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Leadership Programs
Winners of the Catamount Collaboration Award
Cat Camp
Cat Camp Leadership Exploration is a week-long retreat that assists new freshmen with their transition to WCU. Each Cat Camper is assigned with a counselor who is a current student at WCU. Returning students can give back to the WCU community and develop leadership skills by serving as a Cat Camp counselor. Students do not need to have attended Cat Camp to serve as a counselor. Applications to attend Cat Camp will open in the Spring for incoming students to register. Registration can also be found on Engage. If you are interested in being a Cat Camp counselor, applications will be open in the Fall. Email Kelsey Jones for more information
Cat Camp
Freshmen Leadership Initiative
The Freshmen Leadership Initiative (FLI) is a prestigious living-learning community that prepares new first year students for success at WCU by offering a variety of leadership opportunities and serving as a home away-from-home during the transition to college. During FLI, new students interact with peers and upperclassmen, making friendships that will carry them throughout their college experience. As a member of FLI, students will have the opportunity to self-reflect on who they are as a person and leader, join in on community service, develop their leadership skills, and plan large scale campus events.
FLI is a 3-tiered program focused on Living, Learning, and Leading
LIVE: FLI participants will be housed in the Village Residence Hall. Living together allows participants to take leadership skills developed in and out of the classroom to their everyday experiences among their peers. Students selected for FLI will fill out a Roommate Matching Form and be assigned a roommate. If they have a specific member from the FLI cohort they would like to room with, that request shall be made to Kelsey Jones.
LEARN: FLI students 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. FLI students will have the option to declare leadership as a minor. Although not required, it is highly encouraged to enroll in the LEAD minor as FLI is a stepping stone to continue to develop their leadership abilities throughout their college career. Please see the LEAD Minor for more information.
LEAD: FLI provides students with hands on opportunities to put what they learn in
the classroom to work on campus. The FLI student organization allows students to put
their leadership skills into action by organizing retreats, conferences, community
service, fundraising, and other events and activities.
Learn more about the Leadership Living-Learning Communities
Learn more about our campus partners
Project CARE aims to improve academic performance and the retention of underrepresented students at Western Carolina University. In an effort to apply theory to practice, Intercultural Affairs has designed this program as a proactive measure to address the academic challenges underrepresented students face at Predominately White Institutions (PWIs).
This program pairs first year and transfer student participants with student leaders who serve as peer counselors who help them to adjust to college life academically, culturally, and socially.
The First Ascent wilderness orientation program gives you the chance to make new friends and discover the beautiful region that surrounds WCU. Whether you want to simply dip your toe in and spend an afternoon rafting on the Nantahala River or want to immerse yourself in an experience that will take you beyond civilization and deep into the mountains, First Ascent has a trip for you. You’ll return with lasting memories and friends for future adventures.
