DegreePlus
Through skill-packed workshops and real-world experiences, DegreePlus helps you learn how to show up, stand out, and crush it in professional spaces through problem-solving skills, communication skills, workplace behavior and etiquette skills, and working with colleagues and supervisors.
We have just rolled out exciting new updates to DegreePlus and want you to know about them. The program is now focused on Professionalism and why it matters. Employers are saying that professionalism is a major gap for interns and new hires. Don’t fall in the gap!
Through skill-packed workshops and real-world experiences, DegreePlus helps students learn how to show up, stand out, and crush it in professional spaces through problem solving skills, communication skills, workplace behavior and etiquette skills, and working with colleagues and supervisors.
DegreePlus Program includes:
- 10 required foundational workshops (2 per category). Please see workshop descriptions further down this page.
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Behavior & Etiquette
- Colleagues & Supervisors
- Other - You can choose two activities/workshops/etc. that you feel like helped you develop as a professional!
- A semester‑long Professional Skills Experience
- Once you complete your foundational workshops, you can participate in an activity for one semester to practice your professionalism skills. You can choose: assisting a professor with research, an internship, a job, a service-learning course, a study abroad experience, or a volunteer opportunity.
- Complete a mock interview using Big Interview software
You Receive: a notation on their academic transcript, a certificate of completion, an invitation to the end-of-semester gathering, and cords for graduation.
Check out the full details in your .
QUESTIONS? Email degreeplus@wcu.edu or call us at 828-227-7133.
Information for Students
Participation in DegreePlus provides many benefits including:
- Building skill sets that will help you in your personal and professional life
- Ensuring that you will be prepared to enter the workforce with the knowledge to succeed
- Adding opportunities and experiences to your resume
- Log in to your Pathway on using your ÐÇ¿Õ´«Ã½ credentials
- Click on PATHWAYS on the homepage, enter the path and follow the instructions to find the workshops
- Attend 10 foundational workshops in professionalism
Yes! Participate through our on Canvas. Distance learners can complete the entire program online, residential students can complete up to 3 total points for the program.
- Problem Solving
- From Data to Decisions - Data doesn't have to be intimidating. Learn how to read, understand, and use data to make smarter decisions - without the overwhelm.
- The Problem Sovling Playbook - Stop guessing and start solving. Learn a practical, step-by-step approach to tackling real workplace problems with confidence.
- Solve the Right Problem - Are you fixing the right thing? Build critical thinking skills to identify the real issue before jumping to solutions.
- Think Better With AI - Use AI as a tool - not a crutch. Learn how to think critically, ask better questions, and work smarter with AI on your team.
- Communication
- Say What? Communication in the Workplace - Discover your communication style and learn how to adapt it to work effectively with anyone - from teammater to supervisors.
- Communication, Unlocked - Master the basics that matter: first impressions, networking, workplace conversations, and professional emails.
- Speak with Confidence & Influence - Build the confidence to speak up, share ideas, and influence others - without sounding pushy or unsure.
- Own Your Voice & Presence - Communication isn't just what you say. Learn how to listen better, read the room, and show up as a strong, engaging professional.
- Behavior & Etiquette
- Work Smarts - Learn the habits that make you stand out - from managing your time to taking initiative and meeting deadlines.
- The Real Work Rules - No one tells you the unwritten rules... until now. Learn to "read the room" and navigate workplace expectations like a pro.
- Own Your Time - Take control of your schedule. Build a system that helps you stay organized, prioritize what matters, and actually get things done.
- Be Real, Be Professional - Can you be yourself at work? Learn how to balance authenticity and professionalism to build trust and credibility.
- Colleagues & Supervisors
- Level Up With Your Boss - Learn how to "manage up," communicate effectively with your supervisor, and build a relationship that helps you succeed.
- Collaborate Without Chaos - Group work doesn't have to be frustrating. Learn how to handle conflict, set boundaries, and be a reliable, respected teammate.
- Work Styles in the Zombie Apocalypse - Everyone works differently - especially under pressure. Discover how to adapt your style and lead effectively in real....or not-so-real world situations.
- Working Across Generations - From Gen Z to Baby Boomers, learn how to work with different perspectives, communication styles, and expectations in today's workplace.
- Complete a Skills Experience: You will choose an experience like an internships, job, study abroad, research, or service learning course to practice your professionalism skills. These activities are a semester-long and must be completed after the foundational workshops.
- Mock Interview: In addition,you will complete a mock interview,, using Big Interview Software, where you will practice highlighting your professional skills for a mock employer during a virtual interview setting.