Western PEAKS is a residential living-learning community designed with you in mind. Our primary goal is to make your transition from high school to university life as smooth as possible by putting you in touch with campus resources, helping you connect with other first-year students who share your interests, and sharing with you the essentials for being an academically and personally successful student here in the WHEE!
As a member of the Western PEAKS community, you will reside in either Scott Hall or Walker Hall, along with other first-year students. You will benefit from a strong, professional residence life staff, intentional conversations with people who care about your goals and your success, and programming designed specifically to assist you in your journey. In Western PEAKS you will have opportunities to integrate your classroom learning with residence hall living to reinforce the learning process and have loads of fun along the way.
Investigate majors and career opportunities through our Career Exploration or Introduction to Health Professions learning communities. Through Band of Brothers or Best of Friends, explore the unique challenges and opportunities associated with your gender. Find support for your personal and academic success in Project C.A.R.E., Women’s Leadership Institute, or Freshman Leadership Institute. Make a difference in your residence hall and in your community by actively learning and sharing concepts regarding sustainability of the earth through EcoPEAKS or alcohol-free lifestyles through Think Outside the Bottle. Think about diversity from different viewpoints in Celebrate the Difference! or gain a broad perspective on all of these topics by joining one of the BroadBand learning communities. The choice is yours!
Enjoy the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina with your peers while participating in outdoor activities and engaging in community service projects coordinated by your Residence Life staff. Learn from each other through shared classes and out-of-class learning experiences. Have fun watching movies, playing games, or talking away the night at Western PEAKS UP ALL NIGHT! Build relationships that will last a lifetime. It all starts here – in Western PEAKS!
Band of Brothers
“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
Band of Brothers offers leadership development with a focus on men’s issues. First-year participants will live in a group housing arrangement that allows on-site leadership opportunities where they can put into practice the skills they are learning. There will also be opportunities to begin raising awareness of men’s issues among others in the campus community. Program participants will be enrolled in a specially designed section of USI 140 that will focus on emotional wellness and gender-related studies. Students will look at male socialization and expectations, how they are impacted by these forces, and how they can better confront the good, the bad, and the ugly of being a college male in the 21st century.
Band of Brothers at a Glance
What is the focus?
College males
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Gain understanding about issues facing college males
Promote on-campus awareness of college male issues
Connect with other men and develop friendships that will last a lifetime
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-03 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Band of Brothers) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Brian Boyer, Resident Director
Email: bboyer@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2460
Best of Friends
"We are at our greatest when we encourage and connect with another human being."
-Maya Angelou
Best of Friends is designed to offer first-year female students leadership development with a focus on women and the relationships they form. Program participants will live in a consolidated housing arrangement that allows on-site leadership opportunities where they can put into practice the skills they are learning. These women will be enrolled in a specially designed section of USI 140 that will focus on emotional wellness and gender-related studies. Through current film and readings, students will look at female socialization and expectations, networks women form, and how these relationships can affect decisions they make and lifestyles they choose.
Best of Friends at a Glance
What is the focus?
College females
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Gain understanding about issues facing college females
Gain understanding about how we are affected by the relationships we choose
Connect with other women and develop friendships that will last a lifetime
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-04 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Best of Friends) on CatWalkWho is my contact?
Name: Laura Ansley, Resident Director
Email: lansley@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2600
Career Exploration
"Find a job you love and you wil never have to work another day in your life" -ConfuciusCareer Exploration is designed to help first-year students explore career topics, build leadership and communication skills, develop and pursue career goals, and serve as leaders in their majors and future fields. Even if you have decided on a major, but want to confirm that interest and learn how to pursue your dream job, this community could be just the ticket for you! As a member of Career Exploration, you will learn about yourself, develop valuable leadership skills to benefit you in whatever career you might choose, and discover how to enhance your resume for potential employers. By December, you will have explored career options, focused in on a major, built a resume, and planned a co-op. Over the course of the semester, you will evaluate your values and interests, participate in discussions with other students and faculty to clarify goals, and create short-term and long-term plans to achieve your goals. In addition, you will have the opportunity to “test your wings” through service learning activities in at least one career area!
Career Exploration at a Glance
What is the focus?
Career Exploration
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Gain practical knowledge about majors and career options
Participate in service learning projects related to your interests
Share what you learn on campus through class projects and fairs
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-02 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Career Exploration) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Michael Despeaux, Career Services Coordinator
Email: mdespeaux@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.7133
C.A.T.S. In Action
(Civic Awareness that Transforms Society)"Until the great mass of people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other’s welfare, social justice can never be attained." -Helen Keller
CATS (Civic Awareness that Transforms Society) in Action is a living-learning community that focuses on engaging students in the campus and local community as they explore the concept of citizenship especially as it relates to social justice issues and their future careers. The goals of CATS in Action are to help students begin to explore their career choices; to raise awareness about issues surrounding social justice, ethics, diversity, and values; and to connect students to the campus and Jackson County community. As a participant you will live in a consolidated group housing arrangement and be enrolled in a specially designed section of Leadership and the Collegiate Experience that will introduce you to the university and help you discover how to be an active leader within your community.
CATS in Action at a Glance
What is the focus?
Civic Engagement and Social Justice
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Gain practical knowledge about issues that affect our community
Provide leadership for various service learning projects
Gain skills such as critical thinking and problem solving
Promote awareness of social justice issues on campus through class projects and campus events
How do I join?
At Orientation, let your advisor know that you are interested in USI 140-12 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (CATS in Action)
Who is my contact?
Name: Keshia Martin, Resident Director
Email: kmartin@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.8737
Celebrate the Difference!
“Insight, I believe, refers to the depth of understanding that comes by setting experiences, yours and mine, familiar and exotic, new and old, side by side, learning by letting them speak to one another.”-Mary Catherine Bateson
Participants in this community will be challenged to look at the world through different eyes and think critically about differences they see. Through film, music, interactive assignments, and field trips students will delve into issues of diversity, civic engagement, globalization and personal responsibility with results that are sometimes surprising, often controversial, but never boring! Join us as we discover the differences that surround us in culture, heritage, values, experiences, and voices. Learn how to avoid the “hot buttons” of emotional rhetoric and uncover rational understanding of differences in thought. Explore the variety of ways in which we are different – and alike. Examine your own values through the eyes of another and celebrate the diversities that define us!
Celebrate the Difference! at a Glance
What is the focus?
Diversity and critical thinking
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Learn how to deal with complex issues from a position of strength
Find your own voice and become empowered to lead and serve
Celebrate the rich diversity of our culture and our world
Appreciate the values others bring to the table
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-10 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Celebrate the Difference!) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Lynn Mathis, Coordinator for Resident Student Success
Email: lmathis@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2818
EcoPEAKS
(Promoting Energy Awarenessthrough Keysto Sustainability)
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Ghandi
EcoPEAKS (Promoting Energy Awareness through Keys to Sustainability) focuses on educating students, faculty and staff about energy consumption and how it affects the economy, environment and our overall footprint on the Earth. EcoPEAKS goals are to raise awareness about the ecological and economical benefits of conserving energy; teach methods for reducing energy consumption; and have a positive impact on long term energy consumption habits of our university community. As a participant, you will live in a consolidated group housing arrangement and be enrolled in a specially designed section of Leadership and the Collegiate Experience that will introduce you to the university and help you discover how to be a leader in sustainable development.
EcoPEAKS at a Glance
What is the focus?
Sustainability
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Gain practical knowledge about sustainability issues
Provide leadership for sustainability service learning projects
Promote sustainability on campus through class projects and fairs
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-01 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (EcoPEAKS) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Lauren Bishop, Energy Manager
Email: lbishop@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.3562
The Dr. Robert Caruso
Freshman Leadership Institute (FLI)
Where your college experience begins!
The Freshman Leadership Institute (FLI) is a prestigious living-learning leadership community which offers first year students the opportunity to become involved in campus life and explore a variety of campus leadership opportunities. Students will be chosen through an application process and interview during their orientation visit.
Members of FLI will participate in regional and national conferences, events, community service, and other opportunities to help develop their leadership potential while contributing to the WCU community.
FLI helps you make the most of your experience at Western and becomes your home away-from-home during your transition into college. You will make friends who will be with you throughout your college experience, as well as interact with other upperclassmen leaders who are part of the Leadership Institute.
Whether you have ideas on improving student life, a vision for developing your community, or are interested in a club, organization, or event, you can find the right networking opportunity through the Freshman Leadership Institute.
FLI at a Glance
What is the focus?
Leadership
Why would I want to be a part of FLI?
The chance to get involved and meet people at WCU
Develop the leadership skills that future employers are looking for
Implement your skills as an agent for positive change on campus and in the community
How do I join?
Complete application at http://www.wcu.edu/5975.asp
Indicate interest in HR 140 The Leadership Institute on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Mike Corelli, Assistant Director for Leadership
Email: corelli@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.3618
International Partners
“In every community there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart there is the power to do it.”- Marianne Williamson
The International Partners community is designed for both international and domestic students who have an interest in learning about other cultures. Students will discuss acculturation, challenges faced by international students here and abroad, the excitement of diverse cultures, and the opportunities that await us through globalization. Roommates may be international or domestic; however, programming will encourage interaction with and learning from students from different backgrounds. Students will gain information about opportunities to visit other countries through study abroad and international co-ops and internships.
International Partners at a Glance
What is the focus?
International culture and travel
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Meet people from different cultures
Provide leadership for service learning projects
Become a leader on campus
Gain information about travel and study abroad
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-09 The Leadership Institute on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Elizabeth Walden, International Student Advisor
Email: ewalden@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2557
Exploring Health Careers
“When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot manifest, strength cannot fight, wealth becomes useless, and intelligence cannot be applied.” - Herophilus
This community is designed to let students know about all the exciting opportunities that await them in a career in the health professions! Over the course of the semester, students will learn that health professions include more than doctors and nurses. Through partnerships with the Center for Service Learning, students will be engaged in hands-on learning experiences. Much of the course content will be shared over WebCT, allowing for interaction and activity in the classroom. Students will reside together and engage in out-of-class experiences that will integrate their learning and allow them to apply the knowledge they have gained.
Exploring Health Careers at a Glance
What is the focus?
Careers in Health Professions
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Learn more about health professions opportunities
Provide leadership for service learning projects related to health care
Become a leader on campus and in your future field
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-07 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Exploring Health Careers) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Linda Seestedt-Stanford, PhD; Dean, College of Healthand Human Sciences
Email: lstanford@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2143
Project C.A.R.E.
(Committed to African-American Retention and Education)
“Lift as we climb!” – Program philosophy
Project C.A.R.E. (Committed to African-American Retention in Education) is a combination of programs seeking to improve the academic performance and retention of Western Carolina University's African-American student population. The components of Project CARE are: a fall retreat for African-American freshmen, a peer counseling program, seminars, mid-term academic grade monitoring, community building, and a college orientation course for entering freshmen (USI 140).We believe that successful students are those who excel academically and socially through their involvement in campus activities.
Project C.A.R.E. at a Glance
What is the focus?
Excellence among African-American students
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Off-campus weekend of fun and fellowship with new friends
Study groups, career programs, sessions on self-esteem, time management and other topics
Find a community of support
Academic and career planning course designed specifically for African American students and taught by African American faculty and staff
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-08 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Project C.A.R.E.) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Tanisha Jenkins, Director Multicultural Affairs
Email: tjenkins@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2276
Think Outside The Bottle (TOTB)
“Drinking makes such fools of people, and people are such fools to begin with, that it's compounding a felony.” - Robert Charles Benchley
The abuse of alcohol is a problem that is serious, but learning ways to combat it doesn’t have to be! This entertaining and engaging community focuses on helping studentscreate a fun & healthy college social setting with alcohol-free activities and lifestyles. Through the class, first-year students will look at how to interact with college students and understand the risks of substance abuse, its impact on academic and personal success, and how they can promote healthy and responsible lifestyles regarding alcohol.
TOTB at a Glance
What is the focus?
Fun alcohol-free lifestyles
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Develop a community of support
Learn to make friends and foster enjoyable activities without depending on alcohol for courage or entertainment
Provide leadership for service learning projects
Become a leader on campus
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-06 Leadership and the Collegiate Experience (Think Outside the Bottle) on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Rick McClendon, SPARC Coordinator
Email: rmcclendon@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.2865
Women’s Leadership Institute
“Women constitute half of the world’s population, perform nearly two-thirds of its work hours, receive one-tenth of the world’s income and own less than one-hundredth of the world’s property.” -United Nations Report
The Women's Leadership Institute (WLI) is a partnership between the department of Residential Living and the Women's Center. The purpose of the program is to provide a small, select group of women students opportunities for empowerment, leadership and involvement in a supportive environment. The program offers guest speakers, social events and field experiences that bring students together with women of achievement and leadership from many areas. Students will also explore the political, regional and cultural resources of Western North Carolina as an integral part of the program. Program participants can expect to become connected to the heart of the university.
WLI at a Glance
What is the focus?
Women in leadership roles
Why would I want to be a part of this community?
Learn about issues facing women from guest speakers and field experiences
Become empowered to lead and serve
Network with women of achievement while exploring WNC
How do I join?
Indicate interest in USI 140-05Women in Leadership on CatWalk
Who is my contact?
Name: Jane Adams-Dunford, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
Email: jdunford@email.wcu.edu
Phone: 828.227.7234
