WMU Today | Western Michigan University

WMU Today

WMU Today is a compilation of internal announcements for faculty, staff and retirees. Items are posted by individuals from across the institution. Click on each headline to read the complete text of specific bulletins.

New accessibility training available for the WMU campus

Posted by Cara Junghans for Digital Accessibility

The WMU faculty and staff now have access to the Siteimprove Learning Hub, which offers self-paced training focused on digital accessibility and inclusive web practices. Faculty and staff are encouraged to explore the platform and select learning paths that align with their roles and responsibilities.

These courses provide practical guidance for creating accessible websites, documents and digital content across web and learning management system (LMS) platforms, supporting WMU’s ongoing digital accessibility efforts.

Learn how to access the Learning Hub and get started

The IIAS Experience | Meet & Greet

Posted by Sara Dillon for College of Arts and Sciences

The IIAS Experience
Virtual Meet and Greet
Wednesday, March 18 | 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Join our virtual event to meet IIAS faculty and learn how our programs explore human cultures, diversity, and global perspectives. Discover more about the courses we offer and learn about hands-on opportunities in African American and African Studies and Anthropology. See how IIAS prepares students for meaningful, globally informed careers.

Join us on Teams at: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/23151167999185?p=3vTt|jxEINLvFRbltZ
Meeting ID: 231 511 679 991 85; Passcode: XN37LL2D

New home for WMU Emeriti Council

Posted by Amie Heasley for University Advancement

University Advancement welcomes the WMU Emeriti Council as an official affiliate. This distinguished group of retired faculty has long enriched the University, and we’re excited to provide a supportive home that honors their continued connection to WMU.

The Council will receive dedicated support from a team led by Dr. Kahler Schuemann, Interim Vice President for University Advancement and Executive Director of the WMU Foundation. Sharlee Coffman-Cook will offer logistical coordination, and David Bernard will serve as philanthropic advisor to help ensure donor engagement and giving opportunities remain central to the Council’s experience.

Join us in celebrating the mentorship, scholarship and service of our emeriti colleagues and in thanking them for…

Do you want a 'Be Gentle With Your Mental' t-shirt?

Posted by Asha Ritchie for Health Promotion and Education

Attend a Mental Health First Aid or safeTALK training to receive a 'Be Gentle With Your Mental' t-shirt! These trainings require a minimum of 15 registered attendees and are open to students, staff, and faculty. If this number is not met, the training may be canceled. More details and registration can be found at the links below.

Registration March 20th, MHFA …

Oliver Lane and Oakland Drive intersection to be closed permanently this summer

Posted by Laura Kirkendall for Facilities Management

The University will begin work later this spring to close off Oliver Lane where it intersects with Oakland Drive, resolving a longstanding safety issue. Insufficient sight distance at this location makes turning from Oliver Lane onto busy south or northbound Oakland difficult and potentially hazardous. Construction is planned to take place from May 7 through August 24. Once construction is complete, Oliver Lane will become a no-outlet street that will end at the entrance to Lot 11, by Little Theatre. Additional details can be read on WMU News.

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Evaluation Planning Retreat Offered by The Evaluation Center

Posted by Samantha Hooker for The Evaluation Center

The Evaluation Center is facilitating a five-day, hands-on evaluation planning retreat, May 11-15, 2026, for teams from educational, public sector, and nonprofit organizations. Participants will receive instruction, tools, practice, and guidance to develop meaningful and actionable evaluation plans during the retreat.

The retreat will benefit teams from WMU departments or grant-funded projects that are ready to jumpstart a new evaluation or assessment strategy or strengthen existing practices. The deeply discounted rate for WMU staff and faculty is $950 for a two-person team from the same department, and $300 for each additional person.

The event will take place at the Fetzer Center, and the fee includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks daily.

Reminder: Campuswide test of the Emergency Notification System scheduled for March 12

Posted by Laura Kirkendall for Facilities Management

As a reminder, Facilities Management will be testing the mass emergency notification system through the fire alarm system at 3 p.m. on Thursday, March 12. The pre-recorded message to be played during the test will be "Attention! Attention! This is a test of the emergency system." The message will be broadcast 10 times, lasting approximately two minutes. This will occur both inside and outside of main campus and east campus buildings, excluding Walwood Union, Stadium Drive Apartments and Henry Hall.

Staff spring recess closure day is Friday

Posted by Karen Todd for News

Western is operating with reduced hours for some campus services during spring recess, which runs this week. Additionally, staff will observe a closure day on Friday, March 13.

View campus hours for spring recess

Additional headshot session scheduled for March 17

Posted by Deanne Puca for Marketing and Strategic Communications

An additional formal headshot session specifically for faculty and staff is scheduled from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, in Room 3120 of Sangren Hall. This is in addition to a session at the same time on Thursday, April 9, in Room 4550 of Sangren Hall. Photos are taken on a walk-in basis, and no appointments are needed.

Building accessible STEM together: Help shape Elearning solutions and strategy

Posted by Cara Junghans for Digital Accessibility

Faculty and staff are invited to participate in an interactive session focused on advancing digital accessibility in STEM disciplines. This cross-departmental conversation will highlight effective tools, surface persistent barriers; and identify meaningful support strategies.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Your insights will help define institutional gaps and guide the development of more effective, accessible learning solutions at WMU. Together, we can shape a more inclusive future for STEM teaching and learning.

Additional accessibility trainings and workshops are available for faculty and staff throughout the semester. We encourage you to explore upcoming sessions to continue building your knowledge and practical skills.