Resilient Independent Student Association (RISA)

Resilient Independent Student Association (RISA)

Who We Are

The Resilient Independent Student Association (RISA) was established to serve, support, and advocate for independent, former foster youth, former orphans, emancipated youth, homeless youth, as well as other non-traditional students.

What We Do

We strive to support, encourage, and uplift members of our organization and our community in order to foster an attitude of success and achievement, as well as involve students in outreach, awareness, and advocacy. Members and faculty advisors work to support students academically, personally, and socially as well as easing transitions involved in university life. Our goals are to:

• Provide a community of support among students with similar backgrounds
• Promote campus awareness of non-traditional student challenges and successes
• Provide access to tools to foster student success
• Participate in outreach opportunities for incoming students
• Guide students in financial and personal processes unique to student backgrounds

RISA Resources

• Check out a list of need-based WCU Scholarships then visit the WCU Scholarships page to apply.
• Please visit the Office of Financial Aid's website for forms regarding independent financial status.

HOMEBASE

WCU has partnered with Baptist Children's Home to open HOMEBASE for RISA students! Homebase is a building that is being beautifully renovated on campus to be used for RISA programming as well as other student outreach services. Homebase is located to the right of the Cullowhee baptist church parking lot across from Tuck's. Homebase officially opened in January of 2017. Students are welcome to stop in to use laundry facilities, the computer lab, or lounge areas. Visit the Homebase webpage at https://www.homebasewcu.org/ for more information. 

Get Involved with RISA

Email us at maps@wcu.edu if you are interested in becoming involved with RISA either as a student, mentor, advocate or otherwise!