Join the College of Education and Human Development in celebrating Amy Burns, Executive Assistant to the Dean, as she retires after an incredible 46 years of service! Throughout her career at Western, Amy has made a lasting impact on the colleagues, students and community members she has worked with.
WMU Today
Posted by Chris Hybels for College of Education and Human Development
Posted by Laura Kirkendall for Facilities Management
The city of Kalamazoo has announced their 2026 Fall Hydrant Flushing Program schedule, which includes the WMU Campus.
The Parkview Campus area is scheduled to have the hydrants flushed on Thursday, September 17. The Main/East Campus area is scheduled to have the hydrants flushed on Saturday, September 19. Hydrant flushing occurs overnight between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Flushing does not affect the safety of the water supply. However, water may appear cloudy or discolored following the flushing. If this occurs, we recommend running the cold water in your building until the water runs clear again. It is also recommended that light colored laundry be done before the testing or after the water is consistently clear.
Posted by Tonya Dean for Assessment
The 2027 Assessment Mini Grant Program is now open! As you make plans for the upcoming academic year, we encourage you to consider submitting a proposal. All instructors and staff are welcome to apply.
Funding for the 2027 grant program will be available from January 2027 through June 30, 2027, with awards of up to $2,200.
Proposals must be submitted through the online submission form and will be accepted through Monday, October 26.
For additional information and to submit a proposal, visit wmich.edu/assessment/minigrants
Posted by Emily Steger for Commencement
The June commencement ceremony has been discontinued and will now be incorporated into the Spring commencement ceremonies. Summer graduates will automatically be invited to attend the spring celebration. Students who prefer to participate in December commencement may make arrangements through the Registrar's Office.
Spring commencement will be held on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1. Specific ceremony times and college assignments are still being finalized and will be announced no later than early January.
Posted by Paula M. Davis for Board of Trustees
Trustees will meet at noon on Thursday, Sept. 10, in the WMU Student Center ballroom. In action items, the board is expected to consider a labor agreement with the WMU chapter of the American Association of University Professors and an honorary degree recommendation for David Dombrowski, B.B.A.’79, president of baseball operations for the Philadelphia Phillies.
Other agenda items the trustees will consider include a donation of real estate to the city of Kalamazoo, a personnel report and two curriculum proposals.
Access the board’s full agenda and the meeting livestream link online.
Individuals wishing to address the board during the public comment sections must email Stacy Thinnes by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Posted by Joshua Kohnert for Student Transitions
The recording of Matriculation 2026 is now available. Take a peek into what our first-year students were up to during their official start of the school year. Be ready to join us LIVE in welcoming our Broncos next year!
Posted by Samantha Hooker for The Evaluation Center
The Evaluation Center invites WMU faculty, staff, and students to join us for our fall 2026 Evaluation Café series! Hear from speakers sharing their perspective, real-world challenges, and things they've learned from their evaluation work. Sessions begin at noon Eastern and are offered both in person at 4410 Ellsworth, where attendees are welcome to join us for lunch, and virtually via Webex. View the Evaluation Cafe schedule and register.
Posted by Deanne Puca for Marketing and Strategic Communications
Sessions for formal headshots specifically for faculty and staff have been scheduled during fall semester from 9 a.m. to noon and 12:30 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15, in Room 4550 of Sangren Hall Other sessions this semester will be taken at the same time and location on Oct. 22 and Dec. 3. Photos are taken on a walk-in basis, and no appointments are needed.
Posted by John Sweeney for Haenicke Institute for Global Education
The Timothy Light Center for Chinese Studies provides support to Western Michigan University faculty for research and creative activities related to the study of greater China. All board-appointed, full-time faculty are eligible to apply.
Timothy Light Center Research Grants are valued up to $4,000 each. Proposals are accepted twice annually, with upcoming deadlines of Sept. 30 and Feb. 28.
Visit the Timothy Light Center Research Grants page to learn more and apply.
Posted by Kristin Waldhauser for Human Resources
Suicide Prevention Month: You’re Not Alone
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind ourselves that reaching out can make a difference. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available. HelpNet, our Employee Assistance Program provider, offers Question. Persuade. Refer. (QPR) training to help you identify the warning signs of suicide, offer hope and support, and connect individuals with appropriate help to save lives.
Back-to-School Dependent Care FSA Reminder
With the school year underway, don’t forget about your Dependent Care FSA. Eligible expenses may include before- and after-school care, day camps, and other qualifying dependent care expenses that allow you to work. Remember to submit eligible expenses and keep your receipts for your records.