At Western Carolina University, we believe the college experience should be an experience
enriched by collaboration, by service, by research, by involvement in the community,
by internships and externships, by study abroad, and much more. We invest in ensuring
that each student earns exposure beyond the classroom to experiences that influence
their growth and success.
This Academic Enrichment is facilitated through the Office for Undergraduate Studies,
which was established in 2007 and is committed to:
- Fostering an integrated, seamless, and holistic undergraduate experience that promotes
educational excellence distinguished by collaboration between faculty, students, and
staff in academic and co-curricular initiatives
- Promoting civic responsibility, fostering social and personal development, and advancing
intellectual curiosity
- Facilitating the development of education/career objectives in students
Anchors of Enrichment
The Brinson Honors College
Western Carolina’s Brinson Honors College was the first in the University of North
Carolina system. It’s motto -- Ad Vitam Paramus -- translates to “preparation for life” and reflects the Brinson Honors College mission
to help over 1,400 high-achieving students get more out of their education through
Honors courses and special academic, leadership, and social opportunities.
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Career and Professional Development
WCU’s Center for Career and Professional Development works to support students in
the identification and integration of career and academic goals with real-world experiences.
It facilities on- and off-campus work opportunities, internships and more and assists
students in the articulation of professional competencies to succeed in post-graduate
experiences. They also hold multiple career fairs, coordinates internships, provides
career counseling and more.
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Service Learning
The WCU Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning strengthens the relationship
between the campus and the wider community. We help students, faculty, and staff find
opportunities to volunteer and to do service learning, and we connect community groups
with university members who can help them.
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Academic Engagement
Engaged learning is the integration of purposeful academic and co-curricular activities
which equip students with the intellectual and experiential skills necessary for success
in life beyond college. Community outreach and engagement is the alignment and application
of University goals and resources to local and regional issues through the development
of reciprocal, collaborative partnerships and exchanges.
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International Programs
The Office of International Programs facilitates Study Abroad programs as well as
opportunities for international outreach and service. In addition, the office works
with international students interested in attending Western Carolina and offers and
Intensive English Program for students who need to learn English before admission
to the university. They work with students from around the globe and coordinates Study
and Service Abroad.
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Liberal Studies
Each undergraduate student is required to complete 42 semester hours in Liberal Studies
designed to help each students attain the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of an educated
person, including the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, identify
and solve problems reflectively, use information and technology responsibly, develop
an appreciation for the creative and performing arts, and, form a basis for continued personal
development and lifelong learning.
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Campus Theme
For the past ten years, WCU has selected an interdisciplinary theme for campus conversations,
curricular and co-curricular connections, and enrichment. The primary focus is to educate and to offer a holistic look at something through
multiple lenses. During Western Carolina University’s 2020-21 academic year, the campus learning theme
is Water.
Explore our campus theme