Western Carolina University

University Police Department
The WCU Police Department is a full-service agency that is available 24 hours a day, throughout the year. The Department works towards building partnerships with the university community to provide a safer environment. The Police Department may be contacted at (828) 227-7301 (non-emergency) or (828) 227-8911 (emergency) for information or requests for services. Additionally, during emergencies, individuals may dial 9-1-1 from their cellular telephones and report an emergency to the Jackson County Emergency Management Department. Telecommunicators from the Emergency Management Department will relay the information to the WCU police telecommunicator.

Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs (OEODP)
The Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs works to ensure that the University is free of discrimination and harassment in its workplace and classrooms. The purpose of these programs is to help develop, implement, and monitor the university's equal opportunity policies, including those relating to non-discrimination and affirmative action, and to ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and university statutes and policies. Individuals who believe they have been subjected to illegal discrimination are encouraged to contact the Director in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs, 520 HFR Administration Building, Phone: (828) 227-7116.

Residential Living
Residence Assistants (student staff) are trained to listen to student's concerns, let student know the options for response, and help initiate the requested or appropriate steps. Resident Directors (professional staff) and Assistant Resident Directors (graduate staff) can assist with personal support, community response, safe housing, reporting to university resources and law enforcement agencies. Scott West, (828) 227-7303.

Department of Student Community Ethics (DSCE)
The Department of Student Community Ethics (DSCE) works with the University community to educate students about their rights and responsibilities as stated in the Western Carolina University Community Creed, the Student Handbook and the Code of Student Conduct.  DCSE works to help students and organizations that violate University living and learning expectations, including bias incidents, become more responsible members of the WCU community.  Through outreach and education to the University community, DCSE strives to make Western Carolina University a positive living and learning environment.  Scott East, (828) 227-7234.

Counseling Services
Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS) provides free and confidential short-term goal-oriented counseling and emergency services for students. Other services include psychiatric medication assessments, consultations, groups, referrals for long-term counseling, and outreach programs on campus. Our website at  counselingcenter.wcu.edu  has links to services, staff, and mental health resources.   Initial appointments can be made in-person (Bird Bldg. 2nd floor) or by phone (828) 227-7469. Offered on-going weekly groups often address the topics of mindfulness, enhancing relationships, managing emotions, gay/lesbian/bisexual support, veteran’s support, alcohol/drug recovery, psychotherapy, anxiety, and depression.  

Office of Disability Services
The Office of Disability Services staff members collaborate with students on disability related issues of academic accommodations, learning strategies, advocacy skills, transition issues, and career planning. The office also helps students connect with other appropriate services on campus as needed. Killian Annex 1st floor, (828) 227-2716.

Intercultural Affairs
The Department of Intercultural Affairs contributes to a culturally rich campus through advocacy, social justice and diversity education, leadership and the development of global citizens.   Intercultural Affairs provides lectures, cultural awareness programs, films, and  workshops to promote social justice, cultural competency as well as to respond to acts of discrimination and bias. Students interested in learning more about cultural differences in a supportive environment are encouraged to get involved in student organizations such as the  Latino Appreciation Student Organization, Organization of Ebony Students, and UNITY (WCU's LGBT student organization). University Center, 3rd Floor, (828) 227-2276.

Bias Response Team (BRT)
BRT monitors campus incidents of hate and bias-related incidents. BRT representatives help students who witness or have been victims of a hate or bias-related incident to determine the type of incident experienced and the steps available to address incidents.