WMU Today

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.

Join us for Science on Tap Kalamazoo: a fun and relaxed way to explore science topics with a local expert! This event is held the first Thursday of each month (September - May). Each event will feature a different local expert who will talk about their research area for 40-45 minutes and then take questions from the public for the remaining 15 minutes. These events are meant to be casual and fun, so grab your favorite drink and get curious!

Register free of charge via Eventbrite

Is your research related to a news story that's making headlines or a big event on the horizon? Let us know! MarCom's weekly media blast, the Bronco Briefing, is about to kick off for the 2026-27 academic year. Reporters regularly seek subject‑matter experts who can help explain current events, provide context on emerging issues and highlight the impact of WMU research, and Western proactively pitches that expertise to local, regional and national media outlets. If you're interested in being included in an upcoming edition, email marcom@wmich.edu.

The 4th Annual Ts’ai Lun Golf Outing is happening on September 25, 2026 at Milham Park Golf Club, and we want YOU there!

Whether you're a golf pro or just in it for a fun day with friends, this is a great opportunity to get outside, connect with fellow students, and support the Ts’ai Lun RSO Chapter of Paper Engineers.

Every registration helps us work toward our goal of sending 50 WMU students to the 2027 TAPPI Student Summit in Raleigh, NC—an incredible opportunity for networking, career connections, internships, co-ops, and more. Register here!

In anticipation of Elizabeth Roberts's Ethics Center lecture on October 8, the Ethics Center will be hosting a book club focused on her new book, In Praise of Addiction (Princeton University Press, 2026).

In this pathbreaking book, which blends memoir, fieldwork, and addiction research, Roberts sets out a transformative understanding of addiction that distinguishes between vice that isolates and addiction that connects.

Elizabeth F. S. Roberts is professor of anthropology at the University of Michigan and the author of God’s Laboratory: Assisted Reproduction in the Andes. Since 2013, she has participated in collaborative environmental health research in Mexico City.

Ethics Center book clubs are open to the public.

REGISTER for a spot and a 30% discount.

WMU faculty, staff, and retirees can explore the benefits and wellness programs available to support themselves and their families. The Western Michigan University Benefits-Wellness Expo will be held in the Student Center Ballroom this year on Tuesday, November 3rd from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Please stay tuned for more information on the event page: https://wmich.edu/hr/benefits-expo. 

Human Resources is kicking off its Fall 2026 HR Training Series with in-person training on Performance Management and the new PerformYard system. The sessions are designed for employees, managers and supervisors and will provide an overview of the 2026–27 performance management process, including setting objectives and competencies, coaching and tracking performance, writing assessments, and participating in feedback discussions.

Performance Management Training:
• Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 1:30–3 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 8:30–10 a.m.

For training descriptions, registration information through the eLearning system, and a complete list of the training series, visit HR's Resources and Training website. Early registration is encouraged due to limited seating.

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! Register here. 

Wednesday, September 16

Wednesday, October 7

Wednesday, November 4

Seasonal influenza immunizations will be offered to to students, full- and part-time employees, retirees and other eligible individuals (including dependents 12 and older) starting Sept. 1 at the Sindecuse Health Center Pharmacy. Pharmacy staff will be administering preservative-free vaccines including high-dose vaccine for those 65 years of age and up. Appointments are available:

An off-site outreach clinic will be scheduled at the Employee Benefits Expo on Nov. 3 at the Student Center. 

Flu Vaccine Appointments and Walk-in Availability 2026-27