Welcome to Campus!
The purpose of this guide is to make WMU parents, families and supporters aware of the different resources and services available to them and their Bronco student. Throughout this guide, you will find helpful tips and resources to help you support your Bronco on their academic journey.
Below we have tips for getting acclimated to university life categorized by the different aspects of the Well-being Wheel model. Each tip is categorized by which aspect it can fulfill for your overall Well-being to promote health and wellness for our students.
Helpful Resources
WMU Wellness Playbook - Enough for you, this one is all about your student. The WMU Wellness Playbook is the master resource for the wellness journey. Every task, activity, resource, office are listed plays organized by both the Well-being Wheel and when they should be done.
Advising Services - Make sure your student is aware of deadlines and when course selection opens to ensure the best chance of getting the class times they want. Advising locations vary by college and can be found on their website.
Autism Services Center - This office helps autictic/neaurodiverse students’ transition to college life by providing additional assistance such as weekly meetings, workshops, and structured study times.
Bronco Athletics - Students are able to attend any home WMU sporting event free of charge, be sure to get your tickets in advance as they can sell out quickly!
Budgeting Apps - Budgeting apps like GoodBudget can help students manage their finances and measure how much they are spending on a regular basis.
Career and Student Employment Services - Located in 1401 Ellsworth Hall, this is your home for exploring career options, job searching, negotiating, and finding internships.
Dining Services - We have two dining centers on our campus located next to the Valley Oaks Residence Halls and inside the Student Center on the third floor. If your student have any allergies or need any other food accommodations, check out their website for further assistance.
Discover Kalamazoo - Want to explore Kalamazoo but don’t know where to start? This app details many of the attractions and locations in Kalamazoo and puts it all in one place.
Experience WMU - This website details all the Registered Student Organizations on campus and also has volunteering opportunities, events open to all students, and professional networking events that should be on your students radar.
FAFSA Website - This is where you renew your Free Application for Federal Student Aid form every year to qualify for financial aid.
Financial Aid - If you’re contributing to your students finances, It’s important to talk to Financial Aid located on the first floor of the Faunce Student Services Building.
Handshake - WMU’s central location for all on-campus job postings, Internships for WMU students, and serves as a networking website exclusively for WMU students and employers.
Health Promotion and Education - Located in Sindecuse Health Center, this office helps ensure that your student’s health as a whole is being addressed by offering a wide variety of resources, workshops, and services.
Housing and Residence Life - The Western Michigan University Office of Housing and Residence Life strives to foster a supportive, safe, well-maintained residential environment that promotes belonging, academic success and personal development of students.
Kalamazoo Metro - Kalamazoo’s Bus service available free of charge for WMU students, you just need to show the driver your Bronco ID. Be sure to encourage students to get the myStop app to be aware of the different pick-up times.
Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LBGT) Student Services - The Office of LBGT Student Services offers support, education and advocacy around issues of gender identity/expression and sexual orientation to the WMU community.
Miller Auditorium - This venue hosts many different events such as speakers, off Broadway performances and much more. Students get 50% off of tickets by calling the box office or showing up in person
Multicultural Affairs for Students - Located in 2260 Ellsworth Hall, this office is geared towards helping students from different backgrounds be successful in pursuing their education.
myStop app - This app helps you see the bus routes around the Kalamazoo areas and can be used to plan a trip.
Office of Student Engagement - This office is in charge of all student-led activities, from registered student organizations to fraternity and sorority life.
Office of Sustainability - Located near the corner of W. Michigan Ave and Howard St., this building promotes environmental consciousness at WMU through programs such as free bike repairs, educational workshops, and they even raffle off bikes you can use during the semester.
Office of University Ombuds - The university Ombuds is available to hear concerns, assist with options and provide helpful resources. The Ombuds serves as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
Registrar’s Office - Full of great information that will help your student know how and when to register, important dates for adding and dropping courses, and much, much more.
Sanford Financial Center- Located in 3455 Schneider Hall, Sanford provides financial coaching such as budgeting, managing loans, or planning a big purchase.
Scholarship Universe - Houses WMU-specific scholarships
S.H.E Shed - Located in the Office of Sustainability, this is a program where students donate used items that still work such as utensils and decor. Once donated, other students can pick out items free of charge.
Sindecuse Health Center - WMU’s official on-campus health service provider. This building also acts as a pharmacy and students have access to free counseling. To check insurance compatibility and see what services they provide, please see their official website.
Student Recreation Center - This building located near University Arena offers students activities such as a pool, cardio rooms, and a weight room. Students enrolled in at least one credit hour get free access to these resources.
Student Success Services - Student Success Services at WMU provides academic support programs and connects you to the resources you need to achieve your academic and personal goals.
Bronco Study Zone -Located in 3374 Rood Hall and the Swain Student Success Center in Sangren Hall, this service offers tutoring from students who have previously completed the courses they support.
Writing Center - Provides assistance with writing through one-on-one consultations, and workshops to improve writing skills. They have drop-in hours on weekdays in the Swain Student Success Center in Sangren Hall as well as virtual consultations by appointment.
Study Abroad and Global Engagement - This office is dedicated to making studying abroad more accessible for everyone as well as provide information and scholarship opportunities for certain programs.
Waldo Library - Located right next to the Student Center, this is a quiet space ideal for studying. The Library includes amenities like printer access, items that you can borrow, rentable study rooms and even digital versions of certain books.
WMU Alerts - Signing up for WMU text alerts can help you be aware of any emergency announcements such as school closings, and safety concerns in the area.
WMU Facebook page - The official Western Michigan University Facebook page details everything that’s going on at the university.
WMU Public Safety - WMU’s on campus police department, They respond to on campus calls and also host events to strengthen their relationship with students.
Common Acronyms
(Explained!)
CAS - College of Arts and Sciences
CoA - College of Aviation
CEAS - College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
CEHD - College of Education and Human Development
CFA - College of Fine Arts
CHHS - College of Health and Human Services
HCoB - Haworth College of Business
LHC - Lee Honors College
MTC - Merze Tate College
OST - Office of Student Transitions
OSE - Office of Student Engagement
WSA - Western Student Association
CAB - Campus Activities Board
SOC - Student Organization Center
SC - Student Center
RSO - Registered Student Organization
ODI - Office of Diversity & Inclusion
WES - WMU Essential Studies
MAS - Multicultural Affairs for Students
VDC - Valley Dining Center
SRC - Student Recreation Center
NCHC - National Collegiate Hockey Conference
MAC - Mid-American Conference
TA/GA - Teaching Assistant / Graduate Assistant
RA - Resident Assistant
OSL - Orientation Student Leader