Provost's Post

Celebrating Student Research at SURI Closing Ceremony

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

The closing ceremony for the Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) took place on July 9, giving more than 30 students the opportunity to share what they discovered through their own research in the five-week program alongside each of their faculty mentors.

Senior Ethan Farkouh, a major in interdisciplinary studies with minors in nutrition and chemistry, reflected on his positive experience: “Everyone came in with different ideas and passions, and it made the whole experience way more meaningful. I learned a lot from the project, but the connections and conversations are what will stick with me the most.” Farkouh investigated the additives in food and how well college students understand them through his SURI project. By doing so, he strives to clarify common misconceptions and misinformation surrounding food ingredients and labeling. Farkouh is being mentored by Dr. Amir Golmohamadi, nutrition professor, who believes that this research is important right now.

“This topic combines my interests in food science, public health, and consumer behavior,” Farkouh said. “I've always been interested in what goes into our food and how much the general public really knows about ingredients, particularly food additives. I thought it was critical to investigate how focused education could raise awareness and assist people in making better decisions in light of the growing popularity of clean label products and the abundance of contradicting information available online.”

Working under the guidance of Dr. Golmohamadi, Farkouh developed a study using a pre- and post-survey model. Participants first complete a short survey about their current knowledge of food additives. Then, they engage with an educational brochure and presentation created by Farkouh, and finally take a follow-up survey to see what they’ve learned.

For Farkouh, the SURI experience has also been a step forward in his academic journey. “SURI has been an excellent chance to start doing independent research while honing my abilities in data collecting, study design, and scientific communication,” he said. “I've gained experience that will help me achieve my objective of earning a master’s degree in food science. In addition to getting me ready for graduate-level research, finishing this project is strengthening my foundation in consumer-focused work and nutrition education, two areas I intend to continue pursuing in my future.”

Learn More about SURI

Main Hall Gets New Student-Designed Artwork Exploring Mental Health and the Arts

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Main Hall’s newest banner installation is a powerful visual statement that explores the mutual  relationship between emotional well-being and creative expression. Designed by Kayla Lockburner, a rising junior graphic and interactive design student, the artwork supports the College of Arts and Humanities’  2025-26 theme, Mental Health Supports Humanity ↔ The Arts and Humanities Support Mental Health.  

The theme was selected with input from students, including a poll conducted in the college’s First-Year Experience class, and centers on the mutual relationship between creativity and emotional well-being. For Lockburner, the theme struck a personal chord. Her work reflects on how the arts, whether visual, musical, or written, can serve as a therapeutic outlet and a way to navigate emotional challenges. “I chose to interpret the theme as a reflection on how creative expression can serve as a powerful outlet for emotional struggles, and a way to begin the process of healing,” she says.  “I wanted to visually represent the transformative and therapeutic qualities of creativity. The arts don’t solve everything, but they offer a place to start, a form of connection and healing that can make a real difference.”

Her design spans three vertical panels, each illustrating a different form of creative expression: a figure playing a guitar, another typing on a computer, and a third painting. The mostly black-and-white design uses glowing gold accents that draw the eye to each instrument or tool. “Each creative tool, such as the guitar, keyboard, and paintbrush, is rendered in gold, with glowing lines emerging from them and wrapping gently around the figures,” she says. “These golden elements represent healing energy, growth and the positive  emotional impact of engaging with the arts.”

The theme holds special meaning for Lockburner, who often turns to creativity in her own life. “Every project I work on becomes an outlet,” she shares. “It helps me make sense of emotions that are often hard to explain. I hope viewers see themselves in this piece and feel reminded that they’re not alone.”

Dean Jen Bacon of the College of Arts and Humanities agrees. “Kayla’s work beautifully captures the spirit of this year’s theme,” Bacon says. “We believe the arts have the power to support mental health and create meaningful dialogue, and this banner exemplifies that connection.”

More than just a visual statement, Lockburner’s banner offers a message of hope. It invites everyone passing through Main Hall to pause, reflect and consider how the arts can support healing, growth  and connection.

Job & Internship Fair is on September 24; Prepare for the Fair on September 17

The Job & Internship Fair will again bring an anticipated140 employers from a variety of industries and 1,200 students from diverse majors together in the Rec Center on Wednesday, Sept. 24th from 12pm-4pm. 

Encourage students to prepare for this event on Wednesday, Sept. 17th from 12pm-4pm in the Career Center (Lawrence 225) where they can pick out a free professional outfit, update their professional headshot, get a resume review, build and practice their employer intro, research employers and opportunities, and learn tips for managing stress related to the job and internship search.  Together, let's give students the tools and confidence they need to rock their job or internship search!  Email questions about this event to cdc@wcupa.edu.

Fall 2025 Event Schedule

For the Fourth Consecutive Year, WCU Recognized as One of the Philadelphia Region’s 50 Most Community-Minded Employers  

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

West Chester University has been named a 2025 honoree of the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia for the fourth consecutive year. The honor comes from the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, in partnership with globally recognized nonprofit Points of Light, lead partner of the Philadelphia Foundation, and other local organizations. Modeled after Points of Light’s national program, the Civic 50 Greater Philadelphia measures and recognizes civic-minded companies using their time, talent, and resources to drive social impact within their organizations and communities, setting the standard for civic engagement in the region. This year’s honorees represent private and public companies, nonprofits, agencies, and institutions operating in the 11-county Greater Philadelphia region.  WCU was one of only two universities recognized.

“At West Chester University, we don’t just reside in the community — we’re part of its fabric,” said President Laurie Bernotsky. “As a public university, we embrace our role as a steward of place: a trusted partner, a dependable neighbor, and a catalyst for meaningful, lasting change. Our commitment to those who live, work, and grow alongside us is not an initiative — it’s a responsibility we proudly carry forward every day.”

 “Civic engagement is at the heart of West Chester University’s mission as a public institution committed to the common good,” noted Helen Hammerschmidt, associate vice president for communication, operations, and strategy in the WCU Provost’s Office. “We believe that by partnering with our communities — through service, research, workforce development, and inclusive dialogue — we not only enrich student learning but also contribute to a more just and equitable society. Being recognized in the Greater Philadelphia Civic 50 affirms our dedication to fostering civic responsibility, regional impact, and meaningful collaboration.”

WCU engages communities on the local, state, national, and global levels. Service learning is an integral component of many courses at West Chester and the keystone of the Honors College. As a public institution, WCU’s primary community-engagement efforts focus on addressing community-identified needs throughout the Southeastern Pennsylvania region, encompassing Philadelphia as well as Bucks, Delaware, Montgomery, and Chester counties.

WCU's America250 Celebration Kicks Off at Welcome to the Borough

On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation's past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond. WCU is planning a year-long series of events and programs to mark this historic milestone in our nation's and our region's histories, focusing on three themes:

• Educate & Inform Our Shared History - Embrace our role as educators to inform campus and community partners about U.S. and WCU history, how they intersect and influence current events.
• Uphold & Advance American Ideals - Underscore our shared values and ideals of unity and inclusion, addressing the "unfinished business" of the American experiment.
• Engage & Sustain Community - Highlight the importance of sustaining and promoting civic engagement and community well-being.

To learn more about WCU's 250 celebration and view upcoming events, click the button below.

WCU 250

Student Veterans Groups to Host September 11th Memorial Ceremony on Quad

WCU's Student Veterans Group will host a memorial ceremony on the Academic Quad on Thursday, September 11, 2025, to honor and commemorate those who lost their lives and those whose lives were forever changed on 9/11.  All are welcome to attend.

CCESI Gets a New Name

The Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI) is now the Center for Community Engagement & Social Impact.

This change is more than just a new name—it reflects the true scope, breadth, and impact of its work, as well as the partnerships they cultivate every day. CCESI's focus extends beyond civic participation to inclusive, intersectional, and collaborative community development that honors the diverse experiences of our students and community partners. While the name has changed, CCESI's commitment remains the same: to inspire and equip students and partners to create lasting, positive change.

CCESI's mission  encompasses: 

• Community-engaged learning that connects classroom knowledge with real-world problem solving.
  Student engagement through meaningful volunteer experiences that strengthen both campus and community.
• Leadership development to prepare students to lead with purpose and integrity.
• The WCU Resource Pantry, supporting students in meeting basic needs so they can thrive academically and personally.
• Voter engagement support in partnership with campus groups to encourage informed participation in our democracy.

The new name also aligns with national best practices in higher education, emphasizing the recognized standard of “community engagement” for reciprocal, mutually beneficial partnerships, including those recognized by the Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement. It highlights our collaborations with nonprofits, schools, grassroots groups, and faith-based partners—not just civic institutions—and reflects modern approaches such as place-based learning, community-based research, and high-impact educational experiences.

Learn More About CCESI

PRIZE Signing Day: High School Seniors Sign Pledge to Become Teachers 

On June 26, Marissa Herring (pictured, left, Kennett High School) and Faith Bullen (right, Avon Grove High School) signed commitment declarations to pursue academic journeys that will lead to careers as future teachers in the region. These students are on their way to becoming excellent educators through West Chester University’s Partnering in Raising Inclusive, Zealous Educators Program, or PRIZE Program.

WCU’s College of Education & Social Work developed the PRIZE Program to address the national teacher pipeline shortage by collaborating with school districts to cultivate exceptional educators who, following their graduation from WCU, have agreed to return to PRIZE school districts to teach.

This fall, Herring will begin her journey as an early grades/special education major and Bullen will pursue music education. Two other students who have committed to becoming teachers through the PRIZE Program were unable to attend the ceremony: Imanni Barrett (Kennett High School) and Faith Constein (Antietam High School).

In keeping with this “grow-our-own” concept, 18 rising high school seniors attended the event. They are participating in WCU’s PRIZE Summer Teacher Academy, a one-week on-campus experience for high school students interested in the teaching profession and taking a one-credit education technology course. Academy students plan to pursue teacher preparation at WCU one day and eventually become educators in their own school districts much like the peers they watched during the signing ceremony. Current WCU education majors mentor the high school students.

Since its inception, there have been 69 PRIZE high school dual-enrollment participants. Additional PRIZE students are being admitted to the program on a rolling basis for the 2025-2026 academic year. To date, the following school districts have partnered with the PRIZE Program:

The PRIZE Program is supported by such generous sponsors as the Chester Community Charter School, Justamere Foundation, Rob Dash, Esq. and Debbie Dash, as well as others.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRIZE

Camp Abilities PA for Athletes with Vision Loss Celebrates 20th Anniversary at WCU

“Invigorating” and “barrier-busting” is how Dr. Elizabeth Foster ’06 describes the spirit of Camp Abilities PA, a residential educational sports camp for youth with vision loss or blindness that returned to West Chester University for its 20th anniversary this Memorial Day weekend.

An associate professor in adapted physical activity/education (APA/E) and director of Camp Abilities PA at WCU, Dr. Foster lights up and overflows with passion when she talks about this special camp for youth ages 7 to 18 who are blind or have low vision. She has witnessed firsthand the special, redefining moments for the young athletes who personify the camp’s mottos: “Believe you can achieve” and “Loss of sight, not a loss of vision.”

“One of my biggest goals always is to see the progress that our athletes make within just that short amount of time… but to also just slow down and to observe and watch those changes happening,” Foster noted in relation to the goals of this year’s camp. “For many of our athletes, when they go back to their communities and schools, they’re just that one student with blindness or vision loss. When they’re at camp, they’re surrounded by friends and so many others who have the same difficulties or challenges that they might experience. It’s rewarding just watching that family mentality develop to where I can make sure to push those athletes to find people who support them.”

Camp Abilities PA combined 25 one-on-one performance coaches, 20 head coaches who have prior experience with the camp, and the student administration team comprising WCU majors in special education, sports medicine, health and physical education, and adapted physical education minors. Athletes participated in a variety of sports, including five-a-side soccer, cross-country running, field events, tandem biking, and swimming. Additionally, Camp Abilities offers sports such as goalball, tennis, gymnastics, water polo, and beep baseball. Camp traditionally concludes with a triathlon.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAMP ABILITIES PA

Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim Keynotes WCU’s Sixth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium

(Courtesy of WCU Communication & Marketing)

In April, Professor and Korean author Dr. Grace Ji-Sun Kim gave the keynote lecture at West Chester University's Sixth Spirituality and Sustainability Colloquium on “Earthbound: Theology at the Intersections of Climate and Justice.”  The colloquium was centered around  democracy, sustainability, and spirituality, aligning with Dr. Kim’s expertise, as part of WCU's Earth Week celebrations.

Dr. Kim is a professor of theology at Earlham School of Religion in Indiana as well as an ordained Presbyterian Church (USA) minister. She has authored or edited 24 monographs exploring intersectional themes of gender, religion, and politics. She writes for Baptist News Global, Sojourners, Faith and Leadership, and the Wabash Center with publications in TIME, The Huffington Post, Christian Century, US Catholic Magazine, and The Nation. Dr. Kim is also the host of the “Madang” podcast owned by the Christian Century, where she discusses Christianity, religion, and culture.

One of the volumes she co-edited is Planetary Solidarity: Global Women’s Voices on Christian Doctrine and Climate Justice, which brings together leading Latina, womanist, Asian American, Anglican American, South American, Asian, European, and African woman theologians on the issues of doctrine, women, and climate justice. Because women make up the majority of the world’s poor and tend to be more dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods and survival, the authors state, they are more vulnerable when it comes to climate-related changes and catastrophes.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Teaching & Learning Center Reorganizes

Over the summer, the Teaching & Learning Center announced some organizational changes to better serve WCU’s community of educators. TLC has realigned its team into three areas of specialization, each led by an Assistant Director, to provide more focused and specialized support: 

• Digital Learning and Innovation – led by Marc Drumm  
• Inclusive Excellence and Accessibility – led by Amber Alvord  
• Reflective Practice and Scholarship – led by Tom Pantazes  

In addition to these leadership roles, the rest of the TLC team members have been strategically distributed across these units based on their areas of expertise and interest. This structure enables its team to focus on specialized initiatives while continuing to support the broader mission of the TLC. 

What This Means for You 

• Instructional Design Support: Everyone on the TLC team remains available to support your teaching goals. You may continue to schedule appointments through our TLC Bookings site, either with a specific team member or the first available designer based on your needs. 
• Specialized Programming: With this new structure, our team will be able to dive deeper into their areas of focus, stay current with emerging trends, and offer programming that is both timely and impactful. We invite you to visit the TLC website to explore our current programs, workshops, and resources. The site is regularly updated with new opportunities and information to support your teaching and learning goals. 

We look forward to continuing to partner with you to create meaningful learning experiences for all students. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about how these changes may benefit your work, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at tlc@wcupa.edu.

Community-Engaged Learning (CEL) Designations Now Possible in Banner and TLC to Offer CEL Teaching Circles 

In partnership with the Registrar's Office, effective immediately, it is now possible to indicate a community-engaged learning (CEL) course at the section level!  Community-Engaged Learning is a pedagogical approach that integrates meaningful and mutually beneficial community partnerships with instruction and critical, continuous reflection to achieve both academic and civic outcomes for students, teach civic and social responsibility, and strengthen communities through reciprocal partnerships. 

The Essential Ingredients of Community-Engaged Learning (adapted from Haverford College and Cornell University) Courses with a CEL component involve: 

• Working with and learning from a community partner to establish community-articulated desires
• Students and faculty applying academic and professional skills
• Clearly connecting community engagement to course content and student learning outcomes
• Students critically reflecting on the experience throughout the course
• Producing measurable output and desired outcome(s) aligned with community interest

Department chairs can indicate a section level CEL course in banner but clicking the button below.

Indicate CEL section level course in Banner  

Learn More about Community Engaged Learning

Fall 2025 Community Engaged Learning Teaching Circle: CCESI is partnering with The Teaching & Learning Center in Fall 2025 through a teaching circle focused on preparing community-engaged learning opportunities.  All meetings are on Zoom. To learn more and sign up, click the button below and open the “Community Engaged Learning” accordion under Teaching Circles or complete the Teaching Circle Registration form by Friday, September 5. For questions or additional information, please contact the TLC at tlc@wcupa.edu.  

Schedule:

• Introduction Meeting (1 pm, Monday, September 15)
• Second Meeting: Sharing Learning (1 pm, Monday, October 6)
• Third Meeting: Practical Implementation (1 pm, Monday, October 27)
• Fourth Meeting: Celebration (1 pm, Monday, November 17)  

Learn more about CEL Teaching Circles

 

Middle States Commission on Higher Education Self-Study Kicks Off this Fall

WCU is kicking off our next Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Self-Study this fall by attending the Self-Study Institute (SSI).  The SSI helps prepare institutions to engage in the self-reflection and improvement process.  The series of sessions will kick off on September 3rd with a Plenary focusing on Integrating Mission, Strategic Goals, and Resources for Institutional Improvement.  If you have interest in becoming involved in our next MSCHE self-study process, please contact one of our MSCHE Tri-Chairs Tabetha Adkins,  Jen Long, or Stefanie Schwalm.

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 Teaching Tools, Tips and Resources for Fall 2025

The Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) has published a blog with curated resources to support your teaching this fall—from student-friendly syllabus design and AI policy guidance to D2L templates, technology tools, and inclusive teaching strategies. For your convenience, this blog is also available in audio format if you prefer to listen while multitasking or commuting.

The Fall 2025 Technology Roundup showcases university-supported teaching technologies. We invite you to explore some new tools to enhance student learning.

Lastly, WCU now has a dedicated accessibility website for comprehensive resources to help faculty and staff create inclusive digital content. Whether you are creating documents, presentations, PDFs, videos, or websites, this resource hub breaks down accessibility into manageable, actionable steps.  

Teaching Tools and Tips Blog

Digital Accessibility Resources Hub

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