Western Carolina University

Welcome to Western Carolina University!  We are pleased that you will be attending the New Student Orientation program.  The program is designed so that you will receive quality academic advising and become familiar with your new home-away-from home.  A separate program for family members will help them to become familiar with Western Carolina University, its people, programs and offices.

Check- In: 
Please plan to arrive on June 23.  When you arrive on campus, report to the Brown Building for
Check-in.  All students should plan to arrive between 1-3 pm. 

The orientation fee includes dinner on Day One and breakfast and lunch on Day Two for all participants.  All other meals, including breakfast the first day are on your own.

Items to Bring: 
Each member of your party staying in our residence halls should bring linens for a long twin bed, a pillow, toiletries, towels, comfortable clothing, comfortable shoes, umbrella and we recommend that students bring a fan; parents will be housed in an air-conditioned facility.  If you require accommodations that are handicap accessible, please contact our office immediately. (See the Residential Living home page, for specific details regarding what you can and cannot bring to your campus room.) 

Immunization/Health Services Form: 
If you haven’t already sent in your immunization/health services form, please mail it to the WCU Health Center, Bird Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 or fax it to them at (828) 227-7400.  You will not be allowed to complete the registration process until this form is cleared by Health Services. 
The requirements include:
3 TDap or combination of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
2 MMR or combination of measles, mumps and rubella
And
Hepatitis B Series (3 vaccines)
Click the link above to get detailed information regarding your specific immunization and documentation requirements

University Fees Due: 
Please be sure that your $150.00 tuition deposit and the $150.00 housing deposit have been made as soon as possible.  You will not be guaranteed a spot in the Academic Success Program or officially registered for any classes until these deposits are submitted.  To make a Deposit, please use the Banner Payment Portal. 

Keys: 
All participants will be issued standard keys to their room and an electronic card to access the residence hall entrance.  All participants are urged to keep their rooms locked at all times, and to keep their keys and card secure.  Failure to return standard keys upon departure will result in a $100 replacement fee per key.  Check out for parents is between 7:00-9:00 a.m. on day two.

Student ID (CatCards): 
Students must email a digital photo to the CatCard Office catcard@email.wcu.edu or mail a hard copy photo to WCU CatCard Office,  Killian Annex, Cullowhee, NC, 28723 at least one week prior to your arrival so that you can begin using the card immediately.  Residence hall access is restricted to CatCard holders only.  Parents/guests will be given a Guest CatCard at check-in.  To ensure the safety of all our guests we ask that you keep all doors locked at all times and please do not prop doors unless requested to do so by university personnel during group registration and check-ins.  Guest CatCards must be returned to university staff at Residential Living or the drop box in the dining hall or a $25 replacement fee will be charged to your student’s account.  All participants will use their CatCards or Guest CatCards to eat in the Dining Hall.  Student CatCards will continue to be used during the summer session again in the fall when you return.

Parking permits:
Students must register their vehicles online at Parking Services  at least two days before their arrival on campus.  Summer parking permits will be available for a reduced fee.  Fall parking permits will be included with fall tuition & fees and will not be distributed until the return for the fall semester.

We look forward to having you on campus for a great orientation and for your participation in the Academic Success Program!