August 2020 WMU News

WMU professor develops face shields to make children safer at school

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.

Students, employees encouraged to participate in COVID-19 screening events

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.

Anthropology professor emerita honored with lifetime achievement award

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.

WMU business professors see signs of economic recovery amid pandemic

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 and fall 2020 dining news

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.

Effort to help WMU students in need sees exponential growth, support

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.

Counseling Services offers support as WMU returns to campus

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.