March 2020
Congratulations to first-time voter, WMU freshman Jamelle Sargent , who conveniently 
cast his vote in the March 10 primary election via an absentee ballot.

Need election info? Visit vote411.org to find your polling place, ballot information, and more.
Tracking COVID-19

WMU continues to monitor the incidence of coronavirus across the world, in the United States, and right here at home in Kalamazoo. Leaders from the health center, public safety, academic affairs, student affairs, and other areas continue to meet regularly to review our protocols and procedures.

Currently, there are no known confirmed COVID-19 cases in Michigan, and there are no confirmed or suspected cases on our campus. As we welcome students and faculty back from spring break today, it is important to remember that protecting the health and safety of our campus community will require everyone's help and cooperation. A new website serves as the hub for related information and messaging. Read more .
WMU receives a $9.6M federal grant to advance renewable energy research

The University has received a nearly $9.6 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy to supercharge ongoing lithium-ion battery research led by the  College of Engineering and Applied Sciences . The scientific breakthroughs supported by this funding are expected to enhance crucial environmental sustainability efforts pertaining to energy efficiency and resources consumption.

Titled Enabling Advanced Electrode Architecture through Printing Technique , the three-year project is being spearheaded by  Dr. Qingliu Wu , an assistant professor in WMU’s Department of Chemical and Paper Engineering. As principal investigator, Wu will lead the project team of scientists and engineers in seeking ways to create more cost-effective, fast-charging and high-energy lithium-ion batteries for use in electric vehicles and other consumer products such as drones and portable devices.  Read more at WMU News.
Metro bus system millage on March 10 ballot

WMU students, faculty and staff accounted for 461,000 of the more than 2.6 million rides provided to our community last year on Kalamazoo County Metro Transportation Authority buses and vans.

On March 10, voters will be asked to consider a five-year, 0.9-mill millage tax to support Metro's fixed route buses in the Kalamazoo area. A YES vote on the millage request on March 10 will help us retain this important service!
WMU newsmakers of the year

President Edward Montgomery and a University partner--the Autocam Medical/AMP Lab --were named finalists in the 2019 Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker of the Year Awards.

The AMP Lab received the top prize in the Manufacturing category at the awards ceremony held Jan. 29 at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Montgomery was a finalist in the Education category.

The journal's reporters and editors considered about 250 nominees for the honors. Read more on the GRBJ website .
A conversation with Dr. Mona

Campus and community members are invited to A Conversation with Dr. Mona, an interactive presentation planned for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 25 in the Bernhard Center South Ballroom .

Hanna-Attisha ’s presentation is part of the Great Michigan Read at WMU and will focus on her book, "What the Eyes Don't See, an account of her discovery that Flint’s children were being poisoned by lead leaching into the city’s drinking water. The book is the Michigan Humanities Council's choice for the 2019-20  Great Michigan Read .

The event is also part of the University's new We Talk initiative to foster a campus culture of responsible and respectful civic, social, political and policy engagement.

Free parking will be available in Lot 80 (parking garage due east of Ellsworth Hall). Map .
Battle Creek 2020 Economic Outlook

Kara Wood , associate vice president for Community Partnerships and other WMU administrators recently attended the City of Battle Creek's 2020 Economic Outlook, along with about 300 local business and community leaders. View the presentation slides or read a WWMT news story about the event.

Chime in on the alumni survey

Share your experiences and help shape the future of the WMU Alumni Association. Survey .
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.