| What is Western PEAKS?
Western PEAKS is a gruop of learning communities and student interest groups within the context of a larger residential living learning community. The program
is specifically designed to assist first-year students in their transition from high school to Western Carolina. It provides the building blocks for students to begin laying
a strong foundatioin for success in college and in life, by synthesizing your learning activities for greater understanding and a more cohesive educational experience. The goal
for Western PEAKS is to foster personal independence among our residence through individiaul and group responsibility, dialogue among peers, leadership development, and civic
engagement.
Not interested in the PEAKS program? Click here to continue to room selection preferences.
|
|
| What is a learning community?
In any university setting there are different configurations of learning communities. For Western PEAKS, the term is used to describe one of nine groups of students who reside
in the same residence hall and participate in at least one class together. Often it takes time for newly arriving first-year students to become acquainted with others who think
like they do. Learning communities are designed to help students who share similar interests get to know each other as they take advantage of opportunities for cooperative study
and learning. |
|
| Who will be involved in Western PEAKS?
We anticipate that almost one-half of entering first-year students will reside in Scott Hall and be a part of Western PEAKS. That means that you will be living with around 699 other students who are,
in many ways, starting out where you are: getting to know new friends, learning their way around campus, and learning what it means to be a college student. Furthermore, there will be students who share
your interests, watch the same shows you watch, play the same videogames, and speak the same language.
|
|
| How do I get involved in Western PEAKS?
As you can see from the learning community descriptions, there are a variety of considerations regarding your placement in the learning community of your choice. Some programs accept all students who
are interested in their program, wihle others have specific requirements for admission. Residents of some communities will live together on the same floor or wing (consolidated group housing) which will
affect their room assignment, while others live in the same building but on different floors or wings. Please look for further information to be included in your acceptance packet.
|
|