WMUx | Western Michigan University

We make learning human-centered.

WMUx imagines, designs, and realizes ideas that transform and enhance the learning experience.

Our world is changing fast, and higher education needs to evolve.
The skills needed for today’s job market are different than ever before. New demographics of learners are emerging, with different needs and different goals. People are paying more than ever for higher education, but the perceived value of their degree has never been lower. In response to these trends, Western Michigan University cast a new vision with the Think Big initiative. Today, we’re taking an important step to execute this vision and engage the next generation of learners.
Driving a new vision
Extended University Programs (EUP) has always been a research lab for insights and a proving ground for new ideas. Recently, planning for the university’s new budget model (SRM) has prompted new conversation around EUP’s role moving forward. The unit is officially evolving to become WMUx, taking on a vital new purpose for the university—to imagine, design, and realize ideas that transform and enhance the learning experience. With a new name, a new structure, and a new service model, this transformed unit is a key way that WMU is investing in its core academic mission.

Re-imagining Learning

Driving the discovery, validation, implementation, and evaluation of instructional methods, technologies, and support services, including a re-imagined office of faculty development.
Elevating Processes

Leveraging expertise in collaboration, experimentation, systems, and technology-informed learning to drive the unit and the university forward at a systems level.
Connections and Context

Facilitating relationships, both internally across departments and programs, and externally in collaboration with community partners.

You have a role in this change, whether you’re a student, faculty member, community stakeholder, or anyone else excited about imagining the future of learning at WMU. Over the coming months, we’ll be facilitating events to gather input and feedback as we work to build the structure of this unit. We’re here to understand your needs and work together to create new solutions—and that journey begins today.

January - February

Announcement: sharing the news throughout the university and gathering initial reactions.
February - April

Faculty Engagement: facilitating the listening tour across the university and its communities.
May - August

Synthesis + Preparation: understanding and using feedback, training staff, informing stakeholders.
September, and beyond

Launch: introduce and fully activate new tools, initiatives, and services.