Rural-serving institutions play a unique role within their communities.
This symposium will bring together presidents and chancellors leading these institutions to connect and discuss the challenges they face.
Sessions will focus on how rural institutions bolster their local workforce, promote sustainability, and provide postsecondary value. Participants will learn about the latest research on and programs geared towards rural-serving institutions and the communities that they serve. Attendees will also help shape AASCU’s action agenda and advocacy strategy related to rural institutions and students.
Who should attend:
- Presidents/Chancellors
Benefits of participation:
- Community building and networking
- Learn about timely research related to rural-serving institutions
- Help inform AASCU’s action agenda and advocacy strategy related to rural institutions and students
- Gain knowledge about potential funding opportunities
Schedule at a glance
Morning:
Optional tour of Western Carolina University Main Campus
(8:30 a.m. departure; 1:30 p.m. return; lunch included)
2 p.m.
Welcome
2:30 p.m.
State of Rural Serving Institutions
3:30 p.m.
Research Presentation
4:30 p.m.
Funding Opportunities
5 p.m.
Reception/Dinner
8 a.m.
Breakfast
9 a.m.
Rural Student Success Network
10 a.m.
Rural Institutions Priority Session 1 Discussion
11 a.m.
Rural Institutions Priority Session 2 Discussion
12 p.m.
Lunch
1 p.m.
AASCU Rural Strategy and Advocacy Session
2:30 p.m.
Wrap up/Close
3 p.m.
Adjourn
Program Highlight -optional tour
Discover Western Carolina University: A Driving Force in Western North Carolina’s Economy
Welcome to Western North Carolina, home to Western Carolina University! WCU is a thriving academic community with nearly 12,000 students and 2,000 faculty and staff. Located in Cullowhee, a scenic mountain hamlet nestled between the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains and near the lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, WCU blends tradition with innovation. While your meeting will take place at our Asheville campus, we invite you to visit our main campus in Cullowhee to see firsthand the university’s impact on the region.
During the tour, you’ll learn about WCU’s roots as a rural teacher’s college and how it continues to fuel the local economy. You’ll get a feel for campus life, explore our academic programs, and see our unique infrastructure – including our own electric grid, water-treatment plant, high-speed internet, and student-run ambulance service. The tour highlights our strong commitment to community, economic development, and the natural beauty of the region.
Our Cullowhee campus features cutting-edge facilities like the Apodaca Science Building, the College of Health and Human Sciences, and the Forensic Osteology Research Station (FOREST) – one of only eight outdoor human decomposition labs in the country and the second oldest in the world. We will also emphasize the University’s community-centered spaces like the Ramsey Regional Activity Center, home to Catamount Athletics and the world-renowned Pride of the Mountains Marching Band, as well as the Mountain Heritage Center and our Cherokee Studies and Language programs.
We look forward to welcoming you to Cullowhee!
Registration & Accommodations
The symposium will take place on Western Carolina University’s Asheville campus.
Accommodations
We’ve included this hotel as a convenient recommendation for attendees. It is easily a walk-able 2 blocks to WCU Asheville, and does offer a free shuttle from the Asheville Regional Airport. Please note we haven’t contracted with them for rooms or rates, so availability and pricing may vary. If you choose to book, you’ll work directly with the hotel for all details. For those to whom it applies, Hilton does offer Government Rates.
Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park
43 Town Square Blvd.
Asheville, North Carolina 28803
Call: (828) 209-2700
Questions about this symposium? Let us know.
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