2007-2008
Table of Contents
Hail to thee, our Alma Mater
Faithful, kind, and true;
Every son and every daughter
Offers priase to you
Chorus
Hail to the dearest spot of all;
Hail to WCU!
Light and life and fond devotion
All to thee are due.
Purple robes and colors golden,
Streaming everywhere,
Swell our hearts with pride for olden
Days and friendship dear.
(chorus)
Under shade trees; friendly bowers,
Voices, ever gay,
Mingle with the breath of flowers
and the song bird's lay.
(chorus)
Shout aloud with opne long chorus,
Voices clear and true,
Lifted high in priase and honor,
All for WCU!
(chorus)
Fight on, you Catamounts
Fight on, you Catamounts
Fight for purple and gold
Fight on to victory
True warriors bold
Wave the royal banner high
And let it fill the western sky
So fight on! You Catamounts
Fight to victory
Western, Western, Go--Western! Go--Cats!
Role and Mission of
Western Carolina University
The University
Western Carolina University is a comprehensive university within the University of North Carolina System, offering a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs in the arts, sciences, and professions. The university serves the people of North Carolina from its residential main campus at Cullowhee between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky mountains, and through its resident credit programs in Asheville and Cherokee.
Mission
Teaching and learning constitute the central mission of Western Carolina University. The University seeks to create a community of scholarship in which the activities of its members are consistent with the highest standards of knowledge and practice in their disciplines. The commitment of the community to service, research, and creative activities complements the central mission and extends the benefits of its scholarship to society. As a major public resource for western North Carolina, the university promotes regional economic development through its teaching, research and service. Western Carolina University seeks to provide an environment in which students, faculty, and staff jointly assume responsibility for learning, where free exchange of ideas, intellectual challenge, and high standards of scholarship prevail.
The Division of Student Affairs is responsible for a variety of activities which support students’ personal, social, and intellectual development. The vice chancellor for student affairs has overall responsibility for the administration of this division. For more information about fraternities, sororities, and student organizations, see the section entitled Student Life; for housing information, see residential living in the Student Life section; student health services, counseling and psychological services, and international students programs are listed elsewhere in this section.
Vision
The Division of Student Affairs will be an integral partner in assuring a premiere student-centered and inclusive learning community at Western Carolina University. Such a community will offer diverse and dynamic opportunities for student learning which are designed to create educated, ethically and morally responsible, fully-functioning leaders who contribute to the global society.
Mission
In support of the mission of the university, the Division of Student Affairs is committed to the personal, social, and intellectual development of students within a diverse community. Programs, services, outreach activities, and facilities enhance the ability of current and prospective students to apply learning outcomes as they develop independent thought, take advantage of community involvement, and understand global responsibility.
Aspirations
Western Carolina University aspires to provide an environment in which students, faculty, and staff jointly assume responsibility for learning and in which the free exchange of ideas, intellectual challenge, and high standards of scholarship prevail. The university prepares students to become contributing and informed citizens in a global community. By working both independently and collaboratively, graduates of the university have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of educated persons, including the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to identify and resolve problems reflectively, and to use information and technology responsibly; a proficiency in the intellectual and technical skills of a disciplined study in the arts, sciences, or professions; an appreciation for the creative and performing arts; and a basis for continued personal development and lifelong learning. To encourage and protect the free and open interchange of ideas, the university strives to provide experiences that foster the development of respect among all its members toward the larger communities of which it is a part. Accordingly, the university encourages its students, faculty, and staff to display the following traits of citizenship: behavior characterized by honesty, integrity, and responsibility; service to others; awareness of and sensitivity to the concerns of diverse peoples and cultures; and commitment to stewardship of the natural and cultural environment.
Affirmative Action Policy
Western Carolina University is dedicated to equality of opportunity. Accordingly, Western Carolina University does not practice or condone discrimination, in any form, against students, employees, or applicants on the grounds of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or sexual orientation. Western Carolina University commits itself to positive action to secure equal opportunity regardless of those characteristics. Western Carolina University supports the protections available to members of its community under all applicable federal laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 799A and 845 of the Public Health Service Act, the Equal Pay and Age Discrimination Acts, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Executive Order 11246. For information concerning these provisions, contact Mary Ann Lochner, Assistant to the Chancellor for Equal Opportunity Programs, Room 530, H.F. Robinson Administration Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723, (828) 227-7116.
Western Carolina University was founded in August 1889 as a semi public school. Chartered as Cullowhee High School in 1891, its aim was teacher training. Two years later, with the first state appropriation of $1,500, the school established a normal department, and in 1905, the institution became Cullowhee Normal and Industrial School, a title it held for 20 years.
By 1925, work at the secondary level discontinued, and the school’s name changed to Cullowhee State Normal School.
In 1929, under a new charter authorizing the school to extend its work to the four-year level, the name Western Carolina Teachers College was adopted. Because of the addition of a postgraduate year and expansion of other offerings over the years, the name changed again in 1953 to Western Carolina College.
In 1967, the North Carolina General Assembly designated the institution as a regional university, named Western Carolina University. Four years later, when the state legislature reorganized higher education, Western became a constituent university of the University of North Carolina.
Dr. John W. Bardo, Chancellor
Dr. Kyle Carter, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Mr. George W. Wooten, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance
Mr. Clifton Metcalf, Vice Chancellor for Advancement and External Affairs
Mr. Bill Stahl, CIO, Division of Information and Technology
College of Applied Sciences................................................................... Ann Johnson, interim dean
Applied Criminology..............................................................................Ann Johnson (acting head)
Health Science......................................................................................................Phil Kneller interim
Nursing.............................................................................................................................Vincent Hall
Physical Therapy............................................................................................................Karen Lunnen
Social Work..........................................................................................................................Marie Huff
Construction Management...........................................................................................Bradford Sims
College of Arts and Sciences.........................................................................................Wendy Ford
Anthropology and Sociology.......................................................................................John Williams
Art and Design............................................................................................................Richard Tichich
Biology........................................................................................................................Malcolm Powell
Chemistry and Physics...........................................................................................Cynthia Atterholt
Communication, Theatre, and Dance.............................................................Susan Brown-Strauss
English.....................................................................................................................Elizabeth Addison
Geosciences and Natural Resources Management.........................................................Mark Lord
History........................................................................................................................Richard Starnes
Mathematics and Computer Science...............................................................................Kathy Ivey
Modern Foreign Languages.........................................................................................Mark Couture
Music.........................................................................................................Will Peebles, Interim Head
Philosophy and Religion........................................................................................James McLachlan
Political Science and Public Affairs..........................................................................Niall Michelsen
Social Sciences Program...........................................................................................Elizabeth McRae
College of Business............................................................................................Ronald Johnson, dean
Accountancy, Finance, and Entrepreneurship..............................................................Roger Lirely
Business Computer Information Systems and Economics........................................Dan Clapper
Management and International Business....................................................................Jerry Kinnard
Marketing and Business Law..........................................................................................Debra Burke
College of Education and Allied Professions.........................................Michael Dougherty, dean
Elementary and Middle Grades Education..............................................................Bob Houghton
Educational Leadership and Foundations............................................................Jacqueline Jacobs
Health , Physical Education and Recreation.............................................................David Claxton
Human Services..................................................................................................................Lisa Bloom
Construction Management Psychology...................................................................David McCord
Educational Outreach................................................................................................ Pat Brown, dean
Honors College...................................................................................................Brian Railsback, dean
Kimmel School of Construction Management & Technology.......Noelle Kehrberg, interim dean
Construction Management..................................................................................................Brad Sims
Engineering and Technology .........................................................................................Ken Burbank
Research and Graduate Studies..............................................................Scott Higgins, interim dean
Student Affairs.......................................................................... Sam Miller, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs
Academic Policies and Information
All of the entries in this section, as well as individual courses, are described in more detail in The Record, the university catalog. Copies are available from the Office of Admissions at 242 H.F. Robinson Administration Building. Questions regarding the Academic Policies can be directed to 227-7317. All university policies are subject to change.
Academic Advisement
The Advising Center offers comprehensive academic advising to all undeclared undergraduate students at Western Carolina University. We understand students’ developmental processes and work with students to incorporate their goals with their skills, abilities, and values into a world of work. We provide a holistic approach to advising by addressing students’ academic and social potential. We inform students regarding university policies and procedures, and encourage them to use all the resources available to them. We also assist students in selecting appropriate courses that will lead them to a satisfying major choice. This in turn empowers students to take personal ownership in their academic programs, increases student satisfaction and academic achievement, and increases retention. Our student-centered approach allows us to focus on the needs of the student body as well as the individual student.
Location: 1st Floor, Killian Annex
Email: advising@wcu.edu
Phone: 828-227-7170
Academic Honesty Policy
Western Carolina University, as a community of scholarship, is also a community of honor. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students work together to achieve the highest standards of honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense at Western Carolina University because it threatens the quality of scholarship and defrauds those who depend on knowledge and integrity. Academic dishonesty includes:
a. Cheating—Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise.
b. Fabrication—Intentional falsification of information or citation in an academic exercise.
c. Plagiarism—Intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of someone else as one’s own in an academic exercise.
d. Facilitation of Academic Dishonesty—Intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help someone else to commit an act of academic dishonesty, such as knowingly allowing another to copy information during an examination or other academic exercise.
The procedures for cases involving allegations of academic dishonesty are:
Undergraduate (Graduate)
- Instructors have the right to determine the appropriate sanction or sanctions for academic dishonesty within their courses up to and including a final grade of “F” in the course. Within five (5) calendar days of the instructor’s knowledge of the alleged academic dishonesty, the instructor will inform his/her department head (Associate Dean of the Graduate School when the student is a graduate student) in writing of the academic dishonesty charge and sanction.
- The department head (graduate program director) will meet with the student to inform him/her orally and in writing of the charge and the sanction imposed by the instructor within ten (10) calendar days of written notice from the instructor. Prior to this meeting, the department head (graduate program director) will contact the Department of Student Judicial Affairs to establish if the student has any record of a prior academic dishonesty. If a prior record of academic dishonesty exists, the matter must be referred directly to the Department of Student Judicial Affairs. In instances where a program does not have a department head (graduate program director), the Dean or Associate Dean of the college will assume the duties of department head (graduate program director) for cases of academic dishonesty.
- If the case is a first offense, the student can choose to accept the charge and sanction from the instructor by signing a Mutual Agreement with the department head (graduate program director) or can choose to have a hearing with the Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board). Within ten (10) calendar days of the meeting with the student, the department head (graduate program director) will 1) report the student’s choice of action in writing to the Department of Student Judicial Affairs, 2) file a copy of the Mutual Agreement (when applicable) with the Department of Student Judicial Affairs, and 3) inform the student of the sanction or sanctions to be imposed under the Mutual Agreement or inform the student of the procedure for requesting a hearing with the Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board) if the Mutual Agreement is not accepted. Mutual Agreements are final agreements not subject to further review or appeal.
- In instances of second offenses, or when the student chooses a hearing, the Department of Student Judicial Affairs and student will schedule a hearing orientation meeting to: discuss the hearing process and schedule a hearing date no less than ten (10) and no more than fifteen (15) calendar days from the hearing orientation meeting. The student can waive minimum notice of a hearing; however, extensions are at the sole discretion of the Department of Student Judicial Affairs. Should the student choose not to attend his/her hearing orientation meeting, a hearing date will be assigned to the student.
- The hearing procedures will follow the same format as stated in the Code of Student Conduct (Article V.A.5). The Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board) will consist of two (2) students from the Student Judicial Affairs Student Hearing Board (Graduate Student Representatives) and three (3) faculty members (Graduate Faculty Representatives). The Department of Student Judicial Affairs faculty fellow may be one of the faculty members and may serve as the chair. The other two (2) faculty members will be chosen by the Department of Student Judicial Affairs from a pool of twelve (12) faculty hearing officers. Each academic year, each college dean will appoint two (2) faculty members from his/her college to comprise the pool of twelve (12) faculty hearing officers. In the event that there is no Department of Student Judicial Affairs faculty fellow the third faculty member on any Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board) will be chosen from the pool. Hearings will be held in a student’s absence when a student fails to attend the hearing for any reason. Refer to Article V.A.7 for additional information. The Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board) may impose any sanctions as outlined in Article V.B. in the Code of Student Conduct. Students given a sanction of probation for academic dishonesty will remain on probation at Western Carolina University until graduation.
- Following a decision from the Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board), the Department of Student Judicial Affairs will inform the student of the outcome of the hearing. If a student is found responsible, the Department of Student Judicial Affairs will inform him/her of the sanction(s) to be imposed and of his/her right to file an appeal with the University Academic Problems Committee (Graduate Council). The appeal is limited to those rules and procedures expressly mentioned in the Code of Student Conduct (Article V.D.2) and is limited to the existing verbatim record. If the student does not file an appeal with the University Academic Problems Committee (Graduate Council) within five (5) calendar days, the sanction or sanctions from the Academic Integrity Board (Graduate Academic Integrity Board) will be imposed. The decision of the Academic Problems Committee (Graduate Council) shall be communicated to the student within ten (10) calendar days. Within five (5) calendar days of the receipt of the findings the student may appeal to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. The next level of appeal is the Chancellor. The same appellate timeline shall be followed through each level of the appeal process.
- Upon final resolution of a case involving suspension or expulsion, the Department of Student Judicial Affairs will inform the appropriate dean, department head (Graduate Program Director), and the administrator in the One Stop Office who is responsible for University Withdrawals of the sanction.
- At all times, the DSJA reserves the authority to make exceptions to timelines on a case-by-case basis (e.g. university closure, holidays, ends of semester, etc.).
An act of academic dishonesty, including a first offense, may place the student in jeopardy of suspension from the university. A repeated violation or more serious first offense may result in expulsion. Disciplinary records for any act of academic dishonesty are retained by the Department of Student Judicial Affairs for at least eight (8) years from the date of final adjudication. These records are available to prospective employers and other educational institutions in accordance with federal regulations.
Academic Appeals Procedure
Undergraduate students who wish to appeal an assigned grade for a reason other than academic dishonesty should follow, in order, the academic appeal procedure: (1) appeal in writing to the instructor; (2) appeal in writing to the instructor’s department head; (3) appeal in writing to the dean of the instructor’s college; (4) appeal in writing to the Academic Problems Committee as outlined below. Any request by a student for a change must be submitted to the instructor within thirty-five days after the end of final exams.
Undergraduate students who have other problems related to instruction are encouraged to discuss those problems and possible solutions with the instructor or student’s academic adviser. If this is not possible, the student should talk to the department head or appropriate dean.
The Academic Problems Committee is comprised of five members, including two students chosen by the SGA and three faculty members. In order to appeal to the Academic Problems Committee, students should write a one- or two-page letter to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs succinctly stating the grounds for the appeal and the requested action to resolve the appealed issue. After deliberation, the committee will make recommendations to the Provost. The Provost’s decision may be appealed to the chancellor. Additional information about the composition and procedures of the Academic Problems Committee is available in the Faculty Handbook, or in the Office of the Provost.
Academic Probation and Suspension
Academic Probation for Continuing Students
Continuing students are placed on academic probation when their cumulative WCU grade point average (GPA) falls below 2.0. At the end of the term of academic probation, students must achieve one of the following:
a. Raise the cumulative GPA to good standing (2.0), or
b. Earn a minimum 2.30 GPA during the probationary term.
Failure to achieve one of the above academic criteria will result in academic suspension.
Academic Probation and Learning Contract for First Semester Freshmen and New Transfers
First semester freshmen and new transfers will be placed on academic probation if their GPA falls within the range of 1.0 to 1.999 at the end of their first semester. Students placed on academic probation with a cumulative GPA in this range at the end of their first semester must participate in the Learning Contract program during their second semester. Students who do not choose this option are not eligible to continue enrollment in the University for one term.
The Learning Contract Program specifies that these students work closely with an academic advisor. The student and advisor will discuss academic performance issues, set realistic goals, and make the necessary plans to reach those goals. Students will be linked with the campus resources that can help them succeed. Follow-up contacts will occur throughout the semester.
When appropriate, students should use the University’s grade replacement policy to improve their academic standing (excluding the First Year Seminar).
Additionally, these students must make at least a 2.30 GPA during their second semester or bring their cumulative grade point average to good standing (2.0). Failure to achieve these guidelines will result in academic suspension.
Academic Suspension For Continuing Students
Academic Suspension from the University will occur as a result of failing to meet the criteria specified while on academic probation.
Students placed on academic suspension are not eligible to enroll in the University for one semester. After a one-semester suspension, students may apply for readmission to the University. If readmitted, students will return on academic probation.
The semester of suspension is intended to provide students with time to carefully consider the reasons for academic difficulty, resolve problems, clarify educational goals, and improve academic skills. If a student attends another institution while on suspension, the student must have a minimum 2.000 GPA on all work attempted since their last enrollment at Western Carolina University. Students are reminded that grades made in transferred courses are not computed in the GPA calculation at Western Carolina University.
Academic Suspension for First Semester Freshmen and New Transfers
First semester freshmen and new transfers who earn a cumulative GPA below a 1.0 at the end of their first semester will be placed on academic suspension and will not be eligible to enroll in the University for one semester. After a one-semester suspension, students may apply for readmission to the University. If readmitted, students will return on academic probation.
The semester of suspension is intended to provide students with time to carefully consider the reasons for academic difficulty, resolve problems, clarify educational goals, and improve academic skills. If a student attends another institution while on suspension, the student must have a minimum 2.0 GPA on all work attempted since their last enrollment at Western Carolina University. Students are reminded that grades made in transferred courses are not computed in the GPA calculation at Western Carolina University.
Academic Dismissal for Graduate Students
A graduate student who accumulates three grades of C or any grade of F will automatically be dismissed from the Graduate School. A student who has been admitted provisionally and fails to meet the terms of provisional admission will also be dismissed from the Graduate School. Once dismissed a student cannot register for graduate courses and may not be readmitted until the following spring or fall semester has elapsed. For readmission to the Graduate School, a student should petition in writing to the Dean of the Graduate School. A student may petition for readmission to the Graduate School one time following the academic dismissal.
Approval for readmission may be accompanied by additional requirements. Upon readmission the student must meet all requirements under the catalog in effect at the time of his or her readmission. A readmitted student who receives any grade of C or lower will be permanently dismissed.
Appeal Process of Academic Suspension
Appeals for reinstatement without having to serve a specified period of suspension are approved or denied by the Academic and Admission Appeals Board (referred to as “Board”). The Board’s decision is final. The Board’s decision is based upon the student’s letter of appeal which includes the reason for poor academic performance, documentation of extenuating circumstances, and a plan for rectifying the academic performance and raising the GPA to acceptable standards, as well as the student’s previous academic history. Requests for reinstatement must be submitted to the One Stop Student Service Center by the deadline stated in the academic suspension notification letter. A student whose appeal for reinstatement is approved will be designated as “Suspended/Reinstated” on his or her academic record.
Readmission After Suspension
Students who have been out the required amount of time may apply for readmission in the same manner as other former students. See the “Admission of Former Students” in this catalog.
Class Attendance Policy
Students should recognize the positive effect of class attendance and participation on academic success. All students are expected to attend all meetings of the courses in which they are enrolled; any absence is incurred at the student’s risk.
At the beginning of a course, each instructor establishes attendance requirements, makeup procedures, and guidelines for excused absences. The consequences of absences, inadequate preparation, and lack of participation are also made clear.
Attendance policies are distributed in writing, and an instructor may establish special and more demanding attendance requirements for students performing less than satisfactorily. A student with more unexcused absences than the semester hours given for a 100- or 200-level course can expect the instructor to lower the course grade. Each student is responsible for complying with the announced procedures for making up missed work.
Absences, inadequate preparation, and lack of participation are also made clear. Class attendance may be required for readmission to the university or eligibility for continued enrollment.
Undergraduate. Fifteen or sixteen hours are considered a normal full-time load for students planning to graduate in four years. Twelve hours constitutes full-time enrollment.
Graduate. The maximum full-time course load for graduate students is fifteen hours per semester. The minimum full-time load per semester is nine hours. The normal maximum load for graduate assistants is twelve hours per semester. Load limitations during summer school are listed in the Summer School Catalog.
Students employed full-time are limited to six hours per semester and twelve semester hours for the academic year. Any exceptions to these rules must be approved by the department and the dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
Computer Admission Requirements
If you would like additional information about Western Carolina University’s computer admission requirement, call the Office of Admissions (toll-free) at 1-877-WCU-4YOU or send e-mail to admiss@wcu.edu. The computer requirement is an integral part of the educational experience at Western Carolina University. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in sanctions to the student up to and including expulsion from the university. Read updates to the computer requirement.
To be on the dean’s list each semester, a student must have a GPA of 3.50 or higher on a regular semester’s work of not less than twelve hours, excluding remedial courses, with no grade of D+, D, D-, F, or an I.
The GPA is determined by dividing the total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours.
Undergraduate. At Western Carolina University, a grade of A is interpreted to mean excellent; B, good; C, satisfactory; D, poor but passing; F, failure; I, incomplete; IP, in progress; S, satisfactory; U, unsatisfactory; W, withdrawal; AU, audit; NC, no credit.
Grade Interpretation Quality Points per Semester Hour
A Excellent 4.0
A- 3.67
B+ 3.33
B 3.0
B- 2.67
C+ 2.33
C 2.0
C- 1.67
D+ 1.33
D 1.0
D- 0.67
F-Failure 0
Graduate Grading System: The grades which may be assigned to graduate credit courses are as follows:
Grade Interpretation-Quality Points Per Hour (Graduate)
A Superior 4 pts
B Good 3 pts
C Passing 2 pts
F Failure 0 pts
I Incomplete
W Withdrawal
AU Audit
IP Grade Pending
S Satisfactory 3 pts
U Unsatisfactory 0 pts
Incomplete Grades. Instructors may give an incomplete grade when students are unable to complete a course for nonacademic reasons. An incomplete is not a satisfactory grade and may lead to an academic warning. All incomplete grades must be removed and a grade of A, B, C, F, S, or U must be submitted to the registrar by the last day of classes in the next semester, excluding the summer, an F being automatic if the student has not completed the coursework. A student may not register for the course again until the incomplete has been removed. All incomplete grades in courses taken as part of the degree program must be removed before graduation.
A grade of incomplete will be awarded only when there is a reasonable prospect that the student can pass the course by making up the work missed. The instructor is required to send to the department head a list of the conditions for removing the grade of incomplete.
If the instructor is no longer in the employ of the university, the department head will remove the grade of incomplete upon completion of the stated requirements.
Grade Pending. An IP is assigned only for thesis research or similar courses to indicate that a grade is pending until the sequence of courses is completed. A grade of A, B, C, F, S, or U is then assigned to each course by the instructor.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading. The use of S/U (pass/fail) grading is limited to selected courses in which standard or traditional grading is rendered difficult by the nature and purpose of the courses. The courses are identified in the master class schedule and in the course descriptions in this catalog. S (satisfactory) and U (unsatisfactory) are the only grades assigned in courses approved for pass/fail grading. Neither grade will be calculated for GPAs.
Grade Replacement and Course Repeat Policy for Undergraduates
A maximum of 15 credit hours may be repeated in order to earn a better grade. When a student repeats a course, only the most recent grade will be used in calculation of the student’s grade point average and counted in the hours toward graduation. However, all grades shall remain on the student’s transcript.
Exceptions:
1. The First Year Seminar may not be repeated.
2. Courses available for re-enrollment for additional credit are not counted as repeats unless the student declares a repeat or exceeds the number of times for which credit can be earned in the course.
3. Some academic programs may have policies that further regulate the number of repeats. Check with your advisor.
Note: Pursuant to actions of the North Carolina General Assembly and policy adopted by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina, a twenty-five percent tuition surcharge applies to students who take more than 140 semester hours and more than eight regular semesters (i.e., fall and spring) to complete a baccalaureate degree. The semester hours used to calculate the total of 140 hours include repeated, failed, dropped (i.e., Ws) and transferred credit courses.
Information for Graduate Students
Final Grade Changes
When a grade other than incomplete has been reported officially by an instructor at the end of a term, the grade will be recorded by the registrar and can be changed only if an error has been made in estimating or reporting the grade. The instructor will, with the approval of the department head, report the error in writing to his/her dean with a recommendation about the action to be taken. Only the instructor has the right to change the grade in a course except as provided in the incomplete grade policy.
Any request by a student for a change in a final grade must be submitted within thirty days of the mailing of the final grade report.
Grade Average for Graduation
An average of B (3.0 GPA) is required for all graduate degrees. Grades received in all graduate courses will be included in the graduate cumulative average.
Course Repeat Policy
A graduate student may repeat any course one time with the approval of the adviser, department head, and dean of Research and Graduate Studies.
The original grade earned in the repeated course remains on the student’s transcript and is calculated in the student’s cumulative average.
Application for Graduation
To be certified as a candidate for graduation, the student must complete an application form and return it to the dean after earning 90 hours. To obtain the application form, the student must first present a paid receipt to the dean’s office showing that the $30 application fee has been paid to the university cashier. The dean will send the completed application to the student’s department head. In consultation with the student’s adviser, the department head will determine all requirements remaining to be completed. At the appropriate time, the application will be brought up to date, signed by the department head, and returned to the dean, who will certify it and forward it to the registrar. Undergraduate students should begin the procedure immediately after earning 90 hours. Specific deadlines for filing degree applications are given in the academic calendar.
Certification and Licensure
Completion of a bachelor’s degree in teacher education, nursing, or health sciences qualifies a student to seek the appropriate certification or licensure. Information about the policies and procedures is available from the dean of the appropriate college. Procedures for teacher certification are found in the College of Education and Allied Professions section of The Record.
Graduation Attendance
Attendance at the graduation ceremony is required of candidates for graduation. A diploma may be granted in absentia only with approval of the vice chancellor for academic affairs or his/ her designee.
Liberal Studies
At Western Carolina University, all bachelor’s degree programs include courses in Liberal Studies designed to provide each student with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an educated person. These include the ability to think critically, to communicate effectively, to identify and solve problems reflectively, to use information and technology responsibly, to appreciate the creative and performing arts, and to seek personal development and lifelong learning. The Liberal Studies component includes a total of forty-two semester hours, distributed into two areas, the Core and Perspectives. Courses pertaining to these areas can be found by going online, through Western’s online catalog at:
http://catalog/preview_program.php?catoid=4&poid=223 .
Prerequisites
A student may be required to complete specified courses before enrolling in a more advanced course. The undergraduate and graduate catalogs, The Record, specify the prerequisites for every course.
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy and Financial Aid
In order to receive Title IV financial aid, students must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). To do this, a student must be progressing both qualitatively and quantitatively toward graduation within a prescribed time frame.
Quantitative Components
- Undergraduate students must complete at least 70 percent of all attempted hours.
- No student can receive funding from Title IV programs after he/she has attempted 150 percent of the required hours for the enrolled degree program.
Qualitative Components
- Students who have attempted fewer than 24 semester hours at Western Carolina University must have a cumulative GPA of at least 1.5.
- Students who have attempted between 24 and 59 semester hours at Western Carolina University must have a cumulative GPA of at least 1.8.
- Students who have attempted 60 or more hours at Western Carolina University must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0.
Student Complaints Western Carolina University respects the rights of all students enrolled at the institution.
Written and verbal complaints of an academic nature unrelated to grades are to be addressed initially to the student’s academic advisor and/or course instructor if the concern relates to a specific course. If the concern is unresolved, the student may issue a complaint to the appropriate academic department head and academic dean, in that order If the concern remains unresolved, the student may issue a complaint to the Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who may also refer the matter to the Academic Problems Committee. Final resolution will occur at either level. The steps for making a formal complaint about a grade are: 1) appeal verbally to the instructor; 2) appeal in writing to the instructor’s department head; 3) appeal in writing to the dean of the instructor’s college; 4) appeal in writing to the Academic Problems Committee.
Complaints about student life issues other than those pertaining directly to academics are to be addressed initially to the professional staff member in charge, the staff member’s supervisor, and the director of the office/area in question (if different from the supervisor). If the concern remains unresolved, the student may issue a complaint to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, where final resolution will occur.
The grievance procedures for student disability support services and for student Title IX grievances are specifically outlined in the Student Handbook and may differ slightly from those described above.
Transcripts are furnished, either to the student or by mail to authorized organizations, only upon the student’s written request and after the student’s financial accounts are cleared. There is no charge for transcripts to be issued. The forgery of transcripts and diplomas, or the use of such documents with intent to defraud, is illegal under North Carolina law.
To withdraw from the university (i.e., cease to attend all courses), a student must complete a withdrawal form from the Advising Center. If an emergency prevents a student from completing the withdrawal process before leaving the campus, the student should call, write, or arrange for a relative, with a ***security code, to contact the Advising Center at (828) 227-7170.
***In order to grant a family member access to a student’s account, the student must submit a security code for the individual in question. This process can be completed at any time, but students are urged to set security codes for their accounts as soon as possible.
Release of Student Information Procedures
Please complete the following steps...
- Go to http://www.wcu.edu/
- Choose MyCat from the menu
- Enter user name and password
- Go to My information
- Choose Release of Student Information
- Read information very carefully, then submit required information
Please see Guide entry entitled “FERPA” for additional details.
Exceptions to Withdrawal Policies
Exceptions to these policies may be made if a student withdraws from the university for reasons of hardship. These reasons are defined as:
1. Death of the student
2. Death in the student’s immediate family
3. A medical condition that compels withdrawal upon recommendation of the director of Student Health Services
4. A mental health condition that compels withdrawal upon recommendation of the director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
Withdrawal for Involuntary Military Service
Students who withdraw from the university as a result of involuntary recall to military service, pursuant to a presidential order authorizing the call-up of reservists, and who are thereby prevented from receiving credit for the courses in which they are enrolled, will be entitled to a full refund of tuition and fees.
Mental Health University Withdrawal and/or Hospitalization and Re-admittance
Information: Counseling and Psychological Services Center Phone: 227-7469 Location: Bird Building
If a student obtains a mental health withdrawal, or is hospitalized for psychiatric reasons (either voluntarily or involuntarily) while a student at Western Carolina University, re-admittance or continued enrollment at the university is contingent upon university counseling center staff review to ensure that recommended services can be obtained. These students will not be allowed to register for classes and/or move into university housing until they have met the criteria outlined by Counseling and Psychological Services.
Hospitalization for psychiatric reasons may also require a meeting with Residential Living staff before the student may return to their residential hall room. In order to request a mental health university withdrawal, an appointment with a counselor at the Counseling and Psychological Services Center will have to be scheduled prior to the last two weeks of classes during fall and spring semester.
Requests for exceptions should be submitted to the Refund Appeals Committee, One Stop Student Service Center. Approved exceptions for refunds or account adjustments will be forwarded to the Student Accounts Office to make final settlement of the student’s account.
Information: Advising Center
Location: 107Killian Annex
Phone: 828-227-7170
Academic Year Tuition and Fees Refunds
During a fall or spring semester, a full-time or part-time student who withdraws from the university before the first day of classes will be refunded 100 percent of the tuition and fees. Students who withdraw from the university on or following the first day of classes are entitled to refunds of tuition and fees in accordance with the following schedule:
First Day of classes: 95 percent
1–11 calendar days following the first day of classes: 90 percent
12–28 calendar days following the first day of classes: 50 percent
29–57 calendar days following the first day of classes: 25 percent
58 calendar days following the first day of classes: 0 percent
Summer School Tuition and Fees Refunds
The refund prorations for summer school are available from the OneStop.
Room and Board Refunds
Refunds of room rent for any semester or summer term will be calculated at the same rate as tuition and fees.
Meal-ticket refunds for declining balance plans will be based on the actual balance remaining on the student account at the time of withdrawal. Meal plans have a standard and a declining balance component. The standard component refund will be calculated at the daily prorated amount. Refund of the declining balance portion will be based on the actual balance remaining on the student account at the time of withdrawal.
The refund schedule for room and board is available from the OneStop. All refunds, regardless of the source of payment, will be made by a check payable to the student.
Student Residence in WCU Residence Halls
The University’s residence halls are an integral part of campus life, offering a variety of experiences which enhance a student’s intellectual, personal, and social development.
First year freshman students at WCU are required to live on campus for their initial two full semesters. Attendance during the Mini-mester, Summer School and the Summer Bridge Program do not apply toward the fulfillment of this requirement. A freshman, as pertaining to this requirement, is defined as: any incoming student classified by Western Carolina University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions as a freshman who will not be 21 years of age before February 1 of the initial enrollment year and who is registered for a course load of six credit hours or more. AP College credit or Dual Enrollment credits do not apply toward the fulfillment of this requirement.
Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of credit and falling within the age and course load requirements listed above will not be exempt from this residency requirement. AP College credit or Dual Enrollment credits do not apply toward the fulfillment of this requirement.
This requirement may be waived if the student is married or lives with parents or legal guardians in any county contiguous to Jackson County provided he/she completes a Freshman Authorization to Commute form and submits it to the Room Assignments Coordinator in the Department of Residential Living.
Students living in residence halls are required to purchase a campus meal plan each semester. The University provides food services at several campus locations.
Each student living in a residence hall must sign a Residence Hall Agreement for the entire academic year, or any part of the year remaining when the student moves into the residence hall. Students who breach this agreement will be required to pay room and food charges for any remaining portion of the Residence Hall Agreement. Freshmen who must meet the Residency Requirement but who do not sign a Residence Hall Agreement will be required to pay room and food charges for the two semesters needed to satisfy the Residency Requirement.
The Residence Hall Agreement may be cancelled for the following reasons without breach of agreement:
- Graduation - A student graduating at the end of the Fall Semester must provide written notice to Residential Living before December 1.
- Medical reasons – A physician must certify medical reasons or injury making it necessary for a student to live off campus or withdraw from the university.
- Marriage – Proof of marriage must be presented to the Department of Residential Living.
- Academic or disciplinary dismissal from the university.
- Participation in an educational program that requires living off campus.
- Official withdrawal from the university.
Students who desire waivers or who wish to appeal breaches of the Residence Hall Agreement must submit a written letter outlining their reasons to the Assistant Director for Operations in the Department of Residential Living who will then render a decision based on the information provided. The next level of appeal is to the Director of Residential Living. If a student chooses to appeal that decision, the appeal will then be heard by an Appeals Board. The Residency/Breach Appeals Board will consist of the following: Associate Director for Residence Life (Chair), Resident Assistant Advisory Council Member (Student), representative from the Division of Student Affairs, a Faculty Member, and another student representative. If the student wishes to appeal the decision of the Residency/Breach Appeals Board, that appeal should be directed to the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. The decision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs is final and conclusive. The only issue to be considered in any appeal at any level is whether or not the individual’s appeal request fits the criteria listed above.
Activity Fees
Student activities fees and health services fees support a wide range of co-curricular programs.
Activities and organizations funded through these fees this year include: Health Services; University Center; Intramurals; Fitness Center; Student Government Association; Student Media Board; Last Minute Productions; Lectures, Concerts, and Exhibitions Series; the Multicultural Center; the Women’s Center; student leadership programs; shuttle bus; and several music and performing groups. See The Record, the university’s undergraduate catalog, for a breakdown of these fees.
Continuing undergraduate students who preregister for the fall semester will be required to remit full payment of tuition and fees by August 1 (December 15 for the spring semester) in order to retain their preregistered class schedules. After the payment deadline for each semester, schedules of those who have preregistered and not paid will be canceled. These students may then enroll for courses available at regular registration.
Fees for all other students must be paid on or before the date of registration for each term. The university will withhold the issuance of transcripts and other records, including registration materials, until all debts are cleared.
Failure to make proper payments on accounts will result in cancellation of registration.
Questions concerning fees should be addressed to the OneStop, 227-7170.
Campus Media
In addition to the student media outlets, the student-published Western Carolinian, WCAT, TV 62, and WWCU 90.5, turn to the following for more information about Western Carolina University: National Pan Hellenic, Pan hellenic, and Interfraternity Council recruitment booklets; Chancellor’s Updates; Our Purple and Gold, a newsletter for alumni and friends of Western Carolina University; and the undergraduate and graduate versions of the university catalog, The Record. The university’s site on the Web also contains up-to-date information on campus events, departments, employment opportunities, news from the Office of Public Relations, and more (http://www.wcu.edu/).
CatCard/Identification Card
The CatCard, Western Carolina University’s official identification card, provides students access to a variety of campus services and systems. The CatCard is required to gain access to residence halls, food service plans, use library services, receive treatment from University Health Services, attend athletic events, and use the Fitness Center. It can also be used at vending and laundry machines, copiers, microfilm reader/printers, the University Bookstore, the University Center, the Print Shop, and food service locations.
A student may add to the declining balance account or to the CatCard debit account (CatCash) by depositing funds at the OneStop Student Services Center counter in Killian Annex or at add-value stations located in Hunter Library and the Hinds University Center.
Catcash Account
Now there’s no need to carry cash. As long as a student has money in a CATCA$H debit account, they’ll enjoy convenient purchasing power all over campus with their CatCard.
1. How can a student start a CATCA$H Account?
Upon making an initial deposit in a CATCA$H account, a positive balance will be electronically established in the customer’s name. At that time the CatCard will be ready to use for purchases in many vending machines that have card readers, at the Bookstore, and all food service locations on campus. CATCA$H can also be used in the convenience copiers located in Hunter Library and Hinds University Center and in the Residence Hall laundry facilities, University Health Services and the University Print Shop. Purchases may be made up to the account balance available on the card. The CatCard will also enable the holder to access his or her food service meal plan, check out books at Hunter Library, gain access to Athletic and Cultural events, and use the Fitness Center facilities.
2. Can a student add money to their account anytime?
Additional funds can be deposited in the CATCA$H debit account during normal business hours at the One Stop, located on the 1st floor of Killian Annex. To add monies after normal business hours there are four Add-Value machines in convenient locations around campus including Hunter Library, The University Center, Dodson Cafeteria Lobby and Brown Cafeteria Lobby where students may conveniently add cash to their CATCA$H debit account. The card is then immediately ready for additional purchases. Funds can also be added by use of a credit / debit card on-line by going to http://admfin.wcu.edu/catcard/ and clicking on the Add to Your CatCash Balance Online link.
3. Can a student transfer monies from their Meal Plan to their CATCA$H Account?
Monies paid for a campus food service meal plan are not transferable to the CATCA$H debit account. This means that unspent balances in a student’s food service account may not be used for (coke vending meal points can be used in snack vending machines), copying, or laundry machines or for bookstore purchases. However, CATCA$H debit balances can be spent at any campus food service location.
4. What if a student loses their CatCard?
Students are responsible for safeguarding their CatCards. If a CatCard is lost, either accidentally or by theft, the card owner should call the CatCard Office at 227-7003 during normal business hours (between 8am and 5pm) Monday - Friday. Upon being notified, the office will electronically deactivate the lost card, thereby preventing any further use of it. After 5:00 p.m., notify the University Police of lost or stolen cards by calling 227-7301. A stop status will be placed on the student’s card so no activity can take place in case of theft and the student will be informed to contact the OneStop Student Services Center on the next business day to make arrangements to replace the lost card. The University cannot accept responsibility for unauthorized use of a lost card prior to deactivation. There is a fee to replace lost, stolen or damaged CatCards.
5. What about service charges?
There are no service charges or fees for opening or using a CATCA$H account.
6. How long can a student use their CATCA$H account?
A CATCA$H account may be opened on or after the first day of the Fall Semester or the first day of the Summer Sessions. The account will be valid until:
A. funds are fully depleted in the account
B. the student withdraws or graduates from the University.
7. Can my student get a refund of their CATCA$H?
Unused dollars left in a CATCA$H account at the end of the Spring Semester or Summer Session exams will be carried forward to the next academic year. A refund may be requested at any time at the OneStop Student Services Center in Killian Annex. A processing fee of $5.00 will be charged for all refunds.
CatCash Refunds
Refunds of money deposited into the CatCard debit account (CatCash) will be made upon the written request of the student. A $5 processing fee is assessed for a refund request. Contact the OneStop Student Services Center concerning a refund of CatCash.
Lost CatCards
Lost CatCards must be reported immediately after the loss is discovered. The card owner is responsible for purchases made prior to deactivation of the lost CatCard. To report a lost card, the owner must contact the CatCard Office (227-7003) during normal business hours or University Police (227-7301) after normal business hours. A fee is charged for replacement of lost, stolen, or damaged cards.
Issuing and Replacing CatCards
Students are issued their CatCards at no charge during registration for the first semester of enrollment. The CatCard remains valid as long as the student remains enrolled at Western Carolina University. Students should carry their CatCards at all times. A student must show or surrender the CatCard to any university official who requests the card. CatCards can be replaced for a fee when lost, stolen, or damaged.
Unauthorized use of a CatCard is a violation of the Student Code of Conduct and is prosecutable under criminal law.
Catamount Stores
The Catamount Clothing & Gifts store is located on the second floor of the Hinds University Center. We carry a great collection of WCU-themed gifts and clothing, whether you’re a current student, an alumnus, or a Western Carolina fan! But we don’t stop with excellent WCU clothing & gifts. Check out our up-to-the-minute collection of movies and music, posters, greeting cards and more! We also offer delivery of gifts, flowers and balloons on campus during the hours of 10am-5pm Monday-Friday. Not on campus? Then check out our online catalog at http://books.wcu.edu/home.aspx for delivery right to your front door.
Phone: 828-227-7626; Toll Free 866-272-4102; Fax: 828-227-7620
Summer Hours
Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Saturday 10am-3pm
Sunday closed
Regular Semester Hours
Monday-Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday closed
Special Orientation Hours are posted online.
Check Cashing
As a convenience to Western Carolina University students, faculty and staff, the Catamount Stores offer a check cashing service. The policy for cashing checks is as follows:
- Individuals wishing to cash a check must show a current student, faculty or staff ID card.
- Checks written on a personal bank account will be limited up to $25.00 or the amount of purchase plus $25.00.
- A two-party check (written to the student, faculty or staff member) will be cashed for up to $25.00 or the amount of purchase plus $25.00.
- There will be a $25.00 service charge on all returned checks. A returned check and service charge must be paid with cash, money order or certified check.
Refund and Exchange Policy
Textbooks:
- A sales slip must be presented.
- New books must be in their original condition, no marks, highlights or damage. Books that are in less than new condition may not be refunded or refunded at used book value. packaged in shrink-wrap must be returned in original shrink-wrap.
- Refunds or exchanges will only be made within 5 days of receipt date or within 3 days for mini-mester. Textbooks purchased 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester or 1 week prior to the end of mini-mester are non-refundable. Defective books will be replaced at any time.
- A sales slip must be presented.
- Merchandise needs to be in the same condition as when purchased, with price tag attached.
- Merchandise other than textbooks will be accepted for exchange only.
- Defective merchandise will be replaced.
Software Returns:
A sales slip must be presented within 5 days of the purchase Software must be unopened unless the software is damaged. Warranties and licenses are provided by the manufacturer of the software and all guarantees and money back promises are to be provided by the software manufacturer.
Non-Refundable Merchandise:
Cliff’s Notes, lab books with completed or missing experiments, magazines, textbooks with used or opened software and clearance books and sidewalk clearance merchandise.
Refund for Cash Purchases:
Cash refunds will be given only for merchandise purchased with cash.
Refund for Bank Card Charge Purchases:
No cash can be refunded for bank card purchases. The amount of refund will be credited to your bank card account.
Phone: 227-7346 Web site: http://www.wcubookstore.wcu.edu/
Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:p.m.
Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–00 p.m.Friday
Closed Saturday & Sunday
Book Rental
Book Rental offers textbook rentals to on-campus undergraduate students for courses numbered 100-499. Students pay a flat rental fee each semester and are entitled to the primary textbook adopted in each course for which they are registered. Rental books must be returned no later than five working days after the last day of final exams each term (including Mini-Mester and Summer School). Unreturned books will be charged to your student’s account at replacement cost. Books returned after this five-day period will be credited to your student’s account at 1/2 the charged amount. Grossly mistreated books must be purchased. There are no exceptions to this policy.
The WCU Bookstore offers students a variety of educational materials and supplies. An extensive selection of paperback books is offered for class use and extracurricular reading. All books for graduate students, distance learning and supplemental text and course-related materials for undergraduates are sold by the store. Caps and gowns, graduation invitations, and class rings may be purchased or ordered through the store. The store also sells computer software and peripherals at educational prices.
CATAMOUNT BOOKSTORE FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS BOOK RENTAL? Book Rental is a system where textbooks for courses numbered 100-499 are furnished to undergraduate students on a rental basis.
WHAT IS THE COST OF THE BOOK RENTAL PLAN? Students pay a flat fee of $107.00 each semester and are entitled to the adopted textbook used in each course for which they are registered.
HOW AND WHERE DO THE STUDENTS PAY? The Book Rental fee is included in tuition and your student can pay on campus, by mail or through MyCat.
WHERE AND HOW DO STUDENTS PICK UP BOOKS? Book Rental is located in the Catamount Bookstore. Student fees must be paid in full.
HOW CAN STUDENTS IDENTIFY THEIR BOOK? Student will be assigned a rental book number, which will be stamped inside each of their rental textbooks. This number will include the last four digits of their student identification number. Therefore, they are the only one that can receive credit for their books.
CAN STUDENTS MARK INSIDE THE BOOK RENTAL TEXTBOOK? Yes, however, students will be billed for books grossly mistreated (ex. dirt, water damage, missing rental number page, missing pages, etc.).
CAN STUDENTS PURCHASE RENTAL TEXTBOOKS? Students can purchase books at the replacement price if they wish, but this does not exempt them from paying the rental fee.
WHERE AND WHEN DO STUDENTS RETURN BOOK RENTAL TEXTBOOKS? Students must return books to Book Rental. All books must be returned at the end of each semester. Students who do not return their books on time will be charged the replacement cost of the book.
WILL STUDENTS HAVE TO BUY ADDITIONAL BOOKS? Supplemental textbook may be required, such as lab manuals, study guides, reference materials, etc. Supplemental textbooks are available through the Bookstore.
WHAT ARE THE BOOK STORE’S REGULAR HOURS? Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm Friday 8:00 -5:00pm
WHERE CAN STUDENTS BUY SUPPLEMENTAL TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES? Supplemental textbooks and supplies are available for purchase through the Bookstore. Financial Aid monies may be used for this purpose.
CAN STUDENTS BUY COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND PERIPHERALS? Software and peripherals are available for purchase through the Bookstore. Purchasers must be a registered student, faculty or staff at the University to buy software.
CAN STUDENTS SELL THEIR SUPPLEMENTAL TEXT BACK TO THE BOOKSTORE? Books are bought back at the end of the Fall and Spring semesters only. The Bookstore will back only books that have been requested and adopted by the academic departments for the upcoming semester. See Textbook Buyback under Bookstore General Policies. http://www.wcubookstore.wcu.edu/
CAN STUDENTS USE THEIR FINANCIAL AID CREDIT IN THE BOOKSTORE? Yes, students may charge against their financial aid monies the first 5-7 days of a semester on their WCU CatCard. If a student is charging against their financial aid, please note the following points:
1. They must have a credit balance available after tuition; fees and fines have been deducted.2. must have your WCU CatCard available at the time of their purchase.
WHERE AND HOW CAN STUDENTS CASH A PERSONAL CHECK? The Bookstore and the Catamount Clothing & Gift Store will cash personal check up to $25.00, if funds are available. Personal checks are accepted from parents and immediate family members only.
WHAT TYPE OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT? The Bookstore accepts cash, Visa, MasterCard, WCU CatCard, and personal checks.
BOOK RENTAL RETURN
- All books must be retuned at the end of each semester.
- Students are responsible for returning their books on time.
- Students must purchase books that are damaged by dirt, have missing rental number page, or missing pages.
- Students should make sure each textbook is marked off of their rental card when they return the books.
- When students return all of their rental books, they should make sure they are given their rental card or a cleared book rental receipt to close their account.
- Students who do not return their books on time will be charged the replacement cost of the book. *See Book Rental Policy below.
Book Rental Policy
Rental books must be returned no later than five working days after the last day of final exams each term (including Mini-Mester and Summer School). Unreturned books will be charged to your student’s account at replacement cost. Books returned after this five-day period will be credited to a student’s account at 1/2 the charged amount. Grossly mistreated books must be purchased. *Textbook(s) may be returned by mail. Include your student’s full name and student ID number and send them to:
WCU Bookstore
Attn: Book Rental
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
There are no exceptions to the above policy!
Catamount on Campus Transportation (CAT-TRAN)
Location: Outreach Annex
Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Phone: 227-8726
Web site: http://www.wcu.edu/cattran
CAT-TRAN is an on-campus transportation system. The buses run daily (Monday-Friday) whenever classes are in session (Fall and Spring semesters) from 7:30am-6pm. Buses are scheduled to arrive at each stop with 15 minutes or less depending on traffic conditions. The nighttime operations are designed to assist with safety concerns common to university living, such as students returning to campus late in the evening and having to park at outlying parking lots. The buses run at night (Monday-Sunday) whenever classes are in session (Fall and Spring semesters) from 7pm-2am. Buses are scheduled to arrive at each stop within 20 minutes or less depending on traffic conditions. All Cat-Tran vehicles are equipped with radios. These radios allow drivers to report problems and incidents to telecommunicators, thus supplementing police patrol coverage of the campus. Two of the Cat-Tran buses are equipped with lifts to assist those with special needs.
Dining Services
Meal Plan Requirement
Western Carolina University requires students who live in a residence hall to purchase a meal plan from the available plans each semester.
Meal Plan Changes
Meal plan changes are allowed until the last day to drop/add a course each semester.
Block Plan Meals
Freshmen residential students are required to choose one of the Block Plan Meal Plans. Block meals are “one price” dining meals and are used at Dodson Dining Hall. When you enter the dining hall, you swipe your cards at the door and may eat and drink whatever you choose from the menu that is being served during that meal.
Block Plan Meals must be used in the semester in which they were purchased. Unused Block Plan Meals at the end of each semester will not transfer to the following semester.
Declining Balance Points
Declining Balance or DB Points spend just like cash in any on-campus dining location. Select the items that you wish to purchase in any retail location and swipe your Cat Card at the register to pay for them. The amount of the purchase will be deducted from the balance in your account. You may also use DB points at Dodson. The posted door price will be deducted from your DB points account and you will be able to enjoy “one price” dining. Meal prices are $4.75 for breakfast, $5.75 for lunch and $6.75 for dinner at Dodson.
At the end of Fall Semester, any unused Declining Balance Points will transfer to Spring Semester for continuing students. At the end of Spring Semester, any unused Declining Balance Points will be forfeited. No refunds will be issued for unspent declining balance points.
Meal Plan Use
A valid WCU Cat Card is required to use your meal plan. You must personally present your Cat Card to access your meal plan. You may not loan your card to another person. Cards presented in dining locations by someone other than the card owner will be confiscated. Cards and replacements may be obtained in the Killian Annex at OneStop Student Service Center. Cards that are damaged or the picture is impaired maybe confiscated. Lost or stolen cards must be reported immediately to the Cat Card office or to University Police in order to have the card declared invalid. The University and Dining Services are not liable for purchases made with lost or stolen cards.
2007 – 2008 Meal Plans
Meal Plan Options
- Premium 80 Block Plan $1315 - 80 All You Care to Eat Meals + $865 Declining Balance Points (Available to all students)
- 80 Block Plan $1135 - 80 All You Care to Eat Meals + $680 Declining Balance Points (Available to all students)
Freshmen Residential Students are required to choose one of the above 80 Block Plan Meal Plans
- Premium Declining Balance $1035 (Available to sophomores, juniors and seniors based on credit hours) Not available to freshmen residential students
- Standard Declining Balance $935 (Available to sophomores, juniors and seniors based on credit hours) Not available to freshmen residential students
- Village Declining Balance $835 (Available to Village Residents only and requires a one year contract)
- Commuter Plan $465 (Available to all non-residential students)
Duplicating Services
Convenience copiers are located in Hunter Library and the University Center. The CatCard debit account (CatCash) may be used to pay for copies at these locations. SGA’s copy machine, located in their offices on the second floor of the University Center, is available for student organizations that provide their own paper.
Mail Services
Location: 2nd floor, Hinds University Center
Phone: 227-3241
Hours: Operating hours of the University Center
Residential students receive mail at the Student Mail Center in the University Center.
Commuting students may rent a post office box at the Cullowhee Post Office by contacting the Postmaster, Cullowhee, NC 28723.
Student Accounts
Location: 205Killian Annex
Phone: 227-3098
To avoid having your classes cancelled, you must remit payment in full to the OneStop Student Support Center by August 1, 2007 for fall semester 2007 and by December 15, 2007 for spring semester 2008. Accepted payment methods are cash, checks, money orders, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. Payment by credit card (MasterCard, Visa) is available online through the MyCat portal. Take advantage of this payment method by going to http://www.wcu.edu/ and:
- Select Current Students and log into My Cat.
- Select Personal Service and Account Summary and Pay by Credit Card.
- Choose the current term.
- Select Credit Card Payment.
- Enter requested information
If your account shows a balance of $0.00 due to financial aid, scholarships, and/or other aid, you will be requested to verify your “intent to attend” or to “process your account” in order for us to hold your place in the classes in which you have enrolled. To verify your “intent to attend,” you may return the remittance portion of your Statement of Account (bill) to the OneStop Student Support Center, e-mail or call OneStop (x. 7170), or verify through MyCat:
- Select Current Students and log into My Cat.
- Select Personal Services and Award Information and Indicate Intent to Attend.
- Choose current term.
- Follow the instructions in the pop-up windows.
In order to verify that your “Intent to Attend” has been processed, go into MyCat and view your student account for Fall 2007 or Spring 2008. If your account has the subcode “Student Account Processed,” you have completed your process and all activities will be available to you at the beginning of Fall or Spring Semester. If you verify your “Intent to Attend” online, you will need to wait until the next day to view this statement on your account.
(Available to non-resident students only)
Summer Reading Program
Western Carolina University established a student summer reading program in 1999. The purpose of the program is to set the academic tone for new students and to enhance the intellectual climate at WCU. By requiring a freshman-reading assignment during the summer, students will be provided with a common experience, a basis for academic discussion, and an enhanced sense of community. This year’s selection is The World Made Straight by Ron Rash. Students will be given a copy of this book at orientation and will be expected to read it and bring it back with them in the fall. Ron Rash, author and WCU professor, will be our Freshman Convocation Speaker on Sunday, August 19.
Veteran’s Affairs
Location: 206 Killian Annex
Phone: 227-7216
Veteran certification is handled through the Office of the Registrar.
Athletics
Western Carolina University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Southern Conference. Western participates in NCAA Division I for all sports except football, which competes in NCAA Division I-AA. WCU fields teams in baseball, men and women’s basketball, men and women’s cross country, football, men and women’s golf, women’s soccer, women’s softball, women’s tennis, men and women’s indoor and outdoor track and field, and women’s volleyball.
Arts, Activities and Festivals
Events scheduled throughout the year include everything from small lectures and readings to Mountain Heritage Day, which draws as many as 35,000 people each fall.
- The Fine and Performing Arts Center presents an annual series featuring a variety of world-class theatre, music and dance performances.
- Fine Art Museum, located in the Fine and Performing Art Center, includes nearly 10,000 feet of exhibit space featuring a growing permanent collection and an exciting schedule of contemporary art and fine crafts, and related educational programs.
- The Lectures, Concerts and Exhibitions (LCE) Series, produced by a student-faculty committee, features visiting performers, speakers and projects that provide quality and challenging entertainment to the WCU community.
- Mountain Heritage Center celebrates the natural and cultural heritage of the southern Appalachian region through exhibitions, publications, educational programs, and demonstrations.
- The Ramsey Regional Activities Center presents major concerts by popular artists, circuses, and rodeos as well as hosting athletic events, banquets and receptions.
- The Department of M