On-campus living provides you with opportunities to enhance your classroom experiences and develop new networks of friends. The people you meet in your residence hall could easily become your future business partners, colleagues, or friends for life.
Through life in the residence hall, you can learn to appreciate the value of differences and foster a deep respect for learning. Living in a residence hall can help you reach your full potential as an individual and as an engaged member of society.
Living on campus provides you with many services. These services are highlighted below with important information.
The Student Mail Center is located on the second floor of the A.K. Hinds University Center. Each resident student has an assigned suite (mail) box for their personal mail. All envelopes and small packages will be placed in the student mail box once processed by our student mail staff.
Large packages that cannot fit into student mail boxes will be held at the Student Mail Center and must be claimed by the resident. Students will receive a notice in their catamount email address when a package is ready for pick-up. Packages can be claimed during Student Mail Center operating hours, typically 10:30 am - 5:00 pm Monday - Friday. Note that hours are adjustied during breaks.
Mail should be addressed as follows:
Student's Name
Western Carolina University
245 Memorial Drive
Suite ________
Cullowhee, NC 28723
If you have questions or a problem with your mail, you can speak to someone in person at the Student Mail Center Monday-Friday 10:30am-5pm or call 828.227.3241 or email resmailsup@wcu.edu.
All residence halls have wifi available throughout the building. Students should connect to the eduroam network utilizing their WCU credentials. In addition there is one ethernet port per person in each residence hall room.
Each building has laundry facilities for the use of the residents of that building. There is no cost for the laundry machines.
As an on-campus resident, you agree to follow the Guide to Residential Living. You can download the Guide to Residential Living or use the tool below to skip to section you want to learn more about.
Electronic Access
All residence hall entry doors are equipped with electronic access. All residents
are granted access to their building through their University CatCard. Students should carry their
CatCard with them at all times to have access to their residence hall. These systems
are in place to increase building security. Students are encouraged to assist in keeping
buildings safe by not propping doors or allowing strangers to enter a building with
them.
Evacuation Alarms
When an evacuation alarm sounds, all residents should begin evacuation immediately.
Residents should dress quickly, close windows and close and lock room doors as they
evacuate. Everyone should stay to the right and proceed to the outside of the building
through the nearest possible exit. If smoke is present, stay low, near the floor,
cover face, and move as quickly as possible to the outside of the building. Elevators
should not be used during any fire alarm situation. Reenter the building only when
directed by staff. Failure to evacuate during any fire alarm could lead to sanctions,
fines, and/or prosecution.
If you are required to evacuate the building for a fire, remember to not use the elevator, close all doors behind you, turn off all electronics, evacuate in groups, assist others, and evacuate in a safe and orderly manner. Elevator use during a fire alarm could result in judicial sanctions and/or fines.
If the building is being evacuated due to a bomb threat, follow the same steps as listed above, but do not turn on or turn off any electronic devices.
Evacuation Drills
Each residence hall will conduct one planned and one unplanned fire drill each semester.
Residents will not be notified of the time or date of this drill. All persons in the
building are expected to evacuate the building when the alarm sounds.
Inspections
Each semester, Residential Living staff will conduct health and safety inspections
throughout the residence halls, including student rooms. Unsanitary conditions, violations of University
or Residential Living policies, and safety problems will be documented, and residents
will be notified of such problems and expected to resolve them. Additionally, any
condition or violation subject to the Code of Student Conduct will be handled accordingly.
Medical Emergencies
Western Carolina University Health Services is committed to providing quality health
care for the campus community, and to promoting and maintaining the overall well-being of University
students, faculty, and staff. For details and additional information, please visit
the Health Services Web site. Additionally, WCU Health Services offers an ambulance service consisting of WCU
students who are Certified Emergency Medical Technicians. The service is in operation
24 hours a day during fall and spring semesters and is dispatched by dialing 828-227-8911
from your cell phone or 8911 from any campus phone.
Safety
Each member of a residential community is responsible for protecting and safeguarding
the community, including the preservation and appropriate use of public area furniture
and other building features (windows, doors, etc.). It is important for residents
to be watchful for strangers to the community and report suspicious behavior immediately
to Residential Living staff or University Police. In the interest of safety, please
avoid propping doors, sharing keys, or leaving room doors unlocked.
Tornadoes
Tornado warnings are ordered when a funnel cloud has been verified; a tornado watch
is ordered when weather conditions are such that a tornado could occur. Staff members
will alert each floor that a tornado warning is in effect. You should seek shelter
from the upper floors of the building, leave your room and other areas with windows
and take shelter in protected areas away from the exterior of the building. Doors
to student rooms should be closed. Areas of shelter are interior hallways, basements,
lower floors, and windowless rooms. You should remain within the building. The building
staff will notify you when the tornado warning has expired and an all clear is announced
from campus Public Safety Officials.
Alcoholic Beverage Policy
Governing principles: It is illegal, and a violation of university policy, for any
person under 21 years of age to consume, purchase, or possess an alcoholic beverage. Guests of a student
under the age of 21 are not allowed to drink in the underage student’s room. Albright-Benton, Water Rock, Shining Rock, Harrill, and Black Rock Halls are
dry buildings no matter the age of the resident. Alcohol should not be consumed in
any public or common area of a residence hall based on guidelines of University Policy 81.
Cameras in the Residence Halls
Students are permitted to use cameras in the residence halls for virtual meetings,
academic assignments, presentations, etc., but students are not permitted to install
or use cameras for security or surveillance purposes. Only WCU owned and managed cameras
may be installed in the residence halls for security purposes.
Damage
Residents are responsible for the condition of their rooms and will be charged for
damage other than normal wear. The condition of public areas is the responsibility
of all students. Please help maintain public areas by treating them with care. Damages
occurring in public areas will be charged to those persons responsible for the damage.
If the responsible person(s) cannot be determined, it is possible that the cost of
cleaning, repair or replacement will be charged to members of the community. Residents
can help keep costs down by encouraging others to respect public areas and assume
responsibility for their actions.
Decorations
All tree trimmings (i.e., bulbs, garland, candy canes, cranberries, icicles, etc.) should be of noncombustible material.
Placing holiday trees in stairwells and hallways is prohibited.
No decorations are permitted in the hallways, common spaces, or suite spaces of residential
facilities. This includes, but is not limited to pumpkins, artificial trees, string lights, and doormats. These items may be used as decorations inside residence hall rooms; however, perishable items must be disposed of immediately following the holiday or event (i.e. pumpkins).
Judaculla and Harrill residents should follow the guidelines listed for "hallways" when decorating suite space. Please refer questions to residence hall staff.
Disorderly Conduct
Behavior which is disruptive to orderly community living or the daily operation of
the residence halls or the university is prohibited. This includes but is not limited
to: playing in the halls, throwing items in the hallways, bouncing balls on the floors
or walls, pranks, wrestling, outdoor games, fighting, verbally disruptive behavior
or any other behavior which may cause community disturbance, physical injury, damage
to property or behavior that is potentially dangerous to the health and well-being
of residents.
Illegal Drugs Policy
Western Carolina University is an academic community dedicated to the transmission
and advancement of knowledge and understanding. The illegal use of and trafficking
in drugs can jeopardize the welfare of members of this academic community. Accordingly,WesternCarolina
University has adopted a detailed policy on the illegal use of and trafficking in
drugs that can be found here University Policy 38.
Lofting Beds
All students living in the residence halls are provided with a bed system that can
be lofted. The system includes two headboards, two footboards, mattress with mattress
platform, stabilizing bars, safety rail, and a ladder. Lofted beds must have the stabilizing
bars installed. For student safety, beds may not be lofted using any materials beyond
the bed system provided for each resident. A roommate’s unused bed components may not be used to extend a lofted bed.
Motorized Modes of Transportation
Any motorized mode of transportation (including but not limited to, electric scooters
and e- bikes, motorcycles, mopeds, hoverboards, self-balancing scooter boards, Segway’s, etc.) are prohibited in the residence halls (which includes for charging purposes). This does
not include motorized wheelchairs and other ADA vehicles.
Noise
Each resident is responsible for keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times. In
order to provide an environment conducive to positive group living, studying, and sleeping,
certain hours have been established as "Residence Hall Quiet Hours." These hours are
9 p.m. to 8 a.m. daily. Regardless of the time, "Courtesy Hours" are always in effect.
Courtesy Hours are defined as residents being considerate of all others and the demands
of living in a group environment. Noise should not exceed a reasonable level at any
time. In a communal living situation, a certain amount of background noise is commonplace
and should be expected. During exam week, a 24- hour quiet hour policy will be in
place.
Helpful tips for reducing noise where you live:
If you feel that your rights to quiet time are being infringed upon, you should:
Open Flame Items and Flammable Liquids
Open Flame Items (including but not limited to candles, incense, candle warmers, scent
warmers, plug-ins, and scent pot burners) are prohibited in all residence halls for
fire safety purposes. This includes decorative candles with burned or unburned wicks.
Flammable Liquids and solvents (butane, gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, propane,
etc.) are not permitted in the residence halls.
Public Area Furniture
Furniture is placed in public areas of residence halls for the use of all residents
of the building. Public area furniture is not to be removed for use in resident rooms.
Public Common Area Use
Public common areas (bathrooms, kitchens, study rooms, TV lounges, hallways, stairwells,
suite living room areas, and lobbies) are for the use of residents living in the respective
residence hall. Any sponsored activity taking place in the residence hall lobby or
lounge must be reserved in advance through the Area Coordinator or Graduate Community
Coordinator. Resident groups have priority over nonresident groups. Groups reserving
residence hall space must be affiliated with the university. Any activity that creates
a disturbance for other residents is not permitted in public common areas. Lobbies
and suite living room areas should be clear of any debris or blockage for traffic
flow. If conditions of the public common areas are becoming messy or cluttered, Residential
Living reserves the right to close or limit access to these spaces.
Pets
The only pets allowed are fish. A resident may have fish in a tank not larger than
ten gallons.
Residence Hall Door Installations
Doors to student rooms in the residence halls may not have installations (e.g., decorations,
message boards, fliers, etc.) affixed to the surface that total more than 50% of the
door’s surface.
Resident Rights and Responsibilities
Residents of University Residential Living possess specific individual and group rights,
and with those rights come certain responsibilities. The following statements define expectations
regarding these rights and responsibilities.
Residents have the right to:
Residents have the responsibility to:
Screen Opening/Removal
Screens have been installed in all room windows to improve security and comfort. Please
do not tamper with or remove screens from any windows. Residents are not permitted
to personally replace damaged screens or broken windows. Residents who find a screen
missing upon check-in should request screen replacement by placing a work order online
at https://housing.wcu.edu/ and clicking on “Service Request."
Solicitation
Unauthorized sales and solicitation in the residence halls are prohibited. Information
regarding gaining permission for authorized solicitation activities within the residence halls
can be found in University Policy 114.
Sports Activities in the Residence Halls
Participating in sports activities in areas not designated for that purpose is prohibited.
This includes, but is not limited to playing with sports balls, Frisbees, nerf guns,
splat guns, and other thrown or projected objects indoors.
Bicycles
Residents may keep bicycles in their room or outside the residence hall on the provided
racks. Bicycles should not be parked in hallways, stairwells, inside or outside entranceways,
or in any other public area in the residence hall, as this creates a safety hazard.
Bicycles may not be stored by hanging from hooks installed in ceilings or by hanging
or storing on pipes. And of course, please, no riding inside the buildings.
Computer Network
Computer network connections are available to every student. The connection in the
room provides direct access to the WCU campus data communications network and to the
Internet. Network connections are also located in study areas. All residence halls
are also equipped with wireless network connections. All residents are expected to
abide by the WCU Computer Policy, found at https://policy52.wcu.edu. For additional information or problem resolution, residents may contact Student
Computing or the Computer Center Help-Line (828-227-7487).
Please do not use the Wi-Fi option on printers.
While the University provides anti-virus and spyware blocking programs, it is the
student’s responsibility to keep their copies up to date and his/her computer(s) scanned and
virus and spyware free. Infected computers will be remotely disconnected from the
campus network to protect other campus computers, and not reconnected until the computer
is repaired.
Elevators
Report all problems with elevators immediately to a Residential Living staff member.
In the unlikely event a resident is stuck in an elevator:
Energy Conservation
We are committed to raising awareness about the ecological and economic benefits of
conserving energy and reducing energy consumption on campus. Please participate by
following these simple tips.
Guests
A “guest” is defined as a person present in a particular residence hall or residence
hall room with the consent of a hosting resident of that hall or room. Student living in WCU
residence halls only have access to the specific residential space to which they are
assigned and are considered guests in all other residential communities. A resident
should consult with roommate(s) and/or suitemate(s) before inviting a guest to their
space and should have approval from the roommate(s) for all guests. All residence
halls have 24-hour visitation. Each resident is allowed to host 2 guests in the Residence
Hall at a time.
Roommate(s) and suitemate(s) should outline in their Roommate agreement guest expectations
and preferences. Roommate Agreements may be amended as needed with the agreement of
each resident. If there is a concern or problem, it is the responsibility of the roommate
to bring it to the attention of their roommate(s) or suitemate(s). If the concerns
are not resolved, it is the responsibility of the roommate who is concerned with the
situation to enlist the aid of the Residential Living staff to assist in resolving
the concern.
Half Empty Rooms
Students living in a double room without a roommate and who do not purchase the room
as a private room must only occupy half of the room. This means that the second desk,
dresser, wardrobe/closet and bed must be clear in order to accommodate another student
at any time. Staff members will periodically check the condition of half empty rooms.
Any student found to be occupying an entire room will face disciplinary measures,
including a $75 dollar charge. Following the first offense, students will have one week to correct the issue before
a staff member re-inspects that room. If the student is found to be still occupying
the entire room, he/she will then be required to move to another half empty room or
purchase the room as a private.
Hall Offices
Residence hall offices are staffed each day by residence life staff, Resident Assistants,
Graduate Community Coordinators, or Area Coordinators. If you need assistance, stop
by your hall office during the posted hours or call your RA, Graduate Community Coordinator,
or Area Coordinator. Resident Assistants are available at other times in their rooms.
Housing Accommodations
Western Carolina University does not have a separate admissions process for students
with disabilities. All applicants must meet the criteria for admission to WCU. Admissions
decisions are made without regard to disabilities.
Housing assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. Electronic Residence
Hall Agreements are available at http://onlinehousing.wcu.edu. Also, information regarding the features and floor plan of each residence hall is
available at https://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/PDFs/RoomLayouts.pdf. A $300 non-refundable enrollment deposit is required for incoming students and a
$150 non-refundable housing deposit is required for returning students is required
with the application.
Applicants who require special housing accommodations for medical reasons should complete
the Request for Housing Accommodations form. This process starts by completing a Request
for Housing Accommodations through the Office of Accessibility Resources. Students
will be directed to complete additional forms and submit appropriate documents as
requested through the Accessibility Resources portal.
The request for housing accommodations form for the next academic year must be submitted
prior to June 1. Any request form received after June 1 will be assigned on a space
available basis.
Those students who need a personal attendant to live in or nearby should indicate
this on the application so that at the time of room assignment, special accommodations
can be considered. Accessible features and facilities vary in each hall. Students
should request additional information from Residential Living and visit the halls
to evaluate the facilities that best fit their needs before listing their housing
preferences on the application.
Rooms have been adapted in all residence halls to offer a variety of campus housing
to students who have disability related needs.
It is important for students, with disabilities, who are transitioning from high school
to college to understand their rights and responsibilities. Please refer to this website:
http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/transition.html.
Insurance
The university does not assume any legal obligation to pay for the loss of or damage
to residents’ personal property; nor does it provide insurance for residents’ personal belongings. Students are encouraged to keep valuable items off the floor
to minimize any possible water damage. We recommend that residents who desire insurance
coverage check with their insurance companies about coverage through homeowner’s policies or seek renter’s insurance.
Students who have property damaged because of negligence on the part of the University
may submit a tort claim to the State of North Carolina to request payment for the
property. To find detailed information on this policy or to request a Tort Claim Form,
please contact the Safety and Risk Management office at 828-227-7443.
Keys
It is important to take all of your keys with you at all times. Exterior entry doors
will be locked at all times and will require your CatCard to gain access. If you find
yourself locked out of your room, contact a Residential Living staff member to unlock
your door for you. Report all lost keys to a Residential Living staff member as soon
as possible.
Laundry
Each residence hall has a laundry room equipped with washers and dryers. These facilities
are for residents only. Students should not leave personal items unattended in the
laundry room, as the University cannot be responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged
clothing/items. It’s a good idea to set a timer on your phone so you can be reminded when your laundry is done. Please
note that all washers are HE front load machines, and therefore, only require a small
amount of laundry detergent. Please follow usage instructions placed in laundry rooms
and on detergent bottles. Should you have problems with a machine, notify a staff
member immediately and post an "Out of Order" sign on the machine.
Lockouts
Residents are issued room keys when they check in and are expected to be responsible
for those keys. If you are locked out of your room, you may wait for your roommate to return
or find an RA to assist you. You must show identification and sign the lock out documentation
form before a staff member will let you into the room. You will be charged an administrative
cost of $10 each time a staff member lets you into your room, beginning with the first
lockout.
Mail
United States mail is collected and distributed to the Student Mail Center, located
in A.K. Hinds University Center, Monday through Friday, and delivered to each resident’s mailbox before the end of the day. If you do not receive your mail key at move-in, during your first week on campus you
should stop by the Student Mail Center to receive it. To ensure that your mail reaches
you as quickly as possible, make sure that correspondents have your correct address
and zip code. This is the proper format for your residence hall address:
Your Name
245 Memorial Drive Suite
Cullowhee, NC 28723
If you have a mail problem, speak with someone in the Student Mail Center between
10:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please note that during the summer
sessions mail is not delivered to the individual boxes. Students may pick up their
mail from the Student Mail Center during designated times.
UPS/Federal Express and most USPS packages should be picked up at the Student Mail
Center between 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. U.S. Mail packages that
are insured or classified as Priority Mail can be picked up at the Cullowhee Post
Office. In all cases, proper student identification must be shown.
You will receive e-mail notification, via your Catamount e-mail account, for any packages
received in the Student Mail Center. Therefore, it will be your responsibility to
check your Catamount account regularly or forward that e-mail account to another account.
In addition, please check your “Clutter” folder regularly for notifications automatically directed
there. When checking out of the residence hall, please complete a Mail Forwarding
Address Card to ensure your mail is forwarded to you. You will also need to return
your mailbox key to the Mail Center to avoid a key replacement charge.
Meal Plans
University policy requires students who live in a residence hall to purchase a meal
plan from the available plans each semester. First-year residential students must choose from either
the Unlimited Premium or Unlimited Basic plans. For complete details about Catamount
Dining, please visit https://westerncarolina.campusdish.com/.
Off Campus Partners
The Student Affairs Division has entered into an agreement with Off Campus Partners
to list off-campus housing opportunities. Off-Campus Partners provides a site to link
potential tenants with potential landlords/property managers. Users are provided with
a variety of online services, including but not limited to the capability to search
a database of off-campus properties, to post properties for rent or sale and to post
and search messages on message boards. The link to this service is available at: http://www.wcu.edu/offcampus/.
Prohibited Items:
** This list is not all-inclusive. If you have an item you’d like to ask about specifically not listed on the to bring or not to bring lists, please contact the Department
of Residential Living at: housingquestions@wcu.edu or via phone at: 828.227.7303.
Private Rooms
If double rooms are available to be purchased as private rooms, Residents wishing
to have a private room may meet with the Room Assignments Coordinator. Requests will be honored
if space is available. Residents must sign a Private Room Contract, indicating agreement
to occupy the room as a private room for the academic year or remaining portion thereof,
and to pay the fees indicated on the contract.
Residents may be assigned a temporary roommate at the beginning of the semester, based
on space limitations. Temporary roommates will be assigned to permanent space as soon
as possible. If a temporary roommate is in a private room for more than a reasonable
period of time, a prorated refund will be due to the private room resident.
Recycling
Glass, plastic, aluminum, cardboard, and paper recycling bins are located in specific
areas outside of each residence hall near the dumpsters. Residents are encouraged
to use the bins to dispose of all aluminum drink cans and paper products. Tons of
recyclables can be diverted from the Jackson County waste stream if taken into the
Facilities Management recycling program. Please do your part for the environment.
Recycle!
Re-keys
If your key has been misplaced, you will be charged $105.00 to replace it. A rekey
is submitted by making an online maintenance request. The key will be available for
pick up at residential living between 4:30 and 5 PM. If you’re unable to make it the key will be with your
RA on duty after 8 PM. You will only be able to pick up your key. Your roommate must pick up
their own.
Repairs
Should you become aware of a maintenance problem related to your room or a public
area within the residence hall, please report the problem immediately using the following
method. Submit an online maintenance report. Online maintenance requests may be made
by going to https://housing.wcu.edu, and selecting "Service Request" on the right
side of the page.
Please describe the problem as specifically as possible. Urgent or emergency repairs
should be reported immediately to a residence hall staff member or to Residential
Living (828-227-7303).
Residence Hall Agreement
The following information responds to some of the common questions residents have
regarding the Residence Hall Agreement. Please keep in mind that this section addresses some,
not all, of the stated agreement terms. Residents should refer to the Residence Hall
Agreement for complete details.
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 an
$1,000 housing cancellation fee. First-year students who must meet the residency requirement
outlined in University Policy 96 but who do not complete a Residence Hall Agreement will be assigned a room and meal
plan for the full academic year. Per University Policy 96, students completing their
first year will be expected to go through Residential Living’s Room Selection Process to choose a room
for their second year. Those students subject to the second year of residency who do not go
through the Room Selection Process but have paid a housing deposit and submitted a
completed Residence Hall Agreement will be assigned a room and a meal plan. Those
students enrolled and subject to a second year of residency per the policy who do
not pay a housing deposit and/or submit a completed Residence Hall Agreement will
be assessed $2,500.00 on their student account. The Department of Residential Living
must be notified of cancellations in writing and with appropriate documentation.
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.
Dependent children.
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 Director of Residential
Operations in the Department of Residential Living, who will then render a decision
based on the information provided. If the student wishes to appeal the ruling, the
student must submit a letter of appeal to the Residential Living Appeals Board for
review at their next scheduled meeting. The Director of Residence Life chairs the
Appeals Board. The Appeals Board membership includes student, faculty, and staff representatives.
Rulings of Residential Living Appeals Board are final. The only issue to be considered in any appeal at any level is whether the individual’s appeal
request fits the criteria listed above.
The University reserves the right to cancel an Agreement if a resident poses a problem
to the interest, order, health, discipline, or general well-being of other members
of the residential community or University.
The University reserves the right to make all assignments and reassignments as necessary, including temporary accommodations during breaks and holidays.
Room Changes
Room, roommate, or building changes can take place beginning on August 28, 2023, during
the fall semester and January 23, 2024, during the spring semester. This waiting period
is necessary for Residential Living to verify which students have moved in for the
semester.
Residents who are changing rooms must officially check out of the current room and
residence hall, if changing buildings, and check into the new room. Any questions
about the moving process should be directed to your Area Coordinator, Graduate Community
Coordinator or Associate Director of Residence Life. Students who are housed in Albright-Benton, Black Rock, Harrill, Shining Rock, and
Water Rock will only be permitted to make room changes within and between those buildings.
Room Selection
Room selection for the following academic year will take place during spring semester.
(For example: Room selection for the academic year 2024-2025 will take place early
in spring semester 2024.) Detailed information will be distributed to all residents
and posted in all residence halls. Students will be permitted to select their roommate,
residence hall and room on a space available basis.
A non-refundable housing deposit of $150 must be paid and a Residence Hall Agreement
(which is valid for the entire academic year) must be electronically signed and submitted
to the Residential Living office before a room may be selected.
The Residence Hall Agreement for the subsequent year may be canceled without penalty
(other than loss of the non-refundable housing deposit) if the student making the
application cancels before June 1 (for the following fall semester). Those canceling
after June 1 will be considered in violation of contract and will be responsible for
the $1,000 housing cancellation fee.
All regular room changes will begin to take place during a designated time around the second week of classes each semester. Specific dates will be posted in each residence hall. The Room Assignments Coordinator must approve all room changes. Residents who make unauthorized room changes will be assessed a $50 charge.
Roommates
The foundation of a residence hall community is built from positive roommate relationships.
Roommate relationships require common courtesy, consideration, understanding, and
the time that any friendship requires. Roommates who are not accustomed to sharing
a room or whose lifestyles are completely different can live together happily, if
they arewilling to communicate, compromise, and respect the other’s space.
Tips for cultivating positive relationships and resolving problems include:
Completing the "Roommate Agreement" and “Suitemate Agreement” if applicable
Openly communicating concerns
Giving constructive criticism
Being willing to hear constructive criticism
Being willing to meet halfway/compromise
A roommate relationship is a shared responsibility, with both individuals contributing positively to the relationship. If a problem occurs between roommates and cannot be resolved, it is recommended that a neutral party be asked to mediate the situation. RAs or other staff members may serve as mediators, allowing roommates to speak freely, with respect, to resolve differences. In the event a mediator is unable to assist in resolving a conflict, a room change may be granted.
Storage
Storage is not available in the residence halls (including the storage of residence
hall room furniture to make room for other furniture). Residents who need to store items should
make arrangements with a local storage company. All room furniture should remain in
the room and must be in the room at checkout, to avoid charges. Personal items and
room furniture may not be stored in hallways, stairwells, closets, alcoves, or other
public space.
Residents may not leave or store belongings in the residence halls between spring
semester and summer session or between summer session and fall semester.
Summer School Housing
Residents planning to live on campus while attending summer school need to complete
a summer Residence Hall Agreement. For more information about summer housing, speak
with the Room Assignments Coordinator in Residential Living, or call 828-227-7303.
Withdrawal from the University
Students withdrawing from the University should complete the appropriate paperwork
with the Office of Student Retention, located on the first floor of Killian Annex
Building, and make arrangements to move out of residence halls within 24 hours.
Consolidation
When vacancies occur in double occupancy rooms during the academic year, the University reserves the right to reassign residents to consolidate occupancy. Residents wishing
to retain private rooms should notify the Room Assignments Coordinator. Requests will
be granted if space is available. Residents are required to sign a Private Room Contract
and pay the additional private room fee. Residents who are not interested in obtaining
private rooms may be assigned a roommate or be assigned to a new location. Any student
with an empty space in his/her room must keep half of the room, including one bed,
desk, dresser/wardrobe/closet clean and empty in preparation for a roommate to move
in.
Living-Learning Communities
In a Living-Learning Community (LLC), students are organized into learning cohorts
that appeal to their interests and live alongside one another in designated wings
throughout our residence halls. The integration of learning in both the classroom
and residential community is supported collaboratively by faculty and Residence Life
staff to foster a greater sense of community through the exploration of a shared theme.
Students enrolled in one of our special interest communities will see their theme
reflected on their residence hall floor as we believe the power of learning transcends
the classroom space and these cohorts will therefore have targeted support from their
Resident Assistant (RA) that aligns with their LLC interest area. These courses, housed
within the Leadership Minor, are designed to assist students in transitioning to university
life by providing a balance of challenge and support as they learn about campus and
community resources aimed at student success.
* Those denotated as a Themed Community instead of LLC follow a similar model with a shared interested in a theme within a designated space within a residence hall, however these students
rely on experiential learning outside of the classroom to explore their theme versus
enrolling in a course together.
** Denotes a separate application process
Participation in any of the LLCs or themed communities designates your housing assignment
to better foster a sense of community outside of the classroom that is characteristic
of this unique opportunity. If you are interested in being a part of one of our communities,
please work with your academic advisor to enroll in the course that aligns with your
interest area. LLCs and Themed Communities offered for 2022 – 2023 include:
o BandofBrothers–LLC
This community focuses on leadership and the exploration of their personal selves
through the thematic lens of masculinity, manhood, and brotherhood. Students are provided
opportunities to engage in reflection, express emotions in an appropriate manner,
and rely on one another for support toward reaching and utilizing their potential. There will also be focus given to raising awareness of men’s issues, among
others, in the campus community and to explore the bonds that are created between
men.
o Call Me MiSTER – *Themed Community
The purpose of the Call me MiSTER (Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role
Models) at WCU is to increase the pool of available teachers from diverse backgrounds
in the Western Carolina region and across the state of North Carolina. With racially
and ethnically diverse students emerging as the majority population in our public
schools, it is vital that students see teachers that look like them in their public-school
buildings and classrooms. Each Call Me Mister cohort is comprised of 3-5 male students
from racially or ethnically diverse backgrounds and MiSTERs must be interested in
pursuing a degree in Elementary, Inclusive, or Middle Grades Education. Students interested
in this opportunity should reach out to the Program Director, Dr. Charmion Rush, or
visit https://go.wcu.edu/cmm for more information. **
o Cultural Competency – LLC
Students are provided experiences to explore their personal selves in relation to
concepts of cultural competency and social justice. Students in this community are
challenged to look at the world through different eyes and think critically about
differences they see. Topics such as diversity, civic engagement, globalization, and
personal responsibility are explored.
o Global Awareness & Citizenship – LLC
Students in this community will be looking at culture and its powerful impact on our
lives and perceptions. They will discuss crossing cultures and how to be mindful and
open to new learning in that journey. They will consider what it means to have a global
worldview. The aim of this community is to develop an awareness of the realities,
opportunities, and complexities of the world outside of the United States and to explore
the bonds that are created between those of different nationalities and global identities.
o GoingGlobal!–*ThemedCommunity
The Going Global! themed community is open to students from the U.S. and around the
world who want to think globally while connecting locally. Students will be enriched
in this internationally focused environment through a combination of global engagement
programming, interactive cultural experience, and community service. A variety of
activities will be offered, and student input and engagement are expected. This community
will explore international movies, community service, cooking and cuisine, coffee
hours, and much more! Campus globalization activities will be centered around the
UN Sustainable Development Goals (https://sdgs.un.org/goals).
o GoingGreen–LLC
This community examines the principles of leadership through the thematic lens of
sustainability. Students examine concepts of sustainable development and global climate
change evaluating the ecological, social, and economic impacts in our society and
beyond. There will be opportunities to begin raising awareness on environmental issues,
among others, in the campus community and to explore environmental activism.
o FreshmanLeadershipInitiative–LLC
This community is intended to serve students who apply to participate in the Freshman
Leadership Initiative (FLI). The goal of this community is to provide a brief introduction
to widely known leadership theories using an interdisciplinary model. In addition
to being matched with an upperclassmen leader through the FLI Mentoring Program, ss
a member of FLI, students will participate in campus events, community engagement,
and other opportunities to help develop their leadership potential while contributing
to the WCU community. FLI operates on a 3-tiered program focused on Living, Learning,
and Leading. Those interested in learning more should contact Leslie Cavin in the
Department for Campus Activities. **
o SecretsofPowerfulWomen–LLC
This community uses the frame of femininity, sisterhood, and womanhood to examine
the relationship between friendship and women’s empowerment. Students will explore their personal strengths, skills, and values that will prepare them to be an active
participant throughout their holistic career at WCU. Students will explore opportunities
to express emotion in an appropriate manner and in a setting where individuals rely
on one another for support towards reaching and utilizing their full potential. There
will be opportunities to begin raising awareness of women’s issues, among others, in the campus community and to explore the bonds that are created between women.
o Whee Teach – LLC
This community is for future teachers and explored what it means to be a leader in
the classroom and the field of education. This community is also an Academic Learning
Community which enrolls students in a shared class in both the fall and spring semesters.
**
Residence Halls
There are seventeen (17) buildings that make up the Western Carolina University residential
campus. Each building has its own special appeal, offering a different community and
amenities based on building structure and student experiences or needs. For detailed
information about each residence hall, please visit our residence hall pages.
All residence halls at Western Carolina University are smoke-free facilities. Smoking is not allowed in any part of any residence hall per state law. Smoking is not allowed within 50 feet of any University facility.
Residential Living Records. The Department of Residential Living maintains all student records in compliance with FERPA and University Policy 108.
Check In
Residents checking into a residence hall should report to the location designated
in your assignments email, where a staff member will issue your keys. Each resident
must complete their review of the Room Condtition Report (RCR) within five days from
check-in. Residents who fail to acknowledge will forfeit all rights to appeal any
changes to their RCR and thus agree to all conditions at check-in time. The resident
understands any changes to the condition of the room during the time of occupancy
are his or her responsibility, and the resident will be held responsible for any additional
damages, missing items, necessary cleaning, or room key(s) that are not returned.
Any resident moving into a residence hall before the official move-in begins, each
semester, will be assessed $30 per day, unless the resident is required to arrive
early due to an approved University function. If a resident arrives without approval
there will be an additional $20 charge.
Check Out
Residents must check out with a staff member when moving out of the residence halls
or complete an express checkout. All personal belongings should be moved out of rooms
prior to official checkout. All university furniture must be in rooms and set up as
it was upon check-in, and keys must be turned in. Any damages o rmissing items will
be noted on the Room Condition Report (RCR), and the student’s account will be assessed for such items.
Residents should ensure that the following are complete at checkout:
Make sure room is clean and properly assembled, including floors, walls, counter and desktops, and all furniture.
During final exam week, residents are expected to check out of residence hall rooms within 24 hours of their last final exam. Residence halls close, for most students, at 5 p.m. on the last day of exams. Students who are scheduled to take a late final examination on the last day of exams are permitted to remain in the residence halls until 9:00 a.m. on the following Saturday.
Graduating seniors and students participating in graduation will be permitted to remain
in the residencehallsaftertheofficialclosingdate,butmustnotifybuildingstaffmembers.
All residence halls will be closed by 6:00 p.m. on the Saturday following exams. All
students needing to remain past this time must receive approval, at least one week
in advance, from the Area Coordinator or Graduate Community Coordinator.
A resident officially withdrawing from the university must check out with a Residential Living staff member or complete an express checkout within 24 hours after withdrawal.
Disposition of Student Property
If a student abandons his/her property in a residence hall area the Department of
Residential Living is not responsible for lost or unattended property. Residential
Living staff will dispose of abandoned/unattended property consistent with WCU policies
and procedures. If a student’s property is left unattended due to illness or death, Residential Living will work
with the student’s designated emergency contact on record in WCU systems or with an appropriate
individual producing a valid power-of-attorney or similar documentation. Students
are encouraged to keep their emergency contact information current.
Express Checkout
Express checkout procedures provide flexibility and save time at the end of each semester.
This option allows residents to check out of residence hall rooms at any time of day
or night prior to the residence hall checkout deadline. Beginning the week before
final exams, residents may pick up an Express Checkout key envelope from the express
checkout box of their residence hall, or a see their Area Coordinator or Graduate
Community Coordinator, or the front desk in the Department of Residential Living.
Residents choosing the Express Checkout option should:
Residence hall staff will check each resident’s room at a later time. Residents will be responsible for any damages to the room
or furnishings that were not previously recorded on the Room Condition Report. Residents
choosing Express Checkout may not appeal damage charges. If there are concerns related to the condition of your room,
Residential Living encourages you to check out through a staff member.
Room Condition Report
The Room Condition Report (RCR) is an electronic form that indicates the condition of the resident’s room prior to occupancy. Prior to check-in, each resident will receive an email copy of their RCR which will need to be reviewed. The resident should carefully and thoroughly examine his or her room and record any discrepancies. It is the resident’s responsibility to notify the Area Coordinator or Graduate Community Coordinator within 24 hours of check-in if there are any discrepancies or repairs that need to be made to the room or items in the room.
Once repairs are made, the RA will make corrections on the RCR. When a resident checks
out of the residence hall, a staff member will use the RCR to again check the condition
of the room. The resident will be billed for any damages that have occurred to the
room during the resident’s occupancy. If ownership of damage cannot be determined, the charge will be divided
between roommates/suitemates. The process to appeal any charges will be provided to
all students billed for damages.
Break Closing
During the December break, all residence halls must be vacated. During this time,
the University
shuts down its physical operations to a maintenance level only, including heat, steam,
hot water, and electricity. Residents who need to stay in Cullowhee during the break
should make arrangements for off-campus housing. Residents are encouraged to take
valuables, including needed medications, home during the break, but other items may
remain in rooms. Residential Living staff will inspect all rooms during the December
break. Unsanitary conditions, violations of University or Residential Living policies,
and safety problems will be documented, and residents will be notified of such problems
and expected to resolve them. Additionally, any condition or violation subject to
the Code of Student Conduct will be handled accordingly.
Residents should ensure that the following tasks are completed before leaving for December break:
Clean, defrost, and unplug refrigerators.
Unplug all appliances, including fish tanks, computers and phone chargers.
Leave the heat ON.
Close and lock all windows.
Remove items from floor.
Empty all trash.
Take all valuables and money with you.
Turn off all lights, close blinds, and lock door.
If leaving the residence hall permanently, check out with an RA or complete an express
checkout.
Most students who live in our residence halls will have a roommate. Sharing a room with another person is similar to any other relationship; to be successful it requires openness, flexibility, and respect. Right from the beginning, it is very important to communicate openly with your roommate.
Learning to live with another person, to acknowledge and respect each others differences, and to allow one another the space to grow are some of the most valuable parts of the residential experience.
Your enjoyment of campus life will depend, to a great extent, on the thoughtful consideration you demonstrate for your roommate and your neighbors.
Prior to move in, talk to your roommate:
As a new student, we highly recommend that you and your roommate complete a Roommate Agreement form soon after your arrival to campus. We encourage all residents to take this seriously, as it lays the foundations and groundwork for boundaries within your living space. It also assists you in discussing concepts that you may not have thought about prior to coming to college and sharing a room.
Basic responsibilities and rights of students living on campus: