As the westernmost institution in the UNC system, Western Carolina University provides
educational opportunities to residents of the state’s western region and attracts
students from around the globe to explore the area’s vast resources.
At Western Carolina University, we view our admissions process as our opportunity
to build the community that defines our institution. We look for people eager to explore
and ready to redefine success.
Programs and courses at Western Carolina are designed to provide hands-on, applied
experience. Students engage with communities across the region as they practice their
profession in real-world environments.
Western Carolina’s unique mountain location helps fuel a vibrant campus community
with more than 170 student clubs and organizations as well as a busy performing arts
calendar and the campus’s own adventure guide service.
Western Carolina is home to 16 Southern Conference athletic teams with more than 375
student athlete competitors. WCU strives to inspire student-athletes to compete like
champions on the field and in the classroom.
Western Carolina was founded to serve the region it calls home, and that has not changed.
WCU continues to focus on regional development initiatives, engaged service and community
programs. It also partners with alumni and donors to ensure access to higher education
for deserving students in the region and beyond.
We know life on campus goes far beyond the classroom and Campus Activities is here
to help enrich your campus life. Discover a variety of extracurricular activities
like on-campus concerts and movies, arts and cultural events and trips to regional
plays, exhibits, music and more, all of which are offered to students at low or no cost.
Located in the center of campus, the A.K Hinds University Center is a part of the
heart of campus. The UC is a place for you to study and hang out with friends, attend
movies and events, and uncover new activities.
Annual Campus Events and Traditions
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic we know the Fall 2020 semester will look
different. By necessity, our events and activities will shift and change as conditions
demand.
Below you'll find just a few examples of the types of activities and events we hold
on campus...
Week of Welcome & Student Appreciation Week
Welcome back to Cullowhee! We kick off the fall with our annual Week of Welcome celebration
of students returning to campus. All week long you'll have the opportunity to meet
student organizations from across campus, make new friends, enjoy concerts, laugh
with comedians, and enjoy lots of free stuff. This year we're celebrating students
twice, for Fall 2020's Student Appreciation Week.
Valley Ballyhoo
It's campus coming back to life. At Valley Ballyhoo, you'll see every corner of student
life at WCU. Meet clubs, Greek Student Organizations and a wide array of businesses and organizations
in Jackson County. They're all here to make your college experience better.
On-Campus Concerts
Throughout the year we bring a variety of styles of music to campus. Whether it's a large event on the plaza for homecoming or an open mic night at Illusions,
there are lots of opportunities to experience live music on campus.
Dance Marathon
Ignite the spark! Miracle at WCU is a 12-hour event where Catamounts pledge to dance for 12 hours to
raise awareness and financial support for the miracle families of Greenville Health
System Children’s Hospital.
Homecoming
Catamounts return home to celebrate what WCU means to them during homecoming. We kick things off with our homecoming carnival then celebrate all things Catamount
with a parade and floats decorated to the nines in downtown Sylva. You won't want to miss cheering "go cats" at the football game and crowning of the
homecoming king and queen.
Student Organizations
Life as a Catamount is full of opportunities to be involved and make a difference.
With over 170 recognized student organizations including academic interest, sports,
social, and spiritual interest groups, you're sure to quickly find your place here. Connect Through Engage
The Department of Campus Activities provides a variety of entertainment and educational
opportunities for our Catamounts. Last Minute Productions, our student programming
board, hosts comedians, spoken word artists, concerts, movies and other fun events.
The Arts and Cultural Events series focuses on the arts for programming such as ballet,
graffiti artists, and DIY art workshops. For more information contact Diane Swenson or Brandon Lokey.
Committed to student growth and development, we provide students with the formal and
informal leadership opportunities they need to prepare students to be active participants
in their communities after graduation. New students can jump right in and get involved
with Cat Camp - a leadership retreat for new first-year students - and the Freshman
Leadership Institute.
Catamounts interested in making an impact on university decision-making and wanting
to play a leadership role on campus can serve on the Student Government Association.
Students who serve on the Student Government Association gain skills and experiences
that appeal to potential employers.