- Student Life & Services
- Intercultural Affairs
Intercultural Affairs
Engage. Exchange. Enlighten.
In the department of Intercultural Affairs (ICA), we foster connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We aim to create an environment where differing identities, backgrounds, and viewpoints are affirmed, valued, and celebrated. Through our programs and events, students have countless opportunities to discover and explore community, leadership, and intercultural awareness. We are committed to supporting each student’s success and promoting exposure to diverse perspectives in a space that honors each person’s experiences and individuality.
Our mission is to prepare students to thrive in a diverse and interconnected world! Meet the ICA staff
ICA Branches
ICA Council serves as the student lead branch of the department. The council hosts various events and programs throughout the academic year. They also help plan many of the large-scale events that the ICA is responsible for. MEET THE ICA COUNCIL
The ICA Advisory Board is a standing committee composed of faculty, staff and graduate students. They meet several times during the academic year to provide guidance, support and feedback for ICA with the goal of enhancing the programs and services provided.
Students
Intercultural Affairs, or ICA for short, is here to support students like you during your time on campus at Western Carolina University.
Whether you're looking for a place to spend some down time between classes or a way to meet new friends, our lounge in the university center (2nd floor, accross from the mail room) is a great space to start.
ICA also hosts dozens of events and programs throughout the year to offer a variety of opportunities that are sure to enrich your college experience. Explore some of our signature programs below.
We hope to see you on campus! Go Cats!
Programs/Events
This annual experience is designed to expose students to persons or groups markedly different in culture (ethnicity, language, and socioeconomic status) from that of themselves and create awareness for the world around them.
Past Excursions:
WCU students at the Social Justice Museum in Atlanta, GA
WCU students at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, GA
Spring 2024 - Hamilton, Atlanta, GA
Students enjoyed a full day in Atlanta, GA viting the Social Justice Museum and going to see Hamilton at the historic Fox Theater followed by a behind the scenes tour by a member of the cast who is also a WCU alumni.
Cincinati, OH
Spring 2022 - Cincinnati, OH
Students enjoyed three days in the city visiting the Newport Aquirum, the Underground Railroad Museum, and dinner and dancing on a riverboat cruise.
Fall 2019 - Dinner and a Show
Students took a day trip to Atlanta, GA to attend the Cirque du Soleil bigtop show - Volta! The bus stopped on the way down at the Mall of Georgia for lunch and a little shopping. After the show, students enjoyed a little more shopping in Atlantic Station before dinner at The Pig and the Pearl.
Students in Washington, DC
Fall 2018 - American Heritage Tour: The Counter-Narrative
Students traveled to Virginia, Washington DC and New York City!
WCU Pride Week is a week long series of campus wide events, programs and workshops to bring awareness, education and support of our LGBTQ+ community, culminating with a Drag Show on Friday night!
Intercultural Affairs provides events, gallery exhibits, and programs to celebrate the many cultures and heritages of students at WCU.
Holi
Dia De Los Muertos
J'ouvert
A high energy platform for student organizations to present themselves to the community in creative and innovative ways. Join us at the start of each Fall semester to learn about the Department of Intercultural Affairs. You'll have a chance to meet our staff, interact with students from NPHC organizations and Registered Student Organizations (RSO's).
A series of events meant to bring our collective attention to the many ways in which the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for social justice for all people.
To see the full list of the 2024 events visit our MLK Jr. webpage at mlkjr.wcu.edu
Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you've experienced poverty, it's difficult to truly understand. The Poverty Simulation bridges that gap from misconception to understanding. This simulation is an interactive immersion experience. It sensitizes community participants to the realities of poverty. These events will be DegreePlus and will be worth R&R credit.
Project C.A.R.E. students visit Cataloochee Ski Resort, Fall 2023
Project C.A.R.E. This FREE mentor program aims to improve academic performance and the retention of students at Western Carolina University.
The Safe Zone program provides workshops to all students, faculty, staff, and community members who are interested in increasing awareness of and sensitivity to issues of gender and sexuality. Participants attend both a Part I and a Part II workshop.
Student Organizations
Western Carolina University has over 170 registered student organizations (RSOs) which support students from a variety of cultures and backgrounds.. RSOs partner with ICA for meeting space or events.
Explore all the student organizations through WCU Engage, an interactive platform, or down load the Qork app on your phone.
Faculty/Staff
The Department of Intercultural Affairs is available to give Presentations to classes,
student groups, departments, and other groups on campus. The purpose of these presentations
is to cultivate a campus community that is knowledgeable and respectful of others'
differences.
A series of events meant to bring our collective attention to the many ways in which the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. paved the way for social justice for all people.
To see the full list of the 2024 events visit our MLK Jr. webpage at mlkjr.wcu.edu
- Increase basic self-awareness, knowledge, and skills related to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community
- Gain exposure to and knowledge of general concepts related to gender and sexual identity
- Learn basic terminology and vocabulary
- Receive practical tips for how to demonstrate respect and value for members in the LGBTQ community
For more information or to schedule a Rainbow 101 presentation contact ica@wcu.edu
The objectives of the Respect the Differences Presentation are:
- Create an open space for understanding diversity where everyone feels included, respected and valued.
- Develop an understanding of the dimensions of diversity and how everyone contributes to a diverse community.
- Provide some options for managing diversity on a personal level.
- Provide an opportunity for open, honest feedback and discussion, with an opportunity to disagree free of judgement from the facilitator(s).
The Safe Zone program provides workshops to all faculty and staff members who are interested in increasing awareness of and sensitivity to issues of gender and sexuality. Participants attend both a Part I and a Part II workshop.
More information about Safe Zone
Last date revised 7-19-2024
Contact Us
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday 8am - 8pm
(5pm in summer)
Friday - 8am - 5pm
227 AK Hinds University Center
Cullowhee, NC 28723
Campus Map
phone: 828.227.2276
fax: 828.227.7620
ica@wcu.edu
Evelyn Rucker, Director, erucker@wcu.edu
Diandra Macais, Associate Director, dmacais@wcu.edu
Tristan Reid, Assisstant Director, reidt@wcu.edu
Karin Kimenker, Admin. Support Specialist, kkimenker@wcu.edu
