October 8, 2021

Semi-annual re-authorization began this week

The semi-annual security re-authorization process began Monday, Oct. 4, and concludes Friday, Oct. 15. Supervisors will have through Friday, Oct. 22, to approve or deny requests. 

Security re-authorization allows the Registrar's Office to audit access to critical computer systems used at WMU and to ensure that users are familiar with the latest policies. Questions should be directed to the Registrar's Office at (269) 387-4300.

Spring course offerings available Oct. 11; registration begins Oct. 25

There are two ways to view course offerings: Course Lookup and GoWMU.

See the registration calendar
Fall midterm grades due Oct. 18

Grades can be entered in GoWMU using the Midterm Grade Worksheet. Grades can also be reported through D2L. Additional information on midterm grading, as well as instructions on how to submit midterm grades via Elearning, can be found at wmich.edu/registrar/faculty-staff/grades.

Instructors can report students who are not performing well, have excessive absences or missing multiple assignments using the Report Student Academic Concern form located on the Faculty Menu in GoWMU. When a student is reported, the information is sent to the Registrar's Office, Residence Life (if the student is living on campus) and the academic advisor of record (if the student is an undergraduate). Additionally, a comment is added to the “Notes” section in Degree Works. 

Admissions news and events

Michigan College Month

Throughout the month of October, as part of Michigan College Month, WMU will be waiving the admission application fee for domestic undergraduate applications. This includes the Common Application for first-year students and the WMU institutional application (Gold Gateway) for transfer students. Please direct students to wmich.edu/apply to begin their application.

Fall Open Houses

The Office of Admissions, along with many campus partners, is inviting prospective students and families to campus for one of three Fall Open House programs:

  • Friday, Oct. 29
  • Friday, Nov. 5
  • Friday, Nov. 12

Attendees will explore academic areas of interest, tour campus and housing options with a current Bronco and engage with staff and students about student life and support services. Interested students should be directed to visit wmich.edu/admissions/openhouse for registration information.

Kalamazoo County College Night

Mark your calendars and join the Office of Admissions on Monday, Oct. 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Kalamazoo Valley Community College for the Kalamazoo Area College Night, where attendees can meet with representatives from WMU and nearly 80 different public and private colleges and universities from across the country. For faculty and staff with a high school student, this event is a great opportunity for your student to engage with many institutions in one location. View details at kvcc.edu/admissions/collegenight/.

Reminder: Proxy users no longer have access to Degree Works 

The new Degree Works does not allow students to grant proxy access. Review third party authorization information at wmich.edu/registrar/students/authorized.

Updates from Precollege Programming

Michigan GEAR UP tutoring services begin next week

The hybrid service is a collaboration among Precollege Programming, the College of Education’s ED 3200 course and the Mentoring for Success program. Tutors are comprised of WMU students ranging in various academic disciplines.

Michigan GEAR UP strengthens students’ academic skills and readiness for post-secondary education by offering year-round services, including tutoring, career workshops, college visits and summer programs. Learn more at wmich.edu/precollege/gearup.     

Academically Talented Youth Program (ATYP) information meetings coming later this month

Meetings will focus on the qualifying process for students interested in beginning ATYP next fall. Due to space limitations for social distancing, an RSVP will be required. Learn more at wmich.edu/precollege/atyp/qualifying/information

New director of Upward Bound announced

We are pleased to announce that Gustavo Echavarria is the new director of TRiO Upward Bound. Keenan King has taken a new position and is no longer with our office. 

Mr. Echavarria brings five years of experience from his previous role as assistant director for Upward Bound Van Buren. Before his role as assistant director, Gustavo served as the recruiter for the College Assistant Migrant Program (CAMP). Gustavo is knowledgeable of the Kalamazoo and Van Buren Upward Bound programs, and he has strong relationships in both communities.

Admissions recruitment partner spotlight

The Office of Admissions would like to recognize Connor Johnson, network administrator from the Office of Information Technology – Field Services, as a fantastic recruitment partner. As our IT support, we call on Connor to assist with a variety of technology needs. He has proven that he is very responsive to the team, taking the time to resolve issues and help us work through problems. Connor talks to our team in relatable terms and he is extremely patient. He was also instrumental in assisting our staff with the transition back to in-office work. Simply put, Connor is an IT rockstar! 

2022-23 FAFSA now available for students to complete

Please encourage students to apply early and have 2020 tax information available when filing.

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

More than 1,300 2020-21 graduates participated in an in-person commencement celebration at Waldo Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 2. View a recording of the event.