Updates in Academic Affairs: October 13, 2014
New online system in use for application to Graduate College
The Graduate College has rolled out a new way for potential graduate students to apply to WMU. An online application system called ApplyYourself moved the dual process of self-service Banner applications and departmental applications into one seamless process.
Implementation of the new system this fall resulted from a yearlong study conducted by the Graduate Admissions Review Project Action Team, headed by Graduate College Dean Susan Stapleton and formed under the Student Success Tactical Action Committee.
With the ApplyYourself system, materials that support a prospective student’s application may be uploaded directly, including letters of recommendation. Applicants are granted access to check on the status of submissions through their account. A connected tool, AppReview, allows access for WMU faculty to review applications online.
The ApplyYourself and AppReview systems will be in place for one academic year for graduate applications before being implemented at the undergraduate level. Implementation for undergraduate applications is planned for January 2015.
Our sincere thanks go to Dr. Stapleton and the teams who assisted with the vetting and implementation of the ApplyYourself system. This robust online application system will provide increased ease of use and reliability of graduate applications that are in process.
Questions regarding the ApplyYourself system may be directed to Jodi Ward in the Graduate College at (269) 387-8253 or at @email.
Information technology offers information security training to employees, students
Through several noteworthy initiatives, the Office of Information Technology is continuing its efforts to educate the campus community on best practices in information security.
OIT has developed an online security presentation that is presented weekly at the new employee orientation sessions. Online training also is provided to units by way of the SANS Securing the Human program.
This program offers a series of videos and testing modules that are assigned to the employee. Links to the appropriate WMU policy and procedural information included in the video segments are referenced and provided for each module.
Security topics and learning modules also are available for WMU students and student employees through the Elearning system. Students may access this training through the GoWMU portal in the My Self Service channel by clicking on “IT Security Education for Students.”
OIT staff also is available to provide security presentations for department or units. Contact Greg Lozeau in OIT at (269) 387-0091 to schedule a 20- to 30-minute security presentation.
Applications for Technology Development Fund support are due by Nov. 5
The Technology Development Fund offers financial support to help researchers advance promising discoveries.
The fund bridges the gap that often exists between research-stage technologies and technologies that are ready to be licensed by a corporation, or for private investment as part of a new enterprise.
Applications are being accepted from researchers with discoveries that need help transitioning from invention to commercialization. Projects may receive up to $20,000 in funding during the 2014-15 fiscal year.
Proposed projects must be based on intellectual property (patents and copyrights) disclosed to the Office of the Vice President for Research. Proposals also must reference the IP case number.
Find the criteria for qualifying projects, full request for proposals and the application form.
Signed hard copies of the completed application should be submitted to: OVPR, Suite 210, W. Walwood Hall, Mail Stop 5456, before end of business on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014.
Contact Dr. Clark Bennett in the OVPR with questions or for additional information at (269) 387-8218 or at @email.
Academic affairs non-bargaining staff invited to Oct. 31 meetings
The Office of the Provost will host meetings for all non-bargaining unit staff members in academic affairs on Friday, Oct. 31, in the Fetzer Center’s Kirsch Auditorium.
Two meeting times will be available—the first is from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. and the second is from 9:45 to 10:45 a.m. Supervisors are encouraged to accommodate staff participation in these meetings. Media Services will live stream both presentations for those staff members who are not able to travel to the main campus in Kalamazoo.
The purpose of these meetings is to provide updates in academic affairs and to answer any questions staff may have in person. Beverages and bakery items will be available before each session to thank our administrative staff members for their many contributions to keeping our departments running smoothly, and for supporting our students.
Those who wish to submit questions or comments for Provost Timothy Greene prior to the meeting may send them to this email address: @email.