International Student Orientation

Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University!

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Western Michigan University's International Student Orientation (ISO) is an online series of topics designed to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic, and professional transition to WMU. It concludes with an in-person event that is open to all new international students! Participation in International Student Orientation is mandatory for all incoming students.

Upcoming International Student Orientation Dates

Spring Semester 2025:
Mandatory Document Check & Orientation for Undergraduate and Graduate Students: 
Friday January 3rd, 2025
Stay up to date on Immigration compliance by visiting wmich.edu/immigration

International Student Orientation will provide you with:

International Student Orientation (ISO) is standard practice at American Universities. ISO will provide a wealth of information and resources to help international students navigate their new environment, including information about the school's policies and procedures, academic programs, and local resources. 

Orientation provides a great opportunity for international students to meet their peers and make new friends from different countries and cultures.

Moving to a new country can be a challenging and overwhelming experience, but international student orientation can help ease this transition by providing opportunities to learn about the local culture, customs, and expectations.

International student orientation also serves as an introduction to the support systems available to students, such as student services, counseling, and advising.

Orientation Timeline

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International Student Orientation is a 6-week series of online topics (via WMU ElearningWebex & social media) to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic and professional transition to WMU. In each topic, you will learn about the University and accomplish important tasks before you begin classes. 

You will receive instructions on accessing International Student Orientation via email.

Fall 2024 in-Person Orientation Schedule

Fall 2024 Orientation Schedule

Official Orientation WhatsApp Group

Guidelines for Using the WhatsApp International Student Orientation Group

  • Purpose of the Group: This group has been created specifically for international students to facilitate communication regarding orientation and on campus activities.
  • Be Respectful: Everyone comes from different cultural, educational, and personal backgrounds. Respect differences and avoid making inappropriate or offensive remarks.
  • Privacy: Do not share your personal details or of any member of this group within this chat.
  • No Spam: Refrain from sending irrelevant or harmful messages, advertisements, or any content that is not related to the orientation.

This group's primary objective is to ensure a smooth orientation for international students. Let's collaborate and make this process enjoyable and informative for everyone.

Note: Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the group. Let's maintain a positive and helpful environment for all!

Please see the link to join the official orientation WhatsApp group in your orientation welcome emails.

ELEARNING AND W-EXCHANGE (WMU EMAIL)

You will receive instructions on accessing International Student Orientation and Elearning via email.

Or, follow the instructions or video below.

Link to start: go.wmich.edu

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  1. Find your Bronco NetID and temporary password on your admission letter. It is useful to memorize this as it is your username for Elearning and W-Exchange (your WMU email).
  2. You may need to install the 2-Factor Authentication app Duo Mobile on your smartphone (AndroidiPhone). More information can be found here.
  3. Navigate to GoWMU. This is your portal for all WMU student services, including Elearning, W-Exchange, course registration, campus events, and more.
  4. Enter your Bronco NetID and password. Upon your first login, you will be required to change your password.
  5. Once logged in, you will see the GoWMU homepage. Navigate to the Quick Links drop-down list to find the link to Elearning and W-Exchange (your WMU email).
  6. For Elearning, you will be asked to log in again. You can also bookmark this login page for quick access later.
  7. For W-Exchange, you will be taken to the Microsoft 365 (formerly Office 365) homepage. To access your email, simply click "Outlook" on the bar on the left side of your screen.

Video Guide to Logging in to Elearning:

 

Video Guide to Logging in to W-Exchange (WMU Email):

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes! Your success at Western Michigan University (WMU) is our top priority. Orientation starts with virtual online topics and ends with an in-person orientation event. International Student Orientation is a crucial academic, professional, and social introduction to the University. Plus, you will accomplish many important things during International Student Orientation, including registering for classes, learning about math placement, registering for housing, and making friends. 

International Student Orientation begins virtually 8 weeks prior to the first day of classes. 

Successfully completing International Student Orientation is easy! You will be expected to: 

  1. Complete Golden Pathway online
  2. Complete I3S modules and upload Immigration Documents (in Elearning)
  3. Pass New Student Orientation Topics and gain a certificate of completion, attesting that you have completed important tasks each week 

In person orientation will be held on campus. This will be a chance to connect with incoming students and talk with faculty who are here to support your academic journey at Western.

Look for a presentation link on your I3S eLearning homepage. It includes important information regarding immigration status, classes, and uploading visa documents using Elearning.

  • Immigration Registration Forms
  • Passport
  • Visa
  • I-20 or DS-2019
  • I-94 (after arrival)

Your Passport, Visa, and I-20 or DS-2019 must be uploaded before arrival.

You should start uploading now and then can finish it with your I-94 when you arrive

Yes, if you cannot upload prior to arrival then upload your documents as soon as you arrive. Do not forget.

  • I-20
  • Visa
  • Passport
  • Admissions letter

Thirty days

 

Late arrival concerns need to be discussed with the immigration office as well as with academic departments.

Health insurance can be purchased once you arrive before class starts.

Purchase GeoBlue insurance: https://ogse.geobluestudents.com/?ac=VLN-59113

TB information: https://wmich.edu/healthcenter/clinic/services/tb

WMU immunizations: https://wmich.edu/healthcenter/clinic/services/immunizations

CDC vaccination requirements: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/proof-of-vaccination.html#covid-vaccines 

If you have questions before you arrive, please contact Residence Life at (269) 387-4735 or WMU-housing@wmich.edu. 

General Information: https://wmich.edu/housing/new-students/movein

Transportation is provided for Fall orientations. Please refer to the schedule below.

Van schedule for fall 2024 international orientation.

 

Otherwise, please consult the airport's transportation page for regional taxi and bus information. If you have any other questions about transportation, please reach out in the Summer WhatsApp Group: The WhatsApp Group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.

You should pay tuition by the end of the 1st week of classes to avoid any late fees. The university does have a payment plan option that may be right for some students. 

 

Yes. There is a PNC Bank located in the Student Center, as well as PNC ATMs located around campus. Please visit the link below for more information: 

https://www.pnc.com/en/personal-banking/banking/international-students.html

FURTHER SUPPORT

For questions related to orientation, please first ask them in the WhatsApp group (The WhatsApp Group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.) If you do not find an answer, you can email us at @email.

For questions regarding immigration, enrollment, advising, housing, healthcare, or anything outside of orientation, start by reviewing frequently asked questions for admitted students page.

Please send additional questions to @email.

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