One Book

“In order to have important conversations, you will sometimes have to check your opinions at the door. There is no belief so strong that it cannot be set aside temporarily in order to learn from someone who disagrees. Don’t worry; your beliefs will still be there when you’re done.”
--- Celeste Headlee

Author's Website

View videos from the Author's talk

CALENDAR of EVENTS for ONE BOOK 2019-2020

SIGNATURE PROGRAMS - EVENTS-SPEAKERS
Designed with a focus on the power of conversation and civil discourse, sponsored programs will illuminate the interconnected and limitless potential of scholarship, creative and critical thinking, and problem solving skills that invite diverse perspectives.

• The Conversation Pit
  Week of Welcome: A ball-pit with signs to invite students to engage in converstation 'in the pit'
  August 21 & 22 from 12-2 p.m. on the Blue Ridge Lawn and all week (August 19-23) in the ICA Gallery in the UC.
  
  
• We Need to Talk      
  Continue the conversation about topics that matter as you engage with peers in the Conversation Pit.
  Conversation topics will change weekly.
  Hosted by Intercultural Affairs.
  August 19th through September 27th - ICA Gallery.
  
  
• One Book + One Look +  Listen
  Resounding Change: Sonic Art And The Environment
  Featuring contemporary artists who explore environmental issues through sound. The works in the exhibition,   which range from a large-scale video installation to more intimate encounters with sound, ask  questions about  listening, ecology, empathy, climate change, and more.
  Exhibition: August 20-December 6, 2019 Fine Art Musem
  Reception: August 22 5:00-7:00 p.m.    
          
• Opioid & Addiction Crisis Town Hall
  WCU’s Center for the Study of Free Enterprise (CSFE) is teaming up with Jackson County Community Foundation (JCCF) to organize an awareness campaign for September, 2019, capped off by a town hall event on October 3 on WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee, NC.
  Registration required, box lunch is provided.  Register
  October 3 8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.-UC Grandroom
  
  
• A Conversation with Celeste Headlee
  In partnership with The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise
  A facilitated conversation with the author, followed by a reception and book signing.
  View video clips from the Author's visit Here.
  A degree plus event.
  October 28th at 6:00 p.m.-UC Grandroom
  
  
• Pecha Kucha Night on the Impacts of Climate Change
  We need to talk 

  about climate change and its impacts. These are lightening talks and a panel where you can come learn about climate change and its impacts on a range of fields and disciplines.

  CONNECTIONS: A Degree Plus event; Campus Theme Program; Lily Award Program; Personal Development Plan Program for the Costa Rica Trip.

  
  Tuesday-November 5, 2019 at 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in the Blue Ridge Conference Room
  
  
• Managerial Communication Workshop with Keynote Speaker Katheleen Osta
  Kathleen Osta, President of Vital Clarity, will lead a professional development workshop. She will be discussing effective managerial communication strategies.
  November 11, 2019 from 6:00-8:50 p.m. at Bilmore Park Room 346
  
  
• History of the Present: Debt and Violence in Latin America's Current Crisis
  This talk will aim to explain why we need effective conversations and communication around critical issues and how those who are oppressed may feel the "need to talk" about their problems as a way to cope with the past and move forward to a brigher future.  more information
  December 5, 2019 at 5:00-6:00 p.m. in Forsyth 213
  
  Amendment 28    
   What do you care enough about to do something about? Join this dynamic student workshop and learn how
   to pass legislation on an Environmentalism Issue or other topic that inspires your passion. Successful teams
  will be encouraged to submit ideas to appropriate granting organizations on campus.
  Registration required with lunch provided.
  February 29, 2020
  Location and time TBA. When the details are confirmed, we will update with the details here. 
  Stay tuned for more details and registration link here. 
  
  

Communication Workshop Series
Join us for these interactive workshops designed and facilitated by the Communications Department Faculty. Student participants will engage in topics that are relevant and important. Supplies and snacks will be provided. Space is limited. Registration is required.

Workshop One:
We Need to Talk...About Sex: How to talk about sex with your partner
Facilitated by Dr. Candy Noltensmeyer and Professor Shelby Brobert.
November 5, 2019
5:00-7:00 p.m.
University Center Multipurpose Room
Register

Workshop Two:
Let's talk about conflict resolution: How to have conversations that remain civil
Facilitated by Dr. Scott Eldredge and Professor Tamera Cole. 
April 1, 2020
5:00-7:00 PM
University Center Multipurpose Room.
REGISTER

Workshop Three:
Let's talk: How to have the conversation on mental health
Facilitated by Dr. Cindy Noltensmeyer and Dr. Scott Eldredge
Coming spring semester, 2020.

CONNECTING THE DOTS: Campus Theme and other points of connection
Many programs are being designed to help students make the valuable connection between the book and the theme, both flagship programs are defined as Common Intellectual Experiences, one of ten High Impact Practices defined by AAC&U. Please visit this link often for updates and additions!

The mission of the One Book program is to engage first-year students, as well as the campus community, in a common intellectual experience that promotes critical thinking and interdisciplinary conversation. This experience will allow participants to strengthen academic skills, create connections with peers, instructors, and community members, and relate universal themes to personal experience and identity. The program seeks to reflect WCU’s core values and responsibilities as a regionally engaged university.

One Book committee members will serve as ambassadors who aid in integrating reading selection themes into course curricula, campus events, service learning opportunities, and departmental goals. The selection committee comprises individuals from across campus, ensuring that values and views of all academic units are considered and represented.

The One Book Experience Will:

• Introduce clear expectations of academic performance and engagement
• Create opportunities to reveal and explore notions of community
• Reflect the University’s mission and core values
• Integrate book themes into course curricula, particularly transition course curricula
• Encourage interaction among peers, instructors, campus and local community members
• Foster interdisciplinary discourse and partnership
• Offer diverse perspectives and cultural exploration
• Stimulate student self-discovery and personal development
• Inspire participation and support from faculty and administrators by clearly conveying the book’s relevance to   the academic experience and student enrichment