Welcome activities planned for start of fall semester

Contact: Deanne Puca
August 20, 2019

KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擟lasses at Western 九一麻豆制片厂 University start Wednesday, Aug. 28, but fall opening activities officially begin when new students arrive on campus Friday, Aug. 23, and participate in Fall Welcome activities beginning Saturday, Aug. 24. They continue until Saturday, Sept. 7, with WMU's One Stop Center, Bronco Bash and Fall Fab Fest.

Residence Hall move-in

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While helping welcome students to campus, President and Mrs. Montgomery take time to thank members of the Fall Welcome crew.
Three women carry bins and belongings into a residence hall.
A family carries belongings into a residence hall on move-in day.

First-year students in the Lee Honor College, ROTC, Air Force ROTC or taking the first-year experience course move in at designated times throughout the day on Friday, Aug. 23, with floor meetings at night.  The remaining first-year students will move in throughout the day Saturday, Aug. 24.  

The residence halls officially open for all students at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25.

Fall Welcome

Students who are beginning their careers at WMU this fall have an opportunity to get the hang of campus life early by attending Fall Welcome, a four-day program Saturday through Tuesday, Aug. 24-27, that assists first-year students with their academic and social transitions to college life.

Fall Welcome allows students to move in early, learn about the Kalamazoo community, get grounded in campus traditions

and start socializing with their fellow students.

One stop center

A temporary, one-stop service center will be open in WMU's Bernhard Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24, and Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 26-27; from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 28-29, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 30.

The center offers a smorgasbord of business services in one convenient location. Situated on Bernhard's second floor, the One Stop Center lets students and their parents take care of last-minute business associated with starting the new academic year. Those visiting One Stop will be able to get new Bronco Cards, pay bills and purchase campus parking permits.

They also may obtain information about a variety of topics, including financial aid, and immunizations and other campus health care services. The center is being staffed by representatives from the Registrar's Office, admissions, accounts receivable, financial aid and scholarships, parking services and information technology. In addition, attendees may peruse information tables for the Office of Family Engagement and Sindecuse Health Center.

Bronco Bash

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Students check out Bronco Bash which includes more than 450 booths, live music and novelty attractions.

Students and other members of the University community will gather for the annual on the Sangren Pedestrian Mall at the center of campus from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27. The event is a huge celebration welcoming students to the campus and to Kalamazoo. It features games, music and more than 450 booths, where students can peruse the wares of area merchants and get information about WMU departments, student organizations and local volunteer opportunities.

Bronco Bash also provides live music and novelty attractions available free of charge, and food is available for purchase.

Bronco Bash is a student-coordinated event through WMU's Office of Student Engagement.

For more information, contact the student coordinators in the Bronco Bash office at (269) 387-0083.

Fall Fab Fest

Local organizations have joined forces with the WMU Office of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender Student Services to stage the annual Fall Fab Fest at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, in the Trimpe Building Multicultural Center. Open to all local students and community members, this free event celebrates community as well as welcomes LBGT people and their allies to Kalamazoo, particularly area students who are arriving in town for a new school year. It is sponsored by the Office of LBGT Student Services. Additional sponsors include the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, Out Front Kalamazoo, Out Proud Safe, CARES, Planned Parenthood of 九一麻豆制片厂, WMU Department of Theatre, WMU Sindecuse, Wesley Foundation, WMU Residence Life, WMU Gender and Women鈥檚 Studies, WMU Sindecuse Health Center, Great Lakes Peace Jam, Gryphon Place, and YWCA Kalamazoo.

Participants will be able to connect with local nonprofit organizations, WMU LBGT registered student organizations, and on-campus partners while enjoying free food and entertainment.

For more information, contact WMU's Nathan Nguyen, director of WMU LBGT Student Services, at (269) 387-2133 or by email.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.