Goal 2.1: Perspectives of Others
Create opportunities for students to explore points of view on different issues and
to understand the perspectives of others through civil and informed discourse and
debate.
- 2.1.1: Create opportunities for students to explore points of view on different issues
and to understand the perspectives of others through civil and informed discourse
and debate utilizing campus partners (i.e., Department of Campus Activities, Center
for Community Engagement & Service Learning, DegreePlus, etc.).
- 2.1.2: Create and track opportunities for student membership and leadership on institutional
decision-making committees and organizations.
- 2.1.3: Implement diversity and inclusion initiatives to enhance students' understanding
of other ethnicities and cultures.
- 2.1.4: Leverage intercollegiate athletics to instill pride among students, faculty, staff,
alumni, and friends of the University.
Goal 2.2 – Institutional Pride
Instill institutional pride through more visible recognition and celebration of university
achievements and traditions.
- 2.2.1: Create experiences that strengthen students' connection to their university and
emphasize engagement with alumni, friends, and faculty and staff of the University
as students prepare for a professional career.
- 2.2.2: Build and sustain educational programs that recognize, respect, and celebrate Western
North Carolina culture, Appalachian Studies, and Global Black Studies including Cherokee
history and traditions.
Goal 2.3: Career Exploration and Skills
Create opportunities for skill development and career exploration through involvement
in experiential activities.
- 2.3.1: Expand the utilization of the DegreePlus and other programs that promote transferable
skill development for students.
- 2.3.2: Promote student engagement in high-impact practices connected to professional development
such as undergraduate research, service-learning, internships, and study abroad.
- 2.3.3: Develop co-curricular experiences that enhance classroom learning and professional
development.
- 2.3.4: Identify and promote existing opportunities at WCU, the WNC region, and North Carolina,
where DegreePlus students can engage in reflection and articulation (e.g., DegreePlus
Level 3 Experiences) related to inclusivity.
Goal 2.4: Wellbeing and Full Potential
Create avenues to empower students to achieve their best possible wellbeing and cultivate
a campus environment in which students can reach their full potential in all facets
of their lives, both in and out of the classroom.
- 2.4.1: Create and implement programs that embrace the elements of wellness to build and
sustain a collaborative, comprehensive framework approach, with innovative strategies
for engagement to help students be healthy and well. Programs will offer awareness
of the scope of services provided by WCU to our faculty, staff, and students through
knowledge of resources, facilitating discussions regarding wellness, and making referrals
to the appropriate offices.
- 2.4.2: Utilizing the elements of wellness (environmental, social, intellectual, spiritual,
occupational, physical, and emotional) as a comprehensive framework approach to increase
cross-campus awareness of current programs, services, and resources that support and
assist students in engaging in a holistic, total college experience.
Goal 2.5: Sense of Belonging
Create opportunities that increase a student's ability to find their sense of belonging
- 2.5.1: Provide programs and initiatives, both formally and informally, for students living
off-campus and on campus in residence halls designed to create a sense of belonging
among incoming and continuing students. Programs and initiatives include but are not
limited to student clubs, student organizations, campus events, Greek Life, and major/disciplinary
events. Increased campus events (face-to-face and virtual) can increase the opportunities
for all WCU students to improve their engagement with the institution.
- 2.5.2: Create a plan to gather data on sense of belonging from graduating students.