As the westernmost institution in the UNC system, Western Carolina University provides
educational opportunities to residents of the state’s western region and attracts
students from around the globe to explore the area’s vast resources.
At Western Carolina University, we view our admissions process as our opportunity
to build the community that defines our institution. We look for people eager to explore
and ready to redefine success.
Programs and courses at Western Carolina are designed to provide hands-on, applied
experience. Students engage with communities across the region as they practice their
profession in real-world environments.
Western Carolina’s unique mountain location helps fuel a vibrant campus community
with more than 170 student clubs and organizations as well as a busy performing arts
calendar and the campus’s own adventure guide service.
Western Carolina is home to 16 Southern Conference athletic teams with more than 375
student athlete competitors. WCU strives to inspire student-athletes to compete like
champions on the field and in the classroom.
Western Carolina was founded to serve the region it calls home, and that has not changed.
WCU continues to focus on regional development initiatives, engaged service and community
programs. It also partners with alumni and donors to ensure access to higher education
for deserving students in the region and beyond.
Whether your student is new to WCU or is a current student, we’re here to support
you when you need it. This page will provide you with explanations and short cuts
to everything you need to know about the university, our policies and procedures as
well as information on navigating our business processes. We hope this allows you
to support your student through the college experience and makes you feel a part of
the Catamount family.
The Student Experience
What can we tell you about the student experience at WCU? Well, it's as diverse as
the interests of our students. With over 170 student organizations, miles of hiking
and biking trails, a full complement of student activities including movies, speakers,
concerts and service opportunities there is always something happening on campus.
We encourage students to jump in with both feet and make the most of their time in
Catamount country! LEARN MORE
Parents of New Catamounts
Welcome new parents! We hope you find the information on this page helpful. Online
Orientation will be available to your student through August. If you would like to
sign up for Rave, our Mobile Safety App there is a button to do so on the top right
of this page (if you are on a laptop or desktop) or continuing scrolling and you will
see it below this text. In addition you will find a link to the Quick Start Guide
for incoming students under Resources.
Health Services closely monitors outbreaks of illness(es) that could potentially become
public health emergencies based on the criteria from the Centers for Diseases Control
and World Health Organization.
It's normal to experience periodic concerns about your student. Please know that we
take our responsibility for the care of our Catamount community very seriously. We
have a variety of ways for people to report concerns and we have formal methods in
place to respond to concerns.
Reporting a Complaint or Concern - Those who are concerned about a student or something that happened can alert campus
leaders during our formal complaints and concerns process.
Absence Notification Protocol - This protocol outlines the process the university uses to support students who
are missing classes due to crisis or unforeseen circumstances.
Student Concern Response Team - WCU uses a case management approach to actively support students experiencing difficulties
or demonstrating concerning behaviors.
Accessibility Resources - The Office of Accessibility Resources advocates for student with disabilities and
ensure they have the support they need for success.
Missing Person Notification Protocol - This describes the official notification procedures concerning missing students
who live in the residence halls.
Community Expectations and Student Conduct
Western Carolina's community expectations are outlined in the Code of Student Conduct and the Community Creed. All members of the WCU community are expected to abide by
these expectations and work to promote a safe, welcoming and civil campus environment.
Students who do not met community expectations may be charged with violations of the
Code of Student Conduct. In certain circumstances, parents may receive official notification
that their student has violated the Code of Student Conduct. The Department of Student Community Ethics manages alleged violations of the Code of Student Conduct and works to ensure compliance
with Title IX, the Clery Act as well as local, state and federal laws.
Academic Integrity Policy - This explains academic integrity and how cases of cheating, plagiarism, fabrication
and facilitation are managed by the university.
This lists the contact information for commonly called offices. The full faculty and
staff directory is also available online. If you are experiencing an emergency, contact University Police at 828.227.8911
(828.227.7301 - non-emergency).
