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It's time to Rethink Smart.
Are you ready?

What is smart?

It's the happiness of pursuit.

It's daring to answer. And question.

It's knowing failure is success in progress.

Two WMU students smile amidst a crowd on a snowy day

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student tends to plants in a greenhouse

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student with a stethoscope looks out over the College of Health and Human Services campus

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A student on horseback leads the WMU football team onto the field

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

WMU mascot Buster Bronco stands arm-in-arm with MSU mascot Sparty

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student lifting weights at the Student Rec Center

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student laughing amidst a crowd

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A group of WMU students doing a team cheer before a rugby match

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student relaxes in a hammock in front of the Miller Plaza fountain

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

A WMU student with her face painted plays the tuba

It's a deeper understanding of who you're meant to be. It's preparing for a job that doesn't yet exist. It's embracing change, creating it and saying no to the impossible.

We call it Rethink Smart. It's a new day.

Rethink Smart.

Pursue WMU student Kendall Owens and a friend smile in their graduation regaliaCraft your why.

Ignite Your Purpose

Kendall Owens, Nursing & Dance

 

Kendall knew her why. She just needed a little help with the how. Her love of the arts and helping people led Kendall to pursue a dual major in dance and nursing. With Western’s help, she achieved success in both.

Along every student’s journey to engage their purpose, our faculty are there, inspiring a passion for learning and offering support inside and outside the classroom. Maybe that's why 89% of Broncos felt instructors cared about them as a person. And why Kendall now works as a nurse and runs a nonprofit that makes the arts more accessible to minorities and young artists in Detroit.

We're preparing you for a career and a lifetime of purpose.
That's Rethink Smart.

97% of Broncos had instructors who made them excited about learning.
—2021-22 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

Thrive WMU student Joseph Backe working in an engineering labFind balance.

Explore Well-being

Joseph Backe, Engineering

 

What’s the ideal balance between career preparation and a well-lived life? We helped Joseph find it by creating an environment where academics and athletics work together.

Western students find community and connection with more than 300 diverse student organizations, including many team sports clubs for men and women. Joseph wanted a college where he could further his passion for rugby while studying for an engineering degree. He found it here. And another big win? He led the WMU Men’s Rugby Club to its first-ever MAC championship.

Combining academics with wellness?
That's Rethink Smart.

89% of students felt instructors cared about them as a person.
—2021-22 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

Prosper WMU student Lynnae Strait at a business eventAchieve greatness.

Ready for Every Opportunity

Lynnae Strait, Graphic Design

 

WMU encouraged Lynnae to seek opportunities outside the classroom. Now she’s found her place in the creative epicenter of the world.

Lynnae pursued an internship in New York City, and it catapulted her from the classroom into the working world of design at the prestigious GHD Partners, where she’s now employed as a graphic designer.

It's no surprise that 88% of Broncos feel prepared for their profession and that 9 of 10 Broncos are employed quickly, working in their field, in jobs they like.

Being prepared for every opportunity?
That's Rethink Smart.

91% of graduates had one or more resume-worthy learning experiences.
—2021-22 Career Outcomes Report
Explore the data

Smart is having a mentor. See how ours change lives.

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    Thank you for helping me to realize my lifelong goal of landing a dream job on Broadway.

    Tyler
    Theater Management

  • Video of 453385975

    You were there for me. Every step of the way.

    Sam
    Marketing

  • Video of 453383681

    He reminded me that I belonged, deserved and mattered.

    JustOne
    Engineering