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February 2015     

Important dates  

    

New student housing sign up and New Student Orientation registration continues  

 

Feb. 6-7: Hockey City Classic, Soldier Field, Chicago 

 

Feb. 8: College Goal Sunday 

 

Feb. 9: Summer I and Summer II course registration begins. Housing sign up for current students - different hall. Last day for 50% refund for complete withdrawal. 

 

Feb. 12: Career Fair 2015

 

Feb. 13: Government and Nonprofit Career Fair 

 

Feb. 16: Endowed scholarship applications deadline. (FAFSA must be submitted)

 

March 1: FAFSA priority deadline 

 

March 6: Spirit Day - No classes. Last day for 25% refund for complete withdrawal. 

 

March 9-13: Spring break - No classes. Residence halls open with limited service.  

 

March 16: Classes resume   

 

Looking Ahead 

 

March 23: Last day to withdraw from Spring courses

 

April 27-May 1: Final Exam week

 

May 1: Residence halls close. Students must be moved out by 7 p.m. 

 

May 2: Commencement

 

May 5: Spring semester grades available late in the day through GoWMU. 

 

Click here for the complete University calendar of events

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Photo taken by
Christopher Tremblay
Reminders

Working on your taxes? Your student's 1098-T form is accessible online.

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MyWMU Concierge Card 
Request your MyWMU Concierge Card for discounts for hotels, restaurants, and retailers.

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Don't forget about the Gold'n Brown Bakery to order delicious treats for your student!
 
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The Invisible Need Project is a multi-faceted initiative intended to serve students with unmet needs, while strengthening the culture of giving at Western Michigan University. The Project engages the entire campus community, encouraging all faculty, staff, administrators, and fellow students to come together to help students in need. 
Cory Buchholz
Cory Buchholz is an incoming freshman this fall majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He learned of the Invisible Need Food Pantry from a short article in the WMU Magazine and decided to take action.

He, along with his parents, Michael and Aloha Buchholz collected food and brought it to campus from Berrien Springs, MI to donate to the Food Pantry...not just once, but twice!

We are so grateful for their generosity and look forward to welcoming Cory and all new WMU students in the fall. Visit the Invisible Need Project website to learn more and to donate to the Project. 

 

Things to know...

 
Incoming New Students and Families

Has your student...
  • Sent in the $100 Admissions deposit to confirm acceptance to WMU?
  • Signed up for housing?
  • Signed up for new student orientation (and included YOU to attend as well)?
  • Completed and submitted the FAFSA? (priority deadline is March 1)
  • Searched and applied for scholarships? (endowed scholarship deadline is Feb. 16 and the FAFSA must be completed.)

 

Current Students and Families


Has your student...
  • Made a decision on living arrangements for next year? Consider the convenience of living on campus and if your student is moving off campus, don't forget about renter's insurance.
  • Completed the FAFSA? (which must be completed every year)
  • Searched and applied for scholarships?

  • Met with an academic advisor this semester?  

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Spring Break - Safety First

WMU's spring break week is approaching quickly, beginning on Friday, March 6 with Spirit Day. The residence halls remain open for students choosing to stay on campus. Students need to advise hall directors of their plans to stay in the halls during the break week. Front doors will lock at 5 p.m. Friday, March 6 and remain locked until Sunday, March 15. Hall services and meal availability will be reduced throughout the week.

sunset-beach-walkers.jpg Many students are looking forward to a well-deserved respite from the rigors of the semester and some are heading to warmer locations for some fun in the sun.
Talking with your student about his or her safety and well-being is always important, whether a first-year student or one fully settled into the college experience. Each of us hopes our kids won't engage in any harmful activities and these tips may serve as valuable reminders about responsible behavior when they are confronted with choices. Some points to talk about: 

While I'm Away...(whether living on or off campus)
  • Don't announce your absence on Facebook, Twitter, or other social networking sites. 
  • Secure electronics and other valuables out of plain sight.
  • Make sure the doors and windows are securely locked and close the curtains or blinds so no one can see inside your room or apartment. (Not just during break week, but also any time you are away.)
  • Avoid leaving messages on your voice mail advising callers that you are away.
  • For off-campus students, make arrangements for mail delivery. Either arrange with the post office to hold your mail or ask someone to pick up your mail regularly.
  • Don't hide a spare key in an easily accessible location.
Kick Back and Relax...(responsibly)

 

Underage drinking is against the law and consequences are always severe! The safest choice is not to drink even if your student is of legal age. But if your student chooses to drink, urge him or her to be responsible and safe about it. Advise your student to:  

  • Eat before you drink - do not drink on an empty stomach.
  • Make sure you have a non-drinking designated driver.
  • Stick with your friends - those you know and trust.
  • Set a limit on how many drinks you are going to consume - never more than one drink per hour.
  • Never leave your drink unattended and always say no if you are offered drinks by strangers.
  • Know that ANY amount of alcohol can impair judgment - more so under certain conditions.
  •  Never "mix" alcohol with prescription or other drugs.  
Enjoying vacation...(with no regrets)
  
Your student may find that being away brings with it pressure to be sexually active. Consider warning your student that sex mixed with alcohol can be physically and emotionally dangerous. Always ensure there is clear consent. If under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, be aware that personal consent may be confused and misunderstood.  

Other important tips to discuss:
  • Be mindful of local laws (seat belt use, helmet use, underage consumption, etc.) and understand that consequences can be severe.
  • Protect yourself at the beach or ski slopes; appropriate attire, sun block, safety equipment, etc.
  • Stick to a pre-determined budget for the week. Keep track of your cash and credit cards (and passport if applicable).
  • Stay with your friends at all times; if there's a disagreement, take time to work it out. Don't wander off by yourself in an unfamiliar location.
  • Make sure someone has your emergency contact information.
  • Think twice before considering body piercing and body art. It may seem like a great idea at the moment, but maybe not so great later on.
We know these topics are not always easy conversations to have with your student but your guidance can be essential in ensuring safe and responsible decisions. We want every student to have a relaxing and SAFE spring break.  
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WMU Students Post Graduation Success

This infograph shows that 89% of WMU graduates are actively engaged within three months of graduation. "Active engagement" is defined as full-time employment (including self-employment and post-graduate internships/fellowships); part-time employment (including those who are seeking and those who are not seeking full-time employment); continuing education; and military service.



Western Michigan University
1903 West Michigan
Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008-5348
(269) 387-4820