Health Notices

The Office of Off Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) wants to empower you to make the best decision for you and your family. OCCS encourages you to begin researching your options early as we know housing for the upcoming academic year becomes increasingly competitive as the current academic year progresses. Researching early does not mean you should sign early. Consider these steps:

1. OCCS partners with places4students.com. In addition to viewing available rentals, Places4Students allows students to search/post for sublets and make roommate connections. Note! *If you are renting with other students in the Borough of West Chester or in West Goshen Township, you must rent in a student-zoned rental.* You can find out if the rental you are considering is student-zoned by asking the property owner.
2. Attend OCCS housing events. View the OCCS RamConnect Page for up-to-date programs that will help you with your housing search.
3. Watch OCCS’ YouTube channel for recordings of programs and tips.
4. Schedule an individual appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services by emailing commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu.
5. Review the terms of your lease with Free Student Legal Services. Schedule an appointment with Free Student Legal Services by logging on to myWCU.

The availability for housing and the period for which you can obtain a lease will be managed by individual property owners. An option to consider is trying to negotiate with the landlord for a month-to-month lease. This option may give you more flexibility and, given the circumstances, some landlords may be more willing to negotiate. Consider these steps:

1. The Office of Off Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) partners with places4students.com. In addition to viewing available rentals, Places4Students allows students to search/post for sublets and make roommate connections. Subletting may be a good option to consider if you are looking for a lease mid-academic year. Note! *If you are renting with other students in the Borough of West Chester or in West Goshen Township, you must rent in a student-zoned rental.* You can find out if the rental you are considering is student-zoned by asking the property owner.
2. Attend OCCS housing events. View the OCCS RamConnect Page for up to date programs that will help you with your housing search.
3. Watch OCCS’ YouTube channel for recordings of programs and tips.
4. Schedule an individual appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services by emailing commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu.
5. Review the terms of your lease with Free Student Legal Services. Schedule an appointment with Free Student Legal Services by logging on to MyWCU.

WCU’s Department of Off Campus and Commuter Services (OCCS) is offering virtual one-on-one appointments to assist students with any questions. Email commuters@wcupa.edu with questions and/or to set up a virtual one-on-one appointment. Attend OCCS events. View the OCCS RamConnect Page for up to date programs. Get involved with the Off Campus and Commuter Student Association.  Other University resources include, and are not limited to, Counseling Services, Health Services, the Campus Library, Sykes Student Union, and the Campus Rec Center. Please contact each of the departments for modifications of services and hours.  Also check out WeCU Student Affairs Virtual Engagement Opportunities & Resources and the Student Support Center.

West Chester University offers free legal services to currently enrolled students. Schedule an appointment with Free Student Legal Aid on myWCU or visit  the Legal Aid website for more information.

The Advocates for Student Renters Group is a group of WCU student renters who are actively meeting to discuss renting housing in the greater West Chester area. They have advocated for greater flexibility with lease terms, a lower cost for rent, rent relief, and other concerns related to the student rental process. If you are interested in discussing renting off campus with other students, visit their Facebook group.

Yes, two face masks are available to each student. Please visit the Sykes Student Union information desk with your student ID to pick up your masks.

The WCU Student Code of Conduct and expectations of being a responsible citizen to protect our community apply to you regardless of where you live. Please visit the Student Conduct page for all University regulations and guidelines.

Communicating Concerns with Others Regarding Covid-19

Good healthy adult communication begins with being honest about sharing space. Consider sharing your concerns about the health risks. If your concern is not respected, please take care of your own health and exercise caution by distancing yourself. Control the controllables!

Stay informed and share resources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) FAQ to help keep yourself and others healthy.

If You or a Roommate Gets Sick

If a student is symptomatic, the student will need to call Student Health Services for guidance and/or an appointment with a provider. If a student is symptomatic and is tested for Covid-19, the student should self-report by completing the designated University form. The student and potentially the roommates will be asked to return home if possible. Chester County Health Department (CCHD) will be notified. The CCHD has been responsible for conducting contact tracing and notifying individuals who may have been exposed.

 

Questions to Consider Asking Roommate(s) Regarding Covid-19

SAFETY

• Have you previously been diagnosed with Covid-19?
• Do you have a higher risk for severe illness if exposed to the virus?
• What precautions do you take to stop the spread? (ie. wearing a mask, hand washing, cleaning high-touch surfaces, etc.)
• How do you practice social distancing?

SOCIAL

• Will you be working during the semester?
• Do you plan to visit or stay with family, friends, or romantic partners during the semester?
• Do you have plans to travel this year?
• Do you plan to frequently visit restaurants, bars, or other establishments?

SPACE

• How will we clean shared surfaces and spaces?
• Are you comfortable with having guests over and what is our guest action plan?
• If asked, are you willing to isolate for your roommates’ needs?
• If a roommate has symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19, what is our plan?

Hosting or Participating in Social Gatherings

As stated by the U.S. Department of Health, PA Department of Health, and the Chester County Health Department, it is recommended to refrain from social gatherings, including hosting at home, and to practice social distancing by maintaining a six-foot distance from others as much as possible.

 

Social Distancing and Social Gatherings

We are expecting students living off campus to refrain from hosting social gatherings that could lead to the transmission of Covid-19. This is a global health emergency that requires all of us to exercise conscientious behavior and compassion toward one another by not engaging in activities that will continue to spread the virus.

 

A lease is a contract with your property owner. If you are looking to terminate your lease, start with a conversation with your property owner. If your lease/property owner allows, sublet your rental. You can list your subletting opportunity on Places4Students by visiting this website.  Additionally, consider the following tips:

• Schedule an appointment with WCU Free Student Legal Services. The lawyer may be able to offer suggestions about the lease terms and how to get out of the lease. Contact Student Legal Services here for more information.
• Set up an appointment with Off Campus and Commuter Services by emailing commuters@wcupa.edu and/or Maggie Holroyd at mholroyd@wcupa.edu.
• Check out the Advocates for Student Renters Group. This is a group of WCU student renters who are actively meeting to discuss renting in the greater West Chester area. They have advocated for greater flexibility with lease terms, a lower cost for rent, rent relief, and other concerns related to the student rental process. If you are interested in discussing renting off campus with other students, visit their Facebook group.

Start by contacting your property owner and negotiating the terms of your lease. Schedule an appointment with WCU Free Student Legal Services. The lawyer may be able to offer suggestions about the lease terms. Contact Student Legal Services for more information. Additionally, consider reviewing your state and local municipality’s resources.