The Department of Student Community Ethics (DSCE) works with the Western Carolina
University (WCU) community to educate students about their rights and responsibilities
as stated in the WCU Community Creed (Creed) and WCU Code of Student Conduct (Code).
The DSCE strives to make WCU a positive living and learning environment through outreach
and education to the university and surrounding community. The Creed inspires students
to live with integrity, embrace responsibilities, respect others, engage themselves,
and celebrate WCU. The Code informs students of their rights and responsibilities,
WCU rules and regulations, and the process to determine if any violations of the Code
have occurred. The DSCE is here to resolve cases of alleged misconduct in a fundamentally
fair and timely manner that upholds students’ rights and emphasizes WCU’s core values
as expressed in the Creed. Additionally, the DSCE works to ensure compliance with
Title IX, the Clery Act, and other local, state, and federal laws. Consistent with
the Creed, the DSCE promotes the safety and well-being of all students and supports
an environment of respect regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic
status, or profession.
The code of student conduct
5-Step Student Conduct Process
The following section explains the student conduct process step-by-step. Each step
explains the actions of the Department of Student Community Ethics and what a student
should expect when going through the process.
Step 1: set up a meeting
Contact the staff member that sent the student an email and set a time to talk with
them. This meeting is the only opportunity to hear the student's side of the situation.
Step 2: Information
In the meeting a staff member will discuss the incident with the student and educate
them about their rights and responsibilities, as outlined in the WCU Code of Student Conduct.
Step 3: investigation
The staff member will question the student about their involvement and knowledge of
the reported incident.
Step 4: resolution/hearing
The student can resolve the case in their initial meeting or choose to have a Hearing
Body decide the outcome. A student has the right to appeal Hearing Body decisions
as outlined in the WCU Code of Student Conduct.
Step 5: sanctions
The student should complete all sanctions by the deadlines established to avoid further
conduct proceedings. A list of recommended sanctions can be found here: Student Conduct Sanctions.
Alcohol & Drug Education
All new students are required to complete two online courses, AlcoholEdu and Haven,
before arriving on campus. AlcoholEdu works to educate students and empower them to
make informed decisions pertaining to alcohol and drug use and Haven seeks to educate
students about personal safety as it pertains to sexual violence.
LEARN MORE
Campus Safety
If you have an immediate problem and need help now, please call the WCU Police at
828.227.8911. Western Carolina University is committed to maintaining a campus environment
free of all forms of violence or abuse.
WCU Police
Adopt-A-Highway Program
The DSCE in partnership with the Center for Service Learning participate in the North
Carolina Adopt-A-Highway Program. The adopted section of highway begins on Highway
107 between Ryan's Steakhouse and Sonic traveling east 1.2 miles to Dunkin' Donuts
and the Laundromat. Participation is open to students, faculty and staff. Click here to register. Plan to arrive on your scheduled date sporting your purple and gold
Catamount pride.
