Western Carolinian

News Article List

Sigma Alpha Epsilon ends pledging

Since 2006, nine Sigma Alpha Epsilon brothers have died during fraternity related deaths. Eight of those people were pledges. In a unanimous vote from the SAE Supreme Council to avoid incidences such as these, Sigma Alpha Epsilon’s council has made a change in their new-member programming that makes “The True Gentlman Experience” a pledge-free process as of March 9.
What Whee need to know: FAFSA

“Do it early and follow through,” these were the words of Paula Coates, the assistant director of financial aid, on Western Carolina University’s campus. She is referring to students applying for financial aid. “Do it early.
Mad Batter makes the move to Sylva

Since the fire that swept through Cullowhee on Nov. 21, burning down several of the area restaurants, students and staff alike have been wondering if the restaurants affected would be able to reopen. It seems that this wait is over for the Mad Batter, which is in the process of moving into a new building in downtown Sylva.
Alumni Association welcomes new president

On Feb. 22, Western Carolina University’s Alumni Association will officially have gained a new president, Dr. Francis Owl-Smith. The entire staff at Alumni Affairs is excited to welcome her as Alumni president for the two years she will be serving. Marty Ramsey, the Director of Alumni Affairs, explains the mission of Alumni Affairs and the association in a few words, “We try to get our Alumni connected if they’re not connected to the University.
The pep band does more than blow

If you have ever been to a men’s or women’s basketball game at the Ramsey Center, you probably noticed and felt the vibrant home field atmosphere. Contributing to the home court atmosphere are loud fans, cheerleaders, flashy lighting, the dance team, Paws himself, and the small but rowdy band.
Bird advises on avoiding the “Cullowhee Crud”

Students at Western Carolina University can be seen shuffling around campus with red noses, cold faces and warm winter coats. Many of them are also carrying tissues and cough drops to class. The chilly and wet Western North Carolina weather, along with the season of sickness, has caused an unpleasant situation at WCU that many have dubbed the “Cullowhee Crud.
SGA Update: A+ for students!

The SGA or Student Government Association works as the voice for all students on campus. It is their job to make sure events happen yearly while also making sure student concerns are heard and taken care of. The start of a new semester means the start of new discussions and events for the SGA.
125 steering committee plans yearlong event

One hundred and twenty-five years of history, heritage and pride are connected to Western Carolina University. This year, WCU hosts its quasquicentennial celebration. The yearlong celebration is headed by a Steering Committee whose co- chairs are Melissa Wargo, chief of staff and Kellie Monteith, assistant vice chancellor for student affairs.
WCU honors Martin Luther King, Jr.'s teachings

This year, Western Carolina University celebrated the impression Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made through its annual MLK, Jr. Commemoration. Takeshia Brown, associate director of programs in the department of Intercultural Affairs, planned and coordinated the events for this year’s commemoration.
Lady Catamounts win handily against the Wofford Bulldogs

The Lady Catamounts came out victorious in Monday night’s game against Wofford, leading them to an overall record of 11-11 and a Southern Conference record of 5-6. The final score was 66-47. The Catamounts came out strong, strictly sticking to their set plays on offense and defensive set ups.
Lady Catamounts lose a heart breaker to the Davidson Wildcats

On Jan. 27 the Western Carolina University Catamounts women’s basketball team hosted the Davidson Wildcats. The game had a special tip-off time at noon to host their annual education day. Over 1,000 area school children were in attendance for the game.
Men’s basketball defeats Samford; remains undefeated in the Southern Conference

The Western Carolina University Catamounts defeated the Samford Bulldogs 67-64. With the win, WCU improves to 11-8 and remains undefeated in the Southern Conference, 2nd behind Chattanooga. With the loss, Samford falls to 7-13 and 1-4 in the SoCon. There was a big crowd at the Ramsey Center packed with students and faculty as the Catamount nation looked to see if WCU could continue their undefeated streak within the conference.
Visa returns, card users rejoice

Tired of using a MasterCard, American Express or Discover card to pay your online fees or just don’t have them? Good news, the Visa card is back and now accepted by Western Carolina University! Stated by Nancy Brendell, bursar for WCU, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York preliminarily approved a settlement agreement in the case involving Visa, posted on the Visa website about the ruling in Nov.
Food sales tax eating up students' $$$

A tax law affecting meal plans has left a sour taste in students’ mouths. Over the summer, Governor Pat McCrory signed a tax reform set to take effect in January 2014. As a result of House Bill 998, students attending spring courses at any of the University of North Carolina accredited schools will feel the impact, as one part of the reform places a 6.
Three staff members graduate, say goodbye

Saying “goodbye” is one of the hardest things to do, especially when it marks the beginning of a new chapter. This week The Western Carolinian said farewell to three of our own—Lex Menz, editor-in-chief; Jamie North, photographer and designer, and Brandy Carl, staff writer.
The Honors College teams up with United Christian Ministries

It is hard to think that while the students of Western Carolina University left for the holidays, there were people in Jackson County who went hungry on Thanksgiving. United Christian Ministries in Sylva is trying to fight this growing issue. And now, the Honor’s College at WCU decided to join in that fight.
Breaking News: It's cold

Coming soon to a campus near you: cold temperatures that will turn your nose red and bring on the sniffles. If you have not done so yet, Catamounts, now is the time to break out your winter coats! It seems this winter is starting out cold and will only get colder.
Climbing the mountain of parking garage, fees

Western Carolina University is famous for its beautiful campus and scenic view. Its population has just reached 10,000 plus and is exponentially growing each year. As the student population increases, changes are being made to accommodate the students.
Updated: WCU Strip Mall catches fire, cause unknown

On Nov. 21, at around 9:23 a.m., the faculty, staff and students of Western Carolina University were informed, through an email from My Cat, of a “possible working fire” at the strip mall on Centennial Dr. The strip mall is home to Subway, Rolling Stone Burrito, Mad Batter and Bob’s Mini Mart.
Police Blotter: October 27 to November 21

October 27: Follow-up on suspicious odor, Central Residence Hall – Further investigation of a suspicious odor call in Central Hall that resulted with a male student being arrested for possession with intent to sell and deliver (PWISD) and underage possession of alcohol.