B Y: G L EN D A HE N S L E Y
AU G U ST 2 0 , 20 1 2
MESSAGE 1
Dear Class of 2016,
Welcome to the WCU community! There are so many opportunities ahead for you as you begin this exciting
chapter in your life. You are going to make new friends with whom you will share wonderful experiences in
the classroom and out of the classroom. Our goal at Western Carolina is to enable you to exceed your
expectations during your undergraduate studies. With a multitude of academic programs from which to
choose, you will soon be immersed in active learning and creative scholarship. A plethora of co-curricular
programs that will engage your mind, body, and spirit will complement your academic journey. And on top
of all that, you have PEAKS, the residential experience for first year students, to make you feel right at
home. You will most certainly not be bored!
I suggest you begin with the FYE Bookmark Journey (details in the third message). Talk with your FYE
Transition course instructor to learn more about this journey and the contest. My challenge to you: Get out
of your room, meet new people, introduce yourself to your faculty and to student affairs professionals. Go
to the art gallery, see a play, go to a ball game, participate in intramurals, join a club, attend special topics
programs in the UC, form a study group, participate in residential events, be a leader. Embrace your
community of learners and excel in ways you never thought possible! The learning and life experiences of
the next four years will be pivotal and will empower you to succeed and to excel in life. I am extremely
happy that you have chosen to join us at WCU as you embark on your pathway of discovery. You may be
surprised where the journey leads you!
My best,
Glenda Hensley
Director of FYE
Please read the full FYE Journal to learn more about what to expect in your first year at WCU.
Visit this link!
MESSAGE 2
FOCUS
First-year Opportunities for Community & University Service
Learn more at the FOCUS Website
Meet at the Alumni Tower in front of the UC
9:30 Register for the 10-12 shift
12:30 Register for the 1-3 pm shift
Ice-cream Social at the Cats Den from 6-9 pm
Enjoy the band, miniature golf, video games, and more!
Sign up!
In your transition class or
go to OrgSync.com to register
or contact Derald Dryman inThe Center for Service Learning
MESSAGE 3
FYE Bookmark Journey – 2012
WHAT’S THE POINT? ---- LEARNING GOALS
This journey should help you
1. Discover the physical location of the 15 resource sites.
2. Identify the primary purpose and function of each resource.
3. Understand how this resource is relevant to your college experience.
4. Integrate knowledge or skills learned from the resource into mapping a
successful college experience.
DOCUMENT the JOURNEY:
At each resource site you will find a box identified with the bookmark postcard. Inside
the box you will find clue cards. Take one and follow the directions on both sides.
On side one, write your name and follow the clue to answer
 WHO: Name of resource
 WHERE: Location (building)
 WHAT is the function or service of the resource?
 WHEN are they open to serve your needs?
 WHY is this resource important to you?
On side two, complete the second clue, and share your discoveries with your transition
course instructor per class instructions. Return your signed clue cards to your
instructor – this is the only way you can win!
HOW DOES THE CONTEST WORK?
Complete side 1 for all 15 locations and your name will be in a prize drawing.
Complete side 1 and side 2 for all 15 locations and your name will be in a drawing for an even better prize!
The class with the most completers will be in a drawing for a class ice-cream social. 
Resources Sites
Group 1
WaLC :
Writing & Learning
Commons
International
Programs
CRC: Campus
Recreation Center
Group 2
Class TIPS:
Technology
Commons
Leadership Office
MHC: Mountain
Heritage Center
Group 3
Hunter
Ask a Librarian
Intercultural
Affairs
One Stop
Group 4
ACE: Arts &
Cultural
Entertainment
Service Learning
Center
Health Center
Group 5
Career Services
FAM
Fine Art Museum
Red Zone Central
First Year Experience at WCU ---- Your goals for this year:
Discover College
Adapt to new environments and responsibilities - discover and use the resources available to you!
Be Involved
Identify and act upon your role and responsibility as an engaged citizen - be an active participant in your learning
experiences!
Connect the Dots
Connect your personal interests and abilities, academics, and co-curricular activities as you make sense of the
world.
Think First
Identify complex issues or problems – evaluate your options to make an informed decision - reflect on the
implications of your choice.
Exchange Ideas
Communicate appropriately and respectfully in a variety of formats and contexts.
Calibrate Your Compass
Examine your values and goals - take responsibility for your own learning and development - act with integrity.
As you journey through the year,
Reflect on these FYE goals;
Celebrate the Student Community Creed;
Share your success stories in
EYE on FYE
Check out the above link to see what your predecessors had to say