July 17, 2020

Updates from the Office of Admissions

Fall 2020 application fee waiver

We understand that these are unprecedented times and we want to make it as easy as possible for students to apply. To help, we are waiving the $40 application fee for students completing a first-year or transfer student application for fall 2020. The fee will be automatically waived as students submit the application. No code is needed. 

Fall 2020 application deadlines:

• First-year students: July 31, rolling admission. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, WMU has extended the application deadline for fall 2020 entry.
• Transfer and all other undergraduate student types: Aug. 15.

Virtual open house on July 31

The July 31 Summer Open House, originally planned to be on campus, has moved to a virtual format. During the online event, prospective Broncos can connect with WMU representatives and get answers to their questions about enrolling at WMU. The open house begins at 10 a.m. Students will be able to create a personalized schedule from a variety of 30-minute sessions. Topics include academic colleges (including Lee Honors College and Exploratory Advising), admissions and scholarships, living on campus and a student panel. 

2021 admissions application

• Spring 2021 entry for all undergraduate student types: Jan. 1, 2021.
• Summer I 2021 entry for all undergraduate student types: May 1, 2021.
• Summer II 2021 entry for all undergraduate student types: June 15, 2021.
• Fall 2021 entry for first-year students:
  • Dec. 15, 2020, Early Action (non-binding). Admission to any WMU academic program, admission scholarship consideration and priority Lee Honors College consideration.
  • June 1, 2021, rolling admission. Admission to any WMU academic program.
• Fall 2021 entry for transfer and all other undergraduate student types: Aug. 15, 2021.

*A complete application file includes application, official high school transcripts and application fee or fee waiver. Due to the cancellation of many spring 2020 ACT/SAT test dates, WMU is test-optional for any 2021 entry term.

Updates to Office of Student Transitions programming

The Transition Orientation Program (TOP), serving incoming transfer students and new adult beginners, is moving to a virtual format and will take place on July 24 and Aug. 14.

Fall Welcome is an important part of a student's acclimation to WMU and will still be held in person before classes begin on Sept. 2. Plans are being made with Residence Life and Dining Services to ensure safe and efficient move-in and dining processes. Fall Welcome programs will be micro-scaled to limit the number of large gatherings, and several activities will have a virtual option. Safety will be at the forefront as we strive to help students make a positive transition to college life at WMU.

Last day for students to withdraw from SUM II classes is July 20

GoWMU will be available for students to withdraw until 11:59 p.m. on Monday, July 20. Students with a registration hold who are unable to use GoWMU may request a withdrawal through the Registrar's Office by emailing @email. The Registrar's Office sent a reminder to all registered students via email last week. Withdrawal from a course after July 20 will only be permitted through the hardship panel withdrawal process via the Office of the Ombudsman.

Contact Registrar's Office regarding new chairs/directors

To ensure a new chair/director has grade change access, please email @email when there is a switch in your area.

CARES Act communications from Student Financial Aid

Earlier this week, a second round of emails went out to students who received additional funds for the CARES Act. Students were informed via their WMU email. After processing, the refund procedure will begin.

Fall tuition and fees now due Aug. 26; invoices expected to be available Aug. 7

Fall 2020 tuition and fees are now due on Aug. 26 instead of Aug. 19. As a reminder, tuition invoices will only be available online. Students can grant access to parents or others as authorized users by logging in to GoWMU, selecting the “Payment and Account Information” option and following the prompts provided.  Find additional information on payment options at wmich.edu/accounts-receivable/payments, including:

• Employer Deferred Payment Plan
• University Payment Plan
• Third Party Payments
• Veteran Payments

Please be advised, the date for tuition invoice availability may be subject to change.

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

The GPA Calculator has received nearly 21,000 pageviews since July 2019.