Provost's Post

More Than 3,000 First-Year and Transfer Students Move-In

Post Move-In, Multiple "Weeks of Welcome" Events Programmed to Help Students Acclimate

West Chester University (WCU) welcomed its newest Golden Rams—the members of the Class of 2030—as more than 3,000 first-year and transfer students moved into campus residence halls on Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21.  Ram Rally Under the Lights Friday night was a high-energy celebration featuring a spirited fireworks display, Rammy (WCU’s beloved mascot), Cheer Team, Dance Team, lots of games and prizes, free Ram swag, and an awesome performance by the renowned Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band! 

Throughout the two-day move-in, students and their families arrived on North Campus in vehicles packed with everything needed for college life. Students checked in at their assigned residence halls, received their Ram Card student IDs, and moved into their new homes during pre-selected arrival times. Hundreds of resident assistants, alumni, faculty, and staff volunteers were on hand to greet families, answer questions, and help unload and transport carts filled with suitcases, bedding, computers, books, and other college essentials.

Welcome Weekend closed with a Convocation Ceremony on Sunday, August 23 in Hollinger Field House.  The University's official welcome for the Class of 2030 featured remarks from President Laurie Bernotsky and student leaders, performances by student organizations, and other surprises, as they began their West Chester University journey.  Following convocation, the Class of 2030 assembled on the Quad for its "Human Formation" photograph.

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

One Stop Student Service Center Opens in Francis Harvey Green Library

In her Action Plan, President Bernotsky challenged us to be better, think bigger, and foster moments that improve the student experience at WCU. Those principles are reflected in a new initiative--the One Stop Student Success Center, which opened its doors in Francis Harvey Green Library this week.

Designed around a student well-being model, One Stop provides a welcoming, centralized location where students can receive assistance with questions related to financial aid and paying for college, how to register for classes, living on and off campus, student life, and other essential services. During the pilot phase this fall, a cross-trained team will help students navigate these areas, resolve many concerns in a single visit, and connect students with the right resources when additional support is needed.

One Stop is more than a new center, it is a different way of serving students. By reducing barriers, simplifying processes, and providing caring, coordinated support, One Stop addresses students' challenges before they become obstacles and roadblocks. By making services more accessible and coordinated, we remove unnecessary barriers and create more opportunities for every student to succeed.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ONE STOP

WCU Marks Milestone at White Coat Ceremony

Continued accreditation caps a celebration for all cohorts

West Chester University’s Physician Assistant Program celebrated a major milestone during its annual White Coat Ceremony, recognizing the program’s recent achievement of Accreditation-Continued from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), the highest accreditation status awarded to established physician assistant programs.

The ceremony also celebrated students at every stage of the physician assistant journey, welcoming the Class of 2028, recognizing the Class of 2027 as they begin clinical education and graduating the Class of 2026 as they prepare to enter one of the nation's fastest-growing healthcare professions.

Under the leadership of Program Director Amy Baker, DSc, MPAS, the designation follows a rigorous seven-year process of program development, implementation, evaluation and continuous quality improvement. Much of that work took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, as faculty and staff simultaneously built a new academic program, established clinical partnerships and prepared students for careers in medicine.

For the Class of 2026, the ceremony marked the culmination of years of rigorous academic study and clinical training. Collectively, graduates completed more than 37,000 patient encounters during their clinical year and will soon take the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE). Previous WCU graduating classes have achieved a 92% first-time PANCE pass rate, exceeding the national average.

Graduates have accepted positions across the region in specialties including critical care, hospital medicine, primary care and emergency medicine, with placements at organizations such as UPMC, Lancaster General Health, Main Line Health and Norwalk Hospital.

Students in the Class of 2027 celebrated another significant milestone as they received their short white coats before beginning clinical rotations. The ceremony symbolizes the trust, responsibility and professionalism expected as students transition from classroom instruction to direct patient care under the supervision of physician and physician assistant preceptors.

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

LEARN MORE ABOUT P.A. PROGRAM AT WCU

Main Hall Welcomes New Banner Installation

A new banner installation outside West Chester University's Main Hall invites the campus community to reflect on the enduring power of education, creativity, and community. Designed by recent Graphic and Interactive Design graduate Eleana Rudderow ('26), the three-panel artwork was selected as the winner of the College of Arts and Humanities' 2026–27 Main Hall Banner Contest and brings to life this year's theme, "Arts and Humanities: Informing Our Shared History, Advancing Justice, Strengthening Communities."

Developed in collaboration with America250PA, the theme explores how the arts and humanities help us understand our shared past while inspiring a more just and connected future.

For Rudderow, the theme became an opportunity to visualize the passage of time through a single, unifying symbol: light.

"This banner series uses light as a symbol of knowledge across time at West Chester University," says Rudderow. "A flame, a contemporary light source, and an abstract glow represent the past, present, and future while remaining visually connected. The system reflects how education preserves knowledge, drives action, and continues to expand."

Inspired by the challenge of representing time in a cohesive way, Rudderow drew on the symbolism of light as a reflection of education, clarity, and growth. References to the University's history and its commitment to the arts and humanities are woven throughout the design, creating a visual narrative that unfolds across three panels.

The first banner, representing the past, features a flame alongside imagery inspired by early education and campus history. The second focuses on the present through a contemporary LED light source symbolizing sustainability and progress, surrounded by elements that celebrate the arts and humanities. The final panel expands into an abstract glow, representing possibility and the continued influence of the West Chester University community long after graduation.

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership and WCU Veterans Center to Host The Journey Home on September 10

The Chester County Suicide Prevention Partnership, in collaboration with West Chester University's (WCU) Veterans Center, will host a screening of The Journey Home, a compelling documentary exploring the lived experiences of military veterans, the impact of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and the essential role of community in healing. The event is free and open to the public.* Advance registration is encouraged. To register, click the button below.  For additional information, email info@ccspp.org.

The event will take place on Thursday, September 10, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Madeleine Wing Adler Theatre, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Following the screening, attendees are invited to participate in a community conversation about the film and the challenges veterans face as they transition home from military service..

REGISTER ONLINE

(Courtesy of WCU Department of Communications & Marketing)

CESW’s PRIZE-Winning Solution to Pennsylvania’s Teacher Shortage

PRIZE — Partnering in Raising Inclusive Zealous Educators — is a dual-enrollment program launched in January 2023 for high school seniors interested in becoming teachers. High school students in partner districts can earn up to seven college credits in education classes for free at West Chester. Costs are shared by the University, University donors, and the districts. Students return to their home districts to student teach and are shown preference in sponsor districts for hiring after graduation.

Senior Cece Perrotti, who graduated from Kennett High School in the Kennett Consolidated School District, wanted to be a teacher and wanted to teach in her home school district.

“When I talk to most people about being an educator, a lot of it comes from a love of your community. You want to give back to the community that raised you,” Perrotti says.

Thanks to PRIZE, she will student teach in her home school district and be given consideration for a full-time job.

“In addition to helping with your course load, it builds connections early on and provides you with a chance to develop maturity before you actually get to college,” Perrotti says.

Dr. Katie Solic, PRIZE Program director, says her work with the program has fueled her optimism about the future of education. “What has been so re-energizing for me in PRIZE is that so many of the high school students I engage with are so excited about teaching.”

Interest in PRIZE has grown steadily. Eight students participated in 2023-2024, growing to 26 in the 2025-2026 academic year.

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

PASSHE Universities Pledge to Cover Remaining Tuition Costs for Eligible In-State Students

Systemwide initiative will help eligible Pell and PA State Grant recipients pay no tuition out-of-pocket after other aid is applied.  The board also sets 2026-27 in-state undergraduate tuition rate

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) announced today the systemwide “PASSHE Pledge,” a last-dollar scholarship initiative to cover remaining tuition costs for in-state undergraduate students who receive both a federal Pell Grant and a PA State Grant. The initiative begins in fall 2027.
 
Under the pledge, eligible students across all 10 PASSHE universities would pay no out-of-pocket tuition costs after federal, state and institutional aid is applied. Fees, books, housing and meals are not included.
 
The Board of Governors today unanimously approved a resolution supporting the pledge. Each university president will coordinate with PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino to finalize the details on the university's program to align with the goals of the pledge.
 
"With the launch of the PASSHE Pledge, we stand together as a state system of 10 great universities to eliminate a financial barrier to baccalaureate degrees and high-quality jobs for many hardworking students," said Cynthia Shapira, chair of the PASSHE Board of Governors. "This is a major step toward helping more students earn a degree, launch a career and build a stronger future without a tuition gap standing in their way."
 
Some PASSHE universities already have programs that meet parts of the pledge and will help inform the broader systemwide initiative.
 
"I applaud our university presidents for advancing the PASSHE Pledge," said PASSHE Chancellor Christopher Fiorentino. "They understand that even when students receive federal and state grants, a remaining tuition gap can make college feel out of reach. The PASSHE Pledge is designed to close that gap for eligible students so more Pennsylvanians can start college, stay on track and earn a degree."
 
Fiorentino noted that the system will also seek external support from donors for the scholarship initiative. Additional information about the scholarship pledge will be shared in a few months.

(Courtesy of WCU's Department of Marketing & Communications)

Web and digital accessibility compliance deadline extended to April 2027

The compliance deadline for meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at Level AA has been extended by the federal government to April 26, 2027.   

While the deadline has shifted, our expectations and commitment remain the same. We are asking faculty and staff to use this added time strategically rather than delaying this work. The goal is steady, manageable progress over time rather than last-minute remediation. 

As a reminder, WCAG 2.1 AA standards are the legal and industry benchmark for digital accessibility and reflect both our responsibility and commitment to inclusive learning and working environments. Integrating accessibility early and incrementally supports everyone more effectively and reduces the need for retroactive accommodations later. 

Faculty continue to be responsible for reviewing and adapting their courses. Throughout the fall semester, faculty should continue to make a good faith effort toward digital content compliance as we aim for full internal compliance by December 31, 2026. Please see additional email communication sent on February 16, 2026. Faculty with questions or in need of assistance can contact the TLC team at tlc@wcupa.edu.

University employees continue to be responsible for reviewing and adapting materials for accessibility as it relates to mass communications, forms, resources, or webpages with an internal goal of full compliance by December 31, 2026. For assistance, see the chart below for the appropriate resource or contact the web and digital accessibility task force at watf@wcupa.edu.

The University is committed to providing guidance, resources, and collaborative support. The link below can help you find the appropriate department for your specific accessibility questions. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIGITAL ACCESSIBILITY STANDARDS and compliance

$1.3M NSF grant to expand statewide cyberinfrastructure for researchers

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Institute for Computational and Data Sciences (ICDS), in collaboration with West Chester University (WCU) and four other institutions in Pennsylvania, received a two-year, $1.3 million U.S. National Science Foundation Campus Cyber Infrastructure (NSF CC*) award to build upon prior efforts to expand the foundation for a statewide network that transforms science-driven research and education at under-resourced or non-research institutions of higher education.

“The AI revolution has fundamentally changed the entire enterprise of research and has increased the need of advanced computing infrastructure to solve a growing number of problems,” said Guido Cervone, ICDS director. “The NSF CC* projects awarded to ICDS supports the fundamental problem that no single institution can provide the necessary computing infrastructure for this new research landscape. ICDS will lead the development of a distributed cyberinfrastructure for the commonwealth — a major achievement for the institute, and it was only possible because of the dedication and commitment of Wayne Figurelle, ICDS assistant director, who has built partnerships with other institutions in the commonwealth over many years.”

West Chester University is excited to be a collaborative partner. “This NSF investment represents a significant advancement in expanding equitable access to advanced computing and research infrastructure across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,” shared West Chester University Chief Information Officer JT Singh. “By strengthening statewide collaboration and connectivity, this initiative positions West Chester University to further enhance its research capabilities, advance high-impact student learning opportunities, and support innovation that contributes meaningfully to our communities.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PA SCIENCE DMZ

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

WCU Celebrates 10 Years of iCamp ACADEMY with Largest Program in Its History

Expanded 2026 Academy Welcomed 60 Students, Launched New Digital Storytelling Track

West Chester University’s iCamp Academy celebrated a major milestone in 2026: 10 years of empowering Philadelphia-area high school students through media production, mentorship, social justice exploration, and immersive college experiences.

Since its founding in 2016, iCamp has introduced students to the power of media while helping them find and amplify their own voices. This year’s academy marks the program’s largest and most ambitious year yet, welcoming 60 student participants — double the size of previous cohorts — thanks to a recent grant and partnership with PA GEAR UP. The expansion also brought participation from three new school districts.

Running June 21–27, 2026, iCamp offered rising high school juniors and seniors a free, weeklong residential experience on West Chester University’s campus. Students worked alongside university faculty, media professionals, and college mentors while developing projects focused on issues impacting their communities.

“This is an exciting and deeply meaningful year for iCamp,” says Dr. Laquana Cooke, founding program director and faculty member in West Chester University’s Department of English. “For 10 years, we’ve watched students grow into confident storytellers, creators, and critical thinkers. Expanding the program allows us to reach even more young people and create even more opportunities for transformation through media and mentorship.”

A hallmark of iCamp is its focus on social justice and community storytelling. Students created original media projects inspired by issues they care about, while gaining hands-on experience in production, collaboration, and communication.

This year also introduced a new Digital Storytelling track, expanding the academy’s creative offerings and giving students additional tools to share personal narratives and community-centered stories through multimedia production.

Participants explored a range of media disciplines including podcasting, video production, game design, journalism, and digital storytelling. Throughout the week, students lived on campus, experiencing college life firsthand, and worked closely with WCU student mentors and faculty experts.

“One of the most powerful aspects of iCamp is seeing students realize their stories matter,” Cooke adds. “They leave with technical skills, confidence, and a stronger sense of their own voice and future possibilities.”

The program culminated in a Final Exhibition and Launch Event, where students presented their completed projects to family members, educators, community partners, and invited guests.

“We’re not just teaching media skills,” says Dr. Laquana Cooke, iCamp’s Founding Program Director and WCU English faculty member. “We’re giving students a chance to reflect, create, and speak out on the things that matter to them.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT ICAMP

 

TLC Teaching Hub Offers Generative AI Resources, Accessibility Guides and More

TLC staff stand ready to provide instructors with support as they design courses and the TLC Teaching Hub offers a variety of topics, strategies, and evidence-based practices commonly used to promote student learning across a variety of disciplines, along with activities and methods developed by your faculty peers. TLC's extensive collection of resources is designed specifically to empower your unique journey in teaching. Whether you seek cutting-edge methodologies, interactive tools, or insightful strategies, or reflections from your peers, the Teaching Hub offers many valuable resources to enrich your classroom experience.

TLC TEACHING HUB RESOURCES

TLC NEWSLETTER - AUGUST FACULTY UPDATE

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

TLC Resources for Faculty 

As a new resource to prepare a course for a new semester, the Teaching & Learning Center has developed a Course Set-Up Checklist that includes many useful links.

Course Set-Up Checklist 

AI continues to revolutionize teaching and learning. In recognition of the myriad ways that faculty may utilize AI in their courses, there is no university-wide policy on AI use in coursework. Instead, faculty should clearly articulate their own policies on AI use in their syllabi. Depending on your discipline, it may be worth specifying acceptable uses of AI on an assignment-by-assignment basis, so as to make sure students are clear on when and how they can use AI, it at all. 
The Teaching & Learning Center has a robust set of resources to assist in this area including example syllabus statements that reflect a variety of different perspectives and positions.

Artificial Intelligence Resource Page

The Academic Calendar is available on the Registrar's website.  The Spring 2026 Final Exam schedule is available at this link: Spring Final Exam Schedule .

Academic Calendar

FREE Campus Shuttle Transportation Available to Faculty, Staff, & Students

WCU Shuttles are free to WCU students, faculty, and staff and are a quick and easy way to travel around campus, West Chester Borough, or to the Exton Train Station.

An accessible bus containing a wheelchair lift is available for students and employees with permanent or temporary mobility issues. Details on how to access this service is available on the Accessible Transportation webpage.

On Campus Shuttles:
The University provides shuttle service between North and South Campus during the fall and spring semesters as well as limited service during the winter and summer sessions. The Gold Route runs daily from 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 a.m. on weekdays and from 10:00 a.m. - 2:15 a.m.  on weekends (during fall and spring semesters).  For more information on shuttle schedules, click the button below.

**Students using the shuttle service should be advised that it is impossible to provide timely transportation between North and South Campus within the standard 10-minute class break. Therefore, students should plan and develop class schedules that allow time to be transported between the two locations through the use of open class periods.**

Campus Shuttle Information

New! WCU Training Directory Launches

The WCU Training Directory serves as a centralized “storefront” for training opportunities across the university.  Users can search for trainings by name or keyword, or filter offerings by department to quickly find opportunities that meet their needs. While the directory brings these trainings together in one convenient location, it does not host the trainings themselves. Selecting a training title will direct users to the hosting department’s webpage, where the training is managed and delivered.

Trainings featured in the directory are designed to benefit a broad audience of faculty and staff and are not department-specific.

WCU Training Directory

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

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