots. Employees may select either a window sticker permit or a hanging tag permit. Employees also may obtain a permit for a second vehicle.
Bring your WMU Bronco Card, driver’s license and a current vehicle registration certificate to Parking Services to obtain your first permit.
Permits are renewed each year and may be renewed in person, by mail or online. You will receive a notice and instructions when it is time to renew your permit.
Bernhard Center
The Bernhard Center offers a wide variety of services to students, faculty, staff and the community. Dining options include a cafeteria and fast food restaurants in the Bronco Mall on the lower level. Meeting rooms and catering services are available for social and business functions. The Bernhard Center also houses the WMU Bookstore, a copy center, computer lab, bank, the Bronco Card Center, and dining services and catering offices.
Bookstore
The Western Michigan University Bookstore in the Bernhard Center offers an array of WMU merchandise and apparel, supplies, books, cards and gifts, as well as textbooks. As a WMU employee, you can receive a 10 percent discount on purchases over one dollar, excluding sale items, electronics and certain special products. Employees must present their Bronco Card at the customer service desk to obtain this discount. The bookstore accepts most major credit cards.
Campus news
Campus news is available from both traditional and online editions published at WMU:
- The Western Herald is a student newspaper. The Western Herald can be read online or picked up at one of the many distribution boxes found throughout campus.
- The Western News is an employee newsletter. Special events, staff promotions, faculty and staff presentations, cultural and athletic events, and policy updates are some of its features. The Western News is published every two weeks (with some exceptions) and is sent directly to employees through campus mail.
- WMU News is an online daily publication.
Campus radio stations
Western has two campus radio stations:
- WIDR-FM, 89.1. A student-operated station with a contemporary music orientation.
- WMUK-FM, 102.1. A National Public Radio affiliate. Its broadcasting emphasis is on news, features and classical music.
University Libraries
Employees may use all the University Libraries facilities and services, including Waldo Library, Education Library, Music and Dance Library, and the University Archives and Regional History Collections. A valid Bronco Card must be shown to borrow materials and use library services.
Miller Auditorium and Gilmore Theatre Complex
Western Michigan University is a regional center for the performing arts. Miller Auditorium and the Gilmore Theatre Complex provide rich cultural and entertainment opportunities, including a wide array of theatre, dance and musical performances. Many national and international artists and touring companies perform at our theatres.
Employees may buy individual tickets or season tickets for these popular events at special discount rates. Payroll deduction can be used to buy season tickets.
Religious activities
There are many active religious and spiritual organizations representing a wide variety of beliefs and worship styles on our campus. Faith and Spiritual Development, located in Kanley Chapel, oversees campus religious and spiritual organizations. Many, but not all, of these organizations have offices at Kanley Chapel. Faith and Spiritual Development also provides wedding-related services. All on-campus churches welcome WMU staff to their services and activities.