- Distinguished professorship named in honor of Chancellor Bardo
- Fall commencement set for Dec. 19 at Ramsey Center
- Nursing degree can be earned in one year through ABSN program
- WCU novelist Ron Rash wins second Sir Walter Raleigh Award
- Senior named top mathematics education student in region
- Bids opened for new MAHEC building; part of venture with WCU, UNCA
- Board of trustees approves proposed tuition, fees for 2010-11
- Steps toward WCU-Dillsboro partnership continue with campus tour
- Students win national awards at mediation tournament
- 'Meeting Doctor' to lead Jan. 21 workshop at WCU
Two Western Carolina University students were charged Thursday, Oct. 23, with misdemeanors in connection with the discovery of the body of a dead bear near the catamount statue at the main entrance of campus earlier in the week.
The charges come after seven students who admitted to being involved were interviewed by campus police, N.C. Wildlife Resources officers and the U.S. Secret Service, which is authorized to protect presidential candidates.
Investigators reported that they found no political or racial motives behind the students’ actions. The bear was discovered Monday, Oct. 20, with two Barack Obama campaign posters on its head.
Findings were provided to the district attorney, who prosecutes all criminal cases filed in the district and advises law enforcement on whether criminal charges are warranted.
Independently, university officials are reviewing the incident with regard to possible violations of the Student Code of Conduct. The code includes a process for handling possible violations, and proceedings that arise from possible code violations are confidential. Disciplinary actions can range from a warning to expulsion from all University of North Carolina institutions. For information about the student code, go to the Department of Student Community Ethics’ Web site at http://dsce.wcu.edu/.
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Last modified: Friday, Oct. 24, 2008