Western Carolina University - Cullowhee, North Carolina

Jim B.

Absolutely gorgeous campus. Very well kept. Can't say anything about the school itself, we just stopped through!

Wolf W.

CULLOWHEE, NC—In a shocking revelation that has sent shockwaves across the campus community, the Western Carolina University Parking Operations Division admitted on Friday that they have no idea what they are doing and have been making up the parking rules as they go along.

"We have been pretending to enforce the parking regulations, but in reality, we have no clue what they are or how to apply them," said Parking Operations Director Ted Bauknight, who confessed that he and his staff have been randomly issuing parking permits, tickets, and warnings based on their mood, personal preferences, and coin flips. "We have been using the same outdated map from 1997, which doesn't even show half of the buildings or lots on campus. We have no idea who is allowed to park where, when, or for how long. We just slap some stickers on the windshields and hope for the best."

Bauknight said that the Parking Operations Division has been operating under a "don't ask, don't tell" policy for years, hoping that no one would notice or question their incompetence. He said that they have been relying on the ParkMobile app to collect revenue from the metered lots, but admitted that they have never checked if the app actually works or if anyone pays for it. He also said that they have been ignoring the complaints and appeals from students, faculty, and staff, who have been frustrated by the inconsistent and arbitrary enforcement of the parking rules.

"We have been getting away with this for so long, we thought we could keep it up forever," Bauknight said. "But we realized that we can't keep lying to ourselves and to the public. We owe it to them to come clean and admit that we have no idea what we are doing. We apologize for any inconvenience or confusion we may have caused."

Bauknight said that he and his staff are planning to resign from their positions and seek professional help. He said that he hopes that the university will hire qualified and competent people to replace them and to overhaul the parking system. He also said that he hopes that the campus community will forgive them for their mistakes and not hold any grudges.

"We are deeply sorry for our actions and we hope that you can find it in your hearts to forgive us," Bauknight said. "We know that parking is a serious issue on campus and we hope that you can find a better solution than us. We wish you all the best and happy parking."

Ricky M.

They need to do a better job protecting students and those students' financial investment in the school. They have an arsonist running amok sitting fires over and over again to shining rock.... the students are constantly being disrupted within shining rock due to the arsonist. Emails asking what the university can do to refund a portion of the room cost for all the disruptions those students face have not really been taken seriously. WCU as a university should do a better job protecting students' space, sleep, and study time that they pay exuberant amount for.

Do better WCU!

Ryon B.

I’m a student here. Would’ve chosen somewhere else in a heartbeat. No A/C in half of the buildings, nowhere to park (and they expect you to pay a $410 parking pass), almost impossible to get food (they’re always out of most items and the lines take 30 minutes at least), and they fine you and nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. Also, the Chancellor Kelli R. Brown couldn’t care less about you or the other students, none of the leadership ever speaks to students or staff, they stay in their offices and it’s almost impossible to get help from higher-ups when you need it. I’ll likely transfer to another school after this year. What a letdown.

Keri

Beautiful campus setting, idyllic small town atmosphere. An outdoor adventurer’s dream and what Boone probably used to be more like. This school has everything the other schools have, except the campus police seem most busy with parking violations, rather than serious offenses. This is potentially not true, but it seems to be, and that’s a wonderful thing in our current world, and something we do not take for granted as alumni of and parents of a student at WCU. Go Cats!

William S. (.

I never toured this place, but I've heard of it. Their disability program known as the UP program is a complete joke because they only take four people a year...and I'm 27, so it doesn't really matter because I'm too old for it (I have autism if y'all wanted to know).

I want to say one thing to the person running the UP program: plenty of people above the age of 25 are in university and no one ever notices. Why else does an age limit have to be in place? I'm glad my parents didn't take me here because I'd lose my marbles when I got home.

Joe C.

I didn't go to College here we just live about 3 miles from the campus. The main Highway 107 goes right by the College. This is one of the University of North Carolina Colleges located in Western North Carolina. In the Community of Cullowhee, near the town of Sylva. The Catamount or mountain lion is the school mascot. It is a very good place of higher education and has an excellent Athletic Department with most sports played. It was originally created as a College for Teachers in the 1850s. The campus is really growing and there are several new Dorms and Classroom buildings. It would be a great place for a young person to continue their education. Come on up and give the campus a visit. You might just fall in love with our mountains and streams and all that is available.

Chhaing S.

It was my best study abroad university of all time. I love this school. The atmosphere was clean and pure around the campus. It wasn't too large to navigate all around the university field. People are very friendly and really helpful. You will never say the word regret if you wish to apply to study here at WCU.