The Graduate College

Mission Statement

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The Graduate College, as the institution's primary advocate for graduate study, strives to nurture and preserve academic excellence by taking the lead in shaping graduate policy, assisting faculty in guiding and mentoring graduate students, and integrating services that support students in becoming accomplished and ethical scholars, researchers, and practitioners in their disciplines of study.

Goals of The Graduate College:

• Helps develop, nurture, and sustain high quality programs of post-baccalaureate study
• Upholds standards and policies for graduate study
• Assists with resources that will allow the recruitment, support, and graduation of a diverse body of graduate students
• Fosters an ethical academic community responsive to the needs of a pluralistic society
• Promotes a student-centered research and learning environment
• Encourages a synergy between research and education that results in the discovery of new knowledge, insights, and the development of creative expression

Objectives of The Graduate College:

• Supports doctoral, master's, specialist's, and certificate programs provided at the main and branch campuses
• Incorporates participation from diverse individuals in decision-making
• Monitors student progress through prescribed programs of study
• Provides a nurturing and supportive environment for students through special programming and funding for research, creative projects and presentations at conferences
• Works to encourage diversity within the various programs
• Provides consultation in the development of new academic programs
• Provides support services to assist students toward timely completion of degree programs through regularly scheduled workshops and programs from the Graduate Center for Writing and Proposal Development
• Prepares graduate assistants and doctoral associates for their roles as teachers and researchers by offering initial training, an advanced course on teaching, and seminars on ethics in research
• Develops academic policies designed to uphold standards and facilitate the opportunities for success for enrolled students
• Participates in the systematic academic program planning process at the University
• Promotes appropriate use of technology in the teaching and learning process
• Recognizes the achievements of graduate students with annual awards for teaching and research excellence
• Assists faculty in achieving mentoring roles with graduate students
• Oversees the appointment of members to the graduate faculty
• Promotes visibility of graduate education at WMU in local, regional, and national arenas