Frontal image of the WMU Student Center

University Instructional Supports

Outside of WMUx, the WMU campus community has a wide network of additional support for teaching, learning, and instruction. Explore how other areas across campus can support you on a variety of topics including:

Activity and Material Development Resources

  • Tech Lab – University Libraries

    The Tech Lab offers services related to a wide variety of emerging technologies: Virtual Reality, 360-degree video, 3D printing, 3D scanning, Flight Simulation.  The lab has dedicated spaces for audio and video recording and production through the Learning Glass Studio and Media Studio.  They have the expertise and resources to help you create and enhance your own content, help with student projects, or integrate these services into your curriculum.

    Learn more about these resources on the University Libraries website under “Technology Spaces” or contact alexander.teal@wmich.edu.

  • Information Literacy and Research Instruction – University Libraries

    Collaborate with our librarians to help your students to think critically, and effectively find, use and interpret information.  

    More information can be found on the University Libraries Instruction website.

  • Research Consultations – University Libraries

    Librarians can help your students with library resources, citing sources, research projects, class assignments and more. Connect in person or by video chat, phone and email. Students can also set up a research consultation!  

    To find your librarian visit the University Libraries Subject Librarian website.

  • Open Educational Resources – University Libraries

    Adopt, adapt, or create course materials, including textbooks, individual lessons or modules, or other learning objects that are free for students, and available to use and customize. University Libraries also provides grants to instructors for adopting existing OER or creating new ones.

    More information is available on the University Libraries OER website or contact michele.behr@wmich.edu. 

  • Course Reserves – University Libraries

    Place books, book excerpts, articles, videos and sound recordings on reserve in the library or electronically for class use. You can link your course reserves to your Elearning course shell, so it’s easy for students to access.  

    More information can be found on the University Libraries Reserves website.

  • Free-to-Use Course Materials – University Libraries

    The cost of a textbook can be a barrier to student success. Western Michigan University Libraries offers a variety of alternatives for instructors who would like to stop using commercial textbooks for their courses.  

    To learn more, visit the University Libraries Free Course Materials website.

  • Mapping and GIS Service – University Libraries

    This service will take your data and create custom maps for classroom activities, grant proposals, publications etc. Our maps specialist will work with you to figure out the best way to analyze, visualize, and present your geospatial data to help you meet your teaching and learning objectives. 

    More information can be found at the University Libraries Mapping website or by contacting jason.glatz@wmich.edu.

  • Data Services – University Libraries

    The data librarian offers a number of services related to teaching and learning, including synchronous and asynchronous workshops on a wide range of data topics (such as data management and evaluating data sources), as well as assistance with locating secondary data for use in classroom projects and activities. 

    More information can be found at the University Libraries Data Services website or by contacting daria.orlowska@wmich.edu.

  • Zhang Legacy Collections Center

    This library houses unusual materials and experts who can help navigate them.  The collections include WMU archives (the history of the institution), Regional History Collections (primary sources from twelve counties of Southwest Michigan), and Special Collections and Rare Books (unusual books and specialized archival collections).  Students and faculty members can pursue their own passion projects, as well as enhance their classwork.  The library also offers a quiet workspace when classes are not meeting in the Reading Room. 

    More information can be found at the University Libraries Zhang Legacy Collections Center website or by emailing arch-collect@wmich.edu.

  Back to top

Whole Course Resources and Supports

  • WMU Essential Studies

    WMU Essential Studies is the required curriculum for all undergraduate students at Western Michigan University. Courses are designed to help students become fluent in change and driven to contribute; develop perseverance; and be ready for their future. Students develop the skills employers seek most in graduates—demonstrated complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, judgment and decision making. 

    For more information and support for these courses, visit the WMU Essential Studies Faculty Resources webpage.

  • Gateways to Completion Program (G2C) - Merze Tate

    The Gateways to Completion (G2C) program focuses on helping WMU students achieve success early in their academic career through planning, engaging pedagogies, analytic tools, and expertise. This partnership with the Gardner Institute opens access for everyone affiliated with the university to the latest higher ed best practices as well as an opportunity to participate in a three-year cohort focused on course redesign projects designed to promote better success, completion, and retention for low-income, first-generation, and historically underrepresented students. 

    For more information, visit the Merze Tate College Gateways to Completion Program website. 

  • Fulbright US Scholar Teaching Awards and Fulbright Specialist Program – HIGE

    Apply for a Fulbright US Scholar Teaching Award and get cross cultural teaching experience, share your knowledge, and gain new perspectives. Most awards range from 4-10 months. Or join the Fulbright Specialist Roster and help an overseas institution with their teaching or curriculum development projects. 

    Learn more at Fulbright US Scholar Awards Catalog-Teaching; Fulbright Specialist Program, or reach out to the WMU Fulbright Scholar Liaison, michelle.metro-roland@wmich.edu

  Back to top

Experience Driven Learning

  Back to top

Student Academic and Accessibility Support

  Back to top

Student Wellness

  • Student Wellness Resources – Student Affairs

    The Office of the Dean of Students (DoS) serves as an important point of contact for the University community in moments of crisis, challenge, or need. The DoS team supports students’ holistic development and wellbeing through the emergency funding program, crisis intervention, mental health support and provides connection to resources such as food and other basic needs. 

    Learn more about these supports by visiting the Student Affairs Services for Students webpage.

  Back to top

Technology Assistance

  • Technology Help Desk – Office of Information Technology

    The Technology Help Desk is tier-one support, which acts as a hub for reporting technical support incidents and service requests at Western Michigan University. A few of their services include support for desktop software, University email, PeopleSoft, Banner, username and password issues, etc. A better list of their services can be found on the  

    For more information and a full list of their supported services, visit the Help Desk webpage.

  Back to top