Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University!
Congratulations on your admission to Western Michigan University! Western Michigan University's International Student Orientation is designed to help you make a smooth transition—academically, socially, geographically, and professionally—to WMU. Orientation consists of two parts: a virtual portion to complete before your arrival in the United States, and an in-person campus event at the beginning of the semester. During this event, you will receive a university welcome, meet immigration advisors, make new friends and more. Please note, all orientation events are mandatory for incoming international students.
Upcoming International Student Orientation Dates
- Meet your International (I3S) Advisor: This virtual event is on Wednesday, November 20, from 9 to 10 a.m. EST (timezone converter). No pre-registration is required; simply click the WebEx link to join that morning. Topics covered include: university introductions, immigration, health insurance, document submission, academic advising and travel and housing tips.
- Travel Talk and Preparation: This virtual event is on Thursday, December 12 from 9 to 10 a.m. EST (timezone converter). This is a virtual event via WebEx. No pre-registration is required; simply click the WebEx link to join that morning. Topics covered include: packing, travel to the United States, winter closure and emergency protocols.
- In-person International Student Orientation: This campus event on January 3 is mandatory for all international students. Breakfast and check-in starts at 8 a.m. at the WMU Student Center. A campus map is available here. At this event, you will receive a university welcome, meet immigration advisors, make new friends, and more. Please register ahead of time and bring a laptop, copy of your passport, and copies of your immigration documents to the event. We look forward to meeting you!
International Student Orientation will provide you with:
Orientation Timeline
International Student Orientation is a multiweek series of Online Modules via WMU Elearning, WebEx and social media designed to help you make a smooth academic, social, geographic and professional transition to WMU. In each session, 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.
Spring 2025 in-Person Orientation Schedule
ISO Schedule Spring 2025 | International Student Schedule
Friday, January 3, 2025 | |
MORNING SESSION | |
Location and Event | Time |
Student Center Lobby: Check-in & Breakfast | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. |
Student Center Ballroom A: Welcome to Western Michigan University! | 10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.
|
Student Center Ballroom A: I3S Informational Presentations | 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. |
AFTERNOON SESSION | |
Student Center Ballroom A: Title IX Presentation | 12:05 p.m. – 12:40 p.m. |
Student Center Ballroom A: Lunch & GEP Presentation | 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Student Center: Resource Fair | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Student Center: Bronco ID & Grocery Trip | 3:00 p.m. |
Official Orientation WhatsApp Group
A WhatsApp s group has been created specifically for international students to facilitate communication regarding orientation and on campus activities.
You will find the link to join the official orientation WhatsApp group in your orientation welcome emails. The group's primary objective is to ensure a smooth orientation for international students.
Below are guidelines for participation. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in removal from the group. Let's maintain a positive and helpful environment for all.
- 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.
ELEARNING AND W-EXCHANGE, YOUR 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
- 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.
- You may need to install the 2-factor authentication app Duo Mobile on your smartphone (Android, iPhone). More information can be found here.
- Navigate to GoWMU. This is your portal for all WMU student services, including Elearning, W-Exchange, course registration, campus events, and more.
- Enter your Bronco NetID and password. Upon your first login, you will be required to change your password.
- 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.
- For Elearning, you will be asked to log in again. You can also bookmark this login page for quick access later.
- 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, your WMU email:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FURTHER SUPPORT
For questions related to international student orientation, please first ask them in the WhatsApp group. If you do not find an answer, you can email us at @email. The WhatsApp group link will be available in the email communications you receive about orientation.
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.