Western Michigan University

Western Michigan University (WMU) is a public research university located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States. The university was established in 1903 by Dwight B. Waldo, and as of the Fall 2014 semester, its enrollment is 23,914.

WMU has one of the largest aviation programs in the United States, and it is the site of the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies. The university's athletic teams compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and are collectively known as the Western Michigan Broncos. They compete in the Mid-American Conference for most sports.

On May 27, 1903, Michigan Governor Aaron T. Bliss signed a bill authorizing the creation of the State's fourth teacher-training facility. The three other normal schools were in Ypsilanti (Eastern), Mount Pleasant (Central), and Marquette (Northern). Kalamazoo was chosen as the new school's location on August 28, 1903. Other locations considered included Allegan, Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Decatur, Three Oaks, and Hastings. The first building, then known as the Administration Building, and now known as East Hall, was constructed in 1904.

The University was first officially known as Western State Normal School, and originally offered a two-year training program. The first principal and president was Dwight B. Waldo, who served from 1904 until 1936. The school was renamed several times throughout its early history, beginning with Western State Teachers College in 1927, Michigan College of Education in 1941, and Western Michigan College in 1955. On February 26, 1957, Governor G. Mennen Williams signed into law a bill making Western Michigan College the state's fourth public university, giving the school its current name of Western Michigan University.

Most of the oldest and original WMU buildings and "classrooms" are collectively known as East Campus, located directly East from the more centrally located "West Campus".

Access to the East Campus site was an issue because of the steep grade elevating it above the city. The Western State Normal Railroad was established in 1907 to carry students and staff up and down the hill via a funicular. It operated until 1949.

Admission requirements at Western Michigan University include a completed undergraduate application through the WMU Admissions website, official high school transcripts or GED scores, and standardized test scores such as ACT or SAT (though these may be optional for some programs). International students must also submit proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests. Applicants are encouraged to review specific program prerequisites, as certain majors may require additional coursework, portfolios, or interviews. Graduate applicants need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose, and standardized test scores like GRE or GMAT if required by their program. Transfer students should provide official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended and meet the transfer credit policies. Financial aid applications, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), must be completed by the designated deadlines for eligible students. The university considers an applicant's academic record, extracurricular activities, personal statement, and letters of recommendation to assess their suitability. Application deadlines vary by program and applicant type, with priority deadlines typically in the fall for the following academic year. International students are advised to apply early to ensure sufficient time for visa processing and credential evaluation. Some programs may have additional requirements such as auditions or portfolios. Prospective students can track their application status online and should contact the admissions office for any questions or special considerations. Once accepted, students will receive detailed instructions for enrollment, orientation, and registration procedures.

Western Michigan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The university's accreditation ensures that its academic programs meet rigorous standards of quality and integrity, allowing students to receive recognized degrees and facilitate transferability of credits. The accreditation process involves comprehensive review and continuous assessment to maintain high educational standards across all faculties and departments. WMU's accreditation status is periodically reaffirmed through site visits and evaluations conducted by the Higher Learning Commission, which analyzes factors such as institutional governance, academic quality, faculty qualifications, student support services, and financial stability. In addition to institutional accreditation, many specific programs at WMU hold specialized accreditations from professional bodies, ensuring discipline-specific standards of excellence are met. WMU's commitment to maintaining accreditation reflects its dedication to providing a high-quality education environment that prepares students for successful careers and responsible citizenship. The university's accreditation status regularly appears on its official website and official documents, underscoring its credibility and the value of its degrees.

Western Michigan offers a wide range of activities and student organizations for its students to get involved on and off campus. There are currently over 300 registered student organizations that students may join. Students are welcomed to school each year with "Bronco Bash", an event with live entertainment performances and booths sponsored by student and community organizations. On-campus housing provides 23 residence halls and special interest housing for students in programs such as the honors college, aviation, business community, engineering and applied sciences, science scholars, education, fine arts, health and human services, second year students, transfer students, magellan housing, wellness housing.

Entertainment

The Campus Activities Board is the main student organization responsible for bringing entertainment events for students. Some events the organization sponsors include "At The Show" concerts, "Bernie's After Hours" comedians, "Special Events Live" and "Miller Movies," presented at the school's main theater, Miller Auditorium. CAB sponsors both Bronco Bash and WMU's student Homecoming activities.

There are also many concerts available to the public through WMU's College of Fine Arts. An up to date calendar can be viewed at the School of Music website.

Student government

The Western Student Association along with the Graduate Student Association are the "primary" body of student government at Western Michigan University. WSA has four branches: the executive cabinet, the senate, the judicial council, and the allocations commission. The current president is Abby Wallace and the current vice president is Connor Smith.

Moreover, the Graduate Student Association is represented by an Executive Board and several committees such as the Graduate Financial Allocation Committee (GFAC) , which is in charge of distributing GSA funds to other Registered Student Organizations. Currently, Damon Chambers and Marcial Amaury Pineda serve as the President and Vice-president respectively.

Social groups

WMU sponsors or recognizes several groups aimed towards personal and social development. This includes Faith and Spiritual Development, LBGT Student Services, Greek Life, services for International Students, Multicultural Affairs, Off-Campus Life, and Sponsored Student Organizations.

Student activism

Placement of the Chemistry Building generated much controversy from student groups because it displaced a large portion of greenery in the center of West Campus. A temporary outdoor plaza was constructed outside of Sangren Hall in 2007 to replace the greenery. However, this also generated controversy and protests among students and faculty because of its aesthetic characteristics and costs. One such protest by a student group involved requesting the financial records of the construction and using chalk to depict the costs of each item on the plaza.

The College Republicans at Western Michigan University were voted "Best College Republican Chapter in the Country" in 2006.

Western Michigan University offers a comprehensive range of services and facilities to support student success beyond traditional lectures and seminars. The university features state-of-the-art libraries, including the Waldo Library and the Zhang Career Center Library, which provide students with access to extensive research materials, digital resources, study spaces, and assistance from experienced librarians. The student center, Bernhard Center, serves as a hub for student activities, clubs, and organizations, offering dining options, meeting rooms, and event spaces to foster community engagement.

WMU provides numerous health and wellness services, including the Student Health Service, which offers medical care, counseling, and mental health support to promote student well-being. The Student Recreation Center, spanning over 200,000 square feet, is equipped with modern fitness equipment, swimming pools, gymnasiums, and spaces for intramural sports and wellness programs, encouraging physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

Academic support services are plentiful and include tutoring centers, writing assistance, and career development offices that prepare students for internships, employment, and graduate study. The university also hosts cultural and diversity initiatives, such as the Office of Cultural Enhancement and Inclusion, which organizes events, workshops, and support networks for underrepresented groups.

Housing facilities include on-campus residence halls and apartment-style living options, providing students with convenient, safe, and comfortable accommodations. WMU's transportation services include campus shuttles, parking facilities, and bike rentals to facilitate mobility around campus and the surrounding community.

Technological resources such as computer labs, free Wi-Fi across campus, and online learning platforms ensure students remain connected and have access to necessary digital tools. The university also supports student entrepreneurship and innovation through facilities like the Business and Technology Development Center, which provides resources, mentorship, and workspace for student startups.

Additional services include financial aid and scholarship offices, international student services, campus safety, and emergency response programs. Together, these facilities and services create a supportive environment that enhances the academic, personal, and professional development of Western Michigan University students.

The student affairs division supports WMU’s academic mission, engages students in learning and personal development, and helps the University maintain its inclusive campus climate. Among its many responsibilities are overseeing the housing and dining system, Career and Student Employment Services, and an accredited health center complete with counselors and psychologists who are dedicated to helping students manage educational, career and personal issues.

In terms of arts and entertainment, students can choose from scores of cultural events; more than 1,400 plays, concerts and exhibitions staged by the fine arts college; and performances by comedians, musicians and other popular entertainers sponsored by student groups such as the Campus Activities Board. WMU also is home to Miller Auditorium, the third largest theatre in Michigan, which presents everything from high-profile concerts and multimedia extravaganzas to Broadway shows and internationally acclaimed performances of ballet, opera, music and dance.

In addition, some 400 student organizations provide a wealth of extracurricular educational, professional, social, spiritual and recreational options and opportunities. Meanwhile, WMU is an NCAA Division I school in the Mid-American Conference (Football Bowl Subdivision) and National Collegiate Hockey Conference. Committed to gender equity, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics adds to the vitality of campus life by offering 15 varsity sports.