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 Jacob Alvarez - Cardiology Unit Nursing Externship
Jacob Alvarez
Cardiology Unit Nursing Externship
Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Pathway
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Video of Grace Hauschild - Assistant Director for Mama Mia! at Plainwell High School
Grace Hauschild
Assistant Director for Mama Mia! at Plainwell High School
Arts & Culture Pathway
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Video of Kelsey Alesescu - Leadership in Health and Wellness
Kelsey Alesescu
Leadership in Health and Wellness
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Yili Liu - Creating Supplemental Instructor Study Group Program
Yili Liu
Creating Supplemental Instructor Study Group Program
Teaching & Student Success Pathway
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Video of Kellie Bowen - Abstract Art Therapy Group for teenagers
Kellie Bowen
Abstract Art Therapy Group for teenagers
Health & Wellness Pathway
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Video of Grant Fiema - Revamping Small Business's Online Presence
Grant Fiema
Revamping Small Business's Online Presence
Entrepreneurship Pathway
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Video of Ellen Badger Hanson - Connecting People and Prairies through Community Education
Ellen Badger Hanson
Connecting People and Prairies through Community Education
Teaching & Student Success Pathway
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Video of Haley Summerfield - Different beat: Using music and sound to create unique cultural experiences
Haley Summerfield
Different beat: Using music and sound to create unique cultural experiences
Arts & Culture Pathway
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Video of Mariam Bertapelle - Running a Smooth Student Government Election Process
Mariam Bertapelle
Running a Smooth Student Government Election Process
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Mona Adhami - AMA Case Competition Leadership
Mona Adhami
AMA Case Competition Leadership
Leadership Pathway
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Video of Karla Kelly - Behavioral Ecology of Birds Lab Activity
Karla Kelly
Behavioral Ecology of Birds Lab Activity
Teaching & Student Success Pathway
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Video of Joanna Sblendorio - A sustainable and inclusive strategy for deadline flexibility
Joanna Sblendorio
A Sustainable and Inclusive Strategy for Deadline Flexibility
Teaching and Student Success Pathway
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Video of Elaine Chan - Being a leader in the developer community: Supporting Your Journey into Tech
Elaine Chan
Being a leader in the developer community: Supporting Your Journey into Tech
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.