Parents and Families

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.

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Campus Health Updates

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.

VIEW THE CURRENT PUBLIC HEALTH ALERTS

Resources for Student Concerns

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.

Annual Safety and Clery Act Reporting - The university reports regularly on criminal activity on campus as well as safety, fire and security.

Code of Conduct Violations: Sanctioning Guidelines including Parental Notifications - The Department of Student Community Ethics' sanctioning guidelines by Code violation.

University Policies - This details all approved university policies.