June 19, 2020
Virtual Orientation updates
Online orientation modules are live and students will access them through Elearning. The modules introduce essential information on becoming a successful student at WMU.
Students continue to meet virtually with academic advisors and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
The third component of online orientation, virtual community sessions, will kick off in July. Virtual community sessions are a forum for new students, including transfers and adult learners, to begin building their community at WMU. Organizations, clubs, departments and colleges are invited to host virtual community sessions. These sessions should be a space where incoming students can learn about your unit/organization, but more importantly, make a connection with a current student, staff or faculty member. You may host as many sessions as you'd like and you can choose your day(s) and time(s).
2020-21 Graduate Catalog now available
As with the undergraduate catalog, there are still some details to be finalized (e.g., new programs), but none that should affect advisors working with students. PDF versions of the UG and GRAD catalogs will be available in mid-August.
Office of Admissions receives recognition for virtual efforts from Volt
WMU was recently featured in an article in higher education magazine Volt for its virtual college tours.
First-Year Success Guide now available
The guide, created by the Registrar's Office, is intended to serve as a quick reference for advising-related information, as well as provide many helpful tips regarding registration, Degree Works, important dates and University procedures/policies.
Updates from Student Financial Aid
Returning student packaging
Returning students (undergraduate and graduate) were packaged Tuesday, June 16. Transfer students were packaged a few weeks ago. Students may check their WMU email to view the interactive offer letter and package details.
CARES Act application closed
Earlier this week, CARES funding applications closed. Students will be notified by Monday, June 22, for details regarding their refund. Information on the CARES Act is still available for reference at wmich.edu/finaid/cares.
SUM I grades due June 30
As a reminder, the final grade worksheet will be available for grade submission until noon on Tuesday, June 30.
Last day to drop/add SUM II courses is July 2
Summer II census will occur Thursday, July 2. Typically, registration changes on census day must be done through the department. This session, due to staff working remotely, students will have the ability to drop and add classes on census day through GoWMU.
After July 2, dropping a class is considered a withdrawal and will show on the academic transcript with a final grade of “W”. Classes can be withdrawn in GoWMU from July 3 to July 20. The refund schedule is listed in the calendar at the bottom of this email.
Admissions deadlines and information
First-year (freshman) application deadline is July 31
WMU has extended the fall 2020 application deadline for domestic, first-year (freshman) students until July 31. An admissions application and all related materials must be received by that date in the Office of Admissions to be considered for admission to WMU. Students should apply online at wmich.edu/apply. Direct questions to (269) 387-2000 or @email. If a student is affected by a school closure (and they are unable to request official transcripts) or a spring ACT/SAT test date cancellation, we don’t want that to impact their ability to apply. Please visit wmich.edu/admissions/covid-19 for updates.
Fall 2021 and fall 2022 students
Students interested in enrolling at WMU in a future cycle have multiple ways to connect with us now. 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.
- Daily info sessions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Tuesday/Thursday info sessions for transfer students at 3 p.m.
- Academic college info sessions at 11 a.m.
- Daily Lunchtime Live social chats at noon
- Bronco Break Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
- Navigate to any of the 20 stops on the WMU virtual tour
- On-demand virtual tour, narrated by student ambassadors
- Live virtual tour, hosted by student ambassadors, Monday through Friday at 3 p.m. and Monday through Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
- Live Western Wednesday: Next Steps sessions on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
- Video tutorials to assist with next steps
View details and additional options at wmich.edu/admissions/virtual.
Fall 2020 course material submissions
If you are teaching a course this fall and you have not submitted your course materials, please do so as soon as possible. Materials can be submitted through the Discover submission program or via email to Mark Kuepfer (@email). If you are using the same materials from previous semesters, simply share that information with Mark. According to the Higher Education Opportunity Act, WMU is required to publish textbook information with our course offerings.
Did you know? A fun fact from the Registrar...
More than 1,300 students will graduate from WMU this summer. Resources for graduates, including graphics and downloads, are available at wmich.edu/commencement.