Community Standards

Catamounts Care

Shared community standards remind us that we each have personal responsibility for actions that may affect our own health and the health of our friends, colleagues, and the broader campus community. We know that Catamounts Care and we have developed the following set of standards to encourage everyone to put the well-being of themselves and others top of mind.

These standards will apply to ALL members of our campus community, including students, faculty, staff, and visitors. Everyone must participate for our campus community to stay healthy.

Shared community standards remind us that we each have personal responsibility for actions that may affect our own health and the health of our friends, colleagues, and the broader campus community. Our collective acceptance of this shared responsibility will be the most effective strategy we will have at our disposal in the challenging months ahead. We know that Catamounts Care and we have developed a set of standards to encourage everyone to put the well-being of themselves and others top of mind.

Prevent the Spread and Protect Yourself and Others

Wash your hands properly

Wash your hands with soap often and use hand sanitizer - this simple activity is the single best preventative measure you can take.

Face coverings 

Face coverings are required in all public indoor spaces on the campus of Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, as well as the Biltmore Park instructional site in Asheville. Face coverings should be worn over the mouth and nose. Please reference the CDC guidelines for proper mask wearing.

University leadership has been evaluating the latest trends in COVID-19 transmission and the newly released CDC guidance. As you know, the COVID-19 virus has produced a number of variants, the latest being the delta variant, which has prompted great concern among health professionals nationwide. The delta variant has a much greater transmission rate, particularly among those who remain unvaccinated. In response, the CDC issued new recommendations regarding face coverings in indoor spaces for all individuals, regardless of their vaccination status, in counties with high or substantial transmission of COVID-19.

Currently, Western North Carolina, and much of the state, fall in these levels of community transmission. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the face covering requirement in all indoor public spaces. Any change in the face covering requirement will be communicated to the campus community.

Get Vaccinated or Get Tested Regularly

Members of the campus community are being asked to report their COVID-19 surveillance testing status to the University. Any faculty, staff or student not fully vaccinated by September 15, 2021 should expect to be subject to regular testing protocols after that date. Individuals may report their vaccination status by going to the Fall Operations and Procedures site and selecting the appropriate link under Vaccine Status Submission. Additional information about “Get Vaccinated or Get Tested” will be available there.  For students, failure to comply may result in a Code of Student Conduct charge.

What to do if you have been exposed to COVID-19

Refer to CDC guidance and call and schedule an appointment to access Health Services, 828-227-7640. You will bre provided directions on which entrance to access when you make your appointment. 

Clean and disinfect

• Frequently touched surfaces, equipment and objects
• Shared work space and equipment after each use
• Use EPA-registered disinfectants

Feeling Sick? Stay Home

If you have COVID-19 symptoms stay home and call your health care provider to seek medical guidance.

Practice Self-Care and Show Respect and Caring to All

• Before going to class or work, check for symptoms on a daily basis using the CDC’s Coronavirus Self-Checker.
• If you have COVID-19 symptoms or know you have been exposed to the virus, stay home and call your provider to seek medical guidance.
• Follow the advice of your health care provider and voluntarily participate in medical monitoring and contact tracing as necessary or requested.
• Sustain our community standards and help create a sense of belonging where everyone feels welcomed and respected.
• Practice good self-care principles and care for your physical and mental health.
• Stay connected with your family and friend groups and participate in small group activities and virtual opportunities. 

Code of Student Conduct Charges and Sanctions

COVID-19 Prevention Procedures

First Report

• • Communication Reminding Student of COVID-19 Prevention Procedures.

Second Report

• • • Warning Letter (No meeting required).

Third Report

• • Meeting with DSCE Hearing Officer
  • Sanctions may include:
    • $50 Restitution
    • Educational Sanction

Fourth Report

• • Meeting with DSCE Hearing Officer
  • Sanctions may include:
    • Probation
    • $100 Restitution
    • Educational Sanction

Fifth Report

• • Meeting with DSCE Hearing Officer
  • Sanctions may include:
    • $100 Restitution
    • Removal from housing
    • Campus restrictions
    • Suspension/expulsion from WCU

* Conduct history regarding COVID-19 violations from 2019-2021 will carry over for the 2021-2022 academic year. Hearing officer may evaluate each situation individually and deviate from the level of sanctions provided, if needed.