WCU adopts optional satisfactory/unsatisfactory grading system for spring semester

Undergraduate students at Western Carolina University will have the option to request that they receive grades of “satisfactory” or “unsatisfactory” for their 2020 spring semester classes, which have been disrupted by the global COVID-19 pandemic and moved online or to another alternative form of course delivery.  

Faculty, students with Chinese ties bring much-needed surgical masks to area

A chat room conversation between colleagues at Western Carolina University with ties to China led to fast action that is putting surgical masks into the hands of front-line health workers in the region's smaller care facilities.  

Students, faculty, staff urged to participate in 2020 census

Western Carolina University Chancellor Kelli R. Brown is reminding students, faculty and staff to not lose sight of the 2020 census, a vital once-a-decade national population count that may be overshadowed by the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic.  

Biology professor Mack Powell discusses finding a COVID-19 vaccine

As a professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Biology who specializes in immunology and infectious diseases, Mack Powell finds the COVID-19 pandemic particularly interesting.  

Outdoor recreation guidance during the pandemic

Faculty members in the Parks and Recreation Management Program at Western Carolina University, ranked the top outdoor adventure college by Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine, are urging caution for those seeking time outside as a respite from indoor isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Faculty members receive support from CFC, and each other, as they shift to online teaching

One of the many enjoyments Western Carolina University faculty members receive from teaching is the relationships and interactions they have with students. It’s also one of the things they will miss most now that the university is switching to online classes beginning Monday, March 23, and likely remaining for the remainder of the spring semester because of the coronavirus pandemic.  

Coronavirus prompts WCU to postpone May commencement ceremonies 

Emergency funds available to qualifying WCU students

Western Carolina University administrators are urging students who are suffering extreme financial distress because of displacement caused by the coronavirus to apply for financial assistance from the university’s Student Emergency Fund.  

Searches for provost, advancement vice chancellor on hold because of COVID-19

The search for the university’s next provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs is suspended indefinitely, while the search for the next vice chancellor for advancement has been postponed and will resume later this spring, if conditions related to coronavirus allow.