Graduate Studies

 

 University Services and Special Programs (excerpted from 2024-2025 Graduate Catalog)

PDF version of Graduate Catalog

 Alumni Association

All Western Illinois University students automatically become members of the Alumni Association the day they graduate. As non-dues-paying members, they are entitled to the following benefits and services provided by the Alumni Association: free monthly issues of the alumni e-newsletter, RockeNews; free issues of the Western alumni magazine; networking opportunities with other alumni and friends of WIU at more than 50 events hosted by the Alumni Association around the world and some virtually each year; the option to purchase an alumni membership to the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center; use of Western’s Leslie F. Malpass Library; access to WIU’s Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement; access to our Alumni Insurance Program including health, disability, dental, vision, term life, travel, and Farmers Insurance® home and auto; Alumni Travel Abroad programs; diploma frame, and WIU Illinois license plate programs; WIU debit card; 21 scholarships awarded each year to children and grandchildren of alumni; access to the online directory exclusively for WIU alumni; and regular updates on all that is WIU.

Follow the Alumni Association on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram (wiu.edu/alumni/social_networking.php).

The Western Illinois University Alumni Association strives to develop and sustain lifelong relationships with students, alumni, and friends in order to advance the mission of the University.

For information about these services, visit wiu.edu/alumni or contact the Alumni Association at (309) 298-1914 or A-Association@wiu.edu.

 Athletics

Western Illinois University provides opportunities for more than 400 student-athletes in a 17-sport National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I FCS program. Both the men and women compete in the Ohio Valley Conference in all sports.

WIU sponsors the following intercollegiate athletic competition:

For men: baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, soccer, and indoor and outdoor track and field.

For women: basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, indoor and outdoor track and field, volleyball, and bowling beginning in the fall of 2025.

The Department of Intercollegiate Athletics offers graduate assistantships in coaching, promotions and marketing, athletic training, strength and conditioning, compliance, and athletic communications. Possibilities exist to assist in the administrative areas of finance, compliance, graphic design, and the Leatherneck Club.

 Campus Recreation

Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center
(309) 298-1228
wiu.edu/campusrec

Campus Recreation provides students with life-enhancing, recreational opportunities through the promotion of active lifestyle, personal growth, and experiential learning. We provide life balance with recreation.

Spencer Student Recreation Center features:

  • Multipurpose gym courts
  • Elevated track
  • Fitness studios
  • Olympic strength room and weight rooms
  • Cardio areas
  • Aquatics Center with pool, aqua climbing wall, and hot tub

Campus Recreation offers:

  • Intramural sports (leagues, tournaments, and one-day events in men’s, women’s, and co-ed categories)

  • Sport clubs

  • Fitness classes

  • Special events and programs

Other outdoor recreation facilities:

  • Basketball courts, volleyball courts (sand and grass), tennis courts, and disc golf

  • Flag football, softball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee fields on Vince Grady Field

  • Cricket and rugby pitches on Vince Grady Field

Harry Mussatto Golf Course
1215 Tower Road, Macomb
(309) 298-3676
wiu.edu/golf

The scenic and challenging 18-hole Harry Mussatto Golf Course, a championship facility located north of campus, offers reduced rates for students and is open to the public. Visit wiu.edu/golf for the course layout, green fees, and special offers. To book a tee time, call (309) 298-3676.

 Center for Career Preparation and Employer Engagement

The Career Center offers career guidance to support graduate students in Macomb, the Quad Cities, and online during their time at WIU and beyond. The center prepares students to market themselves to employers for jobs, internships, and full-time careers. Services include assistance with job searching, career exploration, resume and cover letter building, mock interviews, creating LinkedIn accounts, and transitioning to the workplace. The Career Center has an Interview Room for students to conduct online and telephone interviews with employers. Students and alumni have access to our online Handshake (wiu.joinhandshake.com) career development system to post their resumes, search for jobs, and connect with employers. The center has a closet of clothing that students may take if they need professional attire. Career fairs are offered each semester for face-to-face interaction with employers. More information can be found on their website wiu.edu/careers.

 Center for Global Studies

The Center for Global Studies office administers and coordinates international activities and programs designed to encourage international and cross-cultural understanding, as well as to prepare graduates to effectively live and work in an interdependent, global community. The Center for Global Studies manages study abroad programs; comprehensive orientation for new international students; recruitment; educational programs; international academic partnerships; special activity programming; and ongoing support for the specific needs of international students.

The Center for Global Studies provides a variety of opportunities for students to learn about different cultures and to showcase their culture. Programs like Garba and Diwali, Nigerian, Ghanaian, Bangladeshi, and Caribbean food festivals and independence celebrations, graduation and welcoming dinners, and music and cultural festivals. Occasional gatherings for information sharing are convened with pizza and snacks to keep students abreast of immigration, higher education, and employment issues.

 Counseling Center

The University Counseling Center (UCC) located in Memorial Hall provides personal counseling to currently enrolled students. Some students seek assistance for common life problems while others seek treatment for mental health conditions. Counseling services include individual counseling, group counseling, and relaxation skills training. Sessions are confidential and free of charge to currently enrolled WIU students and can be face to face or through a telehealth platform. A relaxation room, which includes a massage chair and a stress-reducing computer program, is accessible for student use. Consultation services are available for students, family, faculty, and staff.

All staff counselors hold master or doctoral level degrees and are certified and/or licensed in their respective disciplines. The University Counseling Center values each student’s unique diverse background and experiences. Diversity is an important consideration in the counseling process as it often frames how we view mental health concerns, experience symptoms and impacts our choice in treatment options, as well as our treatment outcomes. We strive to offer an inclusive, safe space where individuals feel respected and supported in their counseling experience. For more information, call (309) 298-2453 or visit wiu.edu/ucc.

 Cultural Programs

Outstanding concerts, lectures, dramatic presentations, films, and dance events by nationally known performers are presented on campus by the Bureau of Cultural Affairs and the University Union Board. All students are admitted free or at a reasonable charge upon presenting their student identification cards. Students may also participate in musical, dramatic, and debate productions for stage, radio, and closed-circuit television by joining one of several University groups. Opportunities to view local, national, and international art exhibits are available at the University Art Gallery and the University Union. These exhibits change monthly, and admission to the galleries is free. A variety of diverse multicultural services provided at the Multicultural Center include: facilitated dialogues; cultural and performing arts events; and globally recognized speakers. Several performing student groups in dance, theatre, and music are hosted by the centers throughout the year. Also see Multicultural Services.

 Go West Transit

Go West Transit provides students with safe, convenient transportation from their nearby residences to campus and with service to the entire Macomb community. Having carried over 1 million riders a year, Go West provides students with a reliable, fare-free public transportation system. For more information, call (309) 575-3333 or visit wiu.edu/gowest.

 Medical Services - Beu Health Center
Corner of Western Avenue and Murray Street; (309) 298-1888

Beu Health Center, located on the Macomb campus, provides outpatient primary care services for students and their spouses or domestic partners. The Center is equipped with its own pharmacy, laboratory, and x-ray facilities, and the Center’s physicians and mid-level practitioners provide diagnosis, treatment, and prescriptive services for individuals. There are fees associated with services such as x-ray examinations, pharmacy products, injection services, laboratory services, equipment, and office visits. Information about Beu Health Center services can be found at wiu.edu/beu, and appointments may be scheduled online at http://beuonline.wiu.edu.

 Multicultural Services

The Multicultural Center (MCC), home of the Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center, Casa Latina Cultural Center, Women’s Center, and LGBT*QA Resource Center, aims to advance the goals of educational, social, and cultural awareness, by providing resources to enhance the campus community’s understanding and appreciation of all identities. The MCC promotes intercultural learning, advocacy for historically marginalized students, and celebrates diversity to foster a welcoming and culturally inclusive environment.

Within MCC, the Centers provide a “Home Away From Home” for many students and offer identity-based student programming, legacy events, and leadership opportunities in order to support students of color and gender/sexually diverse students. The Centers complement the University’s mission of empowering students, faculty, and staff to lead dynamic and diverse communities.

This is the first building on campus constructed to LEED 2.2 Silver criteria, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. The building’s design is complete with a grass roof, energy-efficient lighting, geothermal heating and cooling, and recyclable materials like bamboo flooring. In addition, the building includes conference rooms, a computer station, lounges, a dance floor, and a multipurpose room. Also see Cultural Programs.

 Parking Services

The Office of Parking Services provides services related to vehicle usage and control on campus. The office issues parking permits; regulates parking lot use; enforces parking rules and regulations; plans, maintains, and paves parking lots; controls the placement and maintenance of traffic signs; and provides emergency motorist assistance, including battery assists, unlocking cars, emergency gasoline refueling, and inflating tires. All vehicles using campus facilities must have either a permanent or temporary parking permit displayed or assigned to the vehicle and registration plate during specified times, except when the vehicle is parked at a parking meter. The office is located in Mowbray Hall, (309) 298-1921.

 Public Safety

The Office of Public Safety is a multifaceted organization, providing police, safety, and parking services to the community. These services include criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, medical transport and care, fire and crime prevention, safety programs, escort services, key control, motorist assistance, and other miscellaneous activities related to the safety and well-being of University faculty, staff, students, and visitors. The office is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round. All police officers are fully sworn law enforcement officers in the State of Illinois and have full jurisdiction at the University and in the surrounding county. The office advises Western Emergency Medical Services (WEMS), a student ran organization who operates from 7 PM – 7 AM, Monday-Thursday, and 7 PM Friday-7 AM Monday. The office also provides safety escorts from one campus location to another, from dusk to dawn, year-round. The office is located in Mowbray Hall, (309) 298-1949, emergency 911.

 Registration

Students may register for classes using the Student/Alumni Records System (STARS) available at wiu.edu/stars. For more information, contact the Registrar’s Office, Sherman Hall 110, (309) 298-1891, registration@wiu.edu, or wiu.edu/registrar.

 Student Development and Success Center
 Memorial Hall 125; (309) 298-1884 (voice), (309) 298-1856 (TTY)
www.wiu.edu/sdsc

The Student Development and Success Center is located in Memorial Hall and combines Disability Resources, Health Education and Wellness, Outreach and Support, and Student Development into one office that is focused on providing students with the resources to overcome educational challenges.

Western Illinois University is committed to equity, social justice, and diversity. To that end, the Disability Resource office collaborates with faculty and staff to facilitate inclusion and ensure accessibility to University programs for students with disabilities. Students experiencing barriers in the academic or physical environment or who are interested in accommodations such as alternative testing arrangements, sign language interpreters, text conversion (i.e., Braille, electronic, enlarges) services, and note-taking assistance should contact Disability Resources at 309-298-1884 or disability@wiu.edu.

The Health Education and Wellness office contributes to the overall responsibility of Western Illinois University for the education of students in the area of lifestyle and behavior that promotes individual as well as community health. Professional staff, graduate assistants, and student health peer mentors provide a wide variety of wellness outreach programs and services. Outreach programs, as well as individual consultations regarding specific health issues are available to WIU students at no fee.

Outreach and Support team members provide information and support to students who need assistance to be successful. Students receive individualized plans and resource information based on their financial, wellness, connection, or academic needs.

Student Development provides services, and support to students as they navigate life in a University setting with emphasis placed on student success and personal accountability. Services include assistance with absences including military activations, Leatherneck Care Referrals, emergency and crisis follow up, and student advocacy. Student Development also works with students contemplating a University withdrawal and hears late total University withdrawal appeals for the current term.

 Student Rights and Responsibilities

Student Rights and Responsibilities (SRR) strives to support safe, inclusive, and educational learning environments aiding in student success. SRR informs students and organizations of their rights and responsibilities through publication of the Code of Student Conduct and numerous program presentations. Through coordination and management of the conduct review process, Student Rights and Responsibilities endeavors to support Western Illinois University’s core values by reinforcing standards of academic excellence, promoting educational opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, enhancing personal growth of community members, and highlighting the importance of social responsibility while protecting student rights and addressing behavioral problems. The office is located in Sherman Hall 317 and can be reached at (309) 298-2436, email at srr@wiu.edu, or online at wiu.edu/srr.

 University Technology

University Technology (uTech) supports computer resources used by students and faculty for research and instruction. Computers are available for use in most instructional and residential buildings on both the Macomb and Quad Cities campuses. Wireless access is available in all academic buildings and in residence halls.

Computer labs are staffed by trained student personnel and are available for student use in Stipes, Horrabin, Memorial, and Morgan halls and at Western Illinois University-Quad Cities. Residence hall students in Macomb may use computer labs in each hall complex, including several 24-hour labs. A full listing of computer lab hours and locations can be found at wiu.edu/computerlabs.

Each student is provided a WIU e-mail account and access to Google Workspace (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Drive, and more). Discounted software is also available for purchase. Information on all uTech related student resources can be found at wiu.edu/techresources.

The uTech Support Center offers general technology support for all students, faculty, and staff. There are multiple options offered by University Technology to receive general technology support including:

  • Walk-in technical support is available in Stipes Hall 126 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday (closed from noon – 1 p.m. when classes are not in session)
  • Call (309) 298-TECH
  • Email support@wiu.edu or
  • Visit University Technology’s website for all support options and service availability information at wiu.edu/utech.

 Western Illinois University Foundation

The WIU Foundation provides support for WIU’s academic endeavors and strategic priorities, including financial resources for graduate research. The WIU Foundation’s fundraising efforts are focused on Western’s commitment to providing accessible, high quality educational programs and financial support for our students. For more information, or to make a gift, visit wiu.edu/ForTheW.

 Writing Center

The University Writing Center provides a wide range of free, professional, and across-the-curriculum writing assistance services to students, faculty, staff, and alumni in Macomb and the Quad Cities. The UWC is staffed by highly qualified graduate and undergraduate student consultants. Consultants assist at all stages of the writing process. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact (309) 298-2815 or visit wiu.edu/uwc.