Last fall, WCU’s Cherokee Language Program received a significant grant from Cherokee Preservation Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports Cherokee language preservation efforts. The $223,014 grant, among other support from WCU and outside organizations, has allowed the program to develop into an official minor and certification program. “We’ve gotten a […]
Campus
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 […]
Cullowhee Collective offers student-athletes Name, Image and Likeness opportunities
Cullowhee Collective was founded last summer to support WCU student-athletes through their college careers. Much of the collective’s work centers around providing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) sponsorship opportunities to its members. Passed in 2021, NIL sponsorships allow student-athletes to receive monetary benefits for their name, image and likeness. This […]
Used Book Fair coming to WCU
The third annual Used Book Fair will be held in the Hunter Library from March 31 to April 4. Donation boxes are set up in Coulter, Mckee, Balsam, Blue Ridge and the Honors College office. Students and faculty can donate books of any genre to the sale. Books will be […]
LGBTQ+ students speak out against executive orders
As of Feb. 12, President Donald Trump has signed more than 60 executive orders. Many of which are impacting the LGBTQ+ community. As executive orders have continued to be signed, LGBTQ+ students at WCU have began to speak out. Ash Haight, a creative writing graduate student, shared her thoughts on […]
WCU communicates guidelines and rights to faculty and staff in case of potential visits from federal immigration officials
On Jan. 28 WCU staff and faculty received an email informing them how to respond to federal immigration officials if an interaction occurs. The email gave guidelines on how to respond in various situations including an immigration official visiting campus, an official making a written or phone request, or if […]
Federal hazing act requires more transparency in hazing violations
On Dec. 30, 2024, former president, Joe Biden, signed the “Stop Campus Hazing Act.” The new law amended the Clery Act and adds hazing to the list of reportable offenses. The Stop Campus Hazing Act requires all institutions of higher education (IHE) that participate in federal student aid to publish […]
College of Engineering and Technology gets $95 million grant to bolster engineering in Western North Carolina
Five new concentrations and a brand-new building are on the way for the WCU College of Engineering and Technology thanks to a near-$100 million state grant. The grant will support construction costs, buying of equipment and hiring of new faculty. “The idea is that we can provide a high-quality, accredited […]
Moore building to be renovated for student use
The historic Moore Building is being modernized with plans to become a new hub for student activity as soon as Spring 2025. Atop the hill of upper campus situated behind Brown Hall, Moore has served many roles since its opening in 1924. While it originally served as a women’s residence […]
Schools in the UNC System testing for dangerous chemicals in older academic buildings
In 1888, WCU first began as Cullowhee Academy, one teacher training 100 students how to be “competent teachers.” By 1929, the school grew into Western Carolina Teachers College. Finally, 38 years later in 1967, WCU was recognized as a university by North Carolina state legislature. Through the evolution of the […]
