Campus Activities
Create Memories. Experience More.
The Department of Campus Activities (DCA) exists to extend the college experience far beyond the classroom. Helping students build lasting friendships and develop leadership and interpersonal skills is our main goal. DCA provides quality programs, services, and facilities for WCU students, all while fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community.
Our dedicated professional staff also assist individuals and student organizations in ideating their goals and provide space to bring them to fruition. DCA is centrally located in the A.K. Hinds University Center (UC), a modern space for students to study, hang out, attend movies and events, grab a bite to eat, and dive into student life.
Annual Campus Events and Traditions
Welcome back to Cullowhee! We kick off the fall with our annual Week of Welcome celebration of students returning to campus. It's campus coming back to life. At Valley Ballyhoo, you'll see every corner of student life at WCU.
Meet clubs, Greek Student Organizations and a wide array of businesses and organizations in Jackson County. They're all here to make your college experience better.
Catamounts return home to celebrate what WCU means to them during homecoming.
We kick things off with our Homecoming carnival then celebrate all things Catamount
with a parade and floats decorated to the nines in downtown Sylva. You won't want
to miss cheering "go cats" at the football game and the reward of the Catamount Noble.
Family Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for family members and guests to visit their students and experience campus life. Spend time with your student and join us for family friendly events all weekend!
Additional Info
The Department of Campus Activities provides a variety of involvement opportunities for our Catamounts.
Student Entertainment & Activities
Student Activities Board: Our student-led programming board organizes 100+ events a year, ranging from crafts, concerts, movies, and other fun activities for our Catamount community. Check out upcoming events and be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Catamount Link
Catamount Link, previously known as Cat Camp, is a warm and inviting three-day experience designed to help first-year students smoothly transition into WCU. It’s a wonderful way to begin their journey and connect with others. Email DCA@wcu.edu for more information.
Program Outcomes:
- Develop a sense of community
- Learn how to navigate campus resources
- Cultivate relationships with faculty and staff
- Explore leadership concepts
- Move in early and have fun!
Freshman Leadership Initiative
Freshman Leadership Initiative (FLI) is an introductory program that prepares first-year students for success at WCU by offering a variety of leadership opportunities and community.
Program Outcomes:
- Self-reflect on who you are as a person and leader
- Participate in and facilitate community service opportunities
- Develop your leadership skills
- Plan Leadership Events
FLI focuses on Learning and Leading.
- Learning: Participants will see a direct connection between their transition to college and their development as a leader. The LEAD 140 (Fall Semester) and LEAD 180 (Spring Semester) classes introduce students to leadership development. Although not required, we encourage participants to enroll in the LEAD minor, utilize FLI as a stepping stone, and continue to develop their leadership abilities throughout their college career. Please see the LEAD Minor for more information.
- Leading: Participants will have hands-on opportunities to put what they learn in the classroom into practice by organizing retreats, conferences, community service, fundraising, and other events and activities.
Life as a Catamount is full of opportunities to be involved and make a difference. With over 230+ recognized student organizations (RSOs), including academic interest, sports, social, and spiritual interest groups, you're sure to quickly find your place here.
Find an RSO: All RSOs are listed on Engage. Contact an RSO directly to inquire about joining the organization.
Start an RSO: Didn't see an organization you would like to join? Start your own! Our professional staff in Campus Activities can help provide guidance for creating an RSO.
Email DCA@wcu.edu for more information.
Student Government Association (SGA)
Calling all Catamounts who aspire to impact university decision-making and take on influential leadership positions on campus! Consider joining the Student Government Association, where you can make a tangible impact. By actively participating in SGA, students not only contribute to the decision-making process but also acquire invaluable skills and experiences that appeal to potential employers.
Student Media Groups
Students interested in journalism or print media should be sure to check out the opportunities with our student-run media clubs.
During the football season, the Department of Campus Activities (DCA) assists students
with permits for student tailgating in the Bardo Parking Lot. Students don’t have
to be connected to an affiliated group, recognized student organization (RSO), or
Greek organization to reserve a spot, as long as the primary permit holder is an enrolled
student during the Fall semester. Students can reserve single game or season permits
for one of thirty spots available for each home football game.
Before applying for a student tailgating permit, please read through and be familiar with Policy 103: Tailgating and Policy 81: Alcoholic Beverages to understand the expectations for tailgating as a student.
The Department of Campus Activities is located on the first and second floors of the A.K. Hinds University Center. Please see WCU's interactive map for specific location information. Whether you need to reserve space for an event, borrow equipment, or if you lost an item, we're here to assist. Reserve a room or space in the UC.
Also in A.K. Hinds University Center (UC)
- Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL)
- Student Goverment Association (SGA)
- Veteran Lounge
- Einstein Bagel Bros.
- Mailroom
- Club Offices
- Study Spaces
- Meeting Rooms
- Event Spaces
The Department of Campus Activities strives to address the needs of all building guests and visitors. During the periods of renovation and construction, the A.K. Hinds University Center complied with or surpassed ADA standards.
Building Accommodations: (Please email DCA@wcu.edu or visit our help desk on the 2nd Floor for more information)
- Accessible parking facilities are provided at each of the building's entrances.
- Power-assisted doors are installed at the three primary entrances on each floor.
- ADA Accessible restrooms are located on each floor.
- An elevator provides access to each level of the facility.
- UC Theater Accommodations
- Wheelchair Spaces for Seating
- ADA Ramp for stage access
- ADA Lift for booth access
- Listening assistance is available in the theater upon request.
The Department of Campus Activities’ staff evaluates the needs of our patrons and seeks to provide reasonable accommodations to all guests. If you need assistance while visiting the A.K. Hinds University Center, please contact 828.227.7206 or email DCA@wcu.edu.
Upcoming Events with Campus Activities
