FAQs for Families

1. Visit myWCU
2. Login with your WCU ID (before the @ in your catamount email address) and password.
3. Click View/Pay Bill-Direct Deposit-Payment Plan under Student Records & Accounts to log into Bill+Payment.
4. Click Authorized Users under My Profile Setup.
5. Click the Add Authorized User tab.
6. Provide the e-mail address and click Continue.
7. Authorize the user by checking I Agree and Continue.

The authorized user will receive an e-mail with a link to the website and a password to access your account. The user will be prompted to change the password the first time the account is accessed.

HOW TO VIEW A BILL:

Students

Visit myWCU

• Login with your WCU ID (before the @ in your catamount email address) and password.
• Click View/Pay Bill-Direct Deposit-Payment Plan under Student Records & Accounts  to log into Bill+Payment. 
• Click Statements in the dropdown for My Account.

Authorized Users

Log In

• Enter your E-mail address and password in the Authorized Users box.
• Click Statements in the dropdown for My Account.

HOW TO PAY A BILL:

• Click Make Payment to make a payment in Bill+Payment:
• The amount due will populate the payment amount but may be changed by entering a different amount in the box on the right.  Click Continue.
• Select Electronic Checking to pay from your checking account at no cost. Provide banking information.
• To pay by credit card, select Credit Card via PayPath and click Select. Click Continue to PayPath. (A 2.95% convenience fee will be charged.)
• Select Bank Wire to make payment by wire from your bank.  There will be a $20.00 fee charged for bank wires made from within the United States.
  
  

HOW TO SET UP DIRECT DEPOSIT:

• Visit myWCU
• Login with your WCU ID (before the @ in your catamount email address) and password.
• Click View/Pay Bill-Direct Deposit-Payment Plan under Student Records & Accounts  to log into Bill+Payment. 
• Click Electronic Refunds under My Profile Setup and then Set Up Account.
• Choose an existing account or set up a new account.  If setting up a new account, provide the bank account information, the billing information and click Continue.
• Click the I Agree box to indicate your authorization to have Western Carolina University credit your account.
  
  For further assitance, contact Student Accounts at 828.227.7324 or studentaccounts@wcu.edu.

WCU respects and guards the privacy of each of our students. Before any WCU administrative office can discuss specific issues pertaining to a student’s records with third parties (including family/guardians), we must have consent from the student. Students have the ability to give others access their academic records or business account information by granting proxy access and designating an authorized user. For someone to become an Authorized User, students can follow the process outlined on the Release of Student Information website.

You are welcome to call us to share any information that you think may be useful to us! Know that we may not share information as openly with you, without required waivers (we really do respect and guard student’s privacy).

 

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. Faculty and staff members at WCU like to offer assistance to family members as much as they can, however FERPA prevents us from sharing most information about your student. Before administrators can discuss disciplinary records with you, your student must give us permission to release their information by completing a Release of Information Form. This form is available from the Department of Student Community Ethics Office in Brown Hall.

Students, even first year students, are allowed to have cars on campus. Students will need to register their vehicle with the Parking Operations. Please be aware that parking regulations are strictly enforced on campus. Students also have access to WCU’s Cat Tran, which provides on-campus transportation service.

Student's Name
Western Carolina University
245 Memorial Dr.
Suite ________
Cullowhee, NC 28723

Tutoring Services are available to promote student success. Your student can review the services offered and schedule an appointment on their website or by calling 828.227.2274. 

First and foremost, please talk to your student. As emerging adults, in many cases, it’s critical they take charge of their needs and advocate for themselves. This is a crucial skill that you can assist them in learning outside of the classroom. You can direct them to speak to their professor or department head. To find the department head select the program from our list of Academic Programs and click “Explore Program”; contact information will be on the right-hand side of the page. Appeals after the department head level should be directed to the dean of the appropriate college. Your student may also submit a complaint or concern online or via the Dean of Students.

Students, faculty, staff, and administrators of WCU strive to achieve the highest standards of scholarship and integrity. Students who are being charged with a violation of this policy have been identified as allegedly having cheated, plagiarized, fabricated, or facilitated. More information on this policy and the process are available on the Academic Integrity page.

One of the most important life skills your student will attain during their college career will be learning to live with a roommate. At some point during their residential experience, they may well experience a roommate conflict. Residential Living staff are trained to help your student deal with this and have developed resources for families to help you as well. Encourage your student to talk their roommate, RA, and Area Coordinator.

The safety of our students is always our first concern. Unfortunately, some our students have not yet learned to deal with conflict resolution in a healthy or appropriate manner. Although we work to teach them coping skills as part of their educational experience some may respond inappropriately when confronted with a situation that makes them uncomfortable. If your student feels they are being harassed or bullied by another student we encourage them to submit a report online or call the Dean of Student Office at 828.227.7147. If you are concerned about your students’ safety you may contact University Police at 828.227.7301.

It is not unusual for a student to have issues adjusting and they may feel homesick or that they can’t cope with the changes that come with college. Our staff are ready to help your student with all of these issues if they arise. You can let us know about your concern by submitting a referral to our Student Concern Response Team. Our team will work to reach out appropriately using many of the supports available to all students. Residential case managers are available 24/7 to help our students who live on campus, Brian Boyer and Joanna Kortik. If your student lives off campus, contact the Student Affairs Office at 828.227.7147. If you are concerned your student may be experiencing issues with depression or substance abuse, our staff in Counseling & Psychological Services are available to help, you can reach them at 828.227.7469.

Congratulations they made it! Information about applying for graduation and participating in the commencement ceremony are available one the Graduation webpage. Graduation supplies, including caps, gowns, and invitations are available at the WCU Bookstore.

Tailgating and cheering on the Cats during home football games are an important part of the vibrant WCU experience.  Tailgating Policies and regulations are in place in order to make tailgating a safe and spirited experience for all. Tickets for all athletic events may be purchased online.

Health Services is available to any student who pays the Student Health Fee, regardless of insurance coverage. Keep in mind that students ARE NOT required to be enrolled in the UNC sponsored student heath plan to be eligible for services. Health services utilizes a triage process to accommodate walk-in patients request for services. Each patient will be seen by an RN for evaluation of severity of symptoms.

 

Students are responsible for communicating directly with their instructor(s) when they have been, or anticipate being, absent from class. When possible, students should make arrangements with their instructors prior to their absence. Students are responsible for contacting each instructor to arrange for completion of required work, including missed assignments and exams.  The Student Absence Notification process is designed to serve as a resource and central point of contact for students who, in a crisis situation, need to miss class for an extended period of time. It will not excuse a student from class.

Deliveries cannot be made directly to students in their residence hall. Address all packages to their university mailing address:

Student's Name
Western Carolina University
245 Memorial Drive
Suite ____________
Cullowhee, NC 28723.

Packages will be held at the mail room in the University Center and can be picked up Monday – Friday, 10:30 am – 5:00 pm.