Admitted Student Brochure

Broncos pursue meaningful careers and a life well lived.

Welcome to Western. We can’t wait for you to join us on campus because you’re an individual who is truly unique. We celebrate the passions that drive you and the possibilities that inspire you.

Here, a degree is a pursuit of purpose where learning empowers you, well-being strengthens you and an experience-driven education leads to a meaningful career. Western is the place to become your best self.

Broncos thrive and succeed

From Bronco Bash through walking the graduation stage, we are focused on your success. We want you to thrive at Western and in life. Read on to learn about our experience-driven education, career outcomes for graduates and get a sense of what it means to live, work and play at Western and in Kalamazoo.

Claiming your place starts here

A great opportunity to forge connections is at Bronco Bash. Find your fit among hundreds of student organizations, club sports and Greek life. Learn about volunteer and experience-driven learning opportunities. Meet local businesses and nonprofits, and, of course, enjoy great food and music.

Western attracts a student body with a wide array of interests, ambitions and accomplishments. Bronco Nation includes:

U.S. Natural Track Luge Team co-captain

Heal +Thrive in Uganda team member

Competitive bass fisherman

High school environmental club founder Esports team co-founder

Emerging Artist Gallery

Walk organizer

U.S. figure skating medalist

United Way student volunteer of the year

Hamilton in Detroit showcase director

JROTC cadet leader

The relaxing Miller Plaza is a popular destination and hangout.

9 of 10 Broncos

are employed quickly, working in their field in jobs they like†

17,835 Total enrollment*

14,397 Undergraduates*

2,621 First-year students*

986 Transfer students*

33% of undergraduates identify as historically underrepresented or international*

26% of undergraduate students are from outside of Michigan*

16:1 student-to-faculty ratio

89% of classes have fewer than 40 students and 77% have fewer than 30*

FIRST-YEAR PROFILE

middle 50%

GPA 3.21-3.91* (4.00 scale)

90+ study abroad programs

Perfectly positioned in the heart of the Great Lakes region

†WMU collected data for 3,458 graduates, of which 2,434 were employed full time, 65 were employed part time and 703 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education. 2021-22 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts *2022-23 Common Data

McKenzie Stommen, B.A.‘22, was the student program coordinator for the Cold Case Program, which helped Michigan State Police solve multiple homicides. Now she’s chasing a career in criminal investigation.

97% of students had instructors who made them excited about learning†

Thrive academically.

Your Western education is designed to help you pursue a meaningful career. We are built to accompany you in your educational success, offer the skills employers seek and put you on a path to a job you’ll like.

The Navigator Network provides individual, proactive support. Regular check-ins to make sure you are on track for graduation, finding the academic and extracurricular resources you need to keep you thriving throughout your college experience.

WMU Essential Studies provides an educational foundation for all students. You will develop the knowledge and skills that employers seek most, such as complex problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, judgment and effective communication.

The research university advantage

Our faculty ranks highly among Michigan public universities for research productivity. Beyond teaching from textbooks—we’re writing them. You’ll get the latest knowledge plus rare opportunities to develop employer-sought skills through undergraduate research beginning as early as your first year.

Undergraduate research helps students develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills employers seek and prepare for competitive graduate schools.

†WMU collected data for 3,458 graduates, of which 2,434 were employed full time, 65 were employed part time and 703 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education. 2021-22 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts

Students get applied financial analysis experience in the Greenleaf Trust Trading Room.

Thrive professionally.

Experience-driven learning will give you a leg up when you’re ready to pursue your meaningful career. As a Bronco, you can capitalize on the wealth of internships and similar experience-driven learning opportunities available as soon as you arrive on campus.

Major brand experience

Through a series of unique business development opportunities, Jordan pitched a new waffle idea to Kellogg and a new wine brand to Michigan’s beverage industry. He’s now using that rich experience in his new tech job selling a cloud data platform.

Jordan Hines ‘23, sales & business marketing, leadership & business strategy

Immersive legislative experience

The unique opportunity to shadow state leaders while experiencing the inner workings of government firsthand was the perfect career springboard for Immaculata. Capitalizing on the political science department’s vast network of participating legislators, she secured an internship and was later hired as a legislative aide for Michigan Sen. Sean McCann.

Immaculata James

†WMU collected data for 3,458 graduates, of which 2,434 were employed full time, 65 were employed part time and 703 employed their degree to gain admittance to graduate school or were otherwise continuing their education. 2021-22 Career Outcomes Report, wmich.edu/about/facts

*Broncos Lead Internships are awareded through a merit-based application.

High-profile industry and networking opportunities

Western’s fashion industry partnerships offered Samantha a rare experiencedriven learning opportunity, introducing her to the multitrillion-dollar global apparel industry. Meeting industry insiders and making vital connections at the iconic New York Fashion Week empowered her to land a job at L’Oréal.

Samantha Morehead ‘22, marketing

93% of Broncos participate in experience-driven learning†

Paid internships available starting in your sophomore year through the Broncos Lead Internship Program*

Thrive socially.

Belonging is critically important to your academic success and a life well lived. At Western, you’ll enjoy a vast array of student organizations and club sports; Division I athletics, concerts, plays, fine arts and lectures; and a brand-new student center. They all come together to nurture social connection and lasting friendships.

16 Division I varsity sports

Men’s: Baseball | Basketball | Football

Ice Hockey | Soccer | Tennis

Women’s: Basketball | Cross Country

Golf | Gymnastics | Soccer | Softball

Tennis | Track & Field (spring & winter)

Volleyball

30 club sports

Badminton | Baseball | Basketball* | Dance

Dodgeball | Esports | Golf | Ice Hockey**

Lacrosse* | Powerlifting | Racquetball | Rugby*

Running | Sailing | Skating | Ski/Snowboard

Soccer* | Softball | Swim | Tennis | Track & Field

Ultimate Frisbee | Volleyball* | Wrestling

*Men’s and Women’s | **D1 and D3

The Broncos compete at the highest level of Division 1 FBS football.

4,000+ campus events each year (concerts, musicals, comedians and more)

Nearly 500 student organizations

Opened in July 2023, the new WMU Student Center is the hub of belonging in the heart of campus.

• Starbucks

• Game room with the latest esports consoles, billiards and board game space

• Dining center

• Indoor hammocking

• Space for studying, hanging out and relaxing

• Culturally affirming spaces

• Wood-fired pizza, madeto-order burritos and a fresh convenience store

The Gathering Stairs are designed to create community and connection.

Thrive physically & emotionally.

Bronco life prioritizes the whole you. Here, you’ll find everything you need to thrive emotionally, physically and socially. You’ll have welcoming, innovative spaces that support your well-being and ensure your personal and professional success.

Supporting your overall well-being

Uwill provides free personalized mental health services whenever and wherever you need them— 24/7, including holidays. Set your preferences, choose a therapist and immediately set up a teletherapy appointment that works for you.

Living Learning Communities personalize your college housing experience by living with fellow students who share similar interests or majors.

Choose from:

• Aviation House

• Bronco Connect Community

Western Heights is one of the many residence halls filled with comfy spaces for studying, socializing and relaxing.

• Business Community

• Engineering House

• Fine Arts House

• Global & Languages Community

• Health Professionals Community

• Honors Community

• Spectrum House

• Transfer Community

94% of students recognize that using the Student Recreation Center improves health and well-being

wmich.edu/news/2023/02/70910

Game night offers the perfect break from studying.

Thrive in your new community.

Kalamazoo is an upbeat college town within driving distance of big city life. Perfectly positioned between Chicago and Detroit and less than an hour’s drive from Lake Michigan, Kzoo offers the best of life in the Great Lakes area.

Ranked No. 3 Best Metro Area in America for new college grads

Smart Asset, 2023

You can …

• Kayak down the Kalamazoo River.

• Bike to the Lake Michigan shoreline.

• Listen to jazz piano legends at the Gilmore Piano Festival.

• Fuel your inner foodie at local eateries.

• Experience the magic and science of the Air Zoo.

• Catch a Growlers baseball game.

• Hit the farmers market.

• Explore Art Hop.

300,000 people in the metro Kalamazoo area

A downtown chili cookoff keeps everyone warm and well-fed.

Your next steps

1. Confirm your admission

wmich.edu/goldgateway

Let us know that you plan to attend by confirming your admission and submitting your $100 enrollment deposit. The enrollment deposit is automatically waived for Pell Grant-eligible students when you confirm your admission in the Gold Gateway.

Preferably by May 1*

*Students admitted to aviation flight science or direct admit to the Bronson School of Nursing must confirm their admission by May 1 (transfer students by May 15).

2. Apply for financial aid

studentaid.gov

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required to be considered for need-based aid, including the Bronco Connect Scholarship.

• December: FAFSA opens

• February: Financial aid awarding begins

• May 1: Priority FAFSA deadline

Western’s federal code: 002330

Student Financial Aid (269) 387-6000

Western Michigan University prohibits discrimination or harassment that violates the law or that limits opportunities of admission, employment or education based on the protected classes of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, protected disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, height, weight, or marital status. Retaliation against any person or group who makes a good faith complaint or participates in a grievance, investigation or related processes is prohibited by law and policy. For more information, please visit wmich.edu/equity/ nondiscriminationnotice.

Visit wmich.edu/about/facts for detailed sources of statistics in this publication.

All information stated is correct at time of printing and subject to change.

This piece was printed by a company that uses Saphira Eco products.

3. Register for orientation

wmich.edu/orientation

After confirming your admission and paying your enrollment deposit, register for orientation. All incoming domestic undergraduate students are required to participate in orientation, during which you will meet with an advisor who will assist you in registering for classes.

Be sure to complete the pre-advising survey after you register for orientation. Your academic advisor will use the information you provide in the survey to assist with your course registration.

Registration opens early February.

4. Submit housing contract

wmich.edu/housing/newstudents

Living on campus is more than having a place to eat and sleep. It’s about making friends and achieving academic success in a supportive environment.

Registration opens early February.

wmich.edu/admissions

Office of Admissions

Western Michigan University 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo MI 49008-5211 USA

(269) 387-2000

We would like to recognize that Western Michigan University is located on lands historically occupied by Ojibwe, Odawa and Bodewadmi nations. Please take a moment to acknowledge and honor this ancestral land of the Three Fires Confederacy, the sacred lands of all Indigenous peoples and their continued presence.