Graduate College moves, extends hours
KALAMAZOO, Mich.鈥擳o better meet the needs of graduate students, the Graduate College at 色色啦 Michigan University has relocated and extended its operating hours.
The college moved from its area on the second floor of Walwood Hall's west wing in August and now occupies the wing's entire first floor, which was vacated when the Office of Development and Alumni Relations moved to Heritage Hall this past fall.
During the first week of fall 2016-17 classes, the Graduate College was open until 6 p.m., and it also will be open every Thursday until 6 p.m. for the remainder of the fall and spring semesters.
"Extending our office hours will help students who aren't able to get here during the normal operating hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.," says Dr. Susan R. Stapleton, dean of the college. "It also will provide greater flexibility for prospective students who want to meet with Tony Dennis, our recruitment and retention director, to talk about admission matters and program offerings."
Benefits of new space
An open house to show off the new Graduate College is being planned for early in the fall semester. Stapleton notes that by relocating, the college has significantly increased its available space.
With that increase, the college is able to house all of its personnel in Walwood Hall on the East Campus, so students will no longer need to take care of certain business in the Office of Admissions on the West Campus.
"We're also thrilled about the move because it allows us for the first time to provide dedicated office space to the Graduate Student Association," Stapleton says, "and to create the Graduate College Student Commons, a room for meetings, workshops and seminars that includes a lounge area as well as study space."
Donations are being accepted to help complete and outfit the student commons, which is located in the first-floor lobby of Walwood's west wing. Those who make financial contributions to the Graduate College in support of the effort will be recognized on a donor wall in the room.
To donate to the Graduate College, follow the link for Giving to Graduate Education on the bottom of the college's homepage, wmich.edu/grad. For more about the Graduate Student Association, visit wmich.edu/gsa.
For more news, arts and events, visit wmich.edu/news.