The University of North Carolina school system has recently adopted a new definition for academic freedom. Even as a proposal, this sparked discussion among faculty and administrators regarding its potential impact at Western Carolina University. Previously, WCU along with other universities have relied on the definition brought by the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) […]
Ukraine war continues with no end in sight
March 20, 2026 by
As Russia’s war against Ukraine reaches its fourth year, WCU’s Global Spotlight Series hosted a panel of experts to discuss what has changed in the four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. One of the panelists was Cory Vaillancourt, a reporter at Smoky Mountain News who went to Ukraine in late 2022 and the […]
Scavenger hunt and wellness opportunities in downtown Sylva this weekend
March 19, 2026 by
Calling all health and wellness enthusiasts to come and join The Great Wellness Hunt. On Saturday, March 21, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. you can participate in a wellness scavenger hunt that provides lessons and fun activities while you a learn about physical, intellectual, mental/emotional, social, environmental, spiritual, and occupational/financial wellness. The Hunt will […]
JCPS revises construction projects after costs exceed budgets
March 15, 2026 by
Version of the story was published in The Sylva Herald, March 12 edition After learning that projected construction costs are nearly double the amount allocated, the Jackson County Board of Education is reassessing its planned construction projects and prioritizing essential student needs. At its monthly meeting on Feb. 24 the board discussed these updated projects […]
Battle of the bots: WCU engineering students compete in robot showdown
March 12, 2026 by
The Society of Manufacturing Engineers at WCU has some end-of-midterm season fun with a competition between handmade robots. The SME president, Chloe Stewart, says the robot showdown creates not only a learning opportunity for students but also allows them to be creative within their engineering discipline. “The Society of Manufacturing Engineers is an organization where […]
WCU students rally against U.S. military action in Iran
March 9, 2026 by
This story was produced in collaboration with Becki Veach Close to 50 people gathered at the Catafount holding signs and speaking out against United States military action in Iran on Friday, March 6, the last day of classes before Spring Break started for WCU students. Signs at the protest included slogans such as “Sick of […]
