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Hats off to the Class of 2020
On April 25, the University awarded through virtual ceremony 1,460 undergraduate, 327 master's, and 42 doctoral degrees. Learn more in the
Commencement Booklet
.
Our new Bronco graduates were lauded in virtual celebrations throughout the WMU community. Many stopped by campus to snap a photo in their regalia, like Tori Luchs, just off the portico at Heritage Hall. Tori majored in criminal justice and sociology, and in true Bronco spirit the message inscribed on the top of her cap says:
When you can't look on the bright side,
I'll sit with you on the dark side.
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Rising to the challenge
The world has changed since the last issue of this newsletter in early March. Across the globe, we are learning how to adapt, survive and thrive in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. At WMU, the faculty and students made an impressive transition to remote instruction midway through the spring semester. Our staff are doing an amazing job keeping the campus critical support services functioning, though many parts of campus remain closed by government orders.
Personal and work lives will continue to be in a state of flux for some time, and solid answers to many difficult questions are still out of reach. While we look for clarity, Broncos have been resilient, innovative and supportive of the communities we serve.
Colleges and universities across the country have been hit hard by the pandemic. The
President's Cabinet
and University leadership have been hard at work addressing current and anticipated budget shortfalls. Over the last couple weeks, the cabinet shared a
PowerPoint presentation
with campus stakeholders that provides an overview of the negative financial impacts incurred due to the virus and future budget scenarios based on current projections. Due to the large percentage of the University budget that is dedicated to personnel and compensation—more than 65 percent—it will be impossible to reduce the University's budget without making difficult cuts to our ranks. An abbreviated presentation was provided to all WMU employees via a town hall hosted by the cabinet on May 11.
The
Office of Government Relations
continues to stay in close contact with state and federal legislators to ensure WMU and our students receive their fair share of the state's general fund and the federal government's COVID-19 relief funding. The State of Michigan faces an uncertain, but negative budget outlook. Initial forecasts have revenues dropping by about $3 billion this fiscal year and potentially even more next fiscal year. The picture may become clearer on May 15, when the State holds the annual May Revenue Estimating Conference where experts and economists will reach agreement on anticipated state revenues for the current fiscal year and new projections for coming years. Our state legislative delegation members have all been strong partners with WMU during these times.
On the federal level, we're tracking a higher education letter circulating in the U.S. House of Representatives calling for an additional $47 billion in relief funding to support recovery efforts at U.S. colleges and universities.
Rep. Fred Upton
agreed to lend his support by serving as a signatory on the letter. The Congress provided significant funding in one of the early relief packages, but it only covers a small percentage of the losses at WMU and higher education institutions across the country. We thank
Rep. Upton
,
Senator Debbie Stabenow
and
Senator Gary Peters
for their support. Their teams have all been in regular contact with WMU leaders during this crisis. Please thank them for their continued advocacy on behalf of WMU. It is important for them to hear appreciation directly from you for supporting WMU.
There are many unknowns. We wish we had a crystal ball. We do know for certain that every WMU department and budget will be impacted as we strive to emerge from this crisis in the best position to support our students. Enrollment is likely to decrease. State funding will be cut. Miller Auditorium, the Fetzer Center and other large gathering places on campus will continue to be closed in the short-term. To stay up to date on campus impacts, please visit the
WMU COVID-19 web page
.
The good news is that just as the University community has risen to major challenges presented earlier in its history, our Bronco grit and spirit are alive and well! Here are a few of our success stories currently featured on the
WMU News
website:
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Thank you to all members of the Bronco Advocacy Network for showing your support for the University in your everyday conversations and in your correspondence to elected officials.
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WMU student who died of COVID-19
remembered as a ‘gentle giant’
It is with heavy hearts that we honory the memory of
Bassey Offiong
--far right in photo, the first member of the University community to fall victim to the coronavirus. Bassey planned to graduate in April with a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering. He died on March 28.
WMU students and staff remember him as a young man of enormous potential, a "caring, gentle, and generous person." Read more in the
Western Herald
.
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Finding the safe path forward
The
WMU COVID-19 Response Coordination Team
has been developing and recommending strategies for the safe return to work and study at WMU. The return to normal operations will proceed in steps and stages in alignment with state executive orders and guidance.
A few suspended campus operations will resume their work in May as some government-imposed restrictions have been relaxed, for example in construction, landscaping and manufacturing. Newly developed health and safety protocols have been developed to protect our community as the number of people on campus slowly rises in the weeks and months ahead. Read more in the May 8 update on the University's
COVID-19 website
.
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Necessary construction resumes
With the recent lifting of some provisions in Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's COVID-19 executive orders, construction crews resumed work May 7 on the Arcadia Flats student apartment complex, the new student center, and the Aviation Education Center at the College of Aviation.
As cost-cutting measures dictated by budget deficits, the University has identified substantial savings by suspending new construction projects and only proceeding with construction where completion is necessary to preserve our preexisting investments and mitigate rising construction costs. Read more and view live cams on the
Capital Projects
website.
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New podcast 'The Jungle' explores wild side of business
Grab your earbuds--the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy in WMU's Haworth College of Business has launched another method for tuning into the business world while sheltering in place.
"
The Jungle
," a podcast that aims to explore the wild and exciting side of business through thoughtful conversations with executives and other leaders, is now available through a variety of listening platforms. Hosts
Dr. Doug Lepisto
and
Dr. Derrick McIver
, faculty members and co-directors of the center, provide an up-close, unvarnished view into the emotions, practices and lived experiences of leading and strategy formation. Read more at
WMU News
.
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What's your pandemic story?
WMU Libraries invites you to participate in a data collection/history project underway to document personal reflections illustrating life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participation is voluntary and can be anonymous.
Responses will become part of Western Michigan's Pandemic Account Collection that will be made publicly available in a dataset to help future generations better understand this time period.
SURVEY
.
Though WMU Libraries are closed, many resources are available online. Visit
University Libraries
to learn more.
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Join the Bronco Hunt
Need some family-friendly fun activities during quarantine? Check out the WMU Alumni Association's website and Facebook pages to join in the fun!
Bronco Hunt
--add some brown and gold to your neighborhood!
Bronco Shout Out-
-congratulate a fellow Bronco via the Alumni Association Facebook page.
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SRC turns to virtual programming to keep Broncos on the move
If you're looking for opportunities to jazz up your physical fitness routines, consider tuning in to the virtual fitness classes offered daily by the WMU Student Recreation Center.
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The Western Michigan University Office of Government Relations will ethically
operate with transparency, civility, bipartisanship and inclusivity to support public
higher education. We advocate for and advance public policy and partnerships
benefiting Western Michigan University and the communities we serve.
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