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
- Attend WMU Signature designated experiences to find out what you might want to do
- Meet with a WMU Signature staff member to discuss pathway or Signature Experience ideas
- Declare your pathway to begin receiving more information
- Submit an idea for your Signature Experience to get feedback on before starting
Already Started/Completed your Signature Experience
- Complete Signature Experience submission form
- Get feedback and approval
- Write 2-5 minute script
- Get feedback
- Film 2-5 minute video
Recent WMU Signature Experiences
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Video of Will Roosien - Aggregating and Applying Supply Chain Data to Advocate for Workers
WillRoosien
Aggregating and Applying Supply Chain Data to Advocate for Workers
Research & Creative Scholarship Pathway
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Video of Faye Simpson - National Association of Black Accounts VP
Faye Simpson
National Association of Black Accountants VP
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Pathway
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Video of Marilyn Buford - Anti-Racism in the UK Invited Speaker
Marilyn Buford
Anti-Racism in the UK Invited Speaker
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice Pathway
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Video of Bill Bowser - Founding the Track and Field at Western Michigan University Club Team
Bill Bowser
Founding the Track and Field at Western Michigan University Club Team
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Collin Holzberger - LeadersUnplugged
Collin Holzberger
LeadersUnplugged
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Nancy Chau - A Moment of Magic Toy Drive
Nancy Chau
A Moment of Magic Toy Drive
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Spencer Meyers - Book Fundraiser for Read and Write Kalamazoo
Spencer Myers
Book Fundraiser for Read and Write Kalamazoo
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Emily Principe - Growing WiSTEM Student Organization
Emily Principe
Growing WiSTEM Student Organization
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Madeline Smith - Increasing Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Programming in Residence Halls
Madeline Smith
Increasing Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Programming in Residence Halls
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Pathway
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Video of Omer Idris - Tanapoxvirus research
Omer Idris
Tanapoxvirus Research
Research and Creative Scholarship Pathway
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Video of Madi Jennings - LGBTQ+ Education and Advocacy
Madi Jennings
LGBTQ+ Education and Advocacy
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Justice Pathway
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Video of Alexandra Kasprzyk - Rebrand of Western Student Association
Alexandra Kasprzyk
Rebrand of Western Student Association
Leadership Pathway
WMU Signature is built off of the Association of American Colleges & Universities Capstones and Signature Work project
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.