DegreePlus is a unique extracurricular program offered only at WCU.
Students tend to think their skills for success are only attached to their academic
experiences; however, research has shown that students can enhance their skills when
they get involved in extracurricular experiences outside the classroom. DegreePlus
is designed to give you opportunities to get involved in extracurricular activities
that can provide the transferable skills you need to reach your goals for employment,
graduate school, professional school, and other post-graduate plans. Even more, Degree
Plus focuses on skills which can enhance your self-awareness and interpersonal relationships
for a lifetime.
DegreePlus is a voluntary three-level experiential program which uses extracurricular experiences to help you build one or more transferable skills. (A transferable skill is a skill that can be used in any career, no matter what you choose to do.) What's cool about DegreePlus is you can go at your own pace and complete as many levels and skills as you want. And there are rewards at every level!
Apply the learning outcomes of your skill in an experience of your choice. A DP3 Experience
can be something you already plan to do or an experience you create just for DegreePlus.
Examples include an internship, academic capstone assignment, research, study abroad,
senior showcase, volunteer or paid work project, leadership role, or anything that
helps you further explore the skill you selected. Following the completion of your
DP3 Experience, you review how you applied the five learning outcomes, what you learned
from the process, and use your experience to create a poster presentation for DegreePlus
Day or other approved venue. The posters are evaluated as Pass or Redo. You complete
DP3 when you receive a Pass.
Rewards: Notation on your transcript, engraved plaque, wearable badge, career support,
and more.
Once you've completed Level 3, you can complete another skill at any time. It's up to you!
OK. We know you already have a lot to do at WCU. But, consider this --
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the top attributes employers look for on a candidate's resume are leadership, ability to work in a team, communication skills (verbal and written), problem-solving skills, strong work ethic, cultural awareness, initiative, and analytic skills. While some of these skills can be developed in the classroom, they can be strengthened through extracurricular experiences. When you speak to employers, you want to be able to tell them the experiences you have had that make you a good candidate for the position in addition to your degree. Participating in DegreePlus can help you do just that!
DegreePlus is available at any point throughout your time at WCU! We encourage you to get involved early to have time to move through the program,
develop your skill set and learn how to use it for your personal and professional
development. You can do more than one skill at a time!
DegreePlus uses WCU ENGAGE to post a calendar of DegreePlus in-person and online events, track your DegreePlus
Path Progress, and manage your co-curricular transcript. Just go to engage.wcu.edu and search for DegreePlus. If you join, you receive a weekly calendar of events and
alerts, and can view your DegreePlus Path Progress. It's that easy!
There is no cost to participate in DegreePlus, just your dedication. However, some events that are designated as DegreePlus opportunities may have an associated charge (for example, the Etiquette Reception and Alternative Spring Break).
To be designated as a DegreePlus activity or event, the program must meet the following criteria:
To submit an event for DegreePlus use this Qualtrics form DEGREEPLUS EVENT REQUEST FORM. All event requests are approved by the Associate Director of DegreePlus. Events that are submitted less than two weeks prior to the event are not guaranteed to be accepted for DegreePlus consideration due to the volume of requests.
For questions about qualifying your DegreePlus event, contact Associate Director of DegreePlus, Heather Gordon at hgordon@wcu.edu / 828.227.3815 or CCPD/DegreePlus Administrative Support Associate Tara Smith at tysmith@wcu.edu.