Fall Welcome Detailed Schedule
Below is the detailed schedule for Fall Welcome 2025. Select a day to see the full schedule of the day. Each day is complete with times, locations, and descriptions of each event.
Bronco ID
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Parking Services
If the students need their Bronco IDs still, they can go to parking services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Student Move-In
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Main Campus
Students will be moving into their resident's hall.
Floor/Hall Meetings
5:30 - 6:00 PM
Right before the official start of Fall Welcome (FW) and directly after the students are finished moving into the resident halls. The meeting is with their Residents Assistant to go over living expectations, meeting others on their floor, and events that will be happening over the week.
Commuter Check-in
5:30 - 6:00 PM
Location: Goldsworth Valley Pond
This is the start of check-in exclusively for commuter students that will be taking part in FW. We are asking all commuters to check-in on this day. Check-in is at the Goldsworth Valley Pond under the Gazebo.
Meet Your Ambassador (MYA)
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Intramural Fields
This is where the students will meet their ambassador (MYA) who will lead/help them during the week of FW and check-in if they will be living on campus. The event is located at Intramural Fields near the Valley Dinning Center (VDC). After they meet with their ambassador they will go enjoy their first meal in the VDC.
Game Night
7:30 - 10:30 PM
Location: Student Center Game Room
This is the first event of FW that will take place inside the student center on the first floor near and in the game room. Students will be able to utilize the games, pool tables, ping pong tables that are inside the game room. There will also be a variety of board games that the students may use.
Glow Dance Party
9:00 - 10:30 PM
Location: Student Center Ballroom
This event is hosted by our very own campus radio station, WIDR. The event will be inside the student center ballroom located on the second floor. We will have glow sticks and an assortment of materials that students can use and keep during the dance party.
Bronco ID
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Parking Services
If the students need their Bronco IDs still, they can go to parking services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Student Move-In
9:00 AM - 5:00 pm
Location: Main Campus
Students will be moving into their resident's hall.
Floor/Hall Meetings
5:30 - 6:00 PM
A meeting with their Residents Assistant to go over living expectations, meeting others on their floor, and events that will be happening over the week.
Explore WMU
9:30 - 10:30 am
Location: Sangren Mall Big W
This event will be held all around campus. Starting at the big W in Sangren Mall, students could either go with ambassadors and have the opportunity to find classroom locations, or to take a walk to our east campus to see a beautiful view of campus.
Music Bingo
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: Heart of the Student Center
This event will be held in the Heart of the Student Center. Students will be able to win prizes while playing Bingo.
BBQ Meet & Greet + Rappel
11:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: WMU ROTC Rappel Tower
This event will be hosted by Western’s ROTC program at the WMU ROTC Rappel Tower located behind Zhang Legacy Center. Any student will have the opportunity to learn and experience how to Rappel from a tower. Additionally, there will be a BBQ to meet ROTC members.
Commuter Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Valley Dining Center
Grab lunch with fellow commuter students and make friends before taking on the day of Fall Welcome activities.
College of Aviation International Student Luncheon
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Student Center 2209
This is a luncheon that will be held in the Student Center for incoming international students that will be majoring in aviation. The students will learn more about this event once they have participated in International Orientation on August 21.
Relaxation Station
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
At this time students will be able to relax and chill in-between events. This will be held in Sangren Mall, which is right outside of the Student Center. Students will be able to do canvas painting, bracelet making, and other arts and crafts. Students will also have the opportunity to decorate lunch bags for the Kids Food Basket.
Alpha Programing
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Sangren 1910
This is an exclusive and mandatory event for our ALPHA students. It will be held in Sangren Hall.
Planting Party
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Waldo Library
This event will be hosted by Western’s Library right in front of Waldo Library. Students will be able to plant and decorate their very own plant that can go in their residence hall.
Relax & Recharge
2:30 - 4:00 PM
Location: Student Center
This event will have some of our therapy dogs roaming in the Student Center for students to go pet or be around. In addition to therapy dogs, there will be opportunities to do some bracelet making, decorating bags for Kids' Food Basket, and even get checked out by a chiropractor for free.
Meet Your Ambassador (MYA)
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Intramural Fields
This is where the students will meet their ambassador (MYA) who will lead/help them during the week of FW and check-in if they will be living on campus. The event is located at Intramural Fields near the Valley Dinning Center (VDC). After they meet with their ambassador they will go enjoy their first meal in the VDC.
Fine Arts Showcase
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Location: Richmond Center
This is the first after dark event, students will be able to meet many student organizations associated with the Fine Arts College. It will be hosted in the Richmond Center, which is right next to Miller Auditorium. There will be performances held and an art gallery that students can walk through.
Ice Skating
8:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: Lawson Ice Arena
This event will be an open skate event and allow students to ice skate on the same ice as our hockey champions. It will be held in Lawson Ice Arena, where there will be skates that students can borrow and skate with.
Movie Night
9:30 - 11:00 PM
Location: Soccer Intramural Fields
This event is hosted by our Campus Activities Board (CAB). It will be located on the Soccer Intramural Fields right below Western Heights Residence Halls and the Tennis Courts. Students will want to bring a blanket and or towel to sit/lay on. There will be popcorn provided by CAB during the movie.
Student Move-In
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Main Campus
Students will be moving into their resident's hall.
Floor/Hall Meetings
5:30 - 6:00 PM
A meeting with their Residents Assistant to go over living expectations, meeting others on their floor, and events that will be happening over the week.
Explore WMU
9:30 - 10:30 AM
Location: Sangren Mall Big W
This event will be held all around campus. Starting at the big W in Sangren Mall, students could either go with ambassadors and have the opportunity to find classroom locations, or to take a walk to our east campus to see a beautiful view of campus.
Alpha Programing
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Sangren 1910
This is an exclusive and mandatory event for our ALPHA students. It will be held in Sangren Hall.
Army ROTC
9:15 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: ROTC Building
This is an exclusive event for ROTC only students. ROTC students will meet at the ROTC building.
Bronco ID
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Parking Services
If the students need their Bronco IDs still, they can go to parking services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Letter Writing Party
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
This event is hosted by Western Michigan's Office of Sustainability and will be held in Sangren Mall right outside of Sangren Building. The Office of Sustainability will have sustainable crafts for students to participate in.
Commuter Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Valley Dining Center
Grab lunch with fellow commuter students and make friends before taking on the day of Fall Welcome activities.
Downtown
1:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Kalamazoo
This event will be held in Downtown Kalamazoo. Students will have the opportunity to go stop by various vendors and stores that will be present in the Kalamazoo Mall area. Students will be able to go downtown from the Western bus loop and take the Metro Bus to Bronson Park. Fall Welcome Ambassadors will be guiding students throughout the event. There will be caricatures, outdoor games, and goods that students can get for free or purchase.
Music Bingo
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Heart of the Student Center
This event will be held in the Heart of the Student Center. Students will be able to win prizes while playing Bingo.
Trivia with Mehran
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Location: Student Center Ballroom
This event will be in the Student Center Ballroom. Students will be able to have a root beer float while trying to win trivia with a group of 4 students against other groups of students. Students will not need to have a group of 4 before participating in Trivia. This event will be hosted by Marvelous Mehran who is an Assistant Program Manager for Fall Welcome.
Meet Your Ambassador (MYA)
6:00 - 7:00 PM
Location: Intramural Fields
This is where the students will meet their ambassador (MYA) who will lead/help them during the week of FW and check-in if they will be living on campus. The event is located at Intramural Fields near the Valley Dinning Center (VDC). After they meet with their ambassador they will go enjoy their first meal in the VDC.
Stadium Night
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Location: Waldo Stadium
This is the biggest event for students during Fall Welcome. Students will be walked by the Bronco Marching Band drum line from Main Campus all the way to Waldo Stadium. This is the most memorable night for students to meet many other students and make connections that will last forever. There will be various activities done at Stadium Night.
Affinity Group Meetings
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Location: Main Campus
This is where students can meet other students that share similar backgrounds and make connections with groups that may align with them. Affinity groups are listed below:
Affinity Group Commuter
9:30 – 10:30 AM
Sangren 1710
Commuter students can meet other commuter students.
Affinity Group Meeting (APIDA)
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Sangren 1910
Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans can meet other students and socialize.
Affinity Group Meeting (Latino)
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Sangren 1920
Latino students meet other Latino students and socialize.
Affinity Group Meeting (Native American)
12:30 – 1:30 PM
Sangren 1740
Native American students meet other Native American students and socialize.
Affinity Group Meeting (African American)
2:00 – 3:00 PM
Sangren 1750
African American students meet and socialize with other African American students.
LGBTQ Social/Information Group Meeting
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Sangren 1710
Meet other LGBTQ students
Affinity Group Meeting (First Generation)
7:00 – 8:00 PM
Sangren 1740
Students that are first generation can meet other students that are first generation.
Bronco ID
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Location: Parking Services
For those students who do not already have their Bronco IDs, they should go to Parking Services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
WOW Game Show
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Miller Auditorium
Hosted by the Office of Health Promotion and Health Education, this event takes place at Miller Auditorium and uses an interactive games-show format to engage and educate students in the domains of physical and mental health, wellness, and more!
Commuter Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Valley Dining Center
Grab lunch with fellow commuter students and make friends before taking on the day of Fall Welcome activities.
Transfer Student Social
12:30 - 1:30 PM
Location: Chemistry Building
Whether you transferred from a community college, another four-year institution, or recently returned to school, this event is designed to connect you with others and make you feel at home! It will take place at the Chemistry Building.
Student Panel
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Sangren Hall 1910
This event, in collaboration with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) features a leadership panel of various student organizations and groups that enables incoming students to engage with current students and hear about their experiences in leadership roles and organizations around campus first-hand. It will take place in Sangren Hall, on the first floor, Room 1910, and students are encouraged to come and go through the duration of the event.
The Bronco Chase
1:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: EVERYWHERE
While this block of time enables students to focus specifically on the Bronco Chase, this event is a points-based scavenger hunt activity that runs all throughout Fall Welcome. As students participate in Fall Welcome activities, they get codes and points and will also collect codes by visiting different buildings or landmarks on campus!
New Student Carnival
3:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
The New Student Carnival is an even thrown by the Greek Council at WMU and serves as a fantastic opportunity for new students what it means to go Greek! With a variety of chapters present, it gives ample opportunity for new students to speak with Greek members and leaders in a casual, fun environment. This event will take place outside in the Sangren Mall.
Karaoke, Board Games, ETC...
7:30 - 10:00 PM
Location: Student Center
Karaoke and a variety of board games will be available for a relaxing night at the Student Center! This will be a great time to connect with fellow students and decompress.
SRC Night
7:30 - 10:00 PM
Location: Student Recreation Center
This evening activity is being hosted at the Student Recreation Center (SRC) and is a fantastic opportunity for incoming students to embrace physical wellness and social connection by utilizing the recreational resources available to them. Activities include indoor rock climbing, inflatables, tennis, volleyball, and more! The SRC will also be offering GroupEX classes: University Recreation at Western Michigan University offers a wide range of group exercise classes to meet your fitness needs. Motivating, enthusiastic and energy-packed instructors will lead you in classes that consist of a variety of cardiovascular activities, as well as strengthening, flexibility and relaxation exercises designed to meet the needs of all fitness levels. Classes include: Yoga, Dance Fit, Zumba, CycleFit, and more.
Bronco ID
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Parking Services
For those students who do not already have their Bronco IDs, they should go to Parking Services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Fall Welcome Shirt Distribution
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Sangren Hall Overhang
Pick up your specialized Fall Welcome Shirt for your year.
Disability Services for Students (DSS)
10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Sangren Hall
At this event, students can learn more about Disability Student Services (DSS) and what they can provide for students. The event will be held in Sangren Hall.
Main Campus Classroom Tours
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Location: Sangren Mall Big W
To alleviate any anxiety about not knowing where to go for classes and ensure that students are prepared to start their semester on the right foot, students will be able to get a guided tour of their specific classes around Main Campus.
Academic College Kick-Off (ACK)
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Main Campus
The Academic College Kick-Off (ACK) will feature all students going to their individual colleges for a celebratory event with food and games to bond with other students and advisors in the same college to excite students for the beginning of their academic journey at WMU!
Aviation (COA) Academic College Kick Off
9:10 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Battle Creek
Please arrive at the bus roundabout (behind Rood Hall) between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. where you will be checked in and given your official Aviation t-shirt. The buses will leave promptly at 9:15 a.m. to go to Battle Creek.
DO NOT be late! Buses will be loaded in Battle Creek for a departure of 4:45 p.m. to return to main campus.
College of Engineering & Applied Sciences (CEAS) Academic College Kick Off
1:00 – 4:00 PM
Location: Floyd Hall
Please arrive at the bus roundabout (behind Rood Hall) by 12:50 p.m. to catch the two buses that will be traveling to the Parkview Campus. The first two buses will leave at 1 p.m. and return for a second pick up of students about 20 minutes later.
DO NOT be any later to the bus stop than 1:10 p.m. or you will not be going to Parkview. Buses will depart from Parkview in two rounds starting around 3:15 p.m. for a return to main campus.
College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) Academic College Kick Off
12:40 – 3:10 PM
Location: East Campus - College of Health and Human Services
Students going to CHHS will need to be at the bus roundabout (behind Rood Hall) by 12:20 p.m. for a departure at 12:30 p.m. The bus will return approximately every 20 minutes to pick up additional students going to CHHS.
You may also choose to walk or drive to CHHS as well. Buses will return to campus from CHHS approximately every 20 minutes.
College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) Academic College Kick-off
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Sangren 1910
Students of the College of Education and Human Development will meet at Sangren 1910 for their academic kick-off
College of Fine Arts (CFA) Academic College Kick-off
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Shaw/Gilmore
Students of the College of Fine Arts will meet in Shaw Theatre for their academic kick-off, which will be in the Gilmore Theatre complex.
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS) Academic Kick-off
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Dunbar
Students of the College of Arts and Sciences will meet in Dunbar Hall for their academic kick-off.
Merze Tate College (MTC) Academic College Kick-off
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Sangren 1920
Students of the Merze Tate College will meet in Sangren room 1920 for their academic kick-off.
Haworth College of Business (HCoB) Academic College Kick-off
2:30 – 4:00 PM
Location: Schneider
Students of the Haworth College of Business will meet in Schneider Hall for their academic kick-off.
Lee Honors College Open House (LHC Students only)
4:30 – 6:00 PM
Location: Lee Honor College
Students who are a part of the Honors College can have the opportunity to see and learn more about the Lee Honors College.
Commuter Lunch
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: Valley Dining Center
Grab lunch with fellow commuter students and make friends before taking on the day of Fall Welcome activities.
Multicultural Cookout
12:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Goldsworth Valley Pond
This is an exclusive event for those invited to socialize and eat food with members of the Office of Multicultural Affairs for Students at the Valley Pond.
LBGTQ Open House
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location: Adrian Trimpe Building
Thrown by the Office of LBGT Student Services at the Adrian Trimpe Building, the Open House serves as an open and welcoming space for students to explore campus LGBTQ+ resources, meet staff from the office, and connect with others in the community. Whether students are looking to get involved, meet cool people, or say hello, all are welcome!
Alpha Program Cookout
4:15 - 6:00 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
This is an exclusive and mandatory event for our ALPHA students. It will be held at Sangren Mall.
International Welcome Fair
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
The International Welcome Fair is an amazing social event, that includes many of our international student organizations. The event will be held in Sangren Mall, where there will be student organizations with exciting games, food, and even an interactive performance by Travelin’ Max. Students will have a chance to connect with other students from all around the world.
Traveling Max
6:30 - 8:30 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
As a part of the International Welcome Fair, the amazingly entertaining Travelin’ Max will be present and enhance the fun atmosphere by incorporating sing-a-longs, conga lines, audience participation, and cool prizes and free swag to new students!
Karaoke, Board Games, ETC...
8:30 - 10:30 PM
Location: Student Center
Karaoke and a variety of board games will be available for a relaxing night at the Student Center! This will be a great time to connect with fellow students and decompress.
Ice Skating
9:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: Lawson Ice Arena
This event will be an open skate event and allow students to ice skate on the same ice as our hockey champions. It will be held in Lawson Ice Arena, where there will be skates that students can borrow and skate with.
Field Night
9:00 - 11:00 PM
Location: Intramural Fields
At Field Night, students will be able to participate in many different outdoor games and activities. Field Night will be located in the Intramural Field where Meet Your Ambassador was held. There will be Football, Kickball, Volleyball and more!
Bronco ID
8:00 AM - 4:45 PM
Location: Parking Services
For those students who do not already have their Bronco IDs, they should go to Parking Services located at 2507 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006
Matriculation Ceremony
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Miller Auditorium
This event marks the first official day of all new students as an official Bronco. It is a celebration of what's to come for all new students. Students will be required to attend the matriculation ceremony. The event will be held in Miller Auditorium.
Kalamazoo Promise Kick-off
1:30 - 2:30 PM
Location: Sangren 1730
During this event students that are a part of the Kalamazoo Promise may go and meet other students or are also a part of the Promise.
TRIO Student Success
2:00 - 3:00 PM
Location: Sangren 1750
During this event students that are a part of the Student Success Program may go and meet other students or are also a part of the Program.
Bronco Bash
3:00 - 6:00 PM
Location: Sangren Mall
This phenomenal event marks the end of Fall Welcome! It is one of the most exciting events that students can attend at WMU and is going to be the easiest way to find out about all the amazing Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) that are on campus and learn what they are all about. Additionally, there will be dozens of community vendors from the Kalamazoo area present, all with their own pieces of swag to give out to our new Broncos! Bronco Bash takes place in Sangren Mall.