In a time of rising polarization, disinformation and civic burnout, WCU students are turning to smaller organizations like the Revolutionary Book Club, Braver Angels conversations and the Student Democracy Coalition to discuss political theory, current policies and the future. The Revolutionary Book Club holds weekly meetings every Saturday where they […]
Features
Good Gravy! WCU spends $100,000 on concert featuring rapper, Yung Gravy
Rapper Yung Gravy performed at WCU on April 8 as part of the annual SpringFest Celebration, but what really goes into such a big production? The concert was coordinated by Last Minute Productions and Campus Activities, led by Coleman Leopard, the Associate Director for Student Programs and Activities. Leopard works […]
Fraternities push for stricter attendance lists
Greek organizations on campus are cracking down on who can enter social events, aiming to keep the list of attendees to members of Greek life, female students and invited friends. The goal of the restrictions is to create a safe atmosphere for students to have fun, without having to worry […]
WCU students explain how to make all-gender bathrooms easier to access on campus
Bathrooms are an essential part of living for anyone on campus, but some people have problems with all-gender bathrooms. The biggest issue for junior Paige LeBlanc is the lack of general knowledge about where the all-gender bathrooms are on campus. “Their centeredness on campus, their ease of access, and the […]
“I’m trying my best”: The effects of burnout on college students
As the semester grows in intensity, many students are feeling burned out. WCU students have two breaks in the spring semester, but many feel they’re not enough to prevent burn out. According to multiple studies, over half of college students feel burnt out at some point in their academic career. […]
Explicit furry zines spread around campus
For years, handmade art pamphlets known as fanzines, or zines, have been used as a way to spread social messages. Often their contents are controversial, but, like most artwork, the purpose is to make the viewer think deeper about the message. The self-described queer, furry zine, Pawboy, has the same […]
WCU students react to federal DEI elimination
President Donald Trump released an executive order on Jan. 21 that revoked many initiatives addressing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within corporations and the government. The executive order stated that institutions in America have “adopted and actively use dangerous, demeaning, and immoral race- and sex-based preferences under the guise of […]
Students check in and refresh at WCU’s first Fresh Check Day
As midterms approach, Fresh Check Day offered a chance for students to check in with their mental wellness at Water Rock residence hall Feb. 19. This is WCU’s first time holding the event. The event was created originally by the Jordan Porco Foundation, a nonprofit created in Jordan Porco’s memory […]
A new lease on LIFE: Furthering education for WNC seniors
For 10 years, LIFE@WesternCarolina has provided people 50 years old and older a chance to further their education while staying connected to their community and strengthening friendships. LIFE offers two-hour classes once a week and follows WCU’s academic calendar. The lessons don’t include any assignments or tests and topics change […]
The 24/7 inspection machine: SPOT the Catabot
Over a year ago, on June 12, 2023, the College of Engineering added a new addition to the team that gained campus attention, SPOT, the robotic dog. The Engineering Department received $98.8 million from state legislators to help expand the program in 2023. From those funds, $95.3 million was authorized […]