Dr. Selena Protacio received a COVID-19 Response Grant through WMU's Office of Research and Innovation to fund a design-based research study focused on bridging the technology gap between English learners in rural areas and their teachers by utilizing voice recorders to deliver lessons.

WMU’s strategy includes a modified academic calendar, a diverse mix of course types that includes in-person, experiential learning and physically distanced classroom environments.

Tekna, a global product development firm founded by a WMU alum, partnered with the University to pilot new technology that uses UVC light to disinfect personal items and equipment. It's an added layer of protection as Western works to mitigate spread of COVID-19.

Learn about WMU's closure policy and tips on staying safe in the cold.

Teagan Arndt not only fixes airplanes, she jumps out of them. A junior in the Western Michigan University College of Aviation majoring in aviation technical operations, she is involved with Skydive Broncos, the university's sky-diving team. One could say that she is aviation-ready from the ground floor up.

A recent Active Minds survey found 89% of college students are experiencing stress or anxiety as a result of COVID-19, and a quarter of students surveyed say their depression has significantly increased. But there is a silver lining: Two-thirds of students report an increase in supporting others with their mental wellness. It's a mission X-Hale, a Registered Student Organization established to help break down stigmas surrounding mental health among students and encourage healthy behaviors, is helping to move forward.

A week ahead of Election Day, WeVote is making one last push to get Western Michigan University students equipped and excited to vote. The nonpartisan group, which focuses on encouraging civic engagement on campus, will be joined by Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist for a panel discussion among student leaders. The virtual event, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, will encourage students to make their voices heard by voting.

"When I enrolled at the Western Michigan University College of Aviation," he says about what amounts to an unusual switcheroo, "I majored in flight science. But when I decided it was not the lifestyle I wanted, I changed to the program in aviation technical operations. I have felt at home ever since. All of the programs offered here are amazing," says Freeland, who is a WMU junior enrolled in his second year of aviation-maintenance courses. "I just happened to find my calling a little later. I am more than happy with the fact that I decided to make the call that I did because I truly ended up where I felt I was meant to be."

Mental Health Week at WMU runs Monday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Oct. 23. It features a variety of events to highlight wellness resources the campus community can utilize. In addition to events, all week long the University will be sharing tips to help students take care of their mental well-being using the hashtag #BeWellBroncos on various social media platforms.

Drs. Matthew Mingus and Kevin Corder, along with graduate student Daria Blinova, compiled data to examine the factors that led governors of all 50 states to enact orders meant to restrict movement and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The new $1.5 million state appropriation will allow WMU's Unified Clinics  to add new services, like trauma assessments and treatment for parents and for those with substance use disorders, as well as resiliency-based interventions for families and sensory processing therapy for children.

The COVID-19 Student Coalition aims to keep the student population educated about proper mitigation strategies to reduce spread of the new coronavirus. The group is wielding their peer influence to encourage safe behaviors on campus and connect students to health and safety resources. 

The route reductions are necessary to provide safe and consistent service to the community, according to Metro.

Industrial and entrepreneurial engineering students Sean Fitzsimons, Paul Geyer and Sam Olmstead have reached the top 10 in the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers’ 2019-2020 Outstanding Capstone Senior Design Projects Award competition.

The city of Kalamazoo has opened an office in room 105 of the Bernhard Center where students and residents can register to vote and cast their ballots. It will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m through Election Day, with extended hours on select days.

Sam Stallman will have two of the three career bases covered when his days at the WMU College of Aviation are behind him. Western's aviation program became more than a blip on Stallman's radar "because of the warmth and welcoming nature I experienced when visiting the campus. I considered similar universities," he says, "but Western was the one that really felt like home. The college's program really impressed me and made the most sense."

The five-year grant will look to recruit, retain and support future chemists and biochemists who transfer into WMU's program through structured and targeted interventions such as workshops, community service, research and internship opportunities. The project will also include faculty programming to foster inclusive mentoring practices, incorporate evidence-based instructional practices into courses and support diverse students.

Bronco fall alumni celebrations will highlight campus with a car parade through several spirit zones and virtual components, and a Virtual Bash will help students connect with campus organizations and departments.