Western Michigan University Freshman Orientation: A Comprehensive Guide to Fall Welcome

Transitioning to college life can be both exciting and daunting. Western Michigan University (WMU) recognizes this and provides a comprehensive orientation program called "Fall Welcome" to assist incoming students with their academic and social integration into the university community. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Fall Welcome program, including its schedule, activities, and important information for incoming freshmen.

What is Fall Welcome?

Fall Welcome is a program designed to help freshmen, transfer, international, and adult learner students adjust to academic and social life at WMU. Building upon the foundation established during summer orientation, Fall Welcome aims to connect students with their peers, the WMU campus, staff, and resources, all with the goal of helping them succeed. All first-year beginner students are required to attend Fall Welcome, while new transfer and adult learner students are strongly encouraged to register and participate.

Fall Welcome Schedule: Key Dates

Fall Welcome 2025 will commence with move-in days from Thursday, August 21, to Saturday, August 23, and continue with programming days until Tuesday, August 26.

Move-In Days

Students residing on campus will have the opportunity to select their move-in time slot starting in the first week of August. The Housing department will communicate the process for making this selection.

Programming Days

The programming days, running from August 21-26, are packed with activities designed to acclimate students to campus life. Parking will be enforced starting the first day of classes (Wednesday, August 27), so please prepare ahead of time by buying a virtual parking permit if you plan to keep a car on campus or commute to campus.

Mandatory Attendance and Exceptions

Participation in Fall Welcome is mandatory for all incoming first-year students. However, there are exceptions for students participating in marching band or fall sports. Transfer students are not required to attend but are highly encouraged to participate. All incoming non-graduate students are expected to participate throughout the program.

If, for any reason, you are unable to attend Fall Welcome, please contact the Office of Student Transitions at (269) 387-2167. If you are an athlete or marching band student, you are exempt from participating in Fall Welcome; however, you are welcome to participate if you choose.

Fall Welcome Activities and Opportunities

Fall Welcome offers a diverse range of activities covering various topics and areas of interest. These activities include:

Icebreakers and Games: Opportunities to meet new people in a relaxed and fun environment.
Campus Exploration: Learn about the campus layout, buildings, and key resources.
Academic Insights: Find out more about classes, academic departments, and faculty.
Resource Discovery: Learn about the various resources available to students, such as academic advising, career services, and health services.

The Bronco Chase

A highlight of Fall Welcome is "The Bronco Chase," an activity that takes place across the campus and downtown Kalamazoo. By participating in Fall Welcome activities, students can earn points towards exciting prizes like TVs and game systems. The Amazing Bronco Race encourages students to complete tasks and earn points for a better chance of winning prizes. The Bronco Chase requires students to walk around campus and Kalamazoo city to find codes related to buildings, stores, resources, and statues. This can be done with any free time students have.

"Meet Your Ambassador" Event

Students will be grouped when they first attend the "Meet Your Ambassador" event. After students are initially grouped, students may switch groups if requested.

Read also: CWRU Tuition and Fees

Fall Welcome Format

Fall Welcome is designed to be an entirely in-person experience, with all activities taking place on Western Michigan University's main campus and the surrounding Kalamazoo area. However, there are some virtual components.

Meals During Fall Welcome

Students are assigned meal times based on their group number and college. All meals are covered for students through Fall Welcome, as the Fall Welcome fee covers this expense. Fall meal plans will go into effect on Sunday, August 24.

Housing and Residence Life

Move-In Information

Welcome to the WMU Residence Halls! Students receive communication from Housing to make this choice.

Room Essentials and Amenities

Each building has a hall office open weekdays and a front desk open limited hours when the office is closed. From either you can check out gaming equipment, cleaning supplies like vacuums and brooms, kitchen equipment or games. Housing staff are here to help when you need us. The person you will interact with the most is the Resident Assistant, or RA. RAs are upper-level students who have skills in connecting with others, listening to concerns, and knowledge of campus services. They create a floor community through hall activities, assisting students with personal and academic concerns, and helping in emergency situations. RAs are the first person to go to for questions, guidance and involvement in hall activities. Buildings are supervised by a team lead by a full-time professional hall director who lives in the hall.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry is free! A laundry room with large-capacity washers and dryers is in each building. High Efficiency detergent (HE) is preferred.

Read also: Growth and Community at WOU

Loft Kits

Loft kits are provided 1/bed in all halls but Ackley/Shilling.

Roommate Information

Living with a roommate is a great way to share your college experience with someone. Whether you're living with a friend or meeting someone new, we have tools to help have a successful roommate experience. They include things to think about before moving in, doing a roommate agreement once you're here, and staff who are great sounding boards and problem solvers. If you are still looking for a roommate, you can use the Roommate Finder or read roommate profiles when you pick your room. If you click on already occupied beds, the student's responses about living habits, social habits, interests and their academic college shows. If you have a roommate and neither of you have selected a room, you should create a Roommate Group in the housing portal. Absolutely! Log in to the Housing Portal to begin.

Room Selection

Those who sign up in June, July or August will receive directions within three weeks on how to choose your room and meal plan. Fall room selection will begin the first week in June. After choosing your hall and room, you will be promoted to choose your meal plan. If you have a roommate, Roommate Groups need to be completed before selecting a room. Spring room selection is in December.

Building Community

Your hall will have something happening almost every night the first few weeks you are here. Join in to meet people. We recommend leaving your door open when you are home. It lets people know you are home and to stop in to say hi.

Parking and Transportation

You can bring a car, even as a new student. Your parking permit will be for a lot located near your residence hall. There are free shuttle buses on campus through Bronco Transit, and the Kalamazoo Metro public transportation is free for students.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming students (transfer, beginner and early middle college) starting either summer session or fall semester in 2025.

All orientation sessions will be held in-person on the main campus of WMU. Students only need to attend one orientation program.

Western Michigan University prioritizes inclusion and accessibility for all participants attending New Student Orientation. To request reasonable accommodations for yourself or your guests, please submit your request at least two weeks prior to the orientation date. Our staff will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

Future Bronco Days

Future Bronco Days are a great way for admitted students and their families to experience all that Western Michigan University has to offer. Itâs a great opportunity to learn more about WMU, enjoy lunch and get to know campus. You can also get one-on-one help to guide you through the enrollment process, if you're ready to do so.

During Future Bronco Days, you can:

Speak with faculty, staff, and students from your academic college.
Meet fellow Broncos.
Check out student organizations.
Learn about student support services.
See classrooms, labs, and student-centered facilities.
Check out residence halls.
Tour campus.
Enjoy free lunch at our Valley Dining Center that offers a variety of delicious options.

Staff will also be available to help you complete your enrollment steps, including paying the enrollment deposit, signing a housing contract and registering for New Student Orientation. The 2026 Future Bronco Day dates will be posted in December.

Academic Calendar

Academic calendars include important dates for each semester, including registration dates, refund dates, withdrawal dates, finals, midterm grading, final grading and more. Dates classes meet are outlined in this calendar.

Final Examinations

Final examinations are scheduled during the last week of the semester. Regularly scheduled classes are not held during this week. Please refer to each class syllabus for the exact day and time. Summer I and II sessions Final examinations are scheduled during regular class meeting times.

Important Dates for Faculty and Staff

This calendar provides an overview of the specific semester and annual dates of importance to faculty and staff.

Interfaith Policies

The University is a diverse, multicultural enterprise andâas a communityâwe jointly embrace both individual responsibility and dignified respect for our differences. It is our general policy to permit students to fulfill obligations set aside by their faith.

Registration Information

Priority registration is available first for students who have accumulated the most completed credit hours. Use the registration schedule to determine when you may register for courses. Incoming freshmen will register for classes during New Student Orientation.

Costs and Fees

Beginner students are automatically registered for Fall Welcome upon course registration after summer Orientation is complete. Please note that a Fall Welcome fee of $275 for students living on campus and $175 for commuter students will be added to your student account on the second bill for fall semester.

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