About WMU Signature

WMU Signature is a program created to encourage all students to complete a culminating integrative learning project. A Signature Experiences is tangible experience students initiate where they apply what they have learned in and out of the classroom to real-world problems. Each student’s Signature Experience is unique to them and related to their purpose, denoted by their chosen pathway. Research has shown employers are looking for future employees who have completed these types of experiences. All Western students have the opportunity to complete a Signature Experience and be recognized by the University.

Examples of Signature Experiences

  • A project you played a lead role on during an internship or co-op.
  • A research project.
  • Work led as part of a Registered Student Organization.
  • A project completed in the community.
  • Running or starting a business or organization.

Criteria for a Signature Experience

  • Should be the experience, or one of the experiences, a student is most proud of during their time as a WMU student.
  • Must be student initiated or directed.
  • Cannot be completed for an academic requirement.
  • Should take about a semester to complete, though some will be completed in less time and many will take more time.
  • Should integrate multiple areas of learning, both from in the classroom and outside the classroom.
  • Must be an example of putting a student’s purpose into action.

Get Started

Have not completed a Signature Experience Yet - Optional Steps


 

Already Started/Completed your Signature Experience
  1.  Complete Signature Experience submission form
     
  2. Get feedback and approval
  3. Write 2-5 minute script
  4. Get feedback
  5. Film 2-5 minute video

Recent WMU Signature Experiences

WillRoosien

Aggregating and Applying Supply Chain Data to Advocate for Workers
—Research & Creative Scholarship Pathway

Faye Simpson

National Association of Black Accountants VP
—Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Pathway

Marilyn Buford

Anti-Racism in the UK Invited Speaker
—Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice Pathway

Bill Bowser

Founding the Track and Field at Western Michigan University Club Team
—Leadership Pathway

Collin Holzberger

LeadersUnplugged
—Leadership Pathway

Nancy Chau

A Moment of Magic Toy Drive
—Leadership Pathway

Spencer Myers

Book Fundraiser for Read and Write Kalamazoo
—Leadership Pathway

Emily Principe

Growing WiSTEM Student Organization
—Leadership Pathway

Madeline Smith

Increasing Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Programming in Residence Halls
—Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Pathway

Omer Idris

Tanapoxvirus Research
—Research and Creative Scholarship Pathway

Madi Jennings

LGBTQ+ Education and Advocacy
—Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Pathway

Alexandra Kasprzyk

Rebrand of Western Student Association
—Leadership Pathway

WMU Signature Designation

Western Michigan University recognizes that engagement outside of the classroom can contribute to student learning and development. In response, the University created a framework, WMU Signature, for students to intentionally engage on campus and meaningfully reflect on their experiences. To celebrate students' co-curricular achievements, the University will officially recognize students who have successfully completed their WMU Signature by including a WMU Signature Designation on their academic transcripts and diploma.

Western Michigan University is the only institution that is currently including a co-curricular designation on the academic transcript and the diploma.

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