Centering on Mentoriship, Professionalization and Student Success (COMPASS) is an insider's guide to graduate studies, offering connections to a vast array of resources to help graduate students thrive at Western.

Experience hands-on learning at WMU. Our Graphic Design seniors transformed an art gallery into a rave in 7 days, gaining real-world skills for a creative career.

Western Michigan University supply chain management student Karen Xospa has been awarded the 2025 Transportation Club of Detroit scholarship, a $6,000 honor recognizing emerging leaders in the field. Xospa, a national semifinalist at the National Retail Federation University Case Competition, serves as vice president of WMU's Supply Chain Management Association and co-founded the campus Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence chapter.

Western Michigan University Libraries is proud to announce that the Long Story Short contest, an inter-university, global writing contest, is open to all Western students. The writing contest encourages students to create a story inspired by the theme “All In,” for the chance to win one of three cash prizes and international publication. Submissions are due by Sunday, Nov. 2.

Accountancy student Orion Rahjes is leaving their mark at Western Michigan University. The senior from Des Moines, Iowa, is creating a bright future at the Haworth College of Business through academic achievements and on-campus involvements.

Junior digital marketing student Madison Sedmak is a trendsetter in her internships and in how she embraces professional development opportunities at Western Michigan University. Currently, Sedmak is working as a digital marketing intern at Can-Do Kalamazoo, a small business hub designed to assist entrepreneurs. Here, Sedmak is responsible for email marketing, website optimization, social media management, data analysis and content strategy. 

WMU Public Safety and area law enforcement will engage in the training to strengthen coordination and readiness among first responders. 

The College of Arts and Sciences is proud to announce the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners and to celebrate the outstanding contributions made by these influential alumni. This year recipients were honored with awards given in three categories: The Early Career Excellence Award, The Department, School or Institute Alumni Achievement Award, and the College of Arts and Sciences Alumni Achievement Award. 

Western Michigan University’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences is pleased to announce its 2025 Spire Award, Alumni Excellence Award and Emerging Alumni Award recipients.  

For business analytics student Kevin Wright, Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business is setting him up for professional success. The senior from Royal Oak, Michigan, is taking on career-focused experiences and widening his professional network.

Jack Austin, a music theatre performance student, made his national television debut on "The Voice" and even got to sing a duet with singing superstar Niall Horan, who is now his coach on the show.

Western Michigan University’s Haenicke Institute for Global Education announces International Education Week 2025. Join us as we celebrate global diversity and explore cross-cultural connections through guest lectures, panel discussions, research presentations and more. 

The transformative initiative will provide approximately $1.9 million per year over the next seven years for a comprehensive initiative aimed at increasing high school graduation rates and postsecondary enrollment. 
 

At their 27th annual Alumni Awards, the College of Education and Human Development will honor alumni with several prestigious titles, including Drs. Tasia Fields, Andrew Rynberg, James Ysseldyke, as well as Lindsey Hemmerlein and Ameer Ismail. Former faculty, Dr. Carol Payne Smith, will receive a posthumous award.

Join Western's 2025 United Way campaign that runs from Oct. 6 to Nov. 10.

The University Libraries has launched two facilities projects for Waldo Library and the Zhang Legacy Collections Center. While these projects may cause brief disruptions to physical collections access, the overall impact on library users is expected to be minimal.

The future home to Western Michigan University hockey and basketball and the Kalamazoo Wings, project leaders brought students into the design process for the new, state-of-the-art, $515 million privately funded Kalamazoo Event Center and Athletic Performance Center that developers hope will be a catalyst for growth in Kalamazoo.

Western Michigan University and Kellogg Community College leaders signed an agreement helping KCC hours students transfer to WMU.

College of Arts and Sciences alumna Lauren Burns owns and operates Tending Tilth, a contract sheep grazing business in Southwest Michigan.

With a weekend full of spirited traditions, high-energy events and heartfelt reunions, Bronco pride will be on full display during Spirit Week and Homecoming 2025.

Ricardo Campos, a Computer Information Systems major at Western Michigan University, is the Student Lead at the Office of Information Technology Help Desk. Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Ricardo transitioned from a career in the Navy to pursue his passion for technology. His role at OIT involves supporting students and staff, troubleshooting tech issues, and serving as a liaison between front-line support and back-office teams.

A recent collaboration between Sleeping Giant Capital, a private investment firm led by Western Michigan University management faculty members Dr. Doug Lepisto and Dr. Derrick McIver, and Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business is creating mutual benefit. Sleeping Giant Capital announced its second fund with over $100M in commitment capital to acquire and grow West Michigan businesses. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and WMU President Russ Kavalhuna were on hand to celebrate the announcement at Portland Products on Sept. 23. 

Third year MBA student Emily Styburski has reshaped her future at Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business. Originally from Muskegon, Michigan, Styburski has set her sights on a career with a meaningful impact.