The WCU Division of Student Affairs aspires to challenge each student with opportunities and experiences to enrich personal growth and potential for success.
Mission:
The Division of Student Affairs serves Western Carolina University by facilitating a dynamic campus community. Our services and collaborations engage students by promoting intentional experiences with our colleagues on campus and with our neighbors in the region. Student Affairs helps students discover and join our campus community, works to provide students with the information they need to make good choices, and supports our colleagues in the faculty and staff. We make a difference by building and strengthening the WCU campus community and providing students the experiences necessary to fully realize their potential.
Values:
Our values as a Division are expressed by the Western Carolina University Community Creed:
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I will practice personal and academic integrity.
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I will respect the dignity and rights of all persons.
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I will demonstrate concern for others and live up to my community responsibilities.
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I will engage myself in the arts, culture and intellectual life of my University.
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I will celebrate and take pride in Western Carolina University.
Tagline: Your Life. Your Choices. Our Mission.
Strategic Priorities:
1. Promote Engaged and Intentional Learning Experiences
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Increase collaborative efforts with Academic Affairs
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Increase collaborative efforts within the Division
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Increase opportunities for students to network and build relationships with the campus and local community
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Challenge students with intentional experiences and interventions
2. Enhance WCU Community Wellness and Safety
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Provide information, knowledge and training on how to access healthcare and promote life-long health and wellness
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Increase student/staff/faculty understanding of the interconnectedness of all dimensions of health and wellness including exercise, nutrition, mental and physicalhealth
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Increase Division and department level awareness and preparedness for campus emergencies
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Educate students in personal and community safety
3. Demonstrate Value of and Commitment to an Inclusive Community
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Advocate for the value of differing perspectives and life experiences in creating our campus community
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Educate students on their roles, rights and responsibilities in the campus community, local/state community and as a global citizen
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Advocate for campus-wide diversity task force
4. Enhance Division Communication (“Telling our Story”)
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Perform departmental “strategic program reviews” to assess effectiveness, to increase understanding and alignment with the institutional mission
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Increase impact and reach of programs and activities
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Increase opportunities for intentional interaction within the Division
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Increase communication within the Division
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Educate students on the Division’s effective stewardship of their student fees
5. Foster Student Empowerment
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Promote effective student self-advocacy by growing a culture where students have a voice and know how to use it
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Encourage students to problem solve and become part of the solution
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Provide structure for students to develop, become self aware and move to emotional maturity
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Encourage students to take ownership of their education and college experience