Precollege Programming

ATYP Safety Policies and Procedures

Western Michigan University is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all while it undertakes the primary mission of educating students. First and foremost, WMU and its facilities and resources (classrooms, offices, public areas, libraries, grounds, educational technology and methods) must be conducive to the learning and safety of all students. Special and particular attention must be directed toward the minors on campus who are enrolled in the Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP). The following policies and procedures have been instituted to ensure students’ safety at all times:

  • In case of inclement weather, ATYP will be held online when the Kalamazoo Public Schools close (and/or when WMU’s campus is closed due to weather).  ATYP school closing information is available on WWMT.com and will be posted on Facebook. Occasionally, weather on campus differs from outlying areas; families should use their best judgment about the decision to travel.
  • In case of a Tornado Watch, classes will be held as scheduled. Parents should use their own discretion in case of severe weather in their location. If there is a Tornado Warning at the start of/end of class time, parents and students should stay in place until the danger has passed.
  • First/Second Year Students: Instructors will be present at Sangren Hall by 1 p.m. and an instructor, staff member, or building supervisor will be on site until the last student has been picked up. Students should not be dropped off before 1:00 p.m., and every attempt should be made to pick students up by 4:00 p.m. If you will not arrive by 4:15, please contact the office at (269) 387-3553 to let us know so that we can ensure that your child is not unsupervised. 
  • AP Students/ATYP IV: Students taking these classes meet at alternate times and places. The teacher or ATYP director will give these students information on drop off and pick up locations/times prior to the start of class.
  • If an emergency arises and the student must be dropped off early, ATYP staff should be notified. If families need to make alternate weekly arrangements, a new Pick Up/Drop Off form should be completed and returned to the office.
  • The WMU Board of Trustees has adopted the “Policy on Duty to Report Criminal Acts.” If any member of the University in good faith perceives or observes abuse and/or neglect of a minor or believes a minor to be in jeopardy of abuse, they are to immediately call WMU’s Department of Public Safety at (269) 387-5555 and/or proceed as otherwise provided for in that policy. If a student feels in need of assistance for a minor issue or medical problem, they should contact the ATYP office at (269) 387-3553. In case of an emergency, dial 911.
  • In accordance with the Western Michigan University policy of requiring background checks based on job duties, ATYP personnel involved in education, supervision, and/or care of a minor will be subject to background checks where appropriate.
  • In the case of an emergency on campus, the Western Michigan University community is notified through a text/call alert system. ATYP students and their families can sign up for these alerts by going to the student’s goWMU login and clicking on the WMU Alert Settings button.
  • In an emergency situation, if a parent should need to contact a student, please call the ATYP office at (269) 387-3553. The office will make sure that the student receives the message.
  • For more information on WMU’s campus safety policies, parents are invited to visit the website of the Emergency Management Department.
  • You may read WMU's entire Minors on Campus policy.
  • Students are expected to adhere to the Code of Conduct, which they sign upon registration. Cases of misconduct will be reported to the ATYP office and each case will be treated on an individual basis. Serious infractions, or repeated minor infractions, may result in a student being dismissed from the program.
  • Students are expected to show respect to instructors, other students, and university staff. Disrupting the class or behaving in a manner that prevents classmates from learning will not be tolerated.
  • Outside the classroom, students should use indoor voices and avoid horseplay. Campus buildings and facilities should not be mistreated.
  • Students should not disturb staff in any of the offices on campus except in the case of an emergency. Needing a pen or other office supplies does not constitute an emergency. The people who work in these offices are not ATYP staff and have no connection to the program.
  • If an ATYP student feels uncomfortable for any reason, either in or out of the classroom, please contact the ATYP office as soon as possible so that the situation can be addressed.

Students may use the computer labs on campus with their WMU ID. Please be advised that there are no filters on the computers and the students will have complete internet access. If you allow your student access to the computers on campus, please provide supervision or counseling to have a safe experience on the internet. Computer lab staff will not act as monitors.