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WCU Stories

BaShaun Smith with a mask and text that says Essential WCU

Essential WCU

We successfully wrapped up one of the most difficult semesters in our university’s history and began a new one with many known and unknown challenges ahead. Our employees and students have worked harder than ever amid the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic to achieve their goals and to make a positive difference in the world.  

Al Kopek

Three mental health conditions contribute to violent offenses, WCU study finds

WCU researchers find a disproportionate number of inmates with violent offenses suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and alcohol use disorder.  

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Unmasking the Flow

Students in Western Carolina University’s College of Engineering and Technology are conducting studies that could help people make more informed decisions on which face masks are most effective.  

Rewalk technology

Walk This Way

Thanks to a robotic-assisted physical therapy method underway at a clinic housed in the Health and Human Sciences Building at Western Carolina University, a local man is getting back on his feet - literally. The innovative device is one in a series of products by ReWalk, a medical device company that designs and develops mobility products for individuals with lower limb disabilities. While there are other manufacturers and systems, WCU is one of only two ReWalk training facilities in North Carolina.  

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Restoring the Roan

How Red Spruce Responds to Forest Canopy Openings at Roan Mountain, NC. Thomas Hennessey, a current Master of Science in Biology student, was awarded first place in the 2020 Three Minute Thesis Competition for his presentation.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Social and Emotional Learning Built into Morning Meetings

Amy Childers, a current student in the Specialist in School Psychology program research "Social and Emotional Learning Built into an Elementary School Morning Meeting,” modified social and emotional learning lessons to fit in the morning meeting time in order to provide more consistent instruction in these areas. The goal is that this regular time of social and emotional learning instruction will lead to higher academic achievement, fewer behavioral issues, and an increase in classroom community and cohesion.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Optimizing Interprofessional Education in Health Care

Morgan Pillsbury, a current Doctor of Physical Therapy student, showcases research on "Optimizing Interprofessional Education in Health Care Professions” which highlights the importance of an educational session’s impact on interprofessional learning between Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant students in Western NC.  

Students in class

Faculty Senate approves satisfactory - unsatisfactory grades

Students will be allowed to request grades of satisfactory or unsatisfactory for 2020 fall semester classes following a split-vote approval of a resolution of the Faculty Senate.  

Radio Tower

Turn It Up - WWCU-FM has growth spurt

At 4,061 feet above sea level, the view from Western Carolina University’s new radio tower atop Brown Mountain in Jackson County is as vast and unobstructed as one would imagine. And the sound at such height? Even better. There is none, save for nature’s hum. But don’t let the soothing silence fool you.   

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