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Table of Contents

Tours

  1. Student Life on Campus

    Explore beyond the classroom with over 170 student organizations, 50+ club and intramural sports and miles of hiking and biking trails.

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    1. Office of Undergraduate Admissions

      Welcome to the virtual tour of our beautiful campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina, just over 50 miles west of Asheville.

      Our 600-acre mountain campus is surrounded by one of the most biodiverse regions in the state that provides students unparalleled learning and adventure opportunities.
      Named the #1 Outdoor Adventure School, our Cullowhee campus' proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park provides research and discovery access for a wide variety of programs.

    2. Alumni Tower, Central Quad, and Fountain Area

      Located in the heart of campus is the Alumni Tower. Built in 1989 to commemorate the 100-year anniversary of the University, the Alumni is an iconic symbol for students and alumni alike.

      In front of the Alumni Tower, students can be found year-round at the Catafount. The Catafount is a prime location for student life and entertainment. To kick off each fall semester, a festival known as Valley Ballyhoo takes place with music, food vendors, outdoor activities, student organizations and community partners.

      This area is also a place with a lot of activity such as free movies, foam parties, the homecoming festival, concerts, and so much more.

    3. Living on Campus: Residence Halls

      Living on campus is an important experience for students, and at WCU we have 13 different housing options for our students. Residential Living offers a variety of programs and events specifically designed to promote student success. Explore more about life on campus.

      Our Living Learning Communities encourage learning both in and out of the classroom. Western Carolina PEAKS is our residential first-year experience for freshmen. PEAKS is a caring community that provides new students with a strong foundation for their academic career at WCU.

    4. Dining on Campus: Courtyard Hall and Brown Hall

      There are a variety of unique dining locations and familiar favorites across campus that will fit any mood that strikes you.

      Courtyard Dining Hall is located off the central plaza. The first floor includes:

      • Chick-Fil-A
      • Freshens 
      • Starbucks
      • POD Market
      • Comfort Corner
      • Moe’s Southwestern Grill
      • Panda Express
      • Which Wich Superior Sandwich.

      The second floor of Courtyard features many buffet style options such as a grill station, pizzeria, salad bar, homestyle station, international station, gluten free and vegetarian options. There is also a desert bar with soft serve ice-cream!

      The Lodge at Brown Hall is located on near historic Upper Campus and set-up as a one entry per swipe location with a variety of menu items for Lunch and Dinner, Monday-Friday. When visiting the Lodge, don’t forget to take advantage of the different seating areas on the third floor of Brown Hall. You can enjoy your meal in front of the fireplace, on the rooftop terrace, or even out on the plaza!


      Steak N’ Shake       and Starbucks are located on the third floor of Brown Hall and there is a POD Market on the first floor.

    5. Reid Gymnasium and Swimming Pool

      Inside of Reid Gymnasium, there are basketball courts in which the first ever 3-point shot in College basketball history was made by WCU Alum Ronnie Carr. There is also a pool open to students for swimming, Aqua Zumba, and Adult/Children’s Swim Classes.

      The Center for Career and Professional Development is located on the back side of Reid Gymnasium. They assist students in building resumes, cover letters, finding jobs, and helping practice mock interviews. This support is available to students as well as alumni.

    6. Campus Recreation Center, BaseCamp Cullowhee and Intramural Sports

      The Campus Recreation Center is your source for everything from fitness & wellness, to club and intramural sports, and outdoor adventure programs. Students are able to find their next outdoor adventure at WCU with the help of our BaseCamp Cullowhee. WCU has been named Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine for over five years.

    7. A.K. Hinds University Center

      The University Center, or U.C., is the at the center of campus. Inside you'll find the student post office, movie theatre, lounges, and meeting rooms.

      The UC is also the home for the Department of Campus Activities, Greek Student Engagement & Development, Intercultural Affairs, Student Government Association, as well as many other student organizations.

    8. Coulter Building and the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band

    9. University Bookstore and Catamount Clothing and Gifts

      Not just for textbooks, the WCU Bookstore has everything a Catamount could want: class supplies, WCU gear, gifts, snacks, and more.

      Be sure to check out your text book options with the WCU Book Rental Program.

    10. The Village, Greek Life and Themed Communities

      Home to many of WCU's organizations and living communities, The Village houses 250 men and women.

      There are six "buildings" with each building being comprised of several single houses.Rooms are double occupancy and each has Its own private bath. The Commons Building has laundry, study space, vending as well as the volleyball and basketball courts.

    11. Health Services, and Counseling and Psychological Services in Bird Building

      Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are located in the Bird Building.

      Health Services is here to meet the healthcare needs of our academic community and to enhance the physical, psychological, environmental and health education needs of our campus.

      CAPS has a strong commitment to meeting the needs of our diverse students by providing high quality, culturally sensitive services. We strive to create a welcoming environment for all people.

    12. “Downtown” Cullowhee

      Located on the ground floor of Noble Residence Hall, students will find a variety of shops and restaurants to choose from including Chili’s!

    13. Athletics and E.J. Whitmire Stadium

      WCU is one of only two schools in the nation to feature Catamounts as our athletic mascot. As a member of the Southern Conference, our athletic teams participate in a wide variety of NCAA sanctioned events. We look forward to seeing you in the stands cheering on our Catamount athletes all year long. Go Cats!