B Y: B. N ICO L E B A S K I N
J AN U AR Y 1 4 , 2 01 3
MESSAGE 1: Welcome New Catamounts!
Hello new Catamounts!! If you’re new you’re a new freshman or transfer student, we’re glad you’re
here! You are sure to have a great time here in the land of Purple and Gold!
It’s a great thing that you’re reading this message board! Here on the FYE Message Board, you
will find a lot of useful information about what is going on at the university and ways to get
involved in community on campus! Being new, you may be having a tough time finding your way
around the first few days. We don’t want you to look like this guy in the picture, so here are a
few things you should know before and after classes start!
Where do I get my catcard?
OneStop! (Glass building beside
Killian)
Where is the mail room so I can
get my key?
The Mail Center is on the second
level of the UC!
I left/ need ___!
Don’t worry! There is a Wal-Mart
in Sylva!
How do I read the locations on my
schedule?
Where do I get my books?
CO: Coulter ST: Stillwell FO: Forsyth
KL: Killian MK: McKee
The bookstore is located behind the UC!
http://books.wcu.edu/home.asp
How can I get involved and
meet new friends?
http://www.wcu.edu/28421.asp
MESSAGE 2 – a special note for our new FY students
Dear Spring Arrivals to the 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 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. Complimenting your
academic journey, you will discover a plethora of co-curricular programs that will engage your mind, body,
and spirit. 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!
My challenge 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!
As you settle in to life here at Western, I invite you to please read this FYE Message Board each week. It will
be published each Monday and is a weekly E-magazine that is written specifically for you with lots of tips,
hints, and information to help you navigate your pathway this year. And remember to come back each week
to discover news briefs and articles – many from your class peers.
You are also welcome to submit your own article or creative writing for consideration to be published!
Just email me at ghensley@wcu.edu
I look forward to following your success and to meeting you along the way!
My Best,
Glenda Hensley,
Director of the First Year Experience
MESSAGE 3
Weekly reviews by your first-year peers of local restaurants, shops, places to go and
more! So check it out each week to see new reviews to help you choose!
ENJOY!
Review 1 – local dining
Speedy's Pizza
ITALIAN RESTAURANT
285 West Main Street Sylva, NC
By: Matt Church
Attention all Western Carolina Italian food lovers, if you are in the mood to eat authentic, rich Italian food in a
fantastic dining area, which includes great indoor or outdoor seating, then you are in luck! Speedy’s Pizza is the
right place for you. Speedy’s is an awesome, fun dining out experience for the entire family. Upon walking in the
front door, the exceptional restaurant ambiance will make you believe that you are right in the heart of Italy.
Speedy’s Pizza has great prices for everyone, ranging from $5.00 to $14.00 depending on your appetite. The
menu lists a large variety of Italian dining options including a choice of an assortment of salads and a large
variety of entrees.
The entrees include pizzas, pasta, chicken, large salads with and without meat, sub sandwiches and very
importantly a scrumptious dessert that is out of this world. There are numerous pasta items for the choosing.
They include manicotti, spaghetti with meatballs, cheese ravioli, meat ravioli, meat lasagna, and vegetarian
lasagna. All of these selections come with a side salad.
On my visit I enjoyed the spaghetti with meatballs. The sauce had a fresh tomato flavor. The meatballs were
delicious with just the right spices and texture. Although I did not personally taste the chicken entrees I did
notice a good variety, including chicken parmesan, grilled chicken and chicken alfredo, all for the reasonable
price of $11.00. If you are just looking for a snack tor appetizer to share with friends, I highly recommend the
basket of chili and cheese fries- $6.00 or the large cheese sticks- $7.00. They melt in your mouth and are simply
superb! If you are avoiding the carbs and trying to eat healthier, the salads offered are numerous and range
from a small side- $3.00 to large Greek or taco salad- $8.50.
Since Speedy’s name includes the word pizza, it is natural to assume that the pizza is the specialty menu item.
On my visit I had a piece of the deluxe pizza. I can truly say that the crust was outstanding. It was not too thick or
too thin and it had a great flavor. The sauce was also very tasty and the toppings abundant. Although I enjoyed
the spaghetti entrée, I would most recommend the pizza. I can see why pizza is Speedy’s specialty selection.
They range in price from $8.00 for small- $18.00 for a large. There are many varieties for the meat, cheese or
vegetarian lover. The small is even large enough to share if you order an appetizer or salad.
There are also a good variety of beverages offered from sodas to beer and wine but my personal favorite is the
pink lemonade. It is not too sweet or tart. If you are available for dining out at lunch time, Speedy’s offers a 5 for
$5.00 lunch special that has a great variety of menu items to choose from! Last, but certainly not least, Speedy’s
offers a Reece’s peanut butter lover’s dream in its peanut butter pie. It is a delicious way to end a great Italian
meal. Speedy’s Pizza is open Mondays through Fridays from 11:00am to 10:00pm and on Saturdays and Sundays
from 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Don’t wait, go soon and experience true Italian food with great indoor seating which
includes lots of high definition flat screen televisions so you can enjoy sports while in an Italian atmosphere. If
you prefer to be seated outside you will be privileged with the stunning view of the Smoky Mountains. Students,
if you are aged 21 or older, there is a nice bar in front of the restaurant where you and other friends can drop
by, relax and socialize with a drink while checking out game scores on the large screen televisions.
Overall, Speedy’s Pizza has the best family friendly atmosphere in town.
Their polite waiters and waitresses go out of their way to make customers
feel at home and welcome. The service is excellent and everything from the
plates, silverware and floors are all sparkly clean. The noise level is just right
so you can enjoy talking to friends and at the same time have a relaxing
eating experience. The music is fantastic as it transports you to the middle of
Italy as you enter the front door. No need to worry about finding a parking
place. There are ample spaces around the restaurant. Speedy’s Pizza is an
enjoyable dining experience for every one of all ages. Come on down and
experience all the excitement and thrills of what Speedy’s has to offer, right
outside of downtown Sylva. It is truly an Italian restaurant serving delicious
food that will make you say “bon appetite” when finished.
If you are curious to read more reviews, visit the wiki: http://roma.wcu.edu/groups/getlocal/
MESSAGE 4
Your journey ---- Your goals --- the contest is now OPEN!
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
And
It is time for you to consider what your entry will beLeave your mark at EYE on FYE!!!
We suggest you pay close attention to the FYE Bookmark goals – your attention to these
goals will help you accomplish your own personal goals.
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