Western PEAKS—which stands for Potential, Excellence, Achievement, Knowledge and Success—is a “learning community” program that emphasizes a sense of belonging, the importance of sound judgment, service to the community, leadership development, and individual and group responsibility, said Keith Corzine, director of residential living.

Participating students will live in Scott Residence Hall with other students who have similar interests and goals. The program will offer these students an array of activities, both academic and social, and they will have opportunities to participate in leisure activities with other program members.

As well as study halls, weekend tutoring sessions and other academic support systems, participants will enroll in a course titled “Leadership and the Collegiate Experience,” for two semester credit hours, to learn about leadership theories, campus resources and transition issues.

“Western Peaks is designed to touch every aspect of the students’ development—academic, social, civic and personal—to help them start thinking holistically about their education and their lives,” said Lynn Mathis, coordinator for resident student success. “Students who are involved with their campus community are typically more successful academically and finish in four years more often than their uninvolved peers. Western Peaks will assist them in making those important campus connections.”

For more information, contact residential living at (828) 227-7303 or visit www.wcu.edu/housing.