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.
Posted by Beth Pappalardo for WMUx

WMU’s Academic Leadership Academy (ALA) supports the development of collaborative leaders prepared to meet the challenges of today’s higher education landscape. Hosted by the Office of Faculty Development, this year-long professional development experience combines practical and experiential learning and is open to full-time, board-appointed tenured faculty and administrative or advanced professional staff with leadership potential. Participants gain insights into WMU’s culture and systems, strengthen leadership skills, and build a supportive campus network. Applications for the 2025–26 cohort are due September 8.   


Posted by Tammy Boneburg for Western Wellness

WMU employees, join us Friday, Aug. 8 as Registered Dietitian, Gretchen Kauth, dietetic students, and Gibbs House staff for a cooking demonstration and taste-testing workshop highlighting summer-inspired recipes. Fresh produce from Gibbs Farm will be featured.
Kohrman Cooking Lab, room 3302. 
Register on ExperienceWMU by Thursday, Aug. 7

 

 

 

 

 


Posted by Beth Pappalardo for WMUx

Dr. Taormina Lepore, postdoctoral researcher at WMU’s Mallinson Institute for Science Education, is seeking WMU STEM instructors for a research project exploring in-class group work and its impact on neurodivergent students. If you teach undergrad STEM courses and use student-centered teaching methods, your insight is valuable. Participants are asked to complete a 60-minute interview by August 29 and distribute a brief student survey in their fall 2025 STEM courses. An optional spring 2026 instructor-student partnership will explore inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming STEM pedagogy. 

Help shape our understanding of group work and equity in STEM and inform WMU’s efforts to build more inclusive environments for neurodivergent students. 

Posted by Gary Barton for Information Technology

This is just a reminder to review the access overview articles in goWMU when your role or status at WMU changes. For example, when students graduate and become alumni of WMU, access to OneDrive, Groups, Teams, and Office Online will end 30 days after graduation

Student Access OverviewEmployee Access OverviewAlumni Access OverviewAffiliates, Departmental Accounts, RSO Accounts, Visiting Scholars Access Overview

Direct questions to the Technology…

Posted by Nick Tompkins for Graduate College

WMU employees receive excellent benefits from the University and are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities. Sign up for an in-person informational session hosted by the WMU Graduate College to learn more about graduate program options, including application deadlines and requirements. Sessions will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. in the Graduate College (West Walwood Hall, East Campus, parking lot #1). If there is no registration, the session will be canceled that month, so be sure to register in advance!

Wednesday, Sept. 17

 

Wednesday, Oct. 8

 

Wednesday, Nov. 12

Register at https://wmich.edu/grad/events 


Posted by Laura Kirkendall for Facilities Management

Two sections of roadway on the east side of Main Campus will be closed to vehicles from July 28 through Sept. 22 as construction advances on WMU’s pedestrian green space and gateway project. The project remains on track to open the walkways in the newly created pedestrian green space by Thursday, Aug. 21, ahead of the start of fall classes. 

The closures: 

Ring Road North, from Parking Lot 48 to West Michigan Avenue West Michigan Avenue, from Ring Road North to Ring Road South (across from Kalamazoo College’s athletic complex) 

Detours will redirect traffic around Ring Road to the west side of campus.

View the closure map

Posted by Enedelia Cruz for Diversity and Inclusion

The 2024–2025 academic year was a time of transition and growth for Western Michigan University's Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI). Amid university leadership changes and shifts in federal DEI policy, ODI remained committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and access across campus. The office welcomed new leadership in several key programs and launched the SCS Employee Support Program. Through over 300 programs and events, ODI engaged nearly 4,000 students, faculty, and staff, while delivering nearly 600 hours of direct student support.

Additionally, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion would like to thank our institutional and community partners who have collaborated in this important work. We will continue to engage our entire campus community in…

Posted by Amelia Bodinaku for College of Arts and Sciences
Come visit and explore the nationally recognized archaeological site of Fort St. Joseph, August 2-3 from 10-4. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to tour the nationally recognized archaeological site of Fort St. Joseph, witness live excavations, and marvel at recently uncovered artifacts. Step back in time with a living history village, experience a replica birchbark canoe ride, and immerse yourself in the daily life of 18th-century settlers. With hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone.  https://wmich.edu/arts-sciences/events/fsjapopenhouse 
Posted by Robert Brady for Human Resources

All full-time Staff Compensation System employees are eligible to apply to the 2025/2026 WMU Employee Leadership Development Program. This program is designed to develop and improve your leadership skills and knowledge of how Western operates from a big picture perspective. Sessions will occur usually the last Friday of the month (subject to change) from September through April and will be a four-hour commitment each month. Those accepted to the program are expected to attend all sessions. Applicant letters of interest must be received in Human Resources by Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Those selected will be notified by the middle of September. For more information contact Bob Brady at robert.brady@wmich.edu.

More…

Posted by Tammy Boneburg for Western Wellness

WMU employees, join Registered Dietitian, Gretchen Kauth and learn learn about the power of pulses! Pulses are the dry edible seed within the pod of various legumes – think lentils, chickpeas, and beans such as black, navy and pinto. Pulses are nutritious, versatile, affordable, sustainable, and delicious. Tuesday, July 29 from 12:05 to 12:55 p.m. at the Sindecuse Health Center, Room 3131. 
Register by Monday, July 28.