Through the Division of Distance and Continuing Education, the teaching resources of the university are made available to the residents of the region and the state. The division promotes and coordinates noncredit and extension-credit courses and programs as well as the university summer session and distance learning. Many workshops, institutes, conferences, seminars, and short courses are available for Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credit.
Summer School. A full summer academic program at the graduate and undergraduate levels is offered in Cullowhee and in Asheville. Special short courses, workshops, and institutes in a number of subjects are available at these locations and in Cherokee. A preliminary schedule is available online in early December , http://edoutreach.wcu.edu, and a summer school catalog with updated listing of the courses and programs offered is available in March of each year.
The Outreach Center. The division manages a conference and training center, which is equipped with classrooms, computer labs, and interactive video facilities. The center serves businesses, agencies, and schools in Western North Carolina with continuing professional education workshops and retreats.
Conferences. The division provides support for educational conferences and special events. Experienced staff can help develop budgets; assist in program planning; secure appropriate facilities; arrange for lodging, meals, banquets, and tours; provide brochure design, printing, and mailing service; handle registrations; and manage financial details. Conference participants may be housed in campus facilities or off-campus commercial settings depending on the university calendar and the preference of sponsors.
Continuing Professional Education. With the rapid explosion of new knowledge and technologies, up-to-date information is vital for today’s professional. A wide range of opportunities is available for continued learning in many fields. Programs can be tailored to meet specific organizational needs and to assist in corporate training efforts at any site.
Distance Learning. Division of Distance and Continuing Education collaborates with the academic colleges, Information Technology, university student service units, community colleges and businesses to provide programs to distance learners. Distance learning extends the boundaries of the university by using a variety of telecommunications technologies such as videoconferencing, computer conferencing, web-enhancement, and online delivery of courses. There are occasions when students may meet in a regular classroom setting or on Saturdays for clinical activities at distant sites. Distance learners may be required to attend an orientation on the campus of Western Carolina University or at an outreach site.
Listener’s Program. The Listener’s Program provides persons who are not currently enrolled in a college or a university the opportunity to attend selected undergraduate-level classes on a noncredit basis. Information about eligibility, courses, conditions of class attendance, and permits is available from the Division of Distance and Continuing Education.
Summer School Programs for Youth. A number of summer programs are available for pre-college students: the Legislators’ School provides leadership training for youth in grades 7-12; and Summer Ventures provides enrichment in the sciences and mathematics. A ballet camp is offered in collaboration with the Atlanta Ballet. In addition, sports camps and recreational programs are offered.
Speaker’s Bureau. The Speaker’s Bureau represents administrators, faculty, and staff from all areas of the university who are prepared to share their knowledge and experience with organizations in the region. These men and women are available to provide stimulating programs to corporate or community groups. Arrangements to schedule a speaker should be made through the Division of Distance and Continuing Education.
This page is maintained by Nancy Carden in the
Office of the Provost.
Last updated: 3/7/2006.
Copyright 2006 by Western Carolina University.