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Employee Handbook Index

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Employee Handbook - Getting to know us

 

History and funding

Western Michigan University began as Western State Normal School through an act of the Michigan Legislature in 1903. The entire campus was located in the three buildings on Oakland Drive now known as East Campus. Since 1963 Western has had constitutional status, with its own Board of Trustees appointed by the Governor of Michigan. The chief administrative officer of the University is the President. With approximately 3,500 faculty and staff and a student enrollment of nearly 30,000, Western is one of the 40 largest universities in the nation. In addition to the main campus, the University has six regional centers and two off-campus study sites. Western Michigan University has earned international prestige for many of its academic programs and is designated a Doctoral/Research University-Extensive by the Carnegie Foundation for Advancement of Teaching.

Western's income is derived from state allocations, student tuition, gifts, and grants. Operating costs, including wages, are paid from general revenue funds. Employees in areas such as dining services, residence halls, and other Auxiliary Enterprise functions are paid from the funds produced by these services. Some employees may work on projects funded by grants or contracts provided by individuals, industry, or governmental entities.
The University includes these academic colleges and programs:

• College of Arts and Sciences
• College of Aviation
• College of Education
• College of Engineering and Applied Sciences
• College of Fine Arts
• The Graduate College
• Haworth College of Business
• College of Health and Human Services
• Lee Honors College

Commitment to excellence

A University is, more than other large organizations, a product of its people. Students, faculty, support staff, alumni, retirees, and friends are what distinguish great universities. Size is not the most important ingredient. While Western's significant size as a major university is an asset, its greatness depends primarily upon the people associated with the University.

The University administration is keenly aware of the contributions made by each employee toward the goal of excellence. As a member of the Western team, you will be expected to accept the obligations and responsibilities for helping WMU maintain its reputation for excellence.

—Your personal commitment to excellence is important to WMU—

Our students

The primary mission of the University is to provide a quality education for its students. Our employees help fulfill this mission. Students are our most important asset—they are the primary paying customers of the University. As a WMU employee, you are expected to do your best to be helpful, courteous, and respectful of students' needs and legitimate purposes. Friendliness and helpfulness go a long way in maintaining a successful relationship between your particular work and the overall mission of providing students with a quality education in a positive environment.

Your role as a WMU ambassador

University employees can be the best public relations officers on campus. Often prospective students and visitors have their first contact with WMU through employees. Efficient, knowledgeable staff members with pleasant smiles and friendly greetings can do a great deal for Western. We encourage you to acquaint yourself with the campus and various departments so you can assist students and visitors.

—You are an ambassador for Western Michigan University—

Safeguarding University information and property

In the course of their work, staff members have access to information about WMU operations. Western Michigan University is a public university and as such welcomes public accountability. However, some information is legally, medically, or personally privileged and/or confidential. Discretion and the maintenance of confidentiality are expected of all employees.

Western employees are asked to be careful to turn out lights and lock doors and windows. Equipment breakdowns should be reported to your supervisor. Employees are not to remove equipment, office supplies, or other University property from campus without proper authorization. All lost, stolen, or missing items should be reported to the Department of Public Safety.

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