June 5, 2020

Summer camp updates from Precollege Programming

In-person camps will not be allowed on campus for summer II. You may offer your camp content in an online, virtual format or cancel. Please let Alexis Arocho know what you decide to do with your camp so we can update our web page. If you have questions about how to proceed, contact Dr. Erika Carr. If you have not yet registered your summer camp online, please do so ASAP at wmich.edu/precollege/camps.

2020-21 Undergraduate Catalog now available

The catalog was made available earlier this week so advisors will have access during Orientation. There are still some details to be finalized within the catalog, but none that should affect advisors working with students (unless they are looking for new programs). The 2020-21 Graduate Catalog will be available soon.

Explore the catalog

Office of Student Transitions continues summer and fall programming

Orientation is now underway with virtual academic advising appointments and course registration. The online orientation modules will be live for students in a few weeks, and plans for virtual community sessions are being finalized for July. Fall Welcome will still take place and official dates will be announced soon. While Fall Welcome will undoubtedly look different this year, this program is important to help new students make a smooth transition to WMU. 

Updates from Student Financial Aid

Admissions scholarship renewals

Based on the uncertainty and instability caused by the transition to online learning during the 2019-20 academic year, institutional scholarship renewals for the 2020-21 academic year will be based solely on Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status and no other criteria (for this year ONLY). All student offers would be renewed for 2020-21 and placed onto the student’s offer of financial aid. These offers would pay as long as students are meeting University SAP requirements. Students who are not meeting these requirements would need to complete an SAP appeal with Student Financial Aid. If the appeal is granted, their SAP status would automatically allow their scholarship to pay.

CARES Act updates

CARES Act applications are still available. Applications are not editable once submitted and students must be eligible to qualify. More information and the link to apply is available at wmich.edu/finaid/cares. Multiple emails have been sent to students with information regarding the CARES Act, including application instructions, eligibility requirements, application processing, report and disclosure information and denial circumstances.

Updates from Admissions

June 1 confirmation counts

2,938 total active confirmations, which is 97.3% to goal.

Data pulled 6/2/20 (for domestic, first-year students)

New virtual experiences

During this time when it’s not possible to visit the WMU campus, the Office of Admissions has a variety of ways for students and families to experience our campus virtually. Whether prospective students are seeking to see our academic and social spaces, interact with our staff, or get admissions questions answered from home, our team is here to help. 

The following are new virtual experiences launching for June, along with the messaging/descriptions for students:

  • Bronco Break Rooms: Grab a friend and join current WMU students in an evening hangout. Play a game, ask questions, listen to music, learn about student life or just hang out! Don't forget to turn on your camera to join in on the fun! Sessions are available Tuesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
  • Western Wednesday (Next Steps): Ready to become a Bronco? We’re here to assist with any questions you may have when completing your next steps for enrollment, including your intent to enroll form, admissions deposit, housing contract and orientation sign-up. Offered Wednesdays at 4 p.m. 
  • Live Virtual Tour Sessions: Join one of our current student ambassadors for a live walkthrough of our virtual tour together. Learn about WMU, hear first-hand experiences from a current Bronco and ask any questions you have about campus and student life. Due to demand, we have expanded beyond a daily 3 p.m. session to now include Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m. 

View details and additional options at wmich.edu/admissions/virtual.

Spring grading is closed

Grading for the spring 2020 semester has been closed. Students who were not issued a grade by the instructor have been given an incomplete. Instructors can remove the "I" grade using the "Remove Incomplete Grade" link on the Faculty menu in GoWMU.

Summer I grading is open

The final grade worksheet will be available for grade submission until noon on Tuesday, June 30. Students will not be able to see their grades online until the grade roll process is completed in the Registrar’s Office. This is done shortly after noon on the day grades are due and nightly thereafter. 

View tips and best practices for grading

2021-22 University Calendar now available

See the calendar

Did you know? A fun fact from the Registrar...

As of this morning, 54% of April graduates and 48% of June graduates have opted to attend a commencement ceremony at a later date.