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

  • Video of Jacob Alvarez - Cardiology Unit Nursing Externship

    Jacob Alvarez

    Cardiology Unit Nursing Externship

    Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Justice Pathway

  • 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

  • Video of Kelsey Alesescu - Leadership in Health and Wellness

    Kelsey Alesescu

    Leadership in Health and Wellness

    Leadership Pathway

  • Video of Yili Liu - Creating Supplemental Instructor Study Group Program

    Yili Liu

    Creating Supplemental Instructor Study Group Program

    Teaching & Student Success Pathway

  • Video of Kellie Bowen - Abstract Art Therapy Group for teenagers

    Kellie Bowen

    Abstract Art Therapy Group for teenagers

    Health & Wellness Pathway

  • Video of Grant Fiema - Revamping Small Business's Online Presence

    Grant Fiema

    Revamping Small Business's Online Presence

    Entrepreneurship Pathway

  • 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

  • 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

  • Video of Mariam Bertapelle - Running a Smooth Student Government Election Process

    Mariam Bertapelle

    Running a Smooth Student Government Election Process

    Leadership Pathway

  • Video of Mona Adhami - AMA Case Competition Leadership

    Mona Adhami

    AMA Case Competition Leadership

    Leadership Pathway

  • Video of Karla Kelly - Behavioral Ecology of Birds Lab Activity

    Karla Kelly

    Behavioral Ecology of Birds Lab Activity

    Teaching & Student Success Pathway

  • 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

  • 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 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.