Welcome WEEK 2025
August 21-24
Welcome Week includes events and activities that will help you get connected to your campus and classmates, feel supported as you navigate college, and prepare for successful years at West Chester University!
Thursday, August 21
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
4:30-6:30PM
Please see description for hall times |
Dinner Meal times are determined by residence hall. Students must use their meal swipe and attend with their building 4:30PM:
6:30PM:
|
Commons Dining Hall |
|
6PM |
Resident Floor Meetings [MANDATORY for all On Campus Residents] Join your Resident Assistants and peers on your residence hall floor for a mandatory meeting. |
Residence Halls |
|
8PM-11PM |
If WCU is your home away from home, then consider Sykes Student Union the living room! Come by and stay awhile to enjoy free food, activities, crafts, and more. There will be tons of options for DIY dorm decor, games (board and video!), raffle prizes, and a mini market with local vendors selling items to help make your space your own. Come exactly as you are to explore YOUR student union and meet new people in a laid-back, chill environment.
|
Sykes Student Union |
|
8PM-11PM |
The Department of Campus Recreation welcomes the Class of 2029 with a night of fun-filled programs, activities, and giveaways. At this event, you’ll be able to learn about our facilities, fitness programs, outdoor adventure pursuits, intramurals, and sport clubs offered both on and off campus. Enjoy Snacks and giveaways along with a Plank and Pushup Contest, Hot Shot Shooting Contest, Putting Contest, fun at the Climbing wall, and a live DJ!
|
Student Recreation Center |
Non ADA Accessible 
Activity may involve visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, or flashing
lights. 
Activity may be physical in nature, involving running, jumping, dancing or other
physical movement. 
Activity aims to be calming to basic senses. 
Activity may involve large amounts of social engagement in a group setting. There
will likely be a large crowd present. 
Activity may involve auditory stimulation, such as loud music, sounds, or other noise.
Activity is a required program.
Activity is for transfer students.
Friday, August 22
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 9AM-10AM |
Unleash your inner artist at our "Design Your Own Canvas Painting" event! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, join us for a fun and relaxed morning of creativity. You must sign up in advance for this event and it is limited to 30 people.
|
Center for Contemplative Studies |
| 10AM-11AM |
Unleash your inner artist at our "Design Your Own Canvas Painting" event! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, join us for a fun and relaxed morning of creativity. You must sign up in advance for this event and it is limited to 30 people.
|
Center for Contemplative Studies |
| 9AM-11AM |
Donut Forget First Aid with Student Health Services Come visit Student Health Services in Commonwealth Hall for an open house! Grab some health and safety supplies and a donut while you are there. |
Student Health Center Commonwealth Hall (bottom floor facing the Lawrence Center) |
| 1PM-2PM |
This presentation consists of a live 25-minute overview of the current night sky followed by an educational and entertaining full dome movie, roughly 30 minutes in length. This event is limited to 60 people, please register in advance through Ramconnect.
|
Mather Planetarium |
| 2PM-3PM |
Spend an hour outdoors in West Chester University’s beloved Gordon Natural Area, 126 acres of protected forest right here on our south campus! Enjoy a guided tour from GNA Steward Dr. Nur Ritter, learning more about the GNA, its flora and fauna, and the miles of recreational trails as you go.
|
Gordon Natural Area (R Lot) |
| 2PM-4PM |
Are you a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college
degree? That means you're a first generation student!
|
Chickie's & Pete's |
|
4:30-6:30PM
Please see description for hall times
|
Dinner Meal times are determined by residence hall and floor. Students must use their meal swipe and attend with their floormates. 4:30PM:
6:30PM:
|
Commons Dining Hall |
| 6PM |
Floor Meetings [MANDATORY for all On Campus Residents] Join your resident assistants and peers on your residence hall floor for a mandatory meeting |
Residence Halls |
| 8PM-10PM |
Join us for an unforgettable evening as we officially welcome our newest Golden Rams to the WCU family! Ram Rally Under the Lights is a high-energy celebration featuring music, fireworks, and a powerful performance by the incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band. This spirited community event is open to all- new students, returning Rams, WCU faculty and staff, and our local community members. Come feel the excitement and energy of the Ram Fam as we light up the night and kick off the year in true Golden Ram style! Don't miss this WCU tradition! Shuttles will be departing Wayne Hall loop continuously starting at 7:30 pm
|
Farrell Stadium |
| 9:30PM-11:30PM |
After Ram Rally Under the Lights, head to the SECC to unwind and enjoy late-night food with friends. Think: Coffee house vibes! There will be live music, games, crafts, and plenty of space to kick back and relax before the night ends.
|
The Learning Stairs at The Science Engineering Center and Commons |
Non ADA Accessible Activity may involve visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, or flashing
lights. Activity may be physical in nature, involving running, jumping, dancing or other
physical movement. Activity aims to be calming to basic senses. Activity may involve large amounts of social engagement in a group setting. There
will likely be a large crowd present. Activity may involve auditory stimulation, such as loud music, sounds, or other noise.
Activity is a required program. Activity is for transfer students.
Saturday, August 23
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
8:45AM
|
Managing your Money and Title IX Education This event is MANDATORY for students from the following Residence Halls: Allegheny and Brandywine An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios -presented by the consent education expert Stacey Rose! There will be no pre-registration for this event. You will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.
|
Asplundh Concert Hall |
|
10:15AM |
Managing your Money and Title IX Education This event is MANDATORY for students from the following Residence Halls: Goshen and Tyson An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios -presented by the consent education expert Stacey Rose! There will be no pre-registration for this event. You will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.
|
Asplundh Concert Hall |
|
11:45AM |
Managing your Money and Title IX Education This event is MANDATORY for students from the following Residence Halls: Commonwealth, Killinger, Schmidt, and South Campus Apartments An audience interactive program that addresses issues surrounding dating, sex, and sexual violence on college campuses through relatable language and scenarios -presented by the consent education expert Stacey Rose! There will be no pre-registration for this event. You will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.
|
Asplundh Concert Hall |
|
10AM-1PM |
Catch a shuttle from Asplundh Concert Hall, commonly referred to as the “Castle Building”, and meet us in the Borough of West Chester to experience all our rich community has to offer! This event will include a Coffee Crawl, miniature golf, succulent planting, community engagement, and freebies at our community Grower’s Market!
|
West Chester Borough |
| 12PM-2PM |
West Chester University First Responders Meet and Greet Welcome, Golden Rams! As you embark on your first year, join us at Dinniman Plaza, right in front of the SECC building, for a unique opportunity to meet and chat with West Chester's local Fire, EMS, and Police services. This is your chance to learn about the vital work they do, ask any questions you may have, or simply get to know the dedicated individuals who serve our campus and surrounding area. Come connect in a friendly, informal environment! |
Dinniman Plaza (in front of The Commons Dining Hall) |
|
1:30PM-3PM |
Join the Office of Sustainability and University Libraries for a free plant potting
event! Practice some basics of caring for houseplants and paint a terracotta pot,
all while learning more about sustainability on campus.
|
Sykes Student Union Ballroom A |
| 2PM-4PM |
Welcome Week just got sweeter! Get a glimpse of the world of student engagement at Org Island, a sneak peek into the student organization experience. Interact with student organizations while enjoying some ice cream from Hangry Bear creamery (limited to the first 300 attendees). Your golden match is waiting - don't miss it!
|
Residential Quad |
| 2PM-4PM |
Calling all transfer students! Get ready to 'taco' bout it. Enjoy some delicious walking tacos while connecting with other transfer students! You might even get a new piece of WCU gear for attending!
|
Sykes Student Union 10A |
|
2PM-3PM |
Transitioning from the Chrome Book: How to Use your Computer at WCU Starting college is exciting, but navigating new technology can feel overwhelming. "Tech Savvy Start" is a hands-on workshop designed to help WCU students master the essential technology skills they need for success. With separate sessions for PC and Mac users, this session covers accessing WCU’s learning management system, using WCU email, attaching and uploading documents, organizing files, and exploring the university's tech resources. This workshop empowers students to confidently handle their technology needs, ensuring they can focus on achieving their academic goals. We recommend that you stay the full duration of this event. Please bring your laptop to this session. PC users can head to Anderson Hall room 213 and Mac (Apple) users can go next door to room 212
|
Anderson Hall second floor rooms 213 (PC) and 212 (Mac) |
| 2:30PM-4PM |
Therapy Dogs Stop by Sykes to hang out with some cuddly therapy dogs and learn more about our campus Counseling Center.
|
Sykes Student Union First Floor Lobby and TV Lounge |
| 7PM-9PM | Golden Hour with Student Affairs A sunset social for First Year students! First 100 attendees get a WCU picnic blanket! Enjoy the Fizzy Mama Soda bar, a live DJ, salty and sweet snacks, and pop up student performances throughout the event.
|
Academic Quad |
| 9PM-12AM |
New year, new GLOW! The party is in the Res Quad complete with glow-in-the-dark games, novelties, a DJ, giveaways, and more. You won't want to miss this all-out celebration of a new school year at WCU. Rams (glow) UP!
|
Residential Quad Rain location: |
Non ADA Accessible Activity may involve visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, or flashing
lights. Activity may be physical in nature, involving running, jumping, dancing or other
physical movement. Activity aims to be calming to basic senses. Activity may involve large amounts of social engagement in a group setting. There
will likely be a large crowd present. Activity may involve auditory stimulation, such as loud music, sounds, or other noise.
Activity is a required program. Activity is for transfer students.
Sunday, August 24
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
|
9AM-12PM |
Campus may seem large (it’s 403 acres after all!), but you got this! Orientation Leaders along with other student leaders are here to walk you around campus buildings to check out where your classes will be held. Bring your class schedule, stop at the Cafe Gourmino coffee truck in front of Ehinger Gym, and get searching! Did I mention free coffee?!
|
Ehinger Lawn and in Academic Buildings |
| 9AM-12PM |
Rams in the Community Meeting This interactive session is designed to help students navigate the campus and residential experience. The focus is on issues that may arise when sharing a living/learning community with others. Topics covered include alcohol and drugs, managing and resolving conflicts, and other expectations of the University community. |
Anderson Hall |
|
1:45PM |
[MANDATORY for all First-Year Students] Join us for West Chester University's inaugural Convocation. Get ready to hear from President Bernotsky as well as speeches from student leaders, witness performances from our talented student groups, and remember to say hi to Rammy when you see him! Asplundh Concert Hall will be a Sensory and Overflow Space for this event.
|
Hollinger Field House |
| 3PM |
[MANDATORY for all First-Year students] Welcome Class of 2029! Before you dive into your first college course, seize this chance to make your mark on campus. Right after Convocation, head to the Academic Quad for a memorable welcome event where you will snap a photo with your entire class spelling out 2 0 2 9, enjoy delicious water ice from the Kona Ice truck, and receive your exclusive class t-shirt. Join us for a fun-filled gathering and kick off your college journey with excitement and camaraderie!
|
Academic Quad |
| 7PM-10PM |
The Dowdy Multicultural Center Presents: Rams Rollout: Glow Skate Party Get ready to roll into a night of culture, color, and community at our Rams Rollout: Glow Skate Party! 🛼🎉✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening where the lights are low, the vibes are high, and the fun takes center stage. Whether you’re skating to your favorite beats, showing off your best neon fit, or just vibing with friends, this is your chance to connect with others and celebrate!
All are welcome to roll through this joyful space dedicated to celebrating the diversity, identity, and unity of multicultural students at WCU.
Glow sticks, music, snacks, skates, and good vibes provided!
|
Sykes Student Union Ballrooms |
| 5PM-8PM |
Rams in the Community Meeting This interactive session is designed to help students navigate the campus and residential experience. The focus is on issues that may arise when sharing a living/learning community with others. Topics covered include alcohol and drugs, managing and resolving conflicts, and other expectations of the University. community |
Anderson Hall |
Non ADA Accessible Activity may involve visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, or flashing
lights. Activity may be physical in nature, involving running, jumping, dancing or other
physical movement. Activity aims to be calming to basic senses. Activity may involve large amounts of social engagement in a group setting. There
will likely be a large crowd present. Activity may involve auditory stimulation, such as loud music, sounds, or other noise.
Activity is a required program. Activity is for transfer students.
Other Events
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 5PM-8PM on 8/26 |
Big Queer Welcome Join us to welcome newcomers and say welcome back to old friends as we embark on a new academic year together. We look forward to hosting LGBTQ+ students and allies alike as we help set the tone for the year and introduce members of our community, particularly new students, to our many campus partners, student orgs, and support resources. Come join us for some food, fun, and community!
|
Sykes Student Union Ballrooms |
Non ADA Accessible Activity may involve visual stimulation, such as use of lights, colors, or flashing
lights. Activity may be physical in nature, involving running, jumping, dancing or other
physical movement. Activity aims to be calming to basic senses. Activity may involve large amounts of social engagement in a group setting. There
will likely be a large crowd present. Activity may involve auditory stimulation, such as loud music, sounds, or other noise.
Activity is a required program. Activity is for transfer students.
