Students at the Providence Campus, like me, are hit by the Wildcat Way no matter where we turn: in the classroom or on the basketball court, in back-to-back classes before heading to a part-time job, or doing community service with a sorority or club.

What is the Wildcat Way? It’s character traits every Johnson & Wales student should display: pride, courage, character, and community. 

Before I started working as a student assistant at the JWU College of Online Education, I have to admit that I never thought about how online students across the country might also follow these four tenets. (I actually only thought of it because my manager asked me to write this post!) But whether you’re a student on campus in Providence or Charlotte or are a student online, the Wildcat Way has no location. Here’s how I’ve seen it play out during my own time at JWU, and how I think it works for other Wildcats, no matter where they are. 

PRIDE

I witnessed Wildcat pride as soon as I stepped foot on campus. My first experience was at orientation. Orientation leaders were so happy and joyful at 7am in the morning. Zest at 7am ?!? It was a lot, but it just highlighted the amount of school pride they had. Since then, I’ve discovered that at JWU, we have pride in our community and diversity. There are over 43 countries represented at JWU Providence, and the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings 2020 ranked North Miami number one in the Southeast and number four in the country for diversity! With such an inclusive atmosphere, what is there not to be so proud of?

How online students can show pride: Wildcats should always take pride in their education. As an online student, having Wildcat pride can mean having pride in one's self to be accountable and complete work on time. Also, whether you’re continuing your education or looking for career advancement, take pride in the simple fact that you were able to take that next step.

COURAGE

Courage in the JWU community means having the strength to push yourself to overcome obstacles academically or athletically. With over 100 clubs and organizations, JWU courage means trying new things. Courage can also be the ability to walk into the Academic Success Center or email your professor for help with an assignment. Having the courage to be the best version of yourself is a big part of the Wildcat Way.

How online students can show courage: As an online student, Wildcat courage might mean having the courage to take courses while working and balancing everyday life. It takes courage for someone to add on another responsibility like school when they are juggling work, family, and life!

CHARACTER

At JWU, character is everything. Character is shown through work ethic, integrity, and grit—being able to push through the hard times is what makes a true Wildcat.

How online students can show character: Online students have personal responsibility for completing work on time and honestly. 

COMMUNITY

The university’s inclusiveness makes it easier for everyone to find a place here. This also means being there to support one another. The sense of community is highlighted at our games, especially basketball and hockey. The sense of community extends through clubs and organizations where students complete hours of community service to help better the community surrounding us.

How online students can show community: Though online may seem that you’re separated from the JWU community, it’s 2019 and feeling the sense of community does not have to be physical.  Students can find a community of support in the JWU Online undergraduate and graduate Facebook groups. Community can be felt through discussion posts, as well.

The Wildcat Way may seem local, but I’ve realized that it’s much larger than our four campuses. Wherever there’s a Wildcat, you can find pride, courage, character, and community.

Learn more about being an online student at Johnson & Wales. Complete the Request Info form or call 855-598-1881.