Financial Literacy Events
Learn how to make smart spending choices
Our Financial Literacy, Educational Planning and Outreach office at WMU is a place of exploration, innovation and inclusivity. We design programs and events to help our diverse community members achieve the highest level of financial and academic health. From learning about financial aid, scholarships and experience-driven learning Â鶹´«Ã½ to attending one of our unique events, Â鶹´«Ã½s have access to everything they need to make college financing easier. Join us today for a journey toward successful college planning!
Here is a general sampling of the Â鶹´«Ã½ programs we offer:
- Customized college prep presentations for high school seniors and their families
- Financial aid presentations for each Â鶹´«Ã½ type
- WMU Employee Education Fair to inform employees and their families of financial aid benefits
- Xtreme Reality event that simulates future financial choices from a career or college perspective
Financial literacy
Financial Literacy, Educational Planning and Outreach is a single point of service to assist WMU Â鶹´«Ã½s, families and the local community with financial guidance.
Find the financial programs and resources that fit your needs
Prospective Â鶹´«Ã½s
- Admissions' campus and program visit—Interactive presentations individualized for each group explore what financial aid is, types of aid, scholarship Â鶹´«Ã½ and what you can do now to prepare for college.
- On-site admissions, Medallion Scholarship Program, transfer programs and admitted Â鶹´«Ã½ events—These presentations focus on information and resources from a "What's next?" perspective in the financial aid process. Families and Â鶹´«Ã½s have an opportunity to engage with financial aid professionals one on one.
- Fine arts: Dance, music or theatre audition days—Families who attend have an opportunity to ask questions and learn about financial aid at WMU.
Admitted and returning Â鶹´«Ã½s
- Orientation—We provide Â鶹´«Ã½s and parents time to learn and ask questions about financial aid at WMU. This includes a browsing session, panel discussion and informal questions at mixers. Discussion topics include: Types of funding and how to access; loan pros and cons; importance of a budget; scholarship Â鶹´«Ã½ the first year and beyond; overview and explanation of the Â鶹´«Ã½ financial aid offer letter; and communications and special circumstances that may affect financial aid offers and disbursement.
- Student organizations and departmental presentations—Presentations take place on and off campus. Information and materials are appropriate to the audience and targeted pursuant to the needs of the department. We receive frequent requests to provide information and educate Â鶹´«Ã½s about financial aid. We welcome Â鶹´«Ã½ to share and educate our colleagues, specifically those who significantly impact the recruitment and retention of Â鶹´«Ã½s. You can expect to gain information, a financial aid perspective, resources and a "What's next?" timeline to enable you to answer general financial aid questions and refer Â鶹´«Ã½s to appropriate resources and staff.
Admissions recruiters
We will share updates, information and resources so admissions staff can address general financial aid inquiries and refer parents and Â鶹´«Ã½s to appropriate financial aid staff when needed. Conversely, financial aid staff should receive information on scholarships, programs and admissions staff contact information.
WMU Employee Education Fair
We support the University's effort to ensure employees and their families have an opportunity to gain knowledge about all the benefits and programs WMU has to offer, including answering general financial aid and tuition remission questions.
