Kalamazoo Times

Western Michigan University is preparing for the arrival of thousands of students as move-in and Fall Welcome 2025 approach. The week-long event aims to foster community and help new and returning students adjust to campus life.

Facilities Management will provide support for all facilities-related needs during this period. Staff can be reached at (269) 387-8514 or through a Bronco Fix-It request. Service hours are Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended availability on move-in weekend: Saturday, Aug. 23, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Students and families are advised that construction projects may affect traffic on and around campus. The ongoing transformation of West Michigan Avenue into a pedestrian mall could alter normal routes, while city infrastructure upgrades near campus may lead to detours. To minimize delays, those arriving via US-131 are encouraged to use the Stadium Drive exit east toward Kalamazoo before turning north on Howard Street for direct access.

Move-in begins Tuesday, Aug. 19, for new international students; first-year and transfer students follow from Thursday to Saturday, Aug. 21–23; returning students arrive Sunday through Tuesday, Aug. 24–26.

A large group of alumni, faculty, staff, and fellow students will welcome arrivals throughout the process.

“This is our first welcome to Western. We want everyone to feel like they can be involved,” says Roshona Porter, director of Housing and Residence Life. “Move in is our chance to wrap our arms around students and show families that their children are in great care.”

Porter notes an increase in volunteers supporting the effort each year: “Last year we had 150 come from the campus community to help, up from 100 the year before,” she says. “It gets better every year thanks to the incredible support we receive, especially from the partnership with members from University Advancement, who help us plan.”

WMU’s athletic teams also play an active role during move-in days. “The football team—I've never seen anyone move bags so quickly!” Porter adds. “Shout out to Intercollegiate Athletics. Student-athletes really showed up.”

To reduce congestion during arrival days, WMU has shifted its process over recent years: “It’s more manageable now for families, for staff and for navigating campus," Porter says." It feels more like a team effort."

Fall Welcome events run Thursday through Tuesday (Aug. 21–26), offering activities such as ice skating at Lawson Ice Arena, Metro bus trips downtown, scavenger hunts across campus, games at Waldo Stadium and a dance party.

WMU President Russ Kavalhuna will officially greet students at the Matriculation Ceremony scheduled for Tuesday morning at Miller Auditorium; later that day Bronco Bash—the university's annual festival—will take place with hundreds of booths and volunteer opportunities.

One significant change this fall is the redesigned entryway at 1903 W. Michigan Ave., featuring a new archway and expanded green space as part of WMU’s master plan focused on creating a student-centered environment connected by pedestrian corridors across campus.

The project aims to improve access between east and west ends of campus while promoting public transportation use and walkability among students—a move designed both for convenience and well-being.

Sustainability is also central in these changes; WMU is pursuing SITES certification in recognition of environmentally responsible outdoor spaces—a landscape-focused standard similar to LEED certification used for buildings (https://sustainablesites.org/).

During construction two sections on Main Campus—Ring Road North (from Parking Lot 48) through West Michigan Avenue—will remain closed until Sept.22 with detours rerouting vehicles along Ring Road’s west side; however,the newly created walkways should open by Thursday,A ugust21,before classes begin(https://wmich.edu/news/2024/06/74789).

Additionally,a new residence hall named Golden Oaks,is being built in Goldsworth Valley.Designed primarily for first-year students,it will accommodate over1 ,000 residents in modern pod-style rooms when it opens next fall.

For updates about news,and upcoming arts or events visit WMU News online.