April 2016
Parent and Family Programs Survey 

WMU appreciates parents and family members as valued partners in your student's education and we strive to provide appropriate and timely communications and programming through the Parent and Family Programs office.

We know that parents and family members use information in many different ways. We invite you to take a survey about the services offered through Parent and Family Programs and if those services are meeting your needs. 

The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, anonymous, and will not affect your (or your student's) current or future relationship with WMU.

In appreciation for your time, we invite you to enter a drawing at the conclusion of the survey for a Family Weekend 2016 package, including tailgate, football, and Sunday brunch tickets.
 
 
Final exams are April 25-29. Remind your student that the final exam schedule can be found on the Registrar's website. 

The end of the semester is often a stressful time for students as they finish up projects, huge papers and prepare for exams. Here are some tips to help manage stress that may be helpful to share with your student:
  • Ask questions--Don't hesitate to ask for help. All professors have office hours designed for one-on-one interaction with students. If you don't understand something, get help now.
  • Stay healthy--Remember to eat well-balanced meals, drink plenty of water and get exercise daily. It's easy to forget these things when you're busy, but your body needs fuel to keep going and exercise to relieve excess stress. Take a breather from your studies. You'll work better after a short walk or a healthy meal.
  • Get rest--Staying up all night studying or hanging out with friends can be detrimental to your progress now. Your body needs sleep to function. Pulling an all-nighter might seem like a good idea, but you'll just burn out earlier the following day. Stay on track, get plenty of sleep and catch up with friends and family once you're finished with your finals.
If your student needs a final exam "pick me up", a care package from home is always appreciated. No time? Consider a treat from the WMU Gold'n Brown Bakery
They offer a variety of options and delivery to the residence halls.  
Residence Hall Move-out 
 
The residence halls close at 7 p.m. Friday, April 29, 2016. Students will receive information about moving out in their mailbox as well as on information boards on each floor. Students with extenuating circumstances who need to stay late should see their hall director by April 22.

There are three key parts to checking out of the room:
  • Removing personal belongings
  • Cleaning the room and putting it back the way it was at move-in
  • Checking out with a staff member
Visit the housing website for complete information on a hassle-free move-out experience.
 
Financial Matters 

Financial Aid award packages are being processed daily for incoming new students. Encourage your student to check GoWMU for updates.

WMU is offering an institutional grant for students for up to $2500 (undergraduate) and $1000 (graduate) for full-time Summer I enrollment. Depending on enrollment, the amount students receive may be adjusted. Funding availability is on a first come, first served basis. The application is available on the Financial Aid website.

If you are interested in estimating the cost of your student's education, the Net Price Calculator has been updated and is a useful tool for planning purposes.  
Parent and Family Orientation

Is your student new to WMU this fall? Please join us for the Parent/Family Orientation program that runs along with the student orientation program in June. This is a great opportunity to get to know WMU and how we work together to support your student's success.

The program includes:
  • An interactive session "Traveling the road to and through college", focused on your family's transition. 
  • A Mixer with WMU faculty, staff, administrators and current student leaders.
  • The Bronco Way theatrical performance that brings to life many of the key moments that students experience.
  • Many important informational sessions to help you and your student make a smooth transition to college.
In This Issue

Important Dates

Continuing:
Summer and fall course registration

April 13: Education Career Fair

April 14: Last day for graduating students to RSVP for April 30 April 15: Admitted Student Event

April 16: Admissions Spotlight (for high school juniors). Bronco football spring game.

April 25-29: Final Exam Week

April 29: Residence Halls close. Students must be moved out by 7 p.m.

April 30: Commencement

May 3: Spring semester grades available through GoWMU late in the day

May 9: Summer I classes begin. Tuition and fees due

May 13: Last day to drop Summer I classes. Last day to receive 100% refund.

May 17: $100 late add fee begins for Summer I classes. Withdrawals recorded as "W" on transcript.

May 20: Last day to receive 50% refund for complete withdrawal from Summer I courses

Looking Ahead

June 1: New Student Orientation begins (10 sessions throughout the month)

June 3: Last day to receive 25% refund for complete withdrawal from Summer I courses

June 6: Last day to withdraw from Summer I classes

June 22: WMU Day at Comerica Park

June 25: Commencement

July 5: Summer I grades available through GoWMU late in the day

Aug. 31-Sept. 2: Oct. 7-9: Homecoming/Family Weekend 2016

 Click here for the complete University calendar of events

 
MyWMU Concierge Card
Request your MyWMU Concierge Card
for discounts for hotels, restaurants, and retailers. It takes a few weeks to get this free personalized card, so order it now to take advantage of great savings!  
WMU Summer Camps
There's still time to sign up for an exciting summer
camp experience ranging from academic to sports, with everything in between. Visit our Summer Camps 2016 website for details.   
Parent and Family Programs
1903 West Michigan
Western Michigan University
(269) 387-4820