Dozens of children will enter the school year with an added layer of protection thanks to a partnership between Western Michigan University's Laboratory for Advances in Rehabilitation Sciences and Synergy Applied Medical and Research Inc. Dr. Alessander Danna-dos-Santos spearheaded the project.

From creating structure and boundaries to finding time to make time to connect as a family, there are a number of ways parents can help ease the transition to the virtual classroom.

Large-scale COVID-19 screening is underway as students return to Western Michigan University's campus for fall semester. The five-day testing event is being held at the Student Recreation Center on Main Campus through Tuesday, Sept. 1 (The event was originally scheduled to end Monday, but it was extended by an additional day due to demand). Those interested in participating should call Sindecuse Health Center at (269) 387-3287 to schedule an appointment.

Students can register Wednesday, Sept. 2, for the Campus Read.

With more than 300 RSOs on campus, there's a place for everyone to find community at WMU. From academic and service groups to entertainment, outdoor fun and Greek life, there are many opportunities to get involved on campus.

Sleeping Giant Capital, a private investment firm with ties to Western Michigan University's Haworth College of Business, announced that it has launched a $50 million investment fund to generate economic, social and educational returns in West Michigan by acquiring small businesses.

Dr. Erika Friedl, the Edwin E. Meader professor emerita of anthropology at Western Michigan University, has been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Iranian Studies. The highly distinguished award is presented to someone who has spent their life promoting and supporting the field of Iranian studies. Friedl was selected from among some of the top scholars, historians and linguists in the world.

COVID-19 upended life as we know it and sent the global economy into a tailspin. Unprecedented business shutdowns halted production in many areas, led to layoffs in others and left supply chains in a lurch. Now five months in, there are signs of hope the U.S. economy is on its way to recovery.

Fall Welcome programs are now virtual or in smaller settings but are still seen as an essential and fun tool to introduce students to campus.

Safety is top of mind as Western Michigan University prepares to welcome students, faculty and staff back to campus for fall semester. From antimicrobial solutions and misters to electrostatic disinfecting equipment, a number of state-of-the-art cleaning processes are being employed to mitigate spread of COVID-19 on campus.

Dining Services is prioritizing student safety as we begin Fall Welcome by limiting dining center access to Fall Welcome participants only from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 29. Enrolled students on campus at this time not participating in Fall Welcome may purchase meals from the Grab'n Go locations. Meal plans begin Sunday, Aug. 30 and dining centers will open up to all enrolled students. Grab'n Go locations will remain available for staff and enrolled students.

What started as an effort by a handful of faculty members to offer free groceries to students during the pandemic has grown exponentially. Now called Community Student Connection, the group has already given out thousands of bags of food and also raised enough money to pay rent for hundreds of students.

The SHRM student chapter merit award program encourages the development of more effective student chapters and recognizes outstanding activities and projects.

There are many changes ahead for the new semester, and students will soon be adapting to the new normal. The Counseling Services team is ready to help the campus community with the transition, offering a number of mental health resources as students move through the process.

Under the new system, students purchase an internet-based permit online where parking rights are assigned to the license plate of a registered vehicle.