. . . begins with POTENTIAL and ends with SUCCESS!

Western Carolina PEAKS is a residential living-learning community designed with you in mind. Our primary goal is to make your transition from high school to university life as smooth as possible by putting you in touch with campus resources, helping you connect with other first-year students who share your interests, and sharing with you the essentials for being an academically and personally successful student here in the WHEE!

As a member of the Western Carolina PEAKS community, you will reside in either Scott Hall or Walker Hall, along with other first-year students. You will benefit from a strong, professional residence life staff, intentional conversations with people who care about your goals and your success, and programming designed specifically to assist you in your journey. In Western Carolina PEAKS you will have opportunities to integrate your classroom learning with residence hall living to reinforce the learning process and have loads of fun along the way.

Investigate majors and career opportunities through our Career Exploration learning community. Through Band of Brothers or Best of Friends, explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with your gender. Find support for your personal and academic success in Project C.A.R.E., Women in Leadership, Balancing Act!, Living Values, or Freshman Leadership Institute.  Make a difference in your residence hall through Hall Leadership, in your community by actively learning and sharing concepts regarding sustainability of the earth through EcoPEAKS, or community service through Cats in Action. Think about diversity from different viewpoints in Celebrate the Difference! or gain a broad perspective on all of these topics by joining one of the BroadBand learning communities. The choice is yours!

Enjoy the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina with your peers while participating in outdoor activities and engaging in community service projects coordinated by your Residence Life staff. Learn from each other through shared classes and out-of-class learning experiences. Have fun watching movies, playing games, or talking away the night at Western Carolina PEAKS UP ALL NIGHT!  Build relationships that will last a lifetime. It all starts here – in Western Carolina PEAKS!

“If I'd known I was going to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself.”
   -Leon Eldred 

Juggling or tight-rope walking experience not necessary!  This class will explore Western from a wellness perspective.  Through self-discovery and campus exploration students will realize the internal and external tools essential for developing a lifestyle of balance, growth, and success.

Balancing Act! at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Health, wellness, and creating balance in your life

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Develop a lifestyle that works best for you
     Learn methods to enhance your mind and body
     Connect with others and explore what campus has to offer

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-19 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Balancing Act!) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Karrie Joseph, Wellness Coordinator 
     Email:  kjoseph@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.8804

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
   -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Band of Brothers offers leadership development with a focus on men’s issues. First-year participants will live in a group housing arrangement that allows on-site leadership opportunities where they can put into practice the skills they are learning. There will also be opportunities to begin raising awareness of men’s issues among others in the campus community. Program participants will be enrolled in a specially designed section of LEAD 140 that will focus on emotional wellness and gender-related studies. Students will look at male socialization and expectations, how they are impacted by these forces, and how they can better confront the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a college male in the 21st century.

Band of Brothers at a Glance

What is the focus?
     College males

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Gain understanding about issues facing college males
     Promote on-campus awareness of college male issues
     Connect with other men and develop friendships that will last a lifetime

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-06, 07, or 08 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Band of Brothers) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Brian Boyer, Resident Director 
     Email:  bboyer@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2460

"We are at our greatest when we encourage and connect with another human being."
  -Maya Angelou

Best of Friends is designed to offer first-year female students leadership development with a focus on women and the relationships they form. Program participants will live in a consolidated housing arrangement that allows on-site leadership opportunities where they can put into practice the skills they are learning. These women will be enrolled in a specially designed section of LEAD 140 that will focus on emotional wellness and gender-related studies. Through current film and readings, students will look at female socialization and expectations, networks women form, and how these relationships can affect decisions they make and lifestyles they choose.

Best of Friends at a Glance

What is the focus?
     College females

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Gain understanding about issues facing college females
     Gain understanding about how we are affected by the relationships we choose
     Connect with other women and develop friendships that will last a lifetime

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-11, 12 or 13 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Best of Friends) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Laura Ansley, Resident Director
     Email:  lansley@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2600

BroadBand

 "We are drowning in information but starved for knowledge."
  -John Naisbitt

BroadBand offers first-year students leadership development opportunities, as well as assist students in the transition to WCU.  While there is no specific focus area in this course, students get the chance to discuss and experience, on a much smaller scale, many of the topics covered in other Western Carolina PEAKS courses through guest speakers and projects.  In addition, students will also be introduced to campus resources and locations, learn to make positive choices related to time and involvement, problem-solving and conflict management skills, and a variety of other topics. 

BroadBand at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Variety of topics including the transition to WCU and leadership

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Gain knowledge and understanding of campus resources and locations
     Gain knowledge and skills relating to leadership
     Share what you learn through projects and presentations 

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-09 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (BroadBand) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Bryant Barnett, Associate Director for Operations 
     Email:  barnett@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2384

Career Exploration

Career Exploration is designed to help first-year students explore career topics, build leadership and communication skills, develop and pursue career goals, and serve as leaders in their majors and future fields. Even if you have decided on a major, but want to confirm that interest and learn how to pursue your dream job, this community could be just the ticket for you! As a member of Career Exploration, you will learn about yourself, develop valuable leadership skills to benefit you in whatever career you might choose, and discover how to enhance your resume for potential employers. By December, you will have explored career options, focused in on a major, built a resume, and planned a co-op. Over the course of the semester, you will evaluate your values and interests, participate in discussions with other students and faculty to clarify goals, and create short-term and long-term plans to achieve your goals. In addition, you will have the opportunity to “test your wings” through service learning activities in at least one career area! 

Career Exploration at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Career Exploration

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Gain practical knowledge about majors and career options
     Participate in service learning projects related to your interests
     Share what you learn on campus through class projects and fairs

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-03, 04, or 05 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Career Exploration) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Michael Despeaux, Career Services Coordinator
     Email:  mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.7133

"Life is not a spectator sport.  If you're going to spend your whole life in the grandstand just watching what goes on, in my opinion you're wasting your life." -Jackie Robinson

CATS in Action is designed for students who want to play an active role on the campus and in the community.  Participants will learn about issues that affect our area, meet representatives from local groups, find out how to get involved, and participate in selected service activities.  As a participant you will live in a consolidated group housing arrangement and be enrolled in a specially designed section of LEAD 140 that will introduce you to the university and help you discover how to be an active leader within your community.  Students will build connections to the campus and the community; gain awareness about issues of social justice; and begin to explore their personal and career interests.

CATS in Action at a Glance

What is the focus?
   Civic Engagement and Social Justice

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
    Learn about issues that affect our community
    Get involved and meet people at WCU and in the community
    Provide leadership for various service learning projects

How do I join?
    Indicate interest in LEAD 143-15 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (CATS in Action) on CatWalk.

Who is my contact?
    Name: Jennifer Cooper, Assistant Director of Service Learning 
    Email:  jacooper@wcu.edu
    Phone: 828.227.7184

“Insight, I believe, refers to the depth of understanding that comes by setting experiences, yours and mine, familiar and exotic, new and old, side by side, learning by letting them speak to one another.”-Mary Catherine Bateson

Participants in this community will be challenged to look at the world through different eyes and think critically about differences they see.  Through film, music, interactive assignments, and field trips students will delve into issues of diversity, civic engagement, globalization and personal responsibility with results that are sometimes surprising, often controversial, but never boring! Join us as we discover the differences that surround us in culture, heritage, values, experiences, and voices. Learn how to avoid the “hot buttons” of emotional rhetoric and uncover rational understanding of differences in thought. Explore the variety of ways in which we are different – and alike. Examine your own values through the eyes of another and celebrate the diversities that define us!

Celebrate the Difference! at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Diversity and critical thinking

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Learn how to deal with complex issues from a position of strength
     Find your own voice and become empowered to lead and serve
     Celebrate the rich diversity of our culture and our world
     Appreciate the values others bring to the table

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-17 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Celebrate the Difference!) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Rodney Franks, Resident Director
     Email:  rfranks@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.7303

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Ghandi

EcoPEAKS (Promoting Energy Awareness through Keys to Sustainability) focuses on educating students, faculty and staff about energy consumption and how it affects the economy, environment and our overall footprint on the Earth.  EcoPEAKS goals are to raise awareness about the ecological and economical benefits of conserving energy; teach methods for reducing energy consumption; and have a positive impact on long term energy consumption habits of our university community.  As a participant, you will live in a consolidated group housing arrangement and be enrolled in a specially designed section of Leadership and the Collegiate Experience that will introduce you to the university and help you discover how to be a leader in sustainable development.

EcoPEAKS at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Sustainability

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Gain practical knowledge about sustainability issues
     Provide leadership for sustainability service learning projects
     Promote sustainability on campus through class projects and fairs

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-02 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (EcoPEAKS) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Lauren Bishop, Energy Manager
     Email:  lbishop@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.3562

Where your college experience begins!

The Freshman Leadership Institute (FLI) is a prestigious living-learning leadership community which offers first year students the opportunity to become involved in campus life and explore a variety of campus leadership opportunities.  Students will be chosen through an application process and interview during their orientation visit.

Members of FLI will participate in regional and national conferences, events, community service, and other opportunities to help develop their leadership potential while contributing to the WCU community.

FLI helps you make the most of your experience at Western and becomes your home away-from-home during your transition into college.  You will make friends who will be with you throughout your college experience, as well as interact with other upperclassmen leaders who are part of the Leadership Institute.

Whether you have ideas on improving student life, a vision for developing your community, or are interested in a club, organization, or event, you can find the right networking opportunity through the Freshman Leadership Institute. 

FLI at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Leadership

Why would I want to be a part of FLI?
     The chance to get involved and meet people at WCU
     Develop the leadership skills that future employers are looking for
     Implement your skills as an agent for positive change on campus and in the community

How do I join?
     Complete application at http://www.wcu.edu/5975.asp
     Indicate interest in LEAD 140 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (The Freshman Leadership Institute) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Mike Corelli, Associate Director for Leadership
     Email:  corelli@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.3618

Hall Leadership

“No institution can possibly survive if it needs geniuses or pupermen to manage it.  It must be organized in such a way as to be able to get along under a leadership composed of average human beings 
  -Peter Drucker

The Hall Leadership community of Western Carolina PEAKS is designed to build effective leadership skills, especially as they relate to taking a lead role in making your residence life experience and that of your peers all that it can be.  Through Residence Hall Council, Nataional Residence Hall Honorary, and Resident Student Association, students have the opportunities to serve in leadership positions and walk away with knowledge, skils, and experience that contribute to the unique and important part of college living that takes place in the residence halls!  Through films, rond table discussions, leadership inventories, and organization specific projects, students will be come equipped with effective tools to be successful in residence hall leadership roles. 

Hall Leadership at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Residence hall leadership opportunities and development

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Play a vital role in the change and growth that is ocurring on the campus of Western Carolina
     Learn about opportunities to become a participant in residence hall government and developing as a student leader
     Become empowered to lead and serve, not only in college but also in your post-college experiences

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-14 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Hall Leadership) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Jack Harris, Assistant Director for Residence Life
     Email:  jaharris@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.7303

“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.”- Marianne Williamson

The International Partners community is designed for both international and domestic students who have an interest in learning about other cultures. Students will discuss acculturation, challenges faced by international students here and abroad, the excitement of diverse cultures, and the opportunities that await us through globalization. Roommates may be international or domestic; however, programming will encourage interaction with and learning from students from different backgrounds. Students will gain information about opportunities to visit other countries through study abroad and international co-ops and internships.

International Partners at a Glance

What is the focus?
     International culture and travel

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Meet people from different cultures
     Provide leadership for service learning projects
     Become a leader on campus
     Gain information about travel and study abroad

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-16 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (International Partners) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: John Schweikart, Study Abroad Advisor
     Email:  jschweikart@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2557

Living Values

“Personal leadership is the process of keeping your vision and values before you and aligning your life to be congruent with them.”
  -Stephen Covey

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.”
  -Roy Disney (nephew of Walt Disney)

This community will focus on the values of Western Carolina University (integrity, respect, responsibility, engagement, and pride) and the greater global community.  In the Leadership and the Collegiate Experience course, students will discuss these values, how that relates to social expectations of college students, and how these values relate to different facets of campus life.  Through dialogue and research students will decide how they are impacted by thee values and how they can influence their world to be the best it can be. 

Living Values at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Diversity, communication, and critical thinking

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Learn about different values from dialogue, research, and guest speakers
     Engage in debates and discussion with classmates about regional and global issues
     Become empowered to express yourself and your values with confidence

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-18 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Living Values) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Holly Taylor, Assistant Director for Student Community Ethics
     Email:  htaylor@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2594

(Committed to African-American Retention and Education)

“Lift as we climb!” – Program philosophy

Project C.A.R.E. (Committed to African-American Retention in Education) is a combination of programs seeking to improve the academic performance and retention of Western Carolina University's African-American student population. The components of Project CARE are: a fall retreat for African-American freshmen, a peer counseling program, seminars, mid-term academic grade monitoring, community building, and a college orientation course for entering freshmen (LEAD 140).We believe that successful students are those who excel academically and socially through their involvement in campus activities.

Project C.A.R.E. at a Glance

What is the focus?
      Excellence among African-American students

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Off-campus weekend of fun and fellowship with new friends
     Study groups, career programs, sessions on self-esteem, time management and other topics
     Find a community of support
     Academic and career planning course designed specifically for African American students and taught by African American faculty and staff

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-10 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Project C.A.R.E.) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Tanisha Jenkins, Director Multicultural Affairs
     Email:   tjenkins@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2276

Women in Leadership is a partnership between the Department of Residential Living and the Women's Center. The purpose of the program is to provide a small, select group of women students opportunities for empowerment, leadership and involvement in a supportive environment. The program offers guest speakers, social events and field experiences that bring students together with women of achievement and leadership from many areas. Students will also explore the political, regional and cultural resources of Western North Carolina as an integral part of the program. Program participants can expect to become connected to the heart of the university.

Women in Leadership at a Glance

What is the focus?
     Women in leadership roles

Why would I want to be a part of this community?
     Learn about issues facing women from guest speakers and field experiences
     Become empowered to lead and serve
     Network with women of achievement while exploring WNC

How do I join?
     Indicate interest in LEAD 143-01 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Women in Leadership) on CatWalk

Who is my contact?
     Name: Michelle Clonch, Director, Women's Center and Women's Prgrams
     Email:  mlclonch@email.wcu.edu
     Phone: 828.227.2393