Western Carolina University

A Pathway to Intentional Learning for Undergraduate Students at Western Carolina University

Click here to download an informational presentation concerning the Office for Undergraduate Studies

The Office for Undergraduate Studies, established in 2007, is committed to:

• Fostering an integrated, seamless, and holistic undergraduate experience that promotes educational excellence distinguished by collaboration between faculty, students, and staff in academic and co-curricular initiatives;
• Promoting civic responsibility, fostering social and personal development, and advancing intellectual curiosity; and
• Facilitating the development of education/career objectives in students.

The following programs and units are coordinated by the Office for Undergraduate Studies and directly advance its mission and purposes:

Start your First Year Experience at WCU!: The First Year Experience at WCU will help you connect the pieces as you transition into college life. We are here to help you connect the pieces as you transition into college life.  Our goal is to insure your success as you embark upon this exciting adventure!  As you navigate the wealth of resources WCU has to offer, start your explorations here! 

Liberal Studies Program: provides opportunities for students to attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an educated person, including the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to identify and resolve problems reflectively, and to use information and technology responsibly. The program also helps students to develop an appreciation for the creative and performing arts, and forms a basis for continued personal development and lifelong learning. Among other things, the Liberal Studies Program also inculcates a commitment to stewardship of the natural and cultural environment.

Center for Service Learning: The Center provides opportunities for service learning as a special form of experiential education where students engage in organized activities designed to enhance their understanding of course content, meet community needs, develop career-related skills, and become responsible citizens in collaboration with faculty, staff, fellow students, and community partners.

Quality Enhancement Plan: the QEP is a recently developed initiative designed to enhance the educational experience of undergraduate students at WCU. The theme, Synthesis: A pathway to intentional learning was designed to help students create connections between what they learn inside and outside of the classroom and to afford faculty, staff, and students more opportunities to collaborate. Opportunities for study abroad, research with faculty, service learning, internships and placements in potential job settings will become increasingly available as the QEP is implemented over the next ten years. 

Citizenship & Civility: 
Join WCU in a campus-wide exploration as we continue the 2012-13 QEP interdisciplinary theme “Citizenship & Civility.” This initiative aims to help students connect primary course objectives related to their role as university citizens and to synthesize learning and experience as they engage in civil dialogue and creatively express new understandings.

American Democracy Project: WCU is a member of a network of approximately 225 colleges and universities that are members of the American Democracy Project sponsored by the American Association on State Colleges and Universities. The ADP’s mission is to increase the number of undergraduate students who participate in meaningful civic actions such as voting and advocacy as well as other forms of civic engagement. 

Additionally the Office for Undergraduate Studies facilitates a college experience that links student success and academic quality. The Office provides support for student recruitment and retention in conjunction with faculty and staff in the following academic and student affairs units: academic departments, Admissions Office, Advising Center, Career Services, Enrollment Support, Orientation Program, Registrar's Office, Residential Living, and Student Support Services. In addition, the Office for Undergraduate Studies maintains a close working relationship with the Graduate School and Educational Outreach.
 
Contact Information:
Carol Burton
Associate Provost for Undergraduate Studies
550 HFR Administration Building
Office of the Provost
(828) 227-7497

Click the image below to download the Office for Undergraduate Studies Organization Chart