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Event Types Welcomed

Adult Social Events
Corporate Social Events
Expo/Competitions
Professional Meeting / Training / Conference / Retreats
Youth Retreat/Camps

Unique Venue Feature

Our location is a significant feature that makes for a unique experience for any group visiting our campus. Our guests can enjoy all types of exceptional outdoor adventures. Land-based activities like backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching, rock climbing. And water-based activities like whitewater rafting, trout fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and river tubing. Because of our heavily forested environment and high elevation, our summer climate is very pleasing as well, ranging from 60’s at night to 80’s during the day with very little humidity. WCU also has our own outfitter and guide services for any number of trip programs as well as equipment rentals through BaseCamp Cullowhee. To put all this in perspective, Western Carolina University has been voted Top Adventure College by Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine the last six years.

About

Nestled in a scenic valley amid the Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina University offers event venues and conference centers less than 25 minutes from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Cherokee Indian Reservation, tons of hiking, whitewater rafting, and great mountain exploration.

Western Carolina University encourages groups with an educational purpose to use our North Carolina event spaces. Groups and organizations that WCU works well with include but are not limited to band camps, athletic camps, nature and outdoor camps, youth organizations, religious organizations, and more. Whether your group is 200 or 2,000, we are excited about sharing our facilities and providing a first-rate experience for your next North Carolina event.

We invite you to visit Western Carolina University for a campus tour and to learn more about why our North Carolina venue is a perfect choice for your next event.

Read the latest news about WCU!:
WCU Named Top Adventure College
WCU’s Marching Band Opens Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
WCU Celebrates its 125th Anniversary
WCU Opens 400 Student Residence Hall

View our university website here: WCU Conference Services and Event Venues

Watch the videos above to learn more about our wonderful North Carolina event spaces and the many amenities that make Western Carolina University the premier venue in the Blue Ridge Mountain region.

Food & Beverage Options

Courtyard Café

On campus food service is provided by Catamount Dining. A wide variety of food options abound in our 53,000 square foot Courtyard Café which features an all-you-care-to-eat venue offering a variety of stations from home cooking, to a Mongolian grill, full salad bar, pizza and pasta, deli, desserts, and grilled food. Make the meal that suits you by mixing and matching from stations to get the best of everything. It includes vegetarian and gluten free options, as well. We can also work with professional catering staff to select the menu for the perfect meal or meeting break.

Starbucks

Unique to the campus, Starbucks offers a full drink menu featuring hot or cold espresso creations, delicious brewed coffee, breakfast pastries, and delicious desserts! It’s warm coffee shop atmosphere makes it a great place to study and wait between classes. Starbucks has two convenient locations – Courtyard and Brown Hall. Starbucks has a partnership with catering.

Which Wich

Which Wich offers made-to-order sandwiches with a personal touch. You select a bag for the sandwich you desire and a red sharpie; then you are given the control and time you need to select the ingredients you want. Once the sandwich is ready, your name is called. Which Wich is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Which Wich has a partnership with catering.

Moe's Southwest Grill

New to the campus, Moe's Southwest Grill has a mission to bring the highest-quality ingredients to every guest. The menu is varied, including vegetarian options, lower-calorie choices, and gluten-friendly ingredients. Moe's Southwest Grill is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Currently catering does not work through Moe's Southwest Grill.

Panda Express

Panda Express offers many of its restaurant menu items, such as fried rice, orange chicken, egg rolls, and more. As a university campus is considered a nontraditional location, Panda Express works with the campus to create a menu to suit the interest of its constituents. Panda Express is located in the Courtyard Food Court. Currently catering does not work through Panda Express.

Freshens

Freshens prides itself on its mission of "healty eating, better living" and offers fresh, made-to-order crepes, salads, smoothies, ice cream and more. Located in the Convenience Store on the first floor in the Courtyard. Currently catering does not work through Freshens.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels boasts its ability to make fast food that doesn't taste that way. They specialize in made-to-order sandwiches, salads, smoothies, and gourmet coffee. Einstein Bros. Bagels is located in the University Center. Einstein Bros. Bagels has a partnership with catering.

Chick-fil-A

Conveniently located in the Courtyard, Chick-fil-A offers a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options. You will find most items here that you would find at Chick-fil-A. Chicken nuggets, salads, waffle fries, the original chicken sandwich and more. Currently catering does not work through Chick-fil-A.

The Lodge at Brown Hall

On campus food service is provided by Catamount Dining. A wide variety of food options abound in our newest dining hall which features a great hall with fire place, spacious sitting area, private dining area with sound system and outdoor seating. The Lodge features an all you can eat one trip meal. It includes vegetarian and gluten free options, as well. We can also work with professional catering staff to select the menu for the perfect meal or meeting break.

Chili’s

Located on the first floor of Noble Hall, Chili’s offers a full service menu and bar.

Catering Options

Catering Services

Catering Services at Western Carolina University is through Aramark, our campus dining services. Catering Services is pleased to help you plan your catered events. Our Sales Coordinator or the Catering Director will be happy to meet with you to discuss all aspects of your event. Visit the Catering Services page here!
Menu

Aramark offers box lunches or simple takeaways

Catering offers buffet-style meals or plated meals

Catering offers excellent dessert options

Many spaces have the ability to offer catering, such as our Grand Room

Fruit salads make a wonderful addition to many meals

Catering offers a number of healthy options

Accommodations

  • Total Number of Overnight Guests: 3,500
  • Number of Overnight Rooms: 3000
  • Wi-Fi in Guest Rooms: Yes
  • Wi-Fi Guest Room Cost : Free
Overnight Room Attributes
  • Air-conditioned rooms available
  • Business Services
  • Linens Provided
  • Kitchen Available
  • Microwave
  • Refrigerator
  • Soap
  • Television
  • Towels
  • Washer/Dryer
  • WiFi

Madison Hall

Madison Hall, a historic building converted into a comfortable and convenient meeting facility, offers forty guest rooms with all the amenities of a business-class hotel. Hall Features: private baths, a laundry room, vending machines, and an ice machine.
40 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Norton Road Hall

Norton Road Hall has eight study areas, eight public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room. Hall Features: large multipurpose room and an outside patio for grilling and sports activities.
290 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Reynolds Hall

Reynolds Hall is designed on a suite system. Each suite is composed of two rooms that share a bathroom. Hall Features: main lobby, study lounges, a laundry room, vending machines, and a well-used, well-maintained sand volleyball pit in front of the building.
273 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

The Village

The Village is comprised of six buildings. Each building is made up of double rooms with a private bath. Hall Features: full kitchens with all appliances in each house; common living spaces with cable TV in each house; Commons Building with meeting space, a laundry room, and vending machines; and volleyball and basketball courts.
20 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Albright Hall

Albright Hall has study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. There is a great outdoor area behind the building which is used for grilling, concerts, and sports activities. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
196 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Benton Hall

Benton Hall has study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. There is a great outdoor area behind the building which is used for grilling, concerts, and sports activities. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
196 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Harrill Hall

Harrill Hall is one of three high-rise residence halls on campus. Each of the nine floors is arranged into suites. Each suite consists of four residence hall rooms and a shared bathroom. Hall Features: LEED certified, main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a ping pong table, kitchenettes and study lounges on each floor, a laundry room, vending machines, and a basketball court behind the building.
387 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Balsam Hall

Balsam Hall has seven study areas, seven public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room.
418 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Blue Ridge Hall

Blue Ridge Hall has seven study areas, seven public kitchen lounge areas, a laundry room, and a vending machine room.
370 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Buchanan Hall

Buchanan Hall has a study area and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. Hall Features: main lobby with large TV, a pool table, a piano, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby sand volleyball court.
184 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Central Drive Hall

Central Drive Hall has four study areas and a common lobby used for a variety of student programming as well as for lounging. Arranged in suite-style configuration, each suite consists of either four private rooms or two private rooms and one double room, as well as a shared bath and living area. The common living area is furnished with a couch, loveseat, television stand, and small lamp table. Hall Features: main lounge, a pool table, a community kitchen, a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby basketball court.
292 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Robertson Hall

Robertson Hall has double rooms which include a private bath and kitchenette. Hall Features: a laundry room, vending machines, and a nearby sand volleyball court.
80 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Floorplan Layout

Noble Hall

Noble Hall is built on the site where several businesses were damaged in a fire in November of 2013. It was intentionally built as a mixed use facility to provide a new home to business like those that were displaced due to the fire. It is named in honor of the "Noble Nine" - the trustees of Cullowhee High School, chartered in 1891. The Noble Nine supported Western Carolina University's founder, Robert Lee Madison, in the development of the "Cullowhee Idea."
420 Beds

This accommodation has A/C

Featured Amenities

Accessible Facilities
Air Conditioning
Bus
Business Center
Fitness Center
In-House Catering
Laundry
Linens
Outdoor Space
Overnight Rooms
Paid Parking
Running Trails
Sports Facilities
Taxi
Theater Seating
WiFi

Venue Location + Transportation

Address

Department of Residential Living, 225 Brown Hall,

1 University Drive,

Cullowhee, North Carolina 28723

Transportation

Taxi
Bus

Nearby Airport

Asheville Regional Airport; Asheville, NC - 60 minutes

Nearby International Airport

Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport; Greer, SC - 120 minutes

Nearby Cities

Asheville – 50 miles
Charlotte – 165 miles
Greenville, SC – 105 miles
Gatlinburg, TN – 57 miles
Pigeon Forge, TN – 64 miles
Knoxville, TN – 120 miles
Atlanta, GA – 150 miles

Things to Know

Catering

Must Use In-House Catering: Yes

Food And Beverage Onsite: Yes

Venue Policies

Smoking Permitted: Yes

ADA Accessible: Yes

Technology

Western Carolina University offers a full range of audio/visual and multi-media capabilities. All meeting rooms and residence hall rooms have high-speed internet connections (or wireless connectivity). Computer labs, teleconferencing, and videoconferencing facilities are available.

Guest Wi-Fi: Free

Onsite Tech Support: Yes

Equipment Available On-Site:
  • Projector Screen

Testimonials

The WCU team was AMAZING!!! The Director of Conference Services, the Conference Assistants, the cleaning crew, the dining team, essentially everyone that we met was wonderful. We had a few things that came up that had been looked over by the staff during our planning phase; however, the staff did their best to make it right. Everyone had the "can do" attitude; and no matter how great the facilities are at WCU, THAT attitude made all the difference! 

Summer 2016 Conference Guest Liaison

Conference Services staff were, hands-down, the best summer staff I have worked with in 20 years of our conference leadership. They were friendly, responsive, forgiving of our quirky (and sometimes rude) people, and good at their jobs. They also (and this is key for WCU to know) had the power to get our needs met by working with other campus departments. On some campuses, Conference Services staff are ignored when they ask for classroom space or maintenance or other things--this was not the case at WCU. That made our experience exceptional--because even the small problems got handled quickly and professionally.

Summer 2016 Conference Large Group Coordinator