2018 WMU News

WMU appoints proven leader as new VP for development and alumni relations

Kristen R. DeVries, an experienced fundraising executive, has been selected as the next vice president for development and alumni relations and also will serve as executive director of the WMU Foundation.

WMU a leader in offering learning by virtual reality

The University houses seven virtual reality computer stations in three rooms in the lower level of Waldo Library.

U.S. Treasurer to visit for Sanford Center grand opening

The Sanford Center for Financial Planning and Wellness is hosting a grand opening ceremony at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 18, at WMU's Haworth College of Business. The event, which features U.S. Treasurer Jovita Carranza, allows campus and community members to tour the facility and learn more about its goals.

Ethics Center selects 3 engrossing books for spring discussions

The public is invited to join WMU book clubs that start Jan. 17 and explore ethical questions involving genetic engineering, cultural preservation and U.S. immigration policy.

Registration open for spring Chinese culture classes

Registrations are due by Thursday, Jan. 10, for the 12-week, low-cost courses for personal enrichment being offered by the Confucius Institute at WMU.

WMU Board of Trustees approves 2019-20 apartment rate increases

Remaining in alignment with the surrounding community market, monthly rates for on-campus apartments will rise between $0 and $27 starting fall 2019.

Trustees evaluate WMU president, laud his accomplishments

Students, deans, senior staff and the Faculty Senate are among the various stakeholder groups that played a role in the annual performance evaluation of President Edward Montgomery.

Risk spikes with increased hacking during holiday season

Dr. Alan Rea offers some data-protection tips that can help people during the holiday season, when data may be more vulnerable than during the rest of the year.

WMU to break ground on economic-development engine

Development of the Business Technology and Research Park 2—BTR 2—will begin in the next few months thanks to a $2.1 million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Researcher earns prestigious fellowship for brain cell regeneration study

Postdoctoral researcher Dr. Erika Calvo-Ochoa is studying the zebrafish olfactory bulb to understand how the brain functions and recovers from damage.

WMU to confer more than 1,600 degrees during fall commencement

Three ceremonies will be held Saturday, Dec. 15. Among the students who are graduating will be 65 military veterans as well as international students from 32 countries.

Some campus offices on reduced hours for the holidays

Holiday recess begins with the end of fall semester, and some campus services will cease or have reduced hours starting Friday, Dec. 14, through the start of spring semester on Monday, Jan. 7.

WMU named a top business school by Princeton Review

The Haworth College of Business was recognized for being accredited at both the undergraduate and graduate levels by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International, as well as having additional specialized AACSB accreditation for its accountancy programs.

Chef awarded gold medal at culinary competition

Chef Tom Giles of WMU Dining Services was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2018 Annual Culinary Competition held at the Columbus Culinary Institute at the end of October.

Take advantage of global engagement opportunities in December

WMU and the broader area community will offer numerous global engagement opportunities in December. Highlights include West African drumming classes, Kalamazoo Institute of Art tours and the Rootead Youth Dance Showcase.

Bronco football headed to Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

Representing the Mid-American Conference, the WMU football Broncos will face Football Bowl Subdivision independent opponent Brigham Young University at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, Eastern Time, in the bowl game at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho.

WMU's campus sexual assault prevention state funding increases

Michigan's Campus Sexual Assault Program has awarded WMU $132,557, the most money awarded to the University in four years of this state grant program that supports efforts to help prevent sexual assault.

Update: Water main leak leads to boil water advisory at Draper/Siedschlag residence hall

The boil water advisory issued Nov. 27 for the Draper/Siedschlag residence hall has been lifted.

Student group recognized for excellence in academics, professionalism and leadership

WMU’s Gamma Rho chapter of Beta Alpha Psi has been recognized with a Superior Status designation for the 35th time. The honor shines a spotlight on the chapter's outstanding efforts during the 2017-18 academic year.

Information sessions set for Nov. 29 on South Neighborhood projects

The information sessions are set for 4 and 6 p.m. in Rooms 105/106/107 of the Bernhard Center.  

NYT gives first study abroad innovation award to WMU faculty

Drs. Jennifer Harrison and Timothy Palmer earned the inaugural award for how they are incorporating the Times into the Social Justice and Sustainability in India course they co-teach.

WMU main Kalamazoo campus open; classes resumed

WMU's Grand Rapids locations, classes are canceled until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26. Evening classes will remain as scheduled.

How to find out if WMU is closed

Assume the University is open and will continue normal operation unless notified.

National association honors historian for service

The American Society for Legal History has awarded its Craig Joyce Medal to Dr. Sally Hadden, the first woman to receive this prestigious service award.

Sales student places first in national competition

A team of two Western Michigan University sales students competed in the State Farm Marketing and Sales Competition in Warrensburg, Missouri, on Nov. 2, with one student taking top honors in the sales role-play category.

WMU partners with Benton Harbor schools to boost student achievement

A new agreement between WMU and Benton Harbor Area Schools will lead to school-reform experts from the University collaborating with district officials on a number of school-improvement initiatives.

Valley Dining Center to celebrate its LEED Gold certification

This event has been canceled due to inclement weather—WMU President Edward Montgomery and other dignitaries will recognize the Valley Dining Center's LEED Gold certification during a brief program Monday, Nov. 26.

Tickets on sale for John Mellencamp at Miller Auditorium April 9

John Mellencamp will embark on a 2019 tour of "The John Mellencamp Show" at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, at Miller Auditorium on the campus of Western Michigan University.

Campus office hours released for Thanksgiving recess

Classes resume at 8 a.m. Monday, Nov. 26.

Campus MLK Day efforts recognized by national diversity magazine

WMU was one of 96 institutions from around the nation named an annual Higher Education Excellence in Diversity—HEED—honoree by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.