Provost's Post

PRESIDENT BERNOTSKY WELCOMES THE NEW ACADEMIC YEAR

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

WCU’s 16th President Dr. R. Lorraine “Laurie” Bernotsky delivered her first campus welcome address on September 19, 2024. Watch the recording:

WATCH PRESIDENT BERNOTSKY'S WELCOME BACK ADDRESS

CBS3 Features Two Quad Journalists Who Were Selected to Cover the Presidential Debate

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

WATCH CBS3 INTERVIEW WCU QUAD STUDENT EDITORS DEBATE COVERAGE

West Chester University Biomedical Engineering Program Receives Prestigious ABET Accreditation

During the first week of the 2024-2025 academic year, West Chester University received news that its Biomedical Engineering Degree Program has been accredited by the prestigious Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, the global accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology.

Sought worldwide, ABET accreditation assures that programs meet standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields that are leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies, and anticipating the welfare and safety needs of the public. ABET is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization that currently accredits 4,564 programs at 895 colleges and universities in 40 countries and areas. 

“West Chester University is deeply proud of the exceptional Biomedical Engineering department for successfully securing accreditation of the University’s first engineering program,” said Dr. Jeffery L. Osgood, executive vice president and provost. “As this University cultivates the next generation of biomedical scientists, our faculty are dedicated to delivering a hands-on education that brings together engineering, biology and medicine in a compelling way that is helping our students develop innovative technical solutions for medical disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We are especially grateful to Dr. Zhongping Huang who has inspired this academic program and leads it with our great admiration.”

Developed by technical professionals from ABET’s member societies, ABET criteria focus on what students experience and learn. ABET accreditation reviews look at program curricula, faculty, facilities, and institutional support, and are conducted by teams of highly skilled professionals from industry, academia and government, with expertise in the ABET disciplines.

Launched in 2019, WCU’s Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering offers tracks in biosystems, bioinstrumentation, and imaging; biomolecular and biochemical; biomechanics; and biomaterials and tissues. All required core classes are offered through the Department of Biomedical Engineering in West Chester University’s College of the Sciences and Mathematics. The University’s first class of 15 biomedical engineers graduated in 2023. The program has a permanent home in the Sciences & Engineering Center and The Commons (SECC), the most advanced and largest building project in the University’s history. 

WCU Center for STEM Inclusion Expands STEM Workforce Education for Local Students in Critical Areas of National Need

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications &  Marketing)

Kicking off the new academic year with a spate of new programming is the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion, an academic enrichment center dedicated to empowering southeastern Pennsylvania’s K-12 children and youth with untapped potential to boldly pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among the Center’s new offerings are the following: 

• STEM Outreach Ambassadors: WCU has tapped into the Federal Work Study program to develop a cohort of trained STEM undergraduate students who can lead and participate in outreach events. The STEM undergraduate students will serve as mentors to the K-12 students that the Center reaches out to.
• STEM Catering Service: WCU faculty and undergraduate students will bring the science to the students, with all equipment and supplies to perform hands-on college-level experiments to middle and high school classes.
• Strategic STEM-Focused Dual Enrollment Offerings: WCU is actively working with its high school and nonprofit partners to explore dual enrollment opportunities to support students from traditionally underrepresented groups in STEM. Many high schools in lower income districts do not offer AP courses in precalculus, calculus or statistics, which are critical gateway courses for students hoping to enter a STEM field. The goal will be for the students to earn high school and college credit by taking this course from a WCU faculty member. A head start will be given to the students as they begin their journey toward a STEM career

The new programs expand on the Center’s impact, having reached more than 3,000 students over the past three years through hands-on activities such as Super Science Saturday, Science of Learning Series, Summer Nanoscience Camp, Evening STEMersion Workshops, and Smart Rover Coding Workshops.

“The Center for STEM inclusion provides K-12 students not only access to excellent university faculty, but also access to undergraduate students who can speak to future educational opportunities” says Dr. Jessica OShaughnessy, dean of West Chester University’s College of the Sciences and Mathematics. “We are excited about the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students, opening the door to new ideas in STEM fields and expanding workforce opportunities in the region.”

The Center for STEM Inclusion has the potential to be a game changer for the region by offering workforce education and hands-on training in high-demand, high-paying fields such as computer science, computer engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and quantum information to students starting in elementary school. WCU is also partnering with local universities to offer new 3-2 master degree programs in Quantum Science & Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering. Programs such as these, and future programs in the works, open-up new and affordable paths for students to enter these emerging high-demand fields. 
 
Dedicated to breaking down systemic barriers to student success and establishing a diverse STEM workforce, the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion links experts in secondary and higher education, industry, government, and education-focused non-profit organizations directly with students from diverse backgrounds, including those from families with low socioeconomic means and historically excluded groups. These nurturing partnerships yield the vital resources and supports that students need to successfully pursue STEM careers. Currently, the Center for STEM Inclusion is partnering with more than 20 schools in southeastern PA as well as several local nonprofit organizations; more partners are encouraged to join in.
 
Led by West Chester University Professor of Physics and Engineering Dr. Brandon J. Mitchell, the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion has been designed as a dynamic outreach, research, and mentorship program that guides students successfully from elementary school to high school and then through a bachelor’s degree in STEM. The program establishes a chain of mentorship between grades 3-12 students, undergraduates, and faculty/industry partners. 
 
“Along the way, the students participating in the Center’s programming clearly see every next step in their path toward a STEM career with the guidance and support needed to be successful,” says Dr. Mitchell. “In addition to possibly serving as a national model for addressing achievement gaps, our work can significantly help meet STEM employment needs, as well as work to alleviate the cost of attendance for students pursuing and completing STEM degrees who are low-income and come from groups typically underrepresented in STEM fields.” 

Twardowski Career Development Center Hosts Open House for Faculty and Staff October 22

You're invited to the Career Center's Breakfast of Champions! Tuesday, October 22nd, 9am-11am in Lawrence 225 (Career Center). This is not a student event.  This is an event for faculty and staff.  Our partners are true career champions.  Whether you are a current partner of the Career Center, or just want to take the opportunity to learn more about what we do, stop by for breakfast, a t-shirt, and some fun fellowship.  

At the breakfast, we are accepting new and gently used clothing and accessory donations for the Career Closet, which outfits students with professional clothing for interviews, recruiting events, and other professional settings. 

Registration not required but appreciated. 

REGISTER FOR CAREER CENTER OPEN HOUSE

Women Entrepreneurs and Investors Take Center Stage in "Show Her the Money"

Keiretsu Forum Mid-Atlantic and the Cottrell Entrepreneurship Center at West Chester University present a special screening of the powerful documentary Show Her the Money on Wednesday, September 25. The film highlights the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs seeking venture capital.

According to the World Bank, women-owned firms in the U.S. are growing at more than double the rate of all other firms and contributing almost $3 trillion to the economy. Yet of the overall $85 billion raised from venture capital funding, female-founded startups in the U.S. accounted for only $1.9 billion (2%) even though women own 38% of businesses.

Louise Yochee Klein, co-founder of Courage Growth Partners, moderated the panel taking a deep dive into the documentary’s themes, spark meaningful conversations about the current state of venture capital for women, and explore actionable strategies for improvement. Panelists included one of the women entrepreneurs featured in the film: Jasmine Jones, founder and CEO of Myya. She was joined by local entrepreneurs Louise Yochee Klein, co-founder of Courage Growth Partners; Tracey Welson-Rossman, CMO at Chariot Solutions, Founder of GirlzTech and Journal My Health; and Yasmine Mustafa, CEO and co-founder of ROAR for Good.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Comedian Trey Kennedy Kicks Off WCU's Homecoming/Parents Weekend 

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Trey Kennedy, the star comedian made famous on social media platforms, will take the stage at West Chester University for one performance only on Friday, October 25, at 8 p.m.  Tickets are now on sale to the public at www.wcupatix.com/wculive or at 610.436.2266. The performance will take place in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester.

Kennedy is programmed by the University’s WCU Live! Performing arts series as an entertainment outlet for students, families, alumni, and members of the surrounding community during the University’s combined Homecoming and Family Weekend from October 25 – 27, 2024. Tickets are expected to sell out.

Trey Kennedy is a comedian, actor, and singer famous for his content shared on all of the major social media platforms including Instagram and YouTube. He has amassed more than 12+ million followers combined on social channels. He currently hosts the podcast “Correct Opinions” on YouTube and recently concluded his first live sold-out comedy tour in cities across the United States. Kennedy’s self-produced comedy special Are You for Real? can be streamed on YouTube.

PURCHASE TICKETS AND VIEW THE FULL CALENDAR OF WCU LIVE EVENTS FOR THE 2024-2025 SEASON

Three Young Alumni Champion Civic Engagement on Constitution Day

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

For Constitution Day on Tuesday, September 17, three young WCU alumni who are building careers in public service will return to campus to talk about becoming successfully engaged in their communities. From 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Sykes Student Union Theater, these graduates of the University’s political science department will talk about pathways to public service, the importance of local civic engagement, and voting.

The panelists are Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell ’08, Leonard B. Altieri, III ’12, and Kamryn Davis ’23.

Political science professor Dr. Peter Loedel, who will moderate the panel, said, “Three successful WCU Political Science alumni share their diverse backgrounds and experiences, from their time as a WCU student leader to professional, on how to make positive difference in their respective communities – whether that be in public service, local government, or activism. Constitution Day reminds us of our nation’s commitment to public service. Josh, Kamryn, and Leonard represent the highest levels of what it means to be an engaged citizen.”

Josh Maxwell ’08 is Chair of the Chester County Board of Commissioners and has served on the board since 2020. Before he was elected to the board, he served 10 years as mayor of Downingtown. Among his priorities: utilizing the county government to foster economic growth; improving access to accessible and affordable housing; making government more efficient; and preserving open space.

Maxwell also serves as chair of the Chester County Board of Elections; the Chester County Prison Board of Inspectors; and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Board of Directors. He serves on the boards of the Chester County Conservation District (CCCD), Transportation Management Association of Chester County (TMACC), Pennsylvania Convention Center, West Chester Business Improvement District Authority (BID), Ideas x Innovation Network (i2N), and the Alliance for Health Equity.

Leonard B. Altieri, III ’12 is chair of the board of supervisors for Newtown Township, Delaware County, and an associate in real estate and finance/zoning and land use at the Philadelphia law firm Klehr Harrison Harvey Branzburg LLP.

Prior to his election to the Board of Supervisors in 2019, he served on the Marple Newtown Board of School Directors from 2013 to 2019, holding various leadership positions on the school board. Altieri also served on the Newtown Township Planning Commission from 2013 to 2018, serving as its secretary from 2015 to 2018. He is also treasurer for the Delaware County Redevelopment Authority.

While at WCU, Altieri was the student representative to the Board of Governors for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) from 2010 to 2012.

Kamryn Davis ’23, a West Philadelphia native, is a passionate youth advocate dedicated to empowering her peers through civic engagement.

During her time at WCU, Davis served as president of the Black Student Union, earned the 1871 award in 2023, and spearheaded initiatives to mobilize young voters in partnership with campus and community organizations.

Now as PA Youth Vote’s Philadelphia regional director in transition to become programs director, she continues coordinating events that inspire students to become active citizens. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and has gained a significant social media following with her TikTok series “Black History Facts You’ll Never Learn in School.”

The program for Constitution Day and National Voter Registration Day was developed in partnership with WCU’s RUCCAS (Rustin Urban Community Change AxiS), the department of political science, and the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact.

LEARN MORE ABOUT NATIONAL CONSTITUTION DAY

Global Hispanic Film Festival Goes Virtual

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

During Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, West Chester University honors the contributions and cultures of Hispanic and Latino Americans with programs and activities.

This year, one activity is the Global Hispanic Film Festival 2024 – Virtual Edition, which is free and open to the public (click the link to register in order to receive links to the films). All films are subtitled in English; most have exhibited at international film festivals and have won accolades or nominations.

“Our festival is a chance to see award-winning international films and get to know Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spanish-speaking regions of the U.S., Europe, and Africa beyond stereotypical Hollywood roles,” says Dr. Iliana Pagán-Teitelbaum, festival co-director and an associate professor of languages and cultures, who has co-organized the festival for six years. “After a pause due to the pandemic, this year we will be piloting an accessible, virtual edition of the festival.”

Five films will address globalization, postcolonialism, social inequality, migration, indigenous cultures, racism, sexual diversity, and religious diversity. Each film will be available virtually for a full week (Mondays through Sundays) between September 16 and October 20.

WCU’s Latino American Student Organization (LASO) is a co-host of this year’s film festival. “This is a unique opportunity to engage, learn, and reflect on the experiences and stories that shape our communities,” notes LASO President Jaylin Moncada-Rosa, a third-year student. She says the organization is excited to invite WCU students, the campus community, and the public to experience films that “celebrate Hispanic culture, deepen our understanding, and spark meaningful conversations.”

LASO, the Spanish Club, and the WCU Immigrants & Allies Association will host several in-person screenings for students.

The Global Hispanic Film Festival is organized by Dr. Pagán-Teitelbaum and Dr. Jason Bartles, assistant professor of languages and cultures, in collaboration with the Latino American Student Organization (LASO), the College of Arts and Humanities, and the Department of Languages and Cultures. It is made possible with the support of Pragda, the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports of Spain, and SPAIN arts & culture.

University Libraries Announces Strategic Plan 2024-27
Last year, the University Libraries engaged in a strategic planning process.

We are pleased to share our West Chester University Libraries Strategic Plan 2024-27. We thank all who provided feedback last spring. The plan defines how the Libraries will work towards fulfilling the WCU mission for the next three years. To read our plan, visit University Libraries Strategic Plan 2024-2027 on the Libraries’ website.

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES STRATEGIC PLAN 2024-2027

TLC hosts two-part series: Navigating Challenging Conversations in Learning Environments 

This fall, the Teaching & Learning Center hosted a two-part workshop series, presented in collaboration with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Provost's Office and the Faculty Ombuds Office. With the backdrop of the upcoming contentious presidential election and the evolving situation in the Middle East, this workshop series will provide strategies for navigating challenging discussions that we anticipate in our classrooms and other learning spaces this fall semester. 
 
The interactive sessions will have opportunities for you to engage in dialogue and share experiences with colleagues. You will be introduced to practical strategies and resources for planning and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments that encourage respectful and meaningful dialogue across differences.  
 
Note: Each workshop in this series is designed to stand alone and can be attended independently. Participants may register for either or both sessions based on their interests and availability. 

• Strategies for Facilitating Dialogue: This 90-minute workshop, which was held in September, offered resources and strategies for faculty and staff available through the Constructive Dialogue Institute (CDI) platform, such as identifying constructive open-ended questions for challenging conversations, modeling reflective and active listening, and developing ready responses for unpredictable moments inside or outside of the classroom.  Additional workshops may be available in the future.  For more information, contact Helen Hammerschmidt at hhammerschmidt@wcupa.edu. 
• Teaching in Turbulent Times: As a University that values diversity and inclusion, how can you ensure that our classrooms and other learning environments are places for civil discourse and respectful disagreement? This discussion will allow faculty and staff to explore this issue by examining case studies and proactively plan for these moments. This workshop was created by Dr. Tracey Robinson, who will facilitate alongside Dr. Janneken Smucker.

Tuesday, October 8 at 2:00 pm (in person)

Additionally, we offer the following resources for you to explore strategies and insights on navigating difficult discussions this election season:

American Political Science Association: “Engaging the 2024 U.S. Election Webinar Series”  
American University's Polarization & Extremism Research & Innovation Lab (PERIL): “Building Resilient & Inclusive Communities of Knowledge” 
University of Michigan, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching: “Guidelines for Discussing Difficult or High-Stakes Topics.” 
WCU Teaching & Learning Center “: Preparing for Challenging Discussions in the Classroom with Community Agreements" 

REGISTER here for navigating challenging conversations 

KYW News Radio Features WCU's John Kennedy on the Historical Nature of the Current Presidential Election

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

As the political season moves forward, Dr. Kennedy continues to be requested frequently by numerous media outlets to provide analyses about the 2024 presidential election. Since the month of July, he has appeared six times on CBS News Philadelphia and seven times on 6abc Action News.

LISTEN TO KYW NEWSRADIO INTERVIEW WITH DR. KENNEDY

Advance Registration Process For Sykes Student Union Now Available

After a successful inaugural year, Sykes Student Union is pleased to begin the 2024-2025 Advance Reservation process. Please review some of the FAQs in the link below and note the tentative timeline.

Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments with reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events.

Advance Registration   Submit an Advance Reservation Request

How to Submit Your Event to Online Campus Calendar

The WCU Calendar is populated by events submitted in 25Live, WCU's room reservation and calendaring program. Faculty/Staff may submit events to the calendar by selecting "WCU Featured Events Calendar" in the "Resources" section of the 25Live Event Form.

WCU Event Calendar   How to Submit your event to wcu calendar

Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center

Students, Faculty, and Staff now have access to the Iris Booth, a free professional photo booth located in the

Career Development Center (Lawrence 225).

Students, Faculty, and Staff can stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm to get a photo taken, no appointment needed.

FAST Schedule & Offerings

Check out what IS&T has on tap for the semester! The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications, in addition to providing best practices in trending platforms (e.g., OneDrive, D2L, RamCloud). Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. Click below for the full schedule or take self-paced options.

FAST Schedule

Want to learn more about Navigate?

Visit our webpage. You’ll find an overview, information about Progress Reports, and our training site.

You can also check out the FAST training site and search “navigate” to final all of the Navigate-specific offerings. Here's a quick guide to the offerings.

Navigate Home page

FREE LinkedIn Learning Content Available to WCU Faculty, Staff and Students

LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com content is an industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 180,000 videos, covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. West Chester University faculty, staff and currently enrolled students have unlimited access.

Access LinkedIn Learning