Signature Pathways

As part of WMU Signature, students declare a pathway that will appear on their Diploma and Academic Transcript. Pathways are broad groupings for students to help articulate and share their greater purpose as they have individually defined it. As students are exploring what their purpose may be, events and experiences from across campus are connected to the pathways to help students find experiences that may be of interest to them.

  • Arts & Culture

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to the visual arts, literary arts, and performing arts and how they contribute to and shape a group’s culture.

  • Civic Engagement

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is to make a difference in civic life and promoting quality of life in a community, through both political and non-political processes.

  • Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, & Justice

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose to related to Diversity: Recognizing and celebrating differences amongst individuals and groups; Inclusion: Make sure everyone is represented; Equity: Ensuring everyone has access to the same opportunities/outcomes taking into account their identity and circumstances; and Justice: Dismantling and creating systems for all individuals to fully participate – and recognize the distinct issues in each of these areas, and that this work is ongoing and that they will strive to remain life-long learners around these issues.

  • Entrepreneurship

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to the process of organizing, managing, and assuming the risks of a business or enterprise, as well as familiarizing themselves with best business practices for the potential future goal of owning their own business or endeavor.

  • Global Engagement

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose in developing a diverse and knowledgeable worldview, cross-cultural humility, and collaborative efforts across cultures.

  • Health & Wellbeing

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to physical, spiritual, mental and/or social well-being, as well as approaches for a successful existence.

  • Leadership

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to actively engaging others in a process to accomplish a common goal.

  • Research & Creative Scholarship

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to answering questions, solving problems, or developing new works that make an original intellectual or creative contribution to a field or society. (adapted from Council for Undergraduate Research)

  • Sustainability

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to promoting living in a way that minimizes their negative impact on other people and the planet.

  • Teaching & Student Success

    Individuals who select this pathway find their purpose is related to utilizing current and innovative pedagogy, and helping all students succeed in their educational endeavors.