Western Carolina University is equipped to assist WCU students with resources. We have included several departments that we oftentimes interact with that can assist students with getting back on their feet if they have been a victim of a crime.
*Each department has an indicator as to whether they are required to report crimes to WCU Police Department or if they are a confidential source.
A Title IX Coordinator is an individual that ensures that no one is discriminated against based on sex. This includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, etc. When WCU PD receives a report involving an incident that involves a Title IX response, we will forward that report on to their office for their outreach. The Title IX office has a University Investigator that investigates these incidents that occur on campus. The Title IX office can investigate Title IX complaints for students as well as WCU faculty and staff.
The Title IX Coordinator, Deidre Hopkins, can be reached via telephone at 828.227.7116 or online at safe.wcu.edu or legal.wcu.edu.
*Members of the Title IX Office are CSA’s and must report Clery crimes that occur on WCU’s campus to WCU PD.
WCU’s Dean of Students acts as a support for our students as they navigate their way through WCU. The Dean of Students ensures that WCU students have resources to help them thrive at Western. The Student Emergency Fund can be found through the Dean of Student’s website.
The Dean of Students Unit is located at 227 HF Robinson Administration Building. They can be reached via telephone at 828.227.7147, email at DOS@wcu.edu or visit them online at dos.wcu.edu.
*The Dean of Students is a CSA and must report Clery crimes on WCU’s campus to WCU PD.
Submit a Student Affairs report at dsa.wcu.edu/report
Intracultural Affairs (ICA) aims to create an environment where differing identities, backgrounds, and viewpoints are affirmed, valued, and celebrated. ICA can act as a resource to help students get involved with other students that may have differing backgrounds than them. With a newly designed hangout space, students can do homework, play games, or even nap in between classes.
ICA can be found at 227 AK Hinds University Center (across from the mailroom) by telephone at 828.227.2276 or visiting ica.wcu.edu.
*Members of the ICA office are CSA’s and must report Clery crimes that occur on WCU’s campus to WCU PD.
Residential Case Managers (RCM)’s are unique positions that serve as resources to resident students and are able to assist students with a variety of issues and connect students with resources to help them thrive at WCU. RCM’s can act as a mentor to students who may just want to have laidback conversations with a professional staff member at WCU to discuss ongoing personal or academic challenges.
*Residential Case Managers are CSA’s and must report Clery crimes that occur on WCU’s campus to WCU PD.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers free counseling to WCU students. If you are a survivor of a crime, lots of different things could be going through your mind, which is a perfectly normal response. CAPS can offer some assistance in making sense of what you are thinking and how you are feeling and to help process those emotions.
CAPS is located upstairs in the Bird Building and can be reached at 828.227.7469 or visit them online at caps.wcu.edu.
*CAPS is a confidential source (with the exception of children and vulnerable adults) and can help you file a police report when you feel you are ready.
Health Services offers accessible and affordable health care to WCU students addressing the majority of personal health care needs. In the event of a sexual assault, Health Services may be a good option for your health care needs. Although they do not perform the sexual assault exam, they are able to provide STI testing and treatment during your visit with the health care provider. They also have over the counter Plan B for purchase from the front desk (no appointment is necessary for these). Health Services can also refer patients to the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE) at Harris Regional Hospital. Health Services can also offer follow up for repeat testing and ongoing concerns if needed after an initial forensic evaluation through the SANE program.
Health Services is located downstairs in the Bird Building and can be reached at 828.227.7640 or visit them online at healthservices.wcu.edu.
*Health Services is a confidential source (with the exception of children and vulnerable adults) and can help you file a police report when you feel you are ready.
The Office of Accessibility Resources provides campus-wide accessibility services and reasonable accommodations for eligible students. WCU PD can assist in connecting students with OAR if students feel that they may be experiencing a disability brought on by a victimization.
OAR can be reached by telephone at 828.227.3886, going by their office at Killian Annex Suite 137, or by emailing accessibility@wcu.edu
*Members of the OAR office are CSA’s and must report Clery crimes that occur on WCU’s campus to WCU PD.
You may determine that you feel most comfortable around students of a similar interest as you. Using the Engage website will allow you to search through various Student Recognized Organizations (SROs) based on Category. A spiritual leader or a member of a cultural club may be a way to connect with students.
Campus Activities is located on the 2nd floor of the UC or online at dca.wcu.edu.
To find an organization to become a part of, visit engage.wcu.edu.
*Presidents and Advisors of SROs are CSA's and must report Clery crimes taht occur on WCU's campus to WCU PD.
Although HomeBase is not technically a part of the University, it is still located right next to Western’s property and only serves WCU students. HomeBase can provide lodging and has a pantry with food and household necessities such as laundry detergent and hygiene products.
*HomeBase is not affiliated with WCU and is therefore not a CSA. They can help you file a police report when you feel you are ready.