Student Life and Services

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Western Carolina University is dedicated to the academic and social growth and development of each student. The Office of Student Affairs has overall responsibility in this area, and its functions include providing housing, counseling and health care services, recreation and wellness programs, and enhancing the college environment with social, educational, and leadership activities. The Division’s website is available at http://www.wcu.edu/experience/dean-of-students/About.asp.

The university’s residence halls are an integral part of campus life, offering a variety of experiences that contribute to intellectual, personal, and social development. The residence halls are staffed by Resident Directors and professional staff responsible for both community and personal growth and development.

The residence halls are open to all students, undergraduate and graduate, to the extent available. First and second year students, along with some transfer students are required to live on campus. This requirement may be waived if the student is married or lives with parents in a county contiguous to Jackson County. For full details regarding the residency requirement, please read University Policy #96 at http://www.wcu.edu/discover/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/legal-counsel-office/university-policies/numerical-index/university-policy-96.asp.

A variety of accommodations are available; however, most rooms are designed for double occupancy. Each room is furnished with computer data ports, single beds, study desks, chairs, dressers, and closets. Students provide their own pillows, bed linens, towels, lamps, clocks, wastebaskets, and telephones. (A list of suggested items to bring can be found on the Residential Living website.) Cable television is provided in student rooms, as well as designated public areas. Other amenities include vending machines, washers, and dryers. Mail service is provided to all residential students at the mail station located in the University Center. Mailing addresses are assigned by the Department of Residential Living and will be provided when students receive housing assignments.

Please visit http://www.wcu.edu/experience/life-on-campus/residential-living/index.aspx to learn much more about Residential Living and life in the residence halls at Western Carolina University.

Off-Campus Housing.

Students who are eligible under University Policy #96 to live off-campus and choose to do so are responsible for making those arrangements and the associated obligations. While the University does not endorse any off-campus housing, an on-line service is available to help University community members explore off-campus options: https://offcampushousing.wcu.edu/.

Dining Services

Please review the Dining Services website at https://westerncarolina.campusdish.com/ for comprehensive information about eating on-campus.

Food service may not be provided when dining locations are closed during holidays and other periods when the University is not is session.

Students living in university residence halls are required to purchase a campus meal plan each semester. Participation in a food service plan is optional for commuting students. Special dietary requirements are accommodated by contacting WCU Dining at 828-227-7396.

A variety of programs, activities, and services identified with everyday living are available on campus. Students are encouraged to choose and participate in co-curricular activities wisely and balance them with their academic endeavors. The student activity fee helps to support many of these activities and services as well as a number of cultural programs. The fee also supports the campus media including the radio station, newspaper, literary magazine and student television station.

Student organizations are recognized as an important part of the educational process. More than 150 recognized campus organizations provide students opportunities to explore their religious, political, professional, social or special interests and to be recognized for their academic and personal achievements. Learn more about the ways student can get involved on-line at http://westerncarolinauniversity.orgsync.com/SO_home.

Student Government. The Student Government Association (SGA) is an active, vital part of the university community. Each student has the right to vote in all student elections and may participate in SGA by running for office or by applying for an appointed position. The SGA appoints voting members to various University committees, and the Student Body President of SGA is a member of the University’s Board of Trustees. Visit the SGA website at http://sga.wcu.edu for more information.

A.K. Hinds University Center. The University Center (UC) is your gateway to involvement at WCU! From programs and student organizations to dining options and conference rooms, the UC is the central facility for student participation! The UC provides a wide range of services, programs, and organizations aimed to improve student involvement and to provide a well-rounded collegiate experience for students. The A.K. Hinds University Center provides an inclusive student-centered community that supports and encourages student learning, leadership opportunities, personal development, and active learning in a caring atmosphere.

Named for the late Anthony Keith Hinds, former dean and professor of mathematics at WCU, the University Center is the hub of student social life on campus. The UC features a two-story atrium, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom, a 170-seat movie theater, Club Illusions, Catamount Clothing, a food court, and the student mailroom. The additional space also includes the Department of Intercultural Affairs, Department of Greek Student Engagement and Development, and  the Center for Student Involvement with offices, workspace, and conference rooms for student clubs and organizations. Also a vital part of the UC is the Student Media Center, which houses student-run media groups that include radio, newspaper, television and literary magazines. The UC also works with the student leaders of Last Minute Productions (LMP) and Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) to provide student-initiated programming for the entire campus. These groups work to bring concerts, speakers and a variety of performers to the campus community. The UC website is available at: http://www.wcu.edu/apply/undergraduate-admissions/visit-wcu/wcu-virtual-tour/hinds-university-center.asp

Office of Leadership and Student Involvement. Located on the third floor of the A.K. Hinds University Center, the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement (within the Department of Campus Activities) is committed to providing students with opportunities to continually enhance their leadership skills and interests. 

Through our curricular and co-curricular programs, WCU students will be exposed to a variety of leadership skills that will carry with them throughout their lives. Students will experience advanced leadership opportunities and be exposed to additional resources that can be used in their daily lives or within their personal/professional leadership positions.  

Through student clubs and organizations such as the Leadership Institute and the Student Government Association, or through programs such as the Freshman Leadership Institute, Whee LEAD Conference, CatCamp, CATalyst, or any one of the LEAD Living-Learning Communities (LLC’s), students will learn how to make a positive impact on campus and in the greater community.

In addition, the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement is home to over 30 leadership development courses (LEAD) and the Leadership Minor. WCU is one of a select few colleges or universities that offer a Minor in Leadership. The Leadership Minor consists of a total of 18 credit hours (9 credit hour of elective courses and 9 required credit hours).

More information about the Office of Leadership and Student Involvement and the Leadership Minor is available on-line: http://www.wcu.edu/learn/departments-schools-colleges/CEAP/ceap-depts/humanserv/minor-in-leadership.asp

Student Engagement and Development. Located in the University Center’s Office of Greek Student Engagement and Development works with the 20 national Greek-letter organizations. Joining a fraternity or sorority offers students an opportunity to build leadership skills, become involved in service and philanthropy projects, network, and engage in social outlets during their collegiate years. More information about Greek Life and joining a fraternity or sorority is available on-line: https://www.wcu.edu/experience/dean-of-students/fraternity-sorority-life.aspx.

Campus Recreation and Wellness. The mission of the Department of Campus Recreation and Wellness (CRW) is to create a campus-wide culture of recreation and wellness through a comprehensive array of programs and services that educate, empower, and engage individuals to pursue and sustain healthy, balanced lifestyles.

Located in the 73,000 square foot Campus Recreation Center (CRC), CRW offers many opportunities for students to get involved on campus. Programs and services include use of the CRC, access to Reid Pool, group exercise classes, intramural sports, equipment checkout, personal training, wellness programs, club sports, and Base Camp Cullowhee.  Base Camp Cullowhee is WCU’s outdoor program and offers a wide array of outdoor trips, equipment rentals, special events, and outdoor leadership training.  

In addition to the CRC and Reid Pool, CRW has other facility resources for students to get active.  Check out our 13-hole disc golf course, single-track hiking and mountain biking trail system, intramural field space, and campus walking routes.  For more information, please visit our website at http://reccenter.wcu.edu.

Athletics. The university provides a full program of sixteen intercollegiate sports. Athletic teams play a full schedule in football, baseball, men’s and women’s golf, men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s indoor and outdoor track, women’s softball, men’s and women’s cross country, women’s tennis, and women’s soccer. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA Division I) and the Southern Conference. A standing committee of the Faculty Senate is responsible for reviewing and recommending policy regarding intercollegiate athletics.

Health Services. Western Carolina University Health Services is designed to meet the healthcare needs of the WCU community to enhance the physical, psychological, environmental and health education needs of the campus. The medical practice serves as primary care for students while in attendance, and functions as a hybrid of a traditional primary care practice, with urgent care services added. The staff includes physicians, midlevel practitioners, registered nurses, medical and laboratory technicians that offer a variety of healthcare services. Those include well physicals, well visits, medication management, sick visits, women’s health, immunotherapy/allergy and injection clinic, suturing, splinting and many other minor procedures. Health Services offers on-site laboratory testing, as well as operating a smaller scale pharmacy that stocks both prescription and over the counter medications. All services are designed to allow patients convenient, affordable access to timely medical care.

Campus EMS is also a part of Health Services. The BLS (Basic Life Support) ambulance service, is staffed by certified student workers that provides on-campus coverage for medical emergencies 24 hours a day while classes are in session. The EMS service performs patient assessment and care along with providing transportation to either Health Services on campus or the Harris Hospital emergency department for continued medical services.  

Health Services is funded by the mandatory Student Health Fee. The fee allows students to have unlimited access to care, there is not a restriction on the number of visits to the medical providers. Through the course of care, the provider may order lab testing or perform a procedure that is not considered part of the routine visit and the patient may incur separate charges for those services. Charges are also billed for any items purchased through the Health Services pharmacy. Charges can be paid at the time of service or as part of the student’s WCU account. Although Health Services is not considered in-network with major insurance carriers, insurance forms are available and can be filed as a patient courtesy. As part of the University of North Carolina System, WCU participates in the mandatory health insurance requirement imposed on all UNC system students. Students will be automatically enrolled in the school sponsored plan, unless the student provides proof of other insurance coverage during the waiver process. Students do not have to be enrolled in the school sponsored plan to utilize care in Health Services. Insurance is intended to assist the student with any medical expenses that are incurred beyond Health Services, medical care such as surgery, hospitalization or emergency department visits.    

Upon acceptance, and before class registration, incoming students are required by NC law to comply with immunization requirement. Students must provide proof of immunization history to satisfy those requirements, and the student’s registration status may be restricted until the requirements are met.

More information about Health Services, immunizations and the health insurance requirements are available on-line at http://healthservices.wcu.edu.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). The mission of WCU CAPS is to empower students to engage in and be successful in a full range of academic, social, and cultural endeavors through fostering psychological wellness. CAPS provides free and confidential counseling and emergency services for students. Other services include groups, psychiatric medication assessments, referrals, and outreach presentations. The staff is comprised of licensed mental health providers (psychologists, a social worker and a professional counselor). Additionally, graduate interns and practicum students in training provide services to students. Please refer to our website at caps.wcu.edu for further information. Initial appointments can be made in person (Bird Bldg. 2nd floor) or by phone (227-7469). For daytime emergencies, contact the CAPS office. For after-hours mental health emergencies, call 828-227-8911 and ask to speak to the counselor on call.

The Career Services/Cooperative Education Office is multi-faceted and student service oriented. We are committed to providing up-to-date services which: assist in career/major decision-making; promote career experiences, and job search learning; and then facilitate contact with employers and graduate schools.

Activities/services include the following:

On campus student employment (http://careers.wcu.edu/nws-jobs.asp), web-accessible job listings, programs, individual conferences with career counselors, vocational and interest testing (both on-line and in person), cooperative education and internship programs, resume and cover letter critiquing services, an on-line mock interview program, a career library with a university-wide computer-aided career guidance programs and multiple career events.

The Career Services Cooperative Education Office is located on the 2nd Floor Killian Annex. For more information (http://careers.wcu.edu).

Intercultural Affairs. Intercultural Affairs sponsors a variety of programs throughout the academic year to highlight some of the many cultures represented in the campus community. ICA staff serves as a educators, resources, advocates, and foundations of support for the Western Carolina community with an emphasis on creating a culture of inclusion. Located in the second floor of the University Center, Intercultural Affairs is a resource for all WCU students. 

Ramsey Regional Activity Center.

Western North Carolina’s most versatile entertainment complex, the Liston B. Ramsey Regional Activity Center provides quality programming for the entire community. The 8,000 seat arena hosts major concerts, national touring acts, commencement and Catamount basketball and volleyball. Student tickets to major events are often available at a discount.

The arena, concourse, meeting rooms, outdoor patios, and other reservable spaces are available to the public for banquets, trade shows, conferences and meetings. Students may utilize the Ramsey Center’s full line of event services including event planning, equipment reservations, and room set-ups.

The Ramsey Center offers opportunities to enjoy regular fitness activity. Students have free access to five racquetball courts, two basketball courts, walking or jogging around the concourse, and a lighted outdoor rollerblade and skateboard area.

Students play a major role in the operation of the Ramsey Center. Student managers keep the Ramsey Center open for activity during evenings and weekends. Stage crew, lighting operators, and promotion and event staff help with concerts and other major productions. Utility crew and office assistants work closely with staff to handle day-do-day operations. Ramsey Center team members work flexible hours; gain leadership experience; and develop communication, teamwork, and time management skills.

For more information about the Ramsey Center and its programs and services, go online to http://www.wcu.edu/ramsey/.

WCU Community Creed and the Code of Student Conduct

The Department of Student Community Ethics (DSCE) works with the University community to educate students about their rights and responsibilities as stated in the Western Carolina Creed and the Code of Student Conduct. DSCE works to help students and organizations who violate University living and learning expectations become more responsible members of the Western Carolina University Community. DSCE also collaborates with academic leaders, University Police and other University officials to help keep our campus community safe. The DSCE facilitates education about the Western Carolina University Community Creed:

Western Carolina University Community Creed

Creed: A system of beliefs, principles, and aspirations.

• I will live by high standards of personal integrity.
• I will embrace my responsibilities as a member of this community.
• I will respect the rights and well-being of others.
• I will engage myself in artistic, cultural, and academic life of my University.
• I will celebrate express pride in Western Carolina University.

The WCU Community Creed also serves as the basis for the Code of Student Conduct. All students are held accountable to the principles expressed in the Community Creed and the standards for behavior found in the Code.

The DSCE website can be found at http://dsce.wcu.edu and includes important information about the Community Creed, alcohol and other drug education, as well as student rights and responsibilities under the WCU Code of Student Conduct.

Western Carolina University Police work to keep the campus community safe and help prepare the campus for emergencies. An annual safety report is posted on-line at http://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/AFSSR.pdf and http://www.wcu.edu/experience/dean-of-students/ in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (formerly the Campus Security Act). A link to an Emergency Information website is included at the bottom of all WCU web pages or can be opened at http://emergency.wcu.edu/ for details on campus preparedness and emergency notification systems. All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to carefully review this information.

WCU Campus Police and Law Enforcement. The University Police department is responsible for providing law enforcement, criminal investigation, and protective services on campus. University Police officers are certified by the N.C. Attorney General’s Office and meet all standards set by the Attorney General for law enforcement officers in this state.

All crimes that occur on the campus of WCU should be reported to the University Police Department. Emergencies should be reported by dialing 911 from a University telephone or by dialing 828-227-7301 from your cellular telephone; non-emergencies may also be reported by dialing 828-227-7301. Reports for crimes may be filed by visiting the University Police Department, located in the Camp Building Annex, or by contacting an officer on patrol. Officers may also be summoned for emergencies by activating any of the emergency blue-light callboxes which are placed at various locations throughout campus. Information regarding crime reports, statistics and prevention programs is available at the University Police department and http://police.wcu.edu website.

Traffic and Parking. The University Police department is responsible for the administration of Western’s parking system, vehicle registration, and traffic and parking regulations enforcement. State statutes provide that campus traffic and parking regulations have the full-authority of law, and violators may be subject to the penalties such law prescribes.

Everyone parking a vehicle on campus must register that vehicle with the Parking Services Office and display a current decal on that vehicle.  Parking and traffic regulations literature is made available in the Parking Services Office, located in the Cordelia Camp Building. These same regulations are made available on-line at http://www.wcu.edu/discover/campus-services-and-operations/university-police/parking-services/parking-traffic-regulations/.

The Parking, Traffic, and Safety Committee, composed of students, faculty, and staff, functions as an appellate board for faculty and staff members wishing to contest parking citations that they have received. Appeals concerning student violations are heard by a similar SGA appellate committee. The faculty and staff parking citation appeal form is available at http://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/police_appeal_form_faculty_staff.pdf , or in the Parking Services Office. The student parking citation appeal form is available online at https://www.wcu.edu/discover/leadership/student-government-association/student-parking-ticket-appeals.asp. For more information, contact the University Parking Services Office at 828-227-7275 (PARK).

Shuttle Bus System (CAT-TRAN). The shuttle bus system, or Cat-Tran, is operated through the University Police Department. Cat-Tran provides shuttle service according to prescribed routes throughout the semester during day-class hours. Reduced shuttle service is available during evening, weekend, and summer hours. The Cat-Tran does not operate during holidays, spring or fall breaks, or semester breaks. The Cat-Tran buses are used for the daily shuttle routes and are not available for special event or group use. For information regarding routes, hours of operation, or other issues, please visit the Cat-Tran website at http://www.wcu.edu/discover/campus-services-and-operations/parking-and-transportation/cat-tran/index.aspx or call the Cat-Tran office at 828-227-8726 (TRAN).

Books, Supplies Clothing and Gifts. The Catamount Bookstore offers students a variety of educational materials and supplies. An extensive selection of paperback books is offered for class use and extracurricular reading. All books for graduate students, distance learning and supplemental text and course-related materials for undergraduates are sold by the store. The book rental plan, operated through the book rental department of the bookstore, is explained on page 38 of this catalog. Caps and gowns, graduation invitations, and class rings also may be purchased at the store.  In addition, a variety of clothing, gifts, greeting cards and miscellaneous items are offered in the store. For more information, call 828-227-7346 or visit our web site at http://books.wcu.edu/home.aspx.

Mail Service. Students residing on campus are assigned a mailbox with their room assignments. All other students may rent a box in the Cullowhee Post Office.

Bank Services. A Wachovia ATM is located on campus. State Employees Credit Union and BB&T ATM’s are located in the Hinds University Center. Additionally, branch offices of Wachovia Bank, BB&T, State Employees Credit Union, Sun Trust Bank, Macon Savings Bank, Carolina First Bank, Mountain Credit Union, United Community Bank, First Citizen’s Bank, Jackson Savings Bank are located in or near Sylva.

Project Discovery-Talent Search. Talent Search is a federally-funded program through the U.S. Department of Education hosted here at Western Carolina University. Our mission is to assist first-generation college-bound students with enrollment in post-secondary schools. Talent Search provides a wide range of support services to 900 area middle and high school students. Academic, career, and financial aid counseling as well as a variety of summer and adventure educational experiences are also provided. Talent Search can be reached at (828) 227-7137 or visit us at http://www.wcu.edu/engage/community-resources/project-discovery/about-project-discovery.

The Kneedler Child Development Center provides affordable, accessible childcare for approximately 60 children of students, faculty, staff, and community members. The center operates four classrooms (ages 1-5) staffed by qualified teachers who are committed to early childhood education. Each classroom offers developmentally -appropriate activities designed to stimulate social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. The facility is located in the remodeled west wing area of the Cordelia Camp Building. If you would like further information, please visit (http://www.wcu.edu/engage/community-resources/kneedler-child-development-center/) or contact the center at (828) 293-1530

The university provides computer access through the information technology division, college, and department computer systems. It is essential that computer systems be protected from misuse and unauthorized access subject to university policy and applicable state and federal laws.

Computer abuse defined as, (but not limited to), privacy issues, theft, vandalism, copyright issues, and harassment will be referred to the Office of the Chief Information Officer and/or college or department computer network and laboratory managers. Abuse involving theft or vandalism will also be reported to the University Police Department. Penalties include, but are not necessarily limited to, suspension or revocation of computing privileges, reimbursement to the university for resources consumed, other legal action including action to recover damages, referral to law-enforcement authorities, and referral to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs for disciplinary action. In connection with inquiries into possible abuses, the university reserves the right to examine files, programs, passwords, accounting information, printouts, or other computing material without notice authorized only by the Chief Information Officer. See University Policy #52, Use of Computers and Data Communications online at http://www.wcu.edu/discover/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/legal-counsel-office/university-policies/numerical-index/university-policy-52.asp

Electronic Mail Policy. University electronic mail accounts are provided and supported by the State of North Carolina to support the mission of the university. The electronic mail system is provided by the university as one of its primary means of official communication. An electronic mail message regarding university matters sent from an administrative office, faculty, or staff member is considered to be an official notice. Students, faculty, and staff are required to read their university electronic mail system messages on a regular basis to receive these official notices.

Users have the responsibility to use these resources in an efficient, effective, ethical and lawful manner. Use of the university’s electronic mail system evidences the user’s agreement to be bound by the university’s Electronic Mail Policy. Violations of this policy may result in restriction of access to the university email system and/or other appropriate disciplinary action. University Policy #93, Electronic Mail Policy online at http://www.wcu.edu/discover/leadership/office-of-the-chancellor/legal-counsel-office/university-policies/numerical-index/university-policy-93.asp, ensures the appropriate use of the university’s electronic mail system by its students, faculty and staff