Western Carolinian

News Article List

Pinching Pennies: Student health insurance switching to BlueCross BlueShield

Beginning in the Fall 2013 semester, Western Carolina University, along with the University of North Carolina system campuses, will provide student health insurance through Student Blue from BlueCross and BlueShield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). The awarding of the student health insurance contract to BCBSNC among the UNC campuses is a major change from Pearce & Pearce, the former contract holder for student health insurance.
New off-campus housing offered at 808 West

808 West, the newest off-campus housing option, will become available to students during the fall semester of 2013. Construction on the apartments is nearing completion, and available units are filling up fast. Located just across the highway from campus, the apartments offer a convenient proximity from the university while still allowing for the off-campus, independent living feel that many move off-campus to find.
No UNC universities to close for now

Early in the second week of April, senate leadership for the state of North Carolina informed the UNC Board of Directors that, despite talks to the contrary, the general assembly will be backing away from the possibility of the closure of one or more UNC system campuses.
Patrons can now raise their BAC at the BAC

Patrons to the John W. Bardo Fine and Performing Arts Center at Western Carolina University will soon be able to partake in a Budweiser or glass of wine before they enjoy the performance, as currently no food or drink is permitted in the performance hall.
WCU’s hidden Cherokee heritage

Cullowhee and Western Carolina University often celebrate their Appalachian heritage and culture on a regular basis. Mountain Heritage Day is a huge event where community members and tourists can experience firsthand how mountain culture was shaped through crafts, music and more.
WCU offers 185 organizations, but where are they?

Here at Western Carolina University, there exists a student club or organization for nearly anything one could think up. There are the standard departmental clubs such as the chemistry club, the management club and the biology club. There is a society for the appreciation of Celtic culture, a pagan student association and the Student Debate Association.
HvZ: Throwing socks at the undead

Every semester students get into groups donning yellow bandanas on either their upper or lower torso in what is known as “Humans vs. Zombies.” “HvZ,” as it is commonly known, started in 2005 and is played on college campuses, libraries and other public places, according to humansvszombies.
“Blind Date with a Book” project sparks literary romance

Students have the chance to step out of their reading comfort zone with the Blind Date with a Book project in Western Carolina University’s Hunter Library. The display for Blind Date with a Book went up around Feb. 8. The project was meant to be displayed just in time for Valentine’s Day.
New Sylva-Cullowhee bus system tailors to those 21 and over

Jackson County local Patrick Nettles is bringing a safer way to party to the area via the Cat Express, which began on Jan. 31. “Don’t stress, ride the Express” is the slogan for the new bus system catering toward those wanting to go out over the weekend.
WCU online programs receive another national recognition

Earlier this month, Western Carolina University’s online academic programs were included at No. 21 on an annual list of the top online universities by “Guide to Online Schools,” a flagship website of the educational services company SR Education Group of Kirkland, Wash.
Recent school shooting ignites discussion on gun control

In the wake of the tragic massacre in Newtown, Conn., that left 27 innocents dead, many of them children, local and state authorities, along with the federal government, are considering changes to gun control policies. Shootings on college campuses have appeared more frequently, alarming policy makers and ordinary citizens alike.
Academic building Stillwell flooding leaves whole wings unavailable

Classes in the teaching lab and research wing of the third and fourth floors of Stillwell have been canceled due to a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit malfunction. Safety Director Jon Maddy said what exactly caused the malfunction is still under investigation, though he believes the problem originated in a HVAC unit.
LMP Concerts: Worth the Money?

On Aug. 29, The Western Carolinian sent an open records request to Rotimi Ariyo, associate director for programs at the University Center, requesting “access to and a copy of annual budget allocations from Student Affairs for Last Minute Productions as well as expenditures related to concerts produced by Last Minute Productions and any revenue gained from said concerts from 2006 to 2012,” in accordance with the state open records law, N.
New Sylva Police Department building near completion

The Sylva Police Department will move to a new location on Main Street in downtown Sylva, in a spot formerly held by the Jackson County Library prior to its move to the old courthouse. The new building, on which construction began in July, is expected to be finished by the first week of January.
Freshman Kaleb Ticknor receives Community Impact Award

A freshman student at Western Carolina University, Kaleb Ticknor, was honored in November with a Community Impact Award for his service to the campus community. The award, only given to 17 students from across the state, is given annually by North Carolina Campus Compact, a non-profit coalition of N.
WCU Police asks students to speak out, report crime sooner

Two reports of assault were recently filed with the Western Carolina University Police Department. The first was filed Wednesday, Nov. 14, by a third party. The report is a delayed report of a sexual assault of a female student in her dorm from last spring.
Student documentary sheds light on WCU/Cullowhee relationship

In April, at Western Carolina University’s Controlled Chaos Film Festival, a documentary was premiered, simply titled “Whee,” that had particular relevance to the local area. The documentary explored the relationship between WCU and Cullowhee as well as the local community surrounding it.
WWCU radio station needs changes, says SGA survey

Ricky Greene, president pro-tem of Western Carolina University’s Student Government Association, recently conducted a survey on WWCU FM 90.5, the campus radio station. “In 1977, Western Carolina University licensed the first FM radio station for Jackson County and this region of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Repairs to McKee continue after flood

For weeks now, the parking lot of the McKee Building at Western Carolina University has been cluttered with trucks and blockades as crews finish up repairs to the building from when it flooded in September. Damage from the flood affected many parts of the building.