Intercultural Affairs

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Education (C.A.S.E.) programs are intentional sessions that were designed to increase awareness and develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills of the student population around the concepts of Culture, Inclusiveness, Civic Engagement and Leadership in an increasingly diverse world.

These sessions are aimed at providing introductory context to the concept of inclusion. All voices, experiences, and perspectives are appreciated and welcomed in these conversations.

Register for C.A.S.E

This annual experience is designed to expose students to persons or groups markedly different in culture (ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status) from that of themselves and create awareness for the world around them.

Our Fall 2018 Excursion was: American Heritage Tour: The Counter-Narrative. 46 Students traveled to Virginia, Washington DC and New York City!

In this festive celebration of queer culture, performers dress in gendered costumes and serenade an appreciative and adoring audience. 

ICA provides healthy snack breaks throughout the day for students during the week before final exams.

A biennial networking luncheon where young women can connect with experienced female leaders on campus and in the community to receive advice, words of wisdom and motivation to aid in their own academic and career journeys.

A salute to the dedicated efforts of students at WCU who have overcome adversity and odds to successfully complete the requirements for graduation. Students are encouraged to invite a mentor who will participate by presenting them with a commemorative pin designed to celebrate diversity and inclusive excellence. Any student who wishes to celebrate their graduation with ICA is welcomed to participate.

 ICA held its Fall Graduation Celebration November 29, 2018 in the UC Grand Room. The Department of Intercultural Affairs developed this graduation celebration as a way to honor students from underrepresented populations and their contributions to the Western Carolina University community.  We wish to provide them with a tangible symbol to wear during WCU's graduation and keep with them after graduation as a reminder of their time at WCU and the support that they have available for their future endeavors.

A high energy platform for diverse student organizations to present themselves to the community in creative and innovative ways.

Join us in the UC Theatre the first week of the fall semester to learn about the Department of Intercultural Affairs. You'll have a chance to meet our staff, interact with students from NPHC organizations and Registered Student Organizations (RSO's). Plus, there's free food! Don't miss out.

Nothing says "welcome back to WCU" like a Caribbean festival. Join ICA for an evening full of music, food, and traditional J'ouvert activities. And of course, you won't want to miss snagging your free t-shirt!

A series of events meant to bring our collective attention to the many ways in which the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for social justice for all people.

To see the full list of events for 2019 go to our MLK Jr. webpage at mlkjr.wcu.edu

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you've experienced poverty, it's difficult to truly understand. The Poverty Simulation bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. This simulation is an interactive immersion experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty.

These events will be DegreePlus and will be worth R&R credit.

REGISTER HERE

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.

Please Note: The Project CARE program for the 2018-2019 school year is full.

Western Carolina University is committed to the safety and security of our campus community. Through the Red Zone education campaign we educate students to bring awareness to and to prevent sexual misconduct and violence.

The 'Red Zone' is commonly known as the period of time for college students during which they are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, coercion, and/or manipulation. The 'Red Zone' is typically defined as the first six weeks of the semester but we will host Red Zone activities and programs throughout the year to foster an informed student body.

MORE INFORMATION HERE.

The Safe Zone program provides training to all students, faculty, staff, and community members who are interested in increasing awareness of and sensitivity to issues of gender and sexuality.  In order to receive Safe Zone certification, individuals must attend both a Part I and a Part II training.

REGISTER HERE

For more information on the Safe Zone Project click the triangle →

An interactive program that allows students to have an experience with oppression, discrimination, and injustice to heighten awareness and encourage a personal commitment to ending oppression in all forms. The program usually takes about 30 minutes and includes a facilitated debriefing led by CAPS trained volunteers.

Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity Education (C.A.S.E.) programs are intentional sessions that were designed to increase awareness and develop the attitudes, knowledge, and skills of the student population around the concepts of Culture, Inclusiveness, Civic Engagement and Leadership in an increasingly diverse world.

These sessions are aimed at providing introductory context to the concept of inclusion. All voices, experiences, and perspectives are appreciated and welcomed in these conversations.

REGISTER FOR C.A.S.E

The Safe Zone program provides training to all faculty and staff members who are interested in increasing awareness of and sensitivity to issues of gender and sexuality. In order to receive Safe Zone certification, individuals must attend both a Part I and a Part II training.

REGISTER TO ATTEND

Rainbow 101 is a workshop designed specifically for WCU faculty and staff to bring a greater awareness and understanding of our LGBTQ+ students and develop techniques to improve day to day interactions. For more information contact Ronda Wright at 828-227-2617 or rwright@wcu.edu.