Welcome activities planned for start of fall semester
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Classes at Western Michigan University start Wednesday, Aug. 29, but fall opening activities officially begin when new students arrive on campus Friday, Aug. 24, and participate in Fall Welcome activities beginning Saturday, Aug. 25. They continue until Saturday, Sept. 8, with WMU's One Stop Center, Graduate Student Resource Fair, Bronco Bash and Fall Fab Fest.
Early student move-in
The help of many hands always makes moving into residence halls easier.
Honor students, ROTC, Air Force ROTC and first-year seminar students move in at designated times throughout the day on Friday, Aug. 24, with floor meetings at night.
Fall Welcome and Move-in schedule
Students who are beginning their careers at WMU this fall have an opportunity to get the hang of campus life early by attending Fall Welcome, a four-day program Saturday through Tuesday, Aug. 25-28, that assists first-year students with their academic and social transitions to college life.
Fall Welcome allows students to move in early, learn about the Kalamazoo community, get grounded in campus traditions and start socializing with their fellow students.
The residence halls officially open for all students at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 26.
One stop center
A temporary, one-stop service center will be open in WMU's Bernhard Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 24-25; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, Aug. 27-30 , and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 31.
The center offers a smorgasbord of business services in one convenient location. Situated on Bernhard's second floor, the One Stop Center lets students and their parents take care of last-minute business associated with starting the new academic year. Those visiting One Stop will be able to get new Bronco Cards, pay bills and purchase campus parking permits.
They also may obtain information about a variety of topics, including financial aid, and immunizations and other campus health care services. The center is being staffed by representatives from the Registrar's Office, admissions, accounts receivable, financial aid and scholarships, parking services and information technology. In addition, attendees may peruse information tables for the Office of Family Engagement and Sindecuse Health Center.
Graduate student resource fair
All graduate students are invited to attend the Resource Fair for Graduate Students, set for 3 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, in the Bernhard Center's North Ballroom. Representatives from offices across campus will be on hand to present information about the resources and services available to both new and returning graduate students.
Bronco Bash
Students and other members of the University community will gather for the annual Bronco Bash on the Sangren Pedestrian Mall at the center of campus from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 28. The event is a huge celebration welcoming students to the campus and to Kalamazoo. It features games, music and more than 450 booths, where students can peruse the wares of area merchants and get information about WMU departments, student organizations and local volunteer opportunities.
Bronco Bash also provides live music by national recording artist Yolonda Lavender and southwest Michigan band The Last Gasp Collective. There also will be novelty attractions available free of charge, and food is available for purchase.
Bronco Bash is a student-coordinated event through WMU's Office of Student Engagement.
For more information, contact the student coordinators in the Bronco Bash office at (269) 387-0083.
Fall Fab Fest
Local organizations have joined forces with the WMU Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services to stage the annual Fall Fab Fest at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, in the Trimpe Building Multicultural Center. Open to all local students and community members, this free event celebrates community as well as welcomes LBGT people and their allies to Kalamazoo, particularly area students who are arriving in town for a new school year. It is sponsored by the Office of LBGT Student Services with a grant from the Kalamazoo Community Foundation. Additional sponsors include Out Front Kalamazoo, Out Proud Safe, Planned Parenthood of Michigan, Wesley Foundation, WMU Gender and Women’s Studies, WMU Sindecuse Health Center and YWCA Kalamazoo.
Participants will be able to connect with local non-profit organizations, WMU LBGT registered student organizations, and on-campus partners while enjoying free food and entertainment.
For more information, contact WMU's Nathan Nguyen, director of WMU LBGT Student Services, at (269) 387-2133 or by email.
For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.