WMU Office of Admissions 2022-23 Viewbook

you can seek a deeper understanding of who you are and who you’re meant to be.

At Western Michigan University, your potential lies in your pursuit of purpose. It’s unleashed in a tenacity to question answers and the ability to think differently. It’s time to ...

We think of you and all of our students holistically. You’re preparing for a meaningful career but also a quality life. And we can help you do that, thanks to support from the Empowering Futures Gift.

For example, the gift supports our Student Success Navigators who provide you with the right help at the right time, so you’re not alone in figuring out the college experience. When you’re ready to test out a career, we’ll help you secure resume-worthy, network-building experience like co-ops, research or internships. In some need-based cases, we even provide paid internships that provide important experience and help fund your education. And we know you want to keep your mind and body in top shape, so try our many programs circling the eight dimensions of well-being to keep life balanced.

The gift is a transformative investment in educational access and is creating a holistic experience where students craft their purpose, live their best lives and pursue meaningful careers. The icon above denotes initiatives and programs made possible by this unprecedented philanthropy. Learn more at wmich.edu/empoweringfutures.

The Empowering Futures Gift is a transformative investment in educational access to create a holistic experience where students craft their purpose, live their best lives and pursue meaningful careers. Visit wmich.edu/empoweringfutures/scholarships to learn more about eligibility.

The DifferenceWestern

inworkingareBroncosemployedquickly,intheirfield,jobstheylike.*

Beyond preparing you for your career, perhaps the most special thing about Western is our approach to helping you find a deeper meaning and a better way of thinking.

We understand that being smart is more than an “A” on an assignment. Smart is having purpose and possibility. Smart is knowing that failure is success in progress.

We’re focused on more than just day one at Western. We want to see you through to graduation day. We’re here

for every day in between, helping you build your best life.

You’ve got your own experiences and needs. The largest gift in U.S. history for a public university helps us make sure you get the experiences and resources you need to succeed.

Western prepares you for a life well lived by helping you to pursue your purpose, thrive and prosper while making a meaningful impact on society. That’s Rethink Smart.

9 of 10At Western, we’re redefining success as we expand what it means to be smart in an ever-changing world.

Rethink Smart

Pursue

Western is responding to your needs.

YPulse, “Life Milestones,” January 202094%

of teens say a meaningful career is an important aspiration for them. No aspiration or goal ranks as more important.

Smart is having purpose. It’s knowing your why and going after it. It’s being prepared to overcome obstacles on your way to achieving long-term goals. It’s determination.

Our faculty help you ignite a passion for learning and accompany you in identifying your strengths so that you can succeed in your major and career. WMU Signature provides in- and out-of-classroom activities focused on developing marketable skills and Additionally,experiences.

you’ll find a rich environment for exploration, with thought-provoking arts and entertainment and a vibrant network of employers.

A passion for your potential

Here are a few ways to pursue your purpose:

WMU Signature

Life experience is part of your education. Unique to Western, WMU Signature integrates your outof-classroom learning experiences and on-campus engagement to focus your purpose in one of eight areas, such as entrepreneurship, social justice or sustainability. Your transcript and diploma will bear a WMU Signature designation to recognize your achievements and communicate your skills to employers.

ProgramGlobalwmich.edu/signatureEngagement

This program develops globallyfocused students. Through an innovative opportunity designed to cultivate foundational skills in leadership via study abroad experiences. globalengagementwmich.edu/international/

Starting Gate

Through Western’s own student business accelerator, you can access valuable resources and mentorship from faculty and business community members to help you develop your own startups. The program provides a fast-track-to-business launch and networking opportunities to support growing student companies.

Broncowmich.edu/startinggateBash

Western starts each school year with this annual festival that welcomes thousands of new and current students back to campus. Join the celebration and explore hundreds of opportunities to find a place to belong and discover interests you never knew existed. wmubroncobash.com

Real-world Resume-worthyknowledge.experience.

I would call it highly successful in that the first case that we worked together, we were able to, as a group, make an arrest on a case that had been cold for 35 years.

—Michigan State Police Detective First Lieutenant Chuck Christensen

Cold case cracked by student investigators

A murder investigation went nowhere for more than three decades until Western Michigan University’s Cold Case Program teamed up with the Michigan State Police.

Now a man is in prison for the 1987 crime after Western undergraduate students put in more than 1,000 hours of work to support overextended law enforcement professionals. It’s a win that led to the students being featured on the Today show, NBC News, People magazine and media in Chicago and Detroit.

Western’s Cold Case team organized, analyzed and digitized 3,000 pages of documents into searchable files, increasing investigative efficiency.

Students performed new research, attended legal proceedings and even sat in on homicide investigation training.

The students’ essential boots-on-the-ground work led to an arrest almost 35 years to the day after the crime.

makesPurposeadifference.

Something I’ve always wanted to change is the gender roles in dance. Having public knowledge that a male can do this too is really important.

To flip the script on the perception of students of color and the narrative (these) students have to live is huge for me. I want to see everybody win.

Nik McNees, Dance

Hailey Timmerman, Early childhood elementary education

I think everything I’ve gone through made me stronger and made me kinder, because I saw all of these people going through so much without doing anything wrong. I know often refugees don’t have a voice, and I want to be a voice for them.

Zabihullah Najafi, B.A.’25 Political science

Living in refugee camps for years shaped Zabi’s purpose to end suffering throughout the world. Zabi left everything behind to escape war and violence in Afghanistan. Now at Western, he’s getting the education necessary to become an advocate for other refugees. As a recipient of WMU’s Medallion Scholarship, Zabi aspires to work for the United Nations. And he’s got a great start. Zabi is pictured at the U.N. in New York City where he spent a day asking questions and making contacts that can help lead to the job of his dreams.

Western91%isresponding to your needs

of 15- to 21-year-olds say they’ve felt physical effects from stress.

YPulse, “10 Things We Learned About Gen Z,” December 2018

life is more than a job. It’s a way of being that leads to happiness. It’s strengthening your mind, body and social circle so you can live your best life.

We approach wellness holistically to balance the many dimensions of individual well-being.

Personal wellness is integrated into WMU Essential Studies, our general education curriculum, so all students learn the basic principles of well-being. wmich.edu/essentialstudies

Stay healthy by utilizing our fullservice health center with everything you need for your physical and mental well-being so that you can be your best self.

wmich.edu/healthcenter

We’re among an elite group (approximately 1 in 10) of colleges across the country that is addressing growing mental health challenges among college students nationwide.

A comprehensive student recreation center

Find the latest equipment and classes. Stay fit and recharge in 240,000 sq. ft. of recreation space, featuring a climbing wall, weight training, eight full-sized indoor basketball courts and an F45 Functional Training Studio. wmich.edu/rec

Support where, when and how you need it

YOU at Western is a smartphoneenabled well-being portal for every student. It allows you to set and monitor your wellness goals. Based on your preferences, goals and progress, the app delivers personalized content and resources to help you stay on track.

Uwill is a leading wellness and mental health solution that allows you to connect immediately with licensed mental health counselors based on their preferences. Choose

counselors based on concern, language, gender, ethnicity, as well as time and mode of communication. Uwill is provided in addition to services available at Sindecuse Health Center.

WellTrack is a mental health app designed to provide the help you need in the moment. You get access to online tools and courses that help you feel healthy and strong and overcome stress and anxiety.

Live on campus. Live connected.

With so much happening at WMU, you’re going to stay busy. When you’re finally ready to call it a day (or night), you’ll feel at ease knowing the comforts of home and more are waiting for you at your residence hall. You’ll find friends to hang out with, quiet spaces to study and inclusive scheduled events.

Broncos will tell you that living on the WMU campus is convenient and easily the best way to meet people. Why? Because everything is nearby. Plus, the Living Learning Communities (LLC) were built to allow those with similar interests to live together, so you can connect with other Broncos who love what you love.

Another bonus is the excellent housing staff at WMU, a great resource when you have questions or need support.

On-campus living is the good life.

A new student center Experience the new student center in the heart of campus where you’ll connect with friends over Starbucks, some video games and indoor hammocking.

Find your fit Living Learning Communities are a great way to tailor your college experience by living with others who share similar majors or interests.

Stylish apartment living on campus Plan for a college career on campus. The new Arcadia Flats offer stylish apartment living for students in their second year and beyond. The new student center will be right outside your door.

Comfy res halls that enhance campus living Immerse yourself in the true college experience by living among friends and classmates who’ve come to Western from all over the country and the world.

bodyDiningwmich.edu/housing/optionsoptionstonourishandmind

Enjoy exciting, diverse cuisines with friends in rejuvenating spaces like the Valley Dining Center and the new Student Center Dining Center. wmich.edu/dining/options

Personalized support available to all undergraduate students

Ask about anything | Keep your momentum | Connect to community

Student Success Navigators

It’s support like never before, with the right help at the right time. We think of you and all of our students holistically. You’re preparing for a meaningful career but also a quality life. And we can help you do that, thanks to support from the Empowering Futures Gift.

WMU’s Student Success Navigators know you’ll likely need help or have questions at some point in college. But unlike other colleges, we’ll call you. It’s one-on-one help, because you’re not like anyone else. We’re here to help you get the most out of college while you’re here, accompany you to graduation, and help you prepare to live your best life. We’re here for you, whenever you need us. You can call us, but we’ll probably call you first.

American Indian or Alaska Native 0.4%

Asian 2.3%

Black or African American 8.3%

Hispanic/Latinx 8.1%

International 9.9%

Multiracial 3.5%

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 0.1%

Unknown 2.1%

White 65.3%

Why did USA Today rank Kalamazoo as one of America’s best college towns?

Downtown is only a few minutes from campus.

With a population of about 300,000, Kalamazoo doesn’t pretend to be the “big city,” but it has everything you want and plays a big part in helping you to grow at Western.

It’s a welcoming, diverse community.

Immerse yourself in the true college experience by living among your peers who’ve come to Western from all over the country and around the world. Right outside your door, you’ll find arts, entertainment and sports.

The city and campus are in an ideal location.

We’re in the sweet spot between Chicago, Detroit and Grand Rapids, so big-city adventures are just a car or train ride away. Best of all, you’re less than an hour from Lake Michigan beaches.

discoverkalamazoo.com

Downtown festivals

MIller

Downtown

market

Bronco Bash

85 Prosper%

Western is responding to your needs

of the jobs we’ll be doing in 2030 did not exist just two years ago.

Smart is preparation that’s ready for opportunity. It’s theoretical knowledge paired with applied wisdom. It’s having skills needed for long-term success in a changing world.

At Western, you can get the skills you need to succeed today and in a fast-changing future. Through WMU Essential Studies, you’ll focus on enhanced oral and written communications, critical thinking as well as quantitative and scientific literacy—all skills that make you change-ready and provide you with the global and problem-solving perspective needed to succeed in today’s world.

Additionally, the Kalamazoo and West Michigan area is a hotbed of opportunities for internships and networking. Major employers include Kellogg’s, Stryker, Whirlpool and three regional health care systems.

Blurring the lines workplaceclassroombetweenandWesternstudentslearn,thinkanddo—all at the same time. Here are two examples.

Richmond Institute and design partners

a design hub where Western students earn course credit as they gain real-world job experience in industry settings at West Michigan companies.

That was our mission when we created the Richmond Institute for Design and Innovation.

While pursuing their degrees in product design, students benefit from faculty and resources drawn from the College of Fine Arts, College

of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the Haworth College of Business. The curriculum was designed in partnership with companies that have product design at their core, including Newell Brands, Whirlpool, Stryker, Eaton, Landscape Forms, Fabri-Kal and Tekna.

Unique cooperative education programs like this give Western students the edge in shaping their careers and our future.

The College of Aviation and employer partners

Western’s College of Aviation is one of only four collegiate aviation programs partnered with two legacy airlines offering accerlated pathway programs: Delta’s Propel Pilot Career Path program and United’s Aviate pilot development program.

The programs offer the fastest, most direct route from a student’s first flight to the flight deck of a mainline carrier.

These established programs complement the traditional path

to becoming an airline pilot and represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to industry partnership and engagement that help Broncos launch careers before graduation.

Western was first in the nation to partner with AAR, a global leader in aviation services, for its Eagle Career Pathway Program, offering aviation technical operations students work experience and mentorship opportunities leading to a job.

Do

Experience-based learning

Your career doesn’t begin after you graduate. At Western, you build your resume and explore your passions as a student, learning both in the classroom and out.

Western offers experienced-based opportunities for all students. You can stagger your experiences throughout your time at Western and often even earn some income. the

The Paid Internship Program connects you to a network of to earn resume-worthy

Leadership in RSOs of Registered what in

Lee Honors College

More than 2,000 high-achieving students benefit from the Lee Honors College. Western undergraduates are awarded nearly $100,000 in research grant money annually, and all Lee Honors College graduates complete some form of research or creative scholarship. wmich.edu/honors

Being at New York Fashion Week was an astounding opportunity.

Samantha Morehead, B.B.A.’22

JuniorMarketinghuman

resources associate, L’Oréal

After winning Western’s inaugural New York Fashion Week Competition for her original designs of Bronco apparel for students, Samantha was awarded a trip to the fashion capital of the world for one of the most significant events in the field. Through its industry partnerships, Western delivered a rare experiential-learning opportunity, introducing her to the multitrillion-dollar global apparel industry. Samantha got behindthe-scenes access to runway shows, met industry insiders and made vital connections, giving her the confidence to network and pursue opportunities she’d only dreamed of. And it paid off: She landed a full-time job at L’Oréal—the largest beauty brand in the world.

Wine with a purpose

How do you create a purpose-driven brand that speaks to consumers and generates sales to support scholarships? That’s the question students at WMU’s Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy answered as they determined the feasibility of launching a cause-driven, micro-local wine in Michigan.

The students conducted research for us and created several case scenarios for new wineries. I was impressed with the energy of the students and the quality of their research and analysis.

The student teams looked at every aspect of bringing a new wine brand to market, from researching consumer profiles to differentiating the brand. The wine, called Bronconess, hit restaurants and stores in 2019. The name represents the broader concept of how Broncos put passion and purpose into their work.

The best part? All profits go to aspiring students who find their Bronconess. This ongoing immersive project has already raised more than $50,000 in scholarships for Western students.

—Silvio Di Gregorio, Whitewater Investments S.A., parent corporation of Tremonté Vineyard

You’ll find our graduates all over the world, working with well-known employers like these.

Pursue purposeyourCreateyourtomorrow

The average college student changes majors three times.

Unstoppable

The average American college student changes majors three times. At Western, you won’t be rushed or be “behind” if you start classes without a declared major. Instead you’ll be encouraged to think about the

academic path and career that will best empower you and prepare you to succeed. You’ll get the support to make decisions you feel good about and still be able to graduate on time.

Academic opportunities College of Arts and Sciences College of Aviation College of Business College of Education Human Development College of Engineering and Applied Sciences College of Fine Arts College of Health and Human Services Tate Lee Honors College

Exploring colleges is more than picking a major. Western helps you find the opportunities you deserve at every turn. Choose from hundreds of leading academic programs offered within our nine undergraduate colleges.

• American

•

•

• Diversity

• Leadership & Teamwork

• Media Technology

• Public Flight Education (Teacher Clinical/Pre-Professional

Family & Consumer Sciences Education Science & Human

• Child Development & Services

• Family Studies Youth & Design & Development

•

• Non-Vocational

• RecreationPhysicalStudiesOccupationalNutritionVocational&DieteticsEducation&HealthEducation

• Recreation Management

• Sport Management TeachingEducationEnglishto Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) Education & Development

Health HealthcareAdministrationServices&Sciences*

• Audiology Preparation

• Blindness & Low Vision Studies Preparation

• Clinical Practice in Health

• Occupational Therapy Preparation

• Physician NursingPreparationAssistant

• RN Progression Track

• OccupationalNursing† Therapy

Public Health Social Speech,WorkLanguage & Hearing Sciences

HAWORTH COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

AdvertisingAccountancy& Promotion Business Analytics Business ComputerLawInformation Systems

Digital Marketing & eCommerce Economics:

MERZE TATE COLLEGE

University Curriculum/Exploratory Advising

PATHWAYSPRE-PROFESSIONAL

Western has several preprofessional pathways, and advisors will work with you to determine a study plan in the post-graduate program of your

Pre-VeterinaryPre-SecondaryPre-PublicPre-PhysicianPre-PhysicalPre-PharmacyPre-OptometryPre-MedicalPre-LawPre-ForensicPre-DentalPre-Chiropracticchoice:ScienceTherapyAssistantHealthEducation**

*These programs are available **Theonline.pre-secondary education pathway includes completion of an undergraduate content major through the College of Arts and Sciences. It will prepare you for post-baccalaureate teaching certification programs, such as the M.A. in Secondary Education through the College of Education and Human Development.

Majorsdeadlines.specificcompetitiveshouldtoflight†Studentsforwmich.edu/teaching/secondarySeedetails.interestedinaviationscienceordirectadmissiontheBronsonSchoolofNursingvisitwmich.edu/apply/fordetailsonapplicationdetailsandaresubjecttochange.

How to Apply

Applying to Western is a simple process:

1. Complete the Common App wmich.edu/apply

Submit the Common App and the WMU supplement.

2. Submit official transcript

Ask your school counselor to send your official high school transcript to Western.

3. Check your Gold Gateway account

After your application is complete* and submitted, you will receive an email to create your Gold Gateway account where you can view your admission decision and enrollment next steps. students

Deadlines

Fall semester (late August entry)

Dec. 15: Early Action (non-binding) Admission to all Western academic programs†, admission scholarship consideration and priority invitation to the Lee Honors College.

June 1: Rolling Admission—Admission to most WMU academic programs.

Spring semester (January entry) Jan. 1 Summer I session (May entry) May 1 Summer II session (late June entry) June 15

*A complete admission application file includes: application (Common App including WMU supplement), official high school transcript and $40 application fee or fee waiver. Students who wish for an ACT/SAT score to be considered in review must self-report their score on the admission application.

†Students interested in aviation flight science or direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing must complete their admission application by the Early Action deadline. Both programs are fall entry only. While recommendation letters, essays and other supplemental materials are optional, students who wish to be considered for aviation flight science or direct admission to the Bronson School of Nursing should submit them.

*Full time, lower level (up to credits) on main campus for fall and spring. Differential tuition, assessed by the Haworth College of Business, the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences and the College of Fine Arts, is not included in the above

View details at wmich.edu/registrar/tuition.

**Room and board figure above is for a double-occupancy room in the Valley Neighborhood with the Bronco Gold meal plan.

Funding your education

There are a multitude of scholarship opportunities at Western, and they are offered through a variety of units and offices, such as the Office of Admissions, Student Financial Aid, academic colleges and University departments.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), will determine your eligibility for

need-based scholarships, grants, loans and work-study. Visit studentaid.gov to submit the FAFSA. Western’s FAFSA Code: 002330

First-year students, complete your admission application* by Dec. 15 (the Early Action deadline) to automatically be considered for the following scholarships administered through the Office of Admissions. Students awarded more than one Office of Admissions scholarship will receive the award with the highest value.

Admission scholarship opportunities for first-year students

Award Value GPA† Deadline and Notes

Current value: up to LeeParticipation$89,400inHonorsCollege

LeeAuto-invite($16,000/year)$64,000toHonorsCollege

Award includes: up to $16,000/year for tuition and fees, room costs for students who reside on-campus and one-time funding to cover study abroad or research. Complete admission application* by Early Action deadline of Dec. 15. Students will be selected via a holistic review of the admission application.

Complete admission application* and supplemental materials due by Feb. 15. Verified, significant financial need. Competitive; up to 10 Foundation Scholars will be selected. For more information, visit wmich.edu/admissions/foundation.

LeeAuto-invite($4,000/year)$16,000toHonorsCollege

Complete admission application* by Early Action deadline of Dec. 15.

Complete admission application* by Early Action deadline of Dec. 15.

Complete admission application* by Early Action deadline of Dec. 15.

Awards are based on a 4.00 scale at the time of admission. *See “How to Apply” section for application file requirements. receive (Full-time, undergraduates)

Funding your selection process. every opportunity for

ScholarshipUniverse

Students can apply for other Western and external scholarships in one convenient location. To maximize eligibility for both scholarships and grants, students should complete the FAFSA.

Admitted students may log in to review and apply for scholarships using their Bronco NetID and Prospectivepassword.students may view, but not apply for, public scholarships.

Endowed Scholarships

Criteria and values vary by award. Apply by Feb. 15.

awardsCollege/Departmental

Amounts and deadlines vary by college/ department.

MLK Gold

Completed admission application* due by Feb. 15. Competitive; up to 30 recipients will be selected. 3.00 GPA and two or more selected criteria. Not stackable with other admission scholarships.

Seita

Available to students who have lived in foster care during some of their teenage years. Apply by May 15.

Kalamazoo Promise

Resident students of Kalamazoo Public Schools receive this scholarship toward tuition and mandatory fees. Western is proud to be in the home city of the Promise and welcome one of the largest populations of Kalamazoo Promise students in the state.

You must be admitted to Western to be considered for awards. Supplemental information may be required, deadlines may vary and awards are limited.

*See “How to Apply” section for application file requirements.

Ensuring

FREE TUITION AND FEES FOR UP TO 5 YEARS

THE BRONCO PROMISE covers tuition and fees for admitted, full-time, first-year students who are Michigan residents and whose family has adjusted gross income of $50,000 or less and net assets below $50,000. For consideration, the FAFSA must be completed by July 1.

SCHOLARSHIPSHOUSING

More than 100 scholarships with a maximum of up to $6,000 each are awarded to admitted, need.withwhoundergraduatefull-time,studentsareMichiganresidentsdemonstratedfinancialForconsideration,the FAFSA and scholarship application must be completed by March 15.

Both the Bronco Promise and housing scholarships can be combined with the admissions scholarships listed in the chart to the left.

The Empowering Futures Gift is a craftexperienceaccessinvestmenttransformativeineducationaltocreateaholisticwherestudentstheirpurpose, live their best lives and pursue meaningful careers. Visit empoweringfutures/scholarshipswmich.edu/ to learn more about eligibility.

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PLAN YOUR VISIT

Join us student-led Or wmich.edu/visit (269) 387-2000

Land acknowledgment is a process by which individuals are prompted to consider the history of the space they currently inhabit.

We would like to recognize that Western Michigan University is located on lands historically occupied by the 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.

Western Michigan University prohibits discrimination or harassment which violates the law or which constitutes inappropriate or unprofessional limitation of employment opportunity, University facility access, admissions, or participation in University activities, on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, 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/rethinksmart 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. The Saphira Eco label offers a comprehensive range of environmentally friendly consumables that all satisfy the strictest criteria defined by national and international environmental certificates and industry standards.