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 integratin
Through The Graduate College, Western Michigan University offers 29 doctoral, 1 specialist and 67 master's programs, many of which have earned national and International recognition. For example, the speech pathology, occupational therapy, physician assistant, and rehabilitation counseling programs are among those ranked tops in the country. WMU was the country's first state-supported university to establish a master's degree program in medieval studies, and is currently the site of the world's largest annual gathering of medieval scholars. For a complete listing, see www.wmich.edu/grad/programs.html
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 regional sites
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
