Table of Contents
The Bronco Blueprint – Year One
The Bronco Blueprint – Year One
Become a Bronco
Fall Welcome
WMU Mobile App
WMU Fight Song:
Talk Like A Bronco
Meet Some Broncos
Live on Campus
Have a Roommate
Get to Know Your Residence Hall
Where to Live Next Year
Getting Around Campus – The Bus System
Parking on Campus
Choose a Place to Eat
Dining Dollars
The Campus Cafes
Late Night Snacking
Dining Off-Campus
Get Involved!
Organizations
Student Government
Intramural Sports
Sports Clubs
Cultural Organizations
Greek Life
Faith-Based Organizations
Performing Arts
Honor Societies and Professional Fraternities
Media & Entertainment
Volunteering
Where To Find RSO’s That Suit You
Service Learning
A Student’s Story
Spring Staycation
Learn About Leadership Opportunities
First Year Seminar Leadership Section
Leadership Certificates
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Leadership Retreats & Institutes
Leadership & Involvement Conference
Embrace Academic Resources
Get to Know the Academic Calendar
Buying Textbooks
Financial Aid
Waldo Library
GoWMU is Your Portal to Everything Academic
 Webmail
 E-Learning
 GoRSO
 Degree Works
 The Course Catalog
 Add/Drop function
Academic Advisors
WMU Computer Labs
Seek Help
IT Help Desk
Center for Academic Success Programs (CASP)
 Academic Tutoring
 Advising
 Alpha Program
 College Success Seminars
 Military and Veterans Affairs
 Reading and Writing Placement Tests
 Service-Learning
 TRIOA
 Writing Assistance
Maintain Wellness
Manage Time
Sleep Health
Risk Management
Sexual Health
Counseling Services
Eat Healthy
Sindecuse Health Center
Fitness Programs
Learn about Summer Activities
BroncoJobs
Resume Building
Additional Classes
The Bronco Blueprint – Year One
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Become a Bronco
Adjusting to college is different for everyone! Some students find their transition into college
easy, while some may find themselves overwhelmed by the many new challenges of an all-new
lifestyle. Overcoming unexpected obstacles is a part of your journey at WMU and becoming a
successful student. Learning about and utilizing the resources that are available to you is
undoubtedly an exhausting process for any student. Take comfort in knowing that you are not
the only one who is confused! Remember, becoming a Bronco means going through new
experiences, embracing learning opportunities, overcoming the difficulties of university life, and
expressing Bronco spirit!
Fall Welcome
If you felt completely comfortable at WMU the day you got here, that’s great! Keep in mind that
Fall Welcome activities are a fun way to get to know other students and to get a head start on
your involvement at the University. If you want to do awesome things like learn about RSOs you
might want to join, participate in Buster’s Moonlight Stampede, pick up your books before
classes start and learn everything there is to know about being a Bronco, don’t hesitate to join in
on the Fall Welcome fun.
Want more experiences like the ones you had in fall welcome week? Take the First-Year
Seminar Course (FYE2100), a two-credit hour course designed just for first-year students. The
class is dedicated to extending the type of experiences Fall Welcome had to offer. It can help you
with the transition from high school to college if you still aren’t feeling at home, and will give
you the skills you need to succeed at WMU. Expect great guest speakers, scavenger hunts and
valuable instruction from a student with experience.
WMU Mobile App
Check out the WMU Mobile App to access campus resources right on your smartphone! The app
is compatible with iPhone and Android devices and can be downloaded for free via Google Play
and the iTunes Store. Features include a campus map, contact list, and access to WMU Webmail,
class schedules, midterm grades, final grades, and class registration.
WMU Fight Song:
Learn and cheer the WMU fight song and the Alma Mater to support fellow Broncos at athletic
events!
Bronco fight song:
Fight on fight on for Western
take the ball, make a score,
win the game.
Onward for the Brown and Gold;
Push ‘em back, push ‘em back
bring us fame.
Fight on fight on for Western;
over one, over all we will reign.
Fight, Broncos fight,
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fight with all your might.
Western win this game!
Alma Mater:
Western we sing to you
Brown and Gold
Western we bring to you faith untold
You challenge and inspire
Your hope is our desire
We sing to you our Alma Mater
Brown and Gold
Talk Like A Bronco
The following is a list of pronunciations for WMU buildings that are commonly mispronounced.
Learning these pronunciations is helpful in communicating with colleagues about locations on
campus, and will save you from looking silly in front of your older peers.
Eicher (EYE-ker) Hall
Friedmann (FREED-mun) Hall
Garneau (gar-NO) Hall
Haenicke (HEN-ah-kah) Hall, Institute
Knauss (kah-NOUSE) Hall
LeFevre (la-FAVE) Hall
Sangren (SANG-grin) Hall
Seibert (SIGH-bert) Administration Building
Siedschlag (SEED-schlag) Hall
Sindecuse (SIN-dee-cues) Health Center
Sprau (rhymes with now) Tower
Trimpe (TRIMP) Building
Meet Some Broncos
Name: Daniel Floyd
Major: Business
Hometown: Olympia Fields, IL
Daniel is a first-year student involved as Internal Vice President of the Entrepreneur Club and as
a participant of the Fall 2013 cohort of Starting Gate, a student business accelerator. His favorite
aspect of WMU is the size of the campus. Daniel believes the campus is not too big or too
small. His suggestion for incoming freshmen is to create a study plan and realize that more
studying is required in college compared to high school.
Name: Allie Creamer
Major: Undecided
Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI
Allie is a first-year student who is passionate about volunteering and involvement. She enjoyed
helping the Office of Student Disability’s philanthropy, Rent-a-Puppy, by walking dogs. When
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she is not busy with extracurricular activities, Allie likes to study and utilize WMU resources. “I
love that WMU has several services that help students with writing, choosing a major, and
finding a job. It's very homey here and I feel like I can speak one-on-one with my professors,”
said Allie when asked about her favorite aspects of WMU. She advises freshmen to “make sure
you use the resources WMU provides on campus. They will make your life a lot easier and you
already pay for them in your tuition, so get your money's worth! Don't worry about needing to
know everything right now. Take your time and get used to college first. Don't overwhelm
yourself.”
Name: Jonathon Johnson
Major: Interdisciplinary Health
Hometown: Muskegon, MI
Jonathan just finished his first year at WMU after serving in the military. He is Philanthropy
chair for his Greek Fraternity FIJI (Phi Gamma Delta) and he is a senator in the Western Student
Association. Also, Jonathan is the president of the Student Veteran Association and he is actively
involved as a member of the American Medical Student Association. He says the key to
succeeding at WMU is “realizing all the resources that are available here.”
Live on Campus
Have a Roommate
Get to know your roommate right away – you don’t want to spend the whole year in awkward
silence. But if you already know your roommate, you’ll definitely be surprised at the new things
you’re going to learn about them. If you and your roommate are best friends, don’t listen to all
those rumors about how you are going to hate them by the end of the year. Stay optimistic!
Having a roommate, whether they are at first a stranger or your close friend, is a unique bonding
experience that you’ll both remember for a long, long time. Living with another person is easy
for some, and not so much for others. If you are having an issue with your roommate, take care
of it right away. Try to talk to them and set some ground rules before going straight to your
Resident Advisor. If they won’t listen and respect your personal space, move. You don’t want to
be one of those people with a horrible “bad roommate” story, do you? Plus, not all roommates
are bad, and living with someone you like and who respects you will make your first year living
at WMU the fun experience it should be.
Get to Know Your Residence Hall
Adjusting to living on your own is much easier when you are sharing the experience with
friends, so open your dorm room door and make some! You can meet people by attending
activities, keeping your door open, communicating with your neighbors, and getting to know
your Resident Advisor (RA). Don’t be shy when you see a sign for an event going on
downstairs. Even if they don’t look fun, these activities are designed to let residents get together
and get to know each other.
Where to Live Next Year
Deciding where you’re going to live next year is a huge decision. If you are feeling hesitant,
don’t worry – that’s normal. For some students where they live is equally as important as their
major. There are three important words to remember when picking a new place to live: location,
location, location. Living close to campus has obvious benefits, but perhaps you’ve grown
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accustomed to the quaint houses in the Vine Neighborhood. Make sure you have transportation
to and from campus – many apartment complexes have busses that will take you right to campus,
and the Metro Transit system is also accommodating. Sometimes where you live can potentially
define your social life, like if you were living in a fraternity house or a four-bedroom apartment
with your closest friends. And just because living somewhere will certainly be fun, you may be
setting yourself up for academic failure if you’re easily distracted. Think about how difficult
studying for finals will be if you live with roommates who party 24/7.
Getting Around Campus – The Bus System
As a WMU student, it is free to use the Kalamazoo Metro Transit or Bronco transit bus system.
Instead of paying when you board the bus, have your Bronco ID ready to show the driver. If
you’ve never had to travel using a bus before, follow these suggestions to have a better
experience:
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Board in the front and exit through the back door, especially when there is a big crowd
waiting to enter.
Find a seat wherever one is available, including the back end of the bus, before standing
in the aisle.
Be aware that some seats towards the front are marked for certain passenger needs, and it
may be necessary to move to a different spot.
When you can, thank the driver.
Pull the rope to request a stop when the bus is getting close. The driver will not
automatically stop, especially if no one is waiting to board.
Busses between campus and the city of Kalamazoo have an inbound (towards downtown)
and outbound which arrive at the campus loading zone about the same time. Make sure to
note what the destination is. Otherwise it ends up being a longer bus ride.
The main bus routes for students on campus are the Brown and Gold routes. Pick up a bus route
map, use the WMU mobile site, or go online at http://www.wmich.edu/broncotransit to see the
full bus schedule and pickup locations. If you want to take the bus downtown to do some
shopping or grab a bite to eat, check bus pickup times or track a bus at http://www.kmetro.org.
Parking on Campus
Parking Services requires every car to be registered and offers various prices of parking passes
and permits for the day, the semester, and the academic year. Remember that each parking lot is
restricted to parking for a specific type of permit. You will learn about the lots that are available
to you when you purchase the permit.
Choose a Place to Eat
The dining halls at WMU are more than just a place to get a hot, delicious meal. They’re a prime
destination for students to meet, to study, and to socialize while they eat. The dining halls often
hold special dinner events, and you’ll notice your fellow WMU students make up most of the
staff. Visiting all six dining halls can be an adventure for first-year students. Try them all and see
which your favorite is! Full menus are also available online, so you can check to see what’s
being served before you go at: http://www.sais.wmich.edu/DS_Menus/Default.aspx
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One of the worst feelings is walking all the way to your favorite dining hall only to realize that
it’s closed. Be sure you know when the Dining Halls operate by looking at the hours index online
at: http://www.wmich.edu/dining/hours/index.html
Dining Dollars
Dining Dollars are a prepaid balance that can be used to pay for a guest at any of the dining halls,
or buy snacks at any of the Campus Cafes. Your Dining Dollars account is linked to your Bronco
ID card, so just give your Bronco ID to the cashier to use them. If you have a Meal Plan, you
already have some Dining Dollars, but you can always go online and add more. The amount of
Dining Dollars included with your Meal Plan depends on which Meal Plan you chose, and resets
at the beginning of each semester.
Go here to add more Dining Dollars: http://www.wmich.edu/dining/diningdollars.html
The Campus Cafes
There are six campus cafes around campus, and all of them accept Dining Dollars as well as
regular means of payment. Most of the cafés offer on-the-go snacks and drinks, while some like
the Bernhard Center Café are more like a convenience store and even offer complete breakfast
and lunch menus. Campus Cafes are a convenient stop for a bite to eat or cup of coffee between
classes. The Plaza Cafe in Sprau Tower is located right by the Miller Fountain, and is a frequent
stop for students.
Late Night Snacking
If you are in the mood for a late-night snack (as most college students are) and you find your
stash of food empty, don’t worry. You don’t have to starve until the morning. In Valley II,
Hoekje and Bigelow from 8 p.m. to midnight Sundays through Thursdays, you can get a
sandwich, soup, drinks and a variety of other options with your meal plan. But be warned: you
will usually be limited to only one or two sandwiches per carry out visit. If you still feel hungry
or want to eat even later, simply have something delivered! You would be surprised just how late
some restaurants off-campus are open for delivery. Almost all of them will deliver right to the
residence halls until 2 a.m. or later.
Dining Off-Campus
Plenty of places to eat are just off-campus; some within a walkable distance and even more that
aren’t, but offer delivery options directly to the residence halls. Knowing that college students
are on a budget, tons of these restaurants offer special deals for students. Visit websites like
campusspecial.com or use coupons from the coupon booklets handed out around campus at the
start of Fall semester. Taking a trip to your favorite off-campus restaurant or trying something
new with a group of friends is a great way to socialize and get a bite to eat outside the dining
halls.
Get Involved!
Getting involved is easy at WMU because students can choose from wide variety of clubs and
organizations. Check out the different opportunities and find a way, or multiple ways to get
involved!
Organizations
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Every year, at the beginning of the fall semester, an event is held called Bronco Bash. During
this event, many of the over 400 registered student organizations (RSOs) are present, offering
information on how to become involved within their organizations. Bronco Bash is the biggest
event of the year, so you don’t want to miss out!
Student Government
Western Student Association (WSA) is the student body government at WMU, and is the largest
student government in the state of Michigan. Students can become Senators representing their
academic college, or another student organization. WSA regularly hosts forums and events
featuring President Dunn and other members of WMU’s administration, so if you want your
voice heard, WSA is where you want to be!
Intramural Sports
All kinds of Intramural Sports are offered at WMU. Participation in an Intramural sport provides
opportunities to develop leadership and team-building skills. In addition, the intramural sports
experience will allow you to set goals, develop friendships, stay active, and enrich your WMU
experience. To get started, create your free IMLeagues.com account and follow the IMLeagues
guide. This guide will teach you how to use your account to sign up for Intramural teams and
even create your own!
Sports Clubs
In addition to Intramural Sports at WMU, there are many registered student organizations
(RSOs) dedicated to certain sports and open to join by all students. These Sport clubs vary in
focus, since they are managed completely by student members. They may be competitive,
recreational, social or any combination of the three. Joining any sports club is another great way
to make friends, play the sports you love and gain leadership and organizational skills through
personal involvement at WMU. Please check GoRSO to see a full list.
Cultural Organizations
Join a cultural organization to learn about groups of people from around the world. Also, you
can partake in traditions that are unique to your heritage and enjoy an atmosphere at WMU that
supports diversity. Please check GoRSO to see a full list.
Greek Life
Choosing to go Greek can completely transform your experience at WMU. Fraternities and
Sororities are a home away from home. They offer you hands-on experiences that you may not
otherwise be able to find. Community service is a huge part of the experience. No other segment
of the student population has dedicated more time and resources, or has raised more money for
charity than the members of fraternities and sororities. Going Greek includes attending social
activities including formals, homecoming, skit nights, mixers, sing competitions, and other
special events. It is said that Greek Life can offer more of a family atmosphere and go beyond
ordinary friendships, often lasting a lifetime. Please check GoRSO to see a full list of Greek
units. Ask the Student Activities and Leadership Programs office about sorority and fraternity
recruitment week at the beginning of the fall semester and how to sign up online.
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Sandra Weitzner is a Biochemistry major who is from the Chicago area. She is an active member
of Hillel (Jewish life on campus) and Alternative Bronco Breaks. She is a part of WMU’s Alpha
Omicron Pi (AOII) Chapter and is the Director of Scholarship for the Panhellenic Council. “I
enjoy my position in Panhellenic Council because it allows me to work with all the sororities on
campus to promote scholarship and plan programs to benefit all WMU students. I encourage
women to join a sorority to be involved in sisterhood, to gain leadership experience and to help a
non-profit organization, such as Juvenile Arthritis,” says Sandra. Her favorite thing about Greek
Life is “having support from my sisters and many others in the Greek community!”
Jesse Wilkerson is a student from Battle Creek majoring in Marketing and a member of the Lee
Honors College. “I like the fact that the Lee Honors College gives me priority registration and
challenges me with rigorous coursework,” said Jesse who is also a Haworth College of Business
research assistant. In addition, he is the Director of Service and Philanthropy for the InterFraternity Council and is the Recruitment Chair for his Greek Fraternity Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI)
Colony. “Men should join a fraternity because it provides a sense of belonging and
accountability as well as leadership and networking opportunities. I have gained a better
understanding of who I am as a person as well as being able to better communicate in group
settings,” says Jesse. His favorite part of Greek life is “brotherhood and helping my fraternity’s
non-profit, United Way.”
Faith-Based Organizations
Find a faith-based RSO at WMU that suits you. We have Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and
interfaith organizations. Please check GoRSO to see a full list.
Performing Arts
The University Theatre is one of the best Theatre programs in the country. Every year, they host
a full season of shows, and WMU students are able to attend for five dollars. Past performances
include Hairspray, Spring Awakening, RENT, and Sweeney Todd.
The School of Music offers a multitude of performance based organizations, including the
Bronco Marching Band and Gold Company. These organizations have received national acclaim,
and are open to students from all academic areas.
Miller Auditorium hosts a full season every year of professional touring musical productions, as
well as performances by the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra. Past performances include
Wicked, Les Misèrables, Mamma Mia, and Jersey Boys, as well as performances by Olivia
Newton John, Kenny G, and Matchbox 20.
Honor Societies and Professional Fraternities
WMU is home to many professional and academic honor societies that provide opportunities for
networking and professional development. Please check GoRSO to see a full list.
Audrey Sondhiemer is a Social Work major from West Bloomfield who is in the Lee Honors
College. “I like the trips they offer, such as the one to Chicago and Study in the States, and the
small class sizes,” says Audrey. She is also the Vice President of Programming in Hillel (Jewish
campus life); she liked that there is a Jewish community on campus. In addition, she stays busy
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with her co-ed National Honors Fraternity Phi Sigma Pi (PSP). “I like the co-ed aspect and that
we all share a common goal; good grades are our main priority.”
Media & Entertainment
The Student Media Group is a collaboration between three of the media-based student groups on
campus. Students interested in broadcast, print, or online journalism are encouraged to get
involved. Check GoRSO to see a full list of media-oriented groups at WMU.
The WMU Campus Activities Board (CAB) is one of the largest student organizations on
campus. They host weekly events such as comedians, concerts, magicians, Miller Movies,
hypnotists, and much more. They also typically have a large spring show toward the end of every
school year.
Volunteering
Student Activities and Leadership Programs facilitate numbers volunteer opportunities, such as
Fall Into the Streets and Spring Into the Streets.
Alternative Bronco Breaks is an umbrella organization that offers opportunities to spend a part of
their vacation volunteering in various locations throughout the country as a part of Alternative
Spring Break, Alternative Winter Experience, or Alternative Summer Experience.
Habitat for Humanity is another program designed to help students assist the community by
working together in areas that require aid.
Where To Find RSO’s That Suit You
A full list of RSOs is available on your GoRSO tab on GoWMU. If no groups interest you, you
can create your own! The Student Activities and Leadership Program provides The RSO
Handbook that has all the information you need to begin a new club.
Service Learning
Service learning is a method for you to learn about the world as you do service work. It has three
main parts:
 The first is for you to move out of your comfort zone to work with people and in
situations that may be uncomfortable or new for you. By doing this, you have the chance
to see the world through other people’s experiences.
 Service learning is mutually beneficial. In other words, you receive as much as you give.
 Reflection is the final part of service learning and it is the time to think about the
experiences and the issues. The critical reflection of the finished work makes the
difference between service work and service learning.
To learn more about Service Learning at WMU you can visit
http://www.wmich.edu/servicelearning/
A Student’s Story
Rasheeda “Sheeda” Jenkins, a public health education and promotion student heading into her
senior year, said “For me, service-learning reinforces that being knowledgeable about your field
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of study isn't enough; you have to also learn the significance in connecting with others while
working in your field. This creates an awareness of how your profession impacts society. It
really presented a greater sense of meaning and purpose to my field of study and my life
personally.”
Spring Staycation
The Service Learning Spring Staycation is a great way to spend your spring break on campus and
get involved with Service-Learning in the Kalamazoo area. Spring Staycation is a project run
through the Office of Service-Learning where you and a group of other students make an effort
to resolve real-world societal issues such as mental illness and teen violence. Spring Staycation
spans over five days, and each day focuses on something different. Each day begins with a short
20 to 30 minute conference about an issue, and then the students go together to work on-site with
people affected by that issue. There’s no cost to participate, free breakfast and lunch are provided
every day, and the experience is invaluable. If you’re staying on campus for Spring Break,
consider participating in Spring Staycation.
Phone: (269) 387-4455
E-mail csl_info@wmich.edu
Learn About Leadership Opportunities
The Student Activities and Leadership Program facilitates leadership training. Some programs
are not available to first year students, but below is a list of programs you can do!
First Year Seminar Leadership Section
FYS leadership section is for both students who participated in leadership activities in high
school and students looking to begin developing their leadership skills in college.
Leadership Certificates
Emerging Leader Certificate is for students who want to develop various aspects of leadership by
working several organizations and completing many requirements, such as meeting with your
mentor that will be matched with you.
Leadership Retreats & Institutes
Several opportunities to learn from peers exist at WMU, such as the Fall Leadership Retreat, the
Spring Leadership Retreat, the RSO Leadership Institute, the Fraternal Leadership Institute, and
the Diversity & Leadership Institute
Leadership & Involvement Conference
This 2 day conference takes places in August before the start of every school year. Activities are
planned to connect students on campus and develop leaders by discussing recruitment and
problem solving techniques.
Embrace Academic Resources
Get to Know the Academic Calendar
WMU Academic calendars provide important dates for students and faculty for the semester
such as registration, refund, withdrawal, finals, and midterm grading dates. Other important
calendars are University calendars and Final Examination schedules. University calendars mark
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the beginning and ending dates of each semester and the number of days that classes meet per
week each semester. Final Examination schedules include the time of each exam based on
regular class meeting times. All of these calendars and schedules are accessible through the
WMU website. Make sure to check up on these calendars as the dates are subject to change.
Buying Textbooks
Textbook Alley, which is located in the Bernhard Center, supplies all the textbooks for WMU
classes. Going to the bookstore for the first time is easy and exciting. Having your class
schedule makes the process a lot easier, so computers and printers are available right inside the
bookstore! The shelves in the bookstore correspond to your class’s course number and section
number, which both can be found on your schedule. In order to reduce the price of textbooks,
renting is also an option for some items. You can also purchase your textbooks online. Just
Google search: “WMU Bookstore” to be directed to the full online store where you can buy
books, WMU apparel, tech stuff and more.
Financial Aid
The cost of tuition and other university expenses may be difficult to pay for upfront. Fortunately,
most students are able to receive some form of Financial Aid. Financial Aid is the assistance
available to cover higher education costs. This includes student loans, parent loans, work-study,
and grants. To find out how much financial aid you or your family are eligible to receive, you
can file for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you plan to receive
financial assistance. Filing for FAFSA after January 1 and before March 1 is crucial for high
school seniors in need of financial aid, as funding for certain forms of assistance can run out.
Several options are available if you need help:
 Call or visit Bronco Express, the number one place for financial aid and billing questions.
Bronco Express is located at the lower level of the Bernhard Center and provides speedy
service while attending to your financial aid needs or concerns.
 Schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid counselor at Faunce Student Services who
will modify your appointment to fit your personal financial aid needs.
 Email the Financial Aid office with questions at finaid-info@wmich.edu by using your
WMU email and including your WIN in the email.
 Visit http://fafsa.gov/
Waldo Library
Waldo library is the go to place for all of your research-based needs. With over 4.9 million items
and 2.5 million titles, the WMU library system is the fourth largest in the state of Michigan. Not
only is the library full of every resource you could imagine, but it’s a great place to study with
friends or by yourself. Be sure to check out the lounge, new books area, vending machines,
computers, printers, copiers, study rooms, and quiet study areas to get the full library experience.
Waldo Library consists of four levels. It is important to note that the higher the floor level, the
quieter you are expected to be. For optimum study conditions, head to the fourth level and grab a
seat. Don’t forget to put your cell phone on vibrate and only answer your phone in the designated
areas. There is nothing more distracting than someone chatting on their phone near you when
you are trying to study for finals. Don’t be that person!
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As Waldo Library consists of four floors, titles can be difficult to find by yourself. Titles are all
organized into 35 different subjects and 10 main collections. If you find that you need help
locating titles, don’t hesitate to ask the staff! Subject librarians are available to provide assistance
specific to individual collections and resources whether you are searching while on or off of
campus. For help, contact a librarian via phone, text, email, and live chat through the library
website.
To borrow books, you must be a registered WMU student with a valid Bronco ID. Books,
government documents, music scores, CDs, LPs, and Waldo Instructional videos are all
available. Have a ton of papers to write during finals week and need lots of sources? No
problem. As a WMU student, you can borrow up to 100 items at a time! Even better, the library
offers Interlibrary Loans which allow you to acquire resources that are not available directly at
Waldo Library. Most Interlibrary loans are free and can be managed through the WMU library
website. If you order an interlibrary loan, don’t forget to pick it up! When borrowing several
items at once, make sure to keep track of the due dates. Watch out for overdue fees, too. They’ll
be added to your student account bill.
To find out more about Waldo library, visit the library website through your GoWMU account or
call (269) 387-5059.
GoWMU is Your Portal to Everything Academic
Now that you’re at WMU and will be using the GoWMU portal frequently, consider making it
(https://gowmu.wmich.edu) your new homepage! In addition to providing the latest campus
news and announcements pertaining to WMU, your GoWMU account is where you access a
bunch of important tools the entire time you are at WMU, such as the following:
 Webmail, which is your main WMU Email. It’s where your professors will email you
anything and everything, and where all other WMU-related information such as financial
aid, campus clubs and your billing statements will be sent. You may want to consider
making Webmail your #1 email priority now that you’re at WMU. Every student and
teacher has a Webmail account, and they all follow the same format:
firstname.middleinitial.lastname@wmich.edu. This is useful for finding your classmates
if you miss a day of class and want to ask for notes, or emailing a professor if you’ve lost
the syllabus. Also, most professors ask that you only contact them using your WMU
email.
 E-Learning, the online course management system at WMU. Most of the professors at
WMU use it to post grades, assignments, syllabi and online quizzes.
 GoRSO, which provides profile of your membership in all the registered student
organizations (RSOs) you belong to.
 Degree Works, which is an awesome web-based tool that helps students and advisors
monitor progress toward degree completion. It works sort of like an online check sheet.
A Degree Works audit is a review of past, current and “planned” coursework that
provides information on completed and outstanding requirements necessary to complete a
degree/major/minor/concentration. It will show you any degree, major, minor, or and
General Education requirements that are being met by the courses you’ve taken and that
may be met upon satisfactory completion of courses in progress. It also includes a fully
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functional future-semester Planner that can be saved for later reference, and a GPA
calculator. What happens if you decide you want to change your major? The “What if”
option, located under the worksheets tab, allows students to explore other degree options
to determine how new courses could fulfill various degree requirements. Students
utilizing this option may pick a different major and/or minor, or may add future courses.
The Course Catalog, a directory of all the classes available at WMU. Here you’ll find
descriptions that give you a general idea of what the course is about. Be warned: not all
courses listed here are available in certain semesters, and your experience in the course
may be different than how it sounds in this description. To get a more accurate idea of
what a course will be about, email the course instructor directly, consult an academic
adviser, or talk to a fellow classmate who has taken the course.
Add/Drop function, which allows you to sign up for classes by clicking the tab in “My
Self Service”. Registering for classes can be exciting. It allows you to take a chance to
explore new learning opportunities and for many it means setting up your own pathway
to a successful degree. But not everyone knows what their schedule will be for the next
four years, and that’s O.K. WMU has the tools and the resources to help guide you
through the registration process.
Academic Advisors
If you know or have some idea of your current major, the #1 place to go before registering for
classes is the undergraduate advisor for that major. The undergraduate advisor will provide an
outline for you of the classes you need to register for to work toward that major/minor. Plan your
visit a few days before registration opens, so that you know everything you need to register for as
soon as possible. If you forgot to make an appointment, that’s ok, as most undergraduate
advising offices have walk-in hours. Remember, class registration is on a first-come first-serve
basis. Also, don’t think you can’t visit your advisor just because class registration is over! Your
undergraduate advisor is available all semester to answer any questions you might have, or if you
decide to change your major. Here’s a list of the Academic Advising departments available to
you:
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College of Arts and Sciences
College of Aviation
Haworth College of Business
College of Education and Human Development
College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
College of Fine Arts
Art
Dance
Music
Theatre
College of Health and Human Services
Exploratory Advising
Lee Honors College
To find out where and when to go for advising, visit the Academic Advising page on the WMU
website:
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http://www.wmich.edu/parents/resources/academic-advising.html
WMU Computer Labs
There are plenty of computer labs all over campus. The most active computer lab on campus is
the Bernhard Center Lab, and its open 24 hours Monday through Thursday. At a campus
computer lab, you have access to technology that you may not own yourself like computer
software and more importantly, printers! Remember, each semester you get 500 free prints, but
after that, printing on campus will cost you 5 cents per page. You’ll need to present your Bronco
ID to access computer labs. There are also computers (and a printing station) available in the
Waldo Library.
Seek Help
Several options are available to students to help resolve any kind of issue pertaining to the
success of a student.
IT Help Desk
If you’re having trouble logging into or using online services, or can’t access the internet in the
dorms or just aren’t as tech savvy as you’d like to be, the IT Help Desk is the place to go. It’s
your first point of contact for computer hardware, software, and mobile device related questions
or problems. The IT Help Desk is located in the back corner of the University Computing Center
and you can bring your questions and your computer (if you can) right to them during open hours
and the staff will help resolve any issue you’re having or teach you the skills you need to become
familiar with the technology. If you live in the residence halls, The Help Desk will come to you!
The Mobile Help Desk visits each residence hall five times out of the year to help students living
there with various issues. The Help Desk welcomes walk-ins and telephone consultations. The
help desk may be reached at (269) 387-4357 or by email to helpdesk@wmich.edu.
Center for Academic Success Programs (CASP)
The CASP is part of the WMU Career Network. Using CASP can help create a successful
academic future through collaborative programs by attending to your academic needs. Services
available to all students include:
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Academic Tutoring, which is for select undergraduate courses including course-specific
assistance and general learning strategies
Advising for undergrads
Alpha Program, which is for select students who do not meet the academic criteria for
traditional admission when transitioning from high school to college
College Success Seminars, which provides knowledge to refine academic skills, are free
to students, and do not require advanced registration
Military and Veterans Affairs, which provides academic assistance in the transition
from service life to student life
Reading and Writing Placement Tests, which is geared to identify academic
competency at the earliest stage in the college career to place students in compatible
courses
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Service-Learning, which will put academics to practice by taking on communityidentified needs.
TRIOA, which is Student Success Program which helps first-generation students with
eligible income and college students with disabilities complete a bachelor’s degree and
transition to graduate school and a professional life
Writing Assistance, which is for undergraduate and graduate students, which offers inperson appointment and drop-in consultations for writers at all levels of education
Maintain Wellness
Your personal wellness has several dimensions, but focusing on a couple aspects of your wellbeing at one time is the smartest choice. Your success depends on using the resources available
to you when you need help.
Manage Time
Creating a schedule and a task list is important to your collegial success. Gauging how much
time you will need to complete a task is challenging at first. It is commonly recommended that
at least 2 hours per week outside of class is spent for each credit hour you are taking. Lizzie
Erway, a WMU Freshman from Lawton, MI, advises incoming freshmen to “not have too
rigorous of a schedule your first semester,” as this will make the transition from high school to
university life as comfortable as possible.
Nonetheless, experiencing problems balancing your school work, social life, and health
obligations can lead to stress. Everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time, but take comfort
in knowing that help exists! You can always talk to a friend, a parent, or a counselor. Attending
one of the workshops at Sindecuse is another great way to relieve anxiety when you are feeling
overwhelmed!
Sleep Health
The importance of sleep if often overlooked in college, but it’s an important determinant of your
overall productivity and well-being. Please be informed that Sindecuse offers treatment of sleep
disorders.
Risk Management
Staying safe should be your number-one priority during college because reducing the risk
associated with your actions is the healthiest choice you can make. Your mental health and
confidence will improve as you become aware of your surroundings and as you make smarter
decisions.
You can call for a ride home from campus at night through the Student Watch escort service and
Safe Ride. Taking a ride home is always a better option than walking alone in the dark, but
remember the blue light emergency call stations on campus are available for an immediate, direct
connection to WMU’s Public Safety dispatch.
Sexual Health
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Making healthy sexual choices by practicing condom sense is important. You can learn about
strategies for reducing your risk of sexual assault and sexual diseases by attending one of the
many workshops at Sindecuse.
Counseling Services
Seeing a counselor is free at Sindecuse. They help you identify challenges and make changes to
manage the emotional and social difficulties that might complicate college life.
Eat Healthy
Several workshops are offered by Sindecuse that are led by a nutritionist who works for Dining
Services. The focus of the workshops will vary from semester to semester, but previous
workshops have been called, “Healthy Vegetarian Eating,” “Eating Healthy in the WMU Dining
Halls,” and “Coping with Eating Disorders.” Also, please be informed that WMU Dining
Services accommodates restricted diets. Nutritional information such as grams of fat, protein and
carbohydrates per serving for all dining services menus are available online at:
http://www.sais.wmich.edu/DS_Menus/Default.aspx
Sindecuse Health Center
Your success in your college career depends on your mental and physical health, so don’t
overlook a runny nose, sore throat, or a small ache or pain, for these can develop into something
more serious. Healthcare options available at Sindecuse are provided by the medical staff,
physician assistants, registered nurses, and certified medical assistants who meet with patients
individually to pinpoint their problems and to create a treatment plan tailored to their needs.
Fitness Programs
The fitness programs offered at the Student Recreation Center cover a wide range. Aerobic,
CycleFit and Aquatic Exercise classes, as well as specialty programs are run by the fitness staff
that change as the year goes on. Personal training sessions are also available starting with a
Welcome Package that includes a fitness assessment, personal consultation, and a workout plan
all designed to meet your individualized needs.
All fitness program prices and information, as well as a list of the specialty programs, are listed
online at: http://www.wmich.edu/rec/fitness/
Learn about Summer Activities
Some people like to spend their summer vacation relaxing while other people like to stay
busy. Please note that the summer is an awesome time to plan the following year that may
consist of having a job! WMU provides students with a list of available job opportunities and
offers assistance with writing resumes.
BroncoJobs
Now that you’ve made it through your first year at Western, it might be a good idea to get a head
start on gaining experience outside the classroom. Starting this early with an internship or parttime job will help you accumulate experiences you can write on your resume, and keep your
mind active during summer break. Start your search with BroncoJobs, an online listing of parttime jobs, internships and even full-time professional opportunities (for after you graduate) on
and off campus. BroncoJobs works a lot like Monster or other job-search websites and it’s easy
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because you can narrow down your search by location, interview schedules, experience level,
subject and the industry associated with the job. Simply find the opportunity that suits you, post
your Resume, cover letter, or CV and wait for recognition. Getting a part-time job or internship
may not necessarily be a top priority for you, but the experience you gain in these positions is
invaluable. Your experiences outside the classroom can be more important than those inside the
classroom in the eyes of employers.
Resume Building
You want to optimize your Resume before posting it to BroncoJobs, or anywhere else. There are
plenty of tools that can help you start or refine your Resume, making it an ideal representation of
you and your success. On the Career and Student Employment Services website there are many
online references and tools like Optimal Resume and the Career Development Guide to help you
build your Resume. Here you’ll also find schedules for resume workshops, where you can go and
work one-on-one with someone to make your resume the best it can be.
Additional Classes
An option over the summer is to take additional general education credits. If you are not staying
in Kalamazoo, or you do not want to take the courses at WMU, you still have the option to do
this through your local community college. It is important to talk to your advisor about what
classes would be good summer choices, and to make sure whatever you take will transfer to
WMU. Also, don’t forget to talk to someone at the other college about being a guest and
completing their application. Then make sure to get a copy of your transcript when you finish so
your advisor can help you apply the credits to WMU. The Transfer Student Service page gives
further information for all classes and community colleges in Michigan.
http://www.wmich.edu/transfer/services/resources.html Have an awesome summer!
Checklist
____Download the WMU Mobile App
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____ Learn how to talk like a Bronco
____ Sing the Bronco Fight Song
____Know your roommate and residence hall
____Visit your academic advisor
____Visit each cafeteria and café
____Volunteer
____Familiarize yourself with GoWMU
____Attend WMU sporting events
____Join a RSO
____ Sign up for a leadership development program through the Student Activates and
Leadership Program department
____Learn about Service Learning opportunities
____Register for classes for Spring Semester
____Join a Fraternity or Sorority
____Decide whether an academic, social, or honor based Greek unit appeals to you
____Visit the writing lab
____Utilize the Help Desk to set up webmail on your iPhone or other smart phone
____Learn about the health care services at Sindecuse
____Consider your Summer options
____Decide where to live next year
____ Complete 26 credit hours and become a sophomore!
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