Diversity Profile
Western Carolina University is committed to the total development and well-being of all members of the University community - students, faculty, staff, and the public. In support of this commitment, Equal Opportunity Programs works to ensure that the University is free of discrimination and harassment in its workplace and classrooms.
The purpose of these programs is to help develop, implement, and monitor the university's equal opportunity policies, including those relating to non-discrimination and affirmative action, and to ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and university statutes and policies. More about these programs here.
Western Carolina University's Policy Statement on Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity:
Western Carolina University is committed to the principle that educational and employment decisions should be based on an individual’s abilities and qualifications regardless of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, age, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation , veteran status, disability, or political affiliation, except where religion, sex, or age are bona fide job related employment requirements. This is in keeping with Section 103 of The Code of The University of North Carolina, North Carolina General Statutes 126-16 and 126-17, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Equal Pay Act of 1963, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1968 as amended, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Civil Rights Act of 1991, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, and other applicable federal and state laws relating to discrimination in educational programs and employment. In accordance with Executive Order 11246, Western Carolina University has in place an Affirmative Action Plan that states the university’s commitment to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all persons regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, military veteran status, political affiliation or sexual orientation.
Henry D. Wong, Rh.D., C.R.C.
Director, Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs
520 H.F. Robinson Admin. Bldg.
Western Carolina University
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Office: 828-227-7116
Fax: 828-227-7047
wongh@email.wcu.edu
James Felton
Director of Intercultural Affairs (for Student Clubs and Social Networks)
Center for Student Involvement
3rd Floor Hinds University Center
Office: 828.227.2276
jafelton@wcu.edu
Watch Henry Wong, Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs, discuss Western Carolina University's Commitment to Equal Opportunity and Diversity here.
WCU defines “diversity” broadly as encompassing exceptionalities, race, ethnicity, culture, religious background, gender, linguistic differences, socioeconomic level, and any other ways our society defines human and group differences, including age, geography, sexual orientation and national origin.
Two initiatives endorsed by the Chancellor and recommended by WCU in the UNC Tomorrow Report include 1) establishing a Chief Diversity Director and 2) development and implementation of a Council on Diversity and Inclusion (CODI) linking student and employment diversity resources, programs, initiatives, and goals. Establishing the CODI would facilitate goals of 1) developing a campus-wide diversity plan and 2) linking student and employment diversity resources, programs, initiatives, and goals.
Dr. Henry Wong in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs (wongh@wcu.edu) will chair this Council in collaboration with the Office of Human Resources involving a broad-based representation of campus faculty, staff, and students. The CODI would be congruent with WCU’s strategic plan 2008-2013 supporting cultural diversity and equal opportunity. 
The CODI initial work plan would be to a) nominate/appoint council membership, b) complete a strategic work plan, c) complete a campus-wide diversity plan, d) develop/implement an on-going diversity climate survey and e) recommend university-wide diversity initiatives. The work plan would be on-going annually and reviewed by the Acting Vice Chancellor for Operations and the Office of Human Resources. Proposed membership of the Council on Diversity and Inclusion:
- - Director for the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity Programs – Chair
- - Office of Human Resources EEO and Affirmative Action representative – Co-chair
- - Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Advancement and External Affairs
- - Dept. of Athletics
- - International Programs
- - Faculty Senate Chair
- - Staff Senate Chair
- - Student representatives (One undergraduate designated by the VC for Student Affairs and one graduate designated by the Dean of the Graduate School
Faculty or staff representatives from each college/school nominated by their respective Deans include:
- - Arts & Sciences
- - Business
- - Education & Allied Professions
- - Fine & Performing Arts
- - Health & Human Sciences
- - Kimmel School
- - Hunter Library
See here for the completed Diversity Plan for WCU: Executive Summary Diversity Plan 2012-2013.
Discrimination & Harrassment Prevention
Gender Equity/Title IX Information
Training and Educational Opportunities
Resources on Campus - A diverse community requires an extensive and varied support system. WCU is committed to providing the resources necessary to offer the appropriate support for the campus community’s diverse needs. The offices in this link provide leadership and guidance to campus diversity initiatives.
Involvement in student organizations is an important way for students to connect and explore interests, develop ideas, learn from others and gain a better appreciation for working in diverse settings. WCU offers students a variety of formal organizations in which students can get involved and engage as leaders and facilitators in their own learning process and that of their fellow students.
Office of International Programs and Services
The Office of International Programs and Services (IPS) exists to connect and engage Western Carolina University (WCU) with her surrounding community, region and state, and the world-at-large by fostering internationalization.
Cullowhee & the Region
Cullowhee, the community where WCU makes its home, lies in a scenic valley in the Appalachian Mountains of Western North Carolina—just 30 miles from the Appalachian Trail.
Each year, millions of visitors are drawn to the region’s spectacular landscapes and opportunities for many outdoor sports, including world-class mountain biking, backpacking, and whitewater rafting and kayaking.
When you visit, be sure to catch a bluegrass or local music concert, check out examples of the area’s traditional arts and crafts, and spend some time exploring the unique shops and restaurants of the surrounding towns and communities.
We invite you to browse these resources as you plan your visit to Cullowhee and the region.