General

 Q: What is GoWMU?

GoWMU is Western Michigan University's portal for the WMU community to access a collection of online resources. This secure site allows you to customize the content that best suit your needs. Listed below are some features provided to our users.
For Everyone

• The latest news
• Your e-mail
• Important campus and individual announcements
• Access to groups
• Access to Library resources

For Students

• Register for courses
• Access your grades
• Access E-Learning courses
• Access your academic transcript
• Access your account information
• Complete important Financial Aid information

For Faculty

• Submit final grades
• View your class lists
• View an academic transcript of your advisees
• Create E-Learning courses

For Staff

• View your paycheck information
• View your benefits elections

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 Q: What is a portal?

A portal is a 'one-stop' secure point of access of various services at an institution. The portal at WMU, GoWMU, also allows its users to personalize their features to suit their needs.

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 Q: Who can access GoWMU? When is GoWMU available to me?

• GoWMU is available to newly admitted students, current students, faculty and staff.
• If you are a student, you may continue to access GoWMU for up to 1 year after your last class ends.
• In the future, GoWMU will be available to a wider audience.

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 Q: When is GoWMU available? What is GoWMU's hours of operation?

GoWMU is mostly available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Exceptions to this:

• There is a regular system restart between 5:00am and 5:30am every other Friday morning.
• If GoWMU is going to be down for an extended period of time,
  it will be announced in the Campus Announcements prior to the downtime.
  Additionally, you can check the Help Desk's Outages & Downtimes.
• Some channels rely on other systems that may be down for backups or maintenance. Again, you can check the Help Desk's Outages & Downtimes.

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 Q: How will I know if GoWMU is going to be down for maintenance?

If GoWMU is going to be down for an extended period of time, it will be announced in the Campus Announcements prior to the downtime. Additionally, you can check the Help Desk's Outages & Downtimes.

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 Q: How long can I keep my GoWMU account?

Students have access to GoWMU for one year after you attended your last class. This includes access to email, transcripts, and other services available in GoWMU.

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 Q: Who can I offer suggestions to about GoWMU?

We welcome your comments and suggestions on GoWMU. Please fill out the form with your feedback.

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Login Issues

 Q: How do I login to GoWMU?

First time logging in? Then you must set your password by clicking here (you will need your temporary one-time password). View instructions

Point your browser to https://gowmu.wmich.edu/ and enter your Bronco NetID and password to login.

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 Q: What is a Bronco NetID?

The Bronco NetID is your computer account that is automatically generated for you.

• Student Bronco NetIDs are created when they are admitted to the University.
• Faculty and staff Bronco NetIDs are created automatically after Human Resources has processed their new hire information.
• For more specific information, please click the Students or Faculty & Staff links below.
  New Students Information
  Student Bronco NetID
  Faculty and Staff Bronco NetID
  

If you forgot your Bronco NetID, look here for information.

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 Q: What is my Bronco NetID? I forgot my Bronco NetID, where can I find it?

• New Student? Look here on where to get your Bronco NetID.
• If you've forgotten your Bronco NetID, look here for information.

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 Q: How do I change my Bronco NetID?

Bronco NetIDs are not subject to change. If you are a student, your Bronco NetID is automatically generated at the time of your admission. If you are faculty or staff, your Bronco NetID is automatically created at the time of employment.

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 Q: I forgot my password, what can I do? Where do I get a password?

New student? You will receive a letter from the Admissions Office with your Bronco NetID and a temporary, one-time password on it.

• You must set your password (activate it) here
• The first time a password is activated, a challenge phrase is created. This will allow you to set your password if you have forgotten it.

Forgot your current password?

• Use your challenge phrase to set a new one here.
• Or swipe your WMU ID card at one of these locations.

Still having problems? Contact the Help Desk via email or call (269) 387-HELP (4357), Option 1.

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 Q: How do I change my password?

Click here to change your password.

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 Q: I changed my password and I still cannot log in.

Wait 10 minutes before trying to log into GoWMU with your new password. This is the maximum amount of time needed for the password to be recognized in the system. We are working on reducing this time in the future.

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 Q: Is the login secure?

Yes. The login and password you provide use SSL to pass the information securely.

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 Q: I am off-campus and am having trouble accessing GoWMU and its services.

First check to see if you are using a compatible browser and it is configured correctly.

If you are still having trouble accessing GoWMU, it typically means that there is a firewall set up to prevent use of communication with unknown sites or ports. If you are at home, set your firewall to allow cookies from 'gowmu.wmich.edu'.

If you are not at home, you could check with the system administrator regarding the firewall settings. If the system administrator does not find any settings that would interfere with accessing GoWMU, please contact us so we can address this issue.

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 Q: Do I have to keep the GoWMU browser open to stay logged in?

Yes.

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Browser Issues

 Q: What browsers are supported?

A list of supported browsers can be found and downloaded from here.

GoWMU uses cookies, pop-up windows, javascript and Java to work; be sure your browser is configured correctly for GoWMU to work properly.

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 Q: What browsers are not supported?

There are a number of browsers available to users out there, to list them all would be difficult.
Some of the common ones are:

• AOL
• SBC! Yahoo
• MSN
• Opera

Due to incompatability issues, these browsers may log you out of GoWMU shortly after logging in. If you are having this issue, you can download a supported browser here.

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 Q: Why are some browsers not supported?

The short answer is that GoWMU is built on vendor software. It is the vendor that tests different browsers to see if the browser will work with their software. There are many third-party proprietary browsers out there (such as AOL, MSN Explorer, or SBC Yahoo!) making it difficult for the vendor to make GoWMU compatible with each one of these.

Here is a more detailed answer
The real issue is more complex because Internet Service Providers (ISPs) like SBC/Yahoo or AOL license the browser software and modify it to work with their ISP service. We do not have access to those modifications or the browser code to even know what has changed. Additionally, the software systems, such GoWMU and Vista, that are having problems with these modified browsers are commercial products that we don't have the ability to modify. The vendors, that sell their systems all around the world, cannot address all of the ISPs' modifications that are made to the browsers. So the only reasonable alternative to the vendor is to develop software that works with the standard browsers. The "supported" browsers are those browsers and the specific versions that have been tested and verified to work correctly with the vendor software that GoWMU is built upon. The vendor tests and verifies the browsers at the time of the release of the software. They will probably always be behind the current version of browsers. We would not want to adjust the list of supported browsers without some level of testing to ensure that all the functionality in GoWMU has not been compromised.

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 Q: How can I check if my browser settings will work with GoWMU?

Click here to check your browser settings.

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 Q: Why do I get a message about pop-up windows?

The use of pop-up windows is required by the software GoWMU is built upon. If your browser or any third party tool (like the Google toolbar) is blocking pop-ups, you may experience problems using GoWMU.

Be sure to configure your browser and toolbars to accept GoWMU pop-up windows.

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Timeouts

 Q: Why after signing into GoWMU does it quickly kick me off with a "session-timed out" message?

First, please check if your browser settings are configured correctly.

If you are using a recommended browser, please make sure:

• your browser setting for cookies is configured correctly.
• Toolbars (e.g. Google toolbar, Yahoo! Toolbar) that are installed in your browser may also have their own cookie settings. Please be sure your toolbars are configured to allow cookies from GoWMU.

Still having problems? Contact the Help Desk via email or call (269) 387-HELP (4357), Option 1.

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 Q: What is the timeout on my GoWMU session?

Your GoWMU session will expire (or timeout) after 60 minutes of inactivity.

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 Q: Do I have to keep the browser open to stay logged into GoWMU?

Yes. If you have closed the browser to GoWMU, you will have ended your session. It is best to remember to logout using the logout icon in the upper right side of GoWMU and then close your browser.

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 Q: What happens if I logout and do not close my browser window?

Personal information may be still be accessible. Be sure to logout and close your browser to protect your personal data.

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Personalizing your GoWMU

 Q: Does everyone see the same view of GoWMU?

Not necessarily. The content an individual sees is determined by their role at Western Michigan University. For example, students share a common view of GoWMU which is different from what faculty and staff see.

Additionally, individual users can also customize tabs and channels to suit their needs. To find out how to customize your GoWMU, click on the Tutorials link at the top.

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 Q: What are tabs and channels?

Tabs are the main organizational unit in GoWMU. Each tab is used to help organize related channels. Tabs can display a single channel (framed tab) or multiple channels in columns.

In general, channels provide at-a-glance information with links to expanded content or resources. Notice that the channels are differentiated from each other by borders and that each contains a title and a tool bar.


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 Q: How do I customize GoWMU?

Use the 'Content/Layout' link above the tabs on the left side once you are logged into GoWMU.
In general you can customize your GoWMU to:

• Add tabs to your layout
• Remove tabs from your layout
• Move tabs to new positions
• Change the way a tab opens (framed or not)
• Add channels to existing tabs
• Reorder channels on a given tab
• Add or remove columns on a given tab

More instructions on how to customize GoWMU.
Additional instructions are in the Tutorials link above (then look at 'Personalizing GoWMU').

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 Q: How do I add or remove channels? How do I add or remove tabs?

Adding channel to tabs
Move channel

Moving or adding tabs instructions
Deleting tab instructions go to "Deleting Tabs"

Additional instructions are in the Tutorials link above (then look at 'Personalizing GoWMU').

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 Q: How do I know what channels are available in GoWMU?

Available channels can be viewed in a channel "List of Channels" to be released soon. New channels will be announced on the login page of GoWMU.

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 Q: Why can't I remove or move some channels?

There are a few channels (such as Campus Announcements) that cannot be moved nor deleted. These are part of the default layouts given to individuals based on their role at Western Michigan University.

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 Q: Why can't I remove some tabs? Why can't I move some tabs?

There are some tabs (such as Student Services for students or Faculty/Staff Services for faculty and staff) that cannot be moved nor removed. These are part of the default layouts given to individuals based on their role at Western Michigan University.

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 Q: Why don't I see my tab layout changes?

You may be using the browser's back and forward buttons rather than GoWMU's navigation. This can result in display of old pages. Be sure to use GoWMU's navigation links.

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 Q: Can I bookmark pages in GoWMU?

To access pages in GoWMU quickly, you can customize your layout by creating your own tabs with the channels and links of interest to you. Bookmarking a page in GoWMU to return to later will not work and will redirect you to log into GoWMU instead.

For more information on how to customize GoWMU look at the link above for Tutorials in the Personalizing GoWMU section. If you need assistance please feel free to contact the HelpDesk or at (269) 387-HELP (4357), Option 1.

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 Q: Why don't I see a "Student Home" tab?

Your admission status may have changed. Information about readmission to Western Michigan University can be found at:
For Undergraduates
For Graduates


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Inside GoWMU: Available services

 Q: Can I chat with other users in GoWMU?

Chatting with members of your class:
If your class uses E-learning, then you can access the class' chat room through the E-Learning icon.

Chatting with members in a group:
If you and another user are both members of a group and logged into the group in GoWMU, use the group chat link to talk with each other.

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 Q: What is Desire2Learn's D2L, E-Learning?

E-Learning is the course management system at WMU. E-Learning allows faculty and students to share content and communicate online. E-Learning provides discussion and chat areas, online whiteboard, online quizzes, Web links, and other multimedia resources for a course all in one central location.

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 Q: How do I get access E-Learning?

Once you log into GoWMU, click on the E-Learning icon.

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 Q: How do I get help with E-Learning?

Visit the E-Learning support website .

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 Q: Where do I get help for my e-mail?

Visit the webmail support website.

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 Q: How do I get a transcript?

Current students can get an unofficial copy of their transcript by logging into GoWMU through the 'My Self Service' channel.
Official Transcripts may be obtained from the transcript order form.

Past students who do not have access to GoWMU must use the transcript order form.

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 Q: How do I register for classes?

Please log into GoWMU and view the 'Steps to registration' channel on the Student Service tab for instructions on how to register.

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 Q: Why is my access to Academic Services channels disabled?

Email the Help Desk or at (269) 387-HELP (4357), Option 1.

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 Q: How do I apply to Western Michigan University to take a course?

Information about admission to Western Michigan University can be found here.

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 Q: I was admitted last year and now I want to take a course, what can I do?

Information about readmission to Western Michigan University can be found at:
For Undergraduates
For Graduates


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 Q: Why don't I see a "Student Home" tab?

Your admission status may have changed. Information about readmission to Western Michigan University can be found at:
For Undergraduates
For Graduates


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 Q: How do I apply for or check my financial aid in GoWMU?

Please log into GoWMU and click on the 'Financial Aid' link in the 'My Self Service' channel.

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 Q: How do I check my class schedule?

Log into GoWMU and click on the 'My Schedule' link in the 'My Self Service' channel.

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 Q: How do I let my parents/guardians/others access my academic or financial information?

Create an authorized user account to access your account information. More information.

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Security

 Q: Is GoWMU secure?

Yes. GoWMU uses SSL encryption of data to protect sensitive information.

You can provide more security by:

• Protect your Bronco NetID. Never share your password.
• Be sure to always logout of GoWMU and close your browser when you are finished using it (especially when you are on a public computer).
• Another good security practice is to change your password on a regular basis (perhaps every 3-6 months). (Guidelines on how to choose a password)

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 Q: Why doesn't the lock appear in my browser?

GoWMU uses frames to display its pages; it is from within a normal page that you are viewing a secure page. Even though you cannot see the lock, it is still secure.

Only by logging in with your Bronco NetID and password can your personal information be accessed. For this reason, it is very important you protect these. Additionally, be sure to logout of GoWMU and close the browser whenever you leave your computer so that your personal data is not exposed.

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Groups

 Q: What are groups?

Groups are a community of people to join with common interests. Once a group is created, its members can then post messages, send group announcements, send group emails, chat, share files, and even share photos.

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 Q: How do I join a group?

You may request to join a group through the Group icon at the top right of GoWMU.

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 Q: How do I create a group?

You may request to add a group through the Group icon at the top right of GoWMU.

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 Q: After joining a group, why doesn't the group name appear on My Groups list?

You should see public groups you have joined listed immediately.

If you requested membership in a restricted group, the group's moderator will approve or deny your request and notify you via email. If approved, the group should then appear in your My Groups list.

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Other

 Q: My question is not listed here.

Please contact the Help Desk via email or call (269) 387-HELP (4357), Option 1.

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