Western Carolina University is preparing for an in-person fall semester. Events, concerts and more await students for the coming semester.
“We are hopeful for the oncoming semester and ready to see students return,” said Sam Miller, vice chancellor for Student Affairs.
The 2021 fall semester will be the third semester for WCU with COVID-19 restrictions. Since March 2020, WCU enforces Catamounts Care COVID-19 guidelines. Catamounts Care includes maintaining social distancing, wearing masks indoors and self-care.
“If we all abide by Catamounts Care,” said Miller, “I know we will have a great semester.”
WCU plans to resume in-person student activities. Modifying by the Catamounts Care guidelines.
“Students breathe life into campus,” said Diane Swenson, assistant director for Communication in the Department of Student Activities (DCA). “We are focusing on having as many in-person activities and events for students.”
DCA has concerts, free movies and entertainers scheduled throughout the fall semester for students.
“We are hoping Valley Ballyhoo goes well,” said Miller. “It’ll show us that we can still enjoy activities while being mindful of COVID restrictions”
Cases of the Delta variant of COVID-19 have been increasing in Jackson County since late July.
Some students are weary of the upcoming semester.
“I don’t really want to get my hopes up,” said Stephen Hunter, senior at WCU. “I don’t think much of anything is in stone right now due to the rise in the Delta variant.”
WCU will implement testing for nonvaccinated students after Oct. 1.
“We are still working out the details,” said Miller. “We will notify once we sort things out.”
The WCU regional vaccination clinic located at the Health and Human Sciences Building closed in May. Madison Hall is the new vaccination location for WCU students, staff and faculty.
