Module 1 - Welcome and Overview

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

West Chester University is proud to welcome our 16th president, Dr. Laurie Bernotsky,  whose inspiring journey as a first-generation college student and long-standing commitment to public higher education reflect a deep belief in access, opportunity, and the transformative power of education. To learn more about her background, vision, and “Leadership in Focus,” we encourage you to visit the President's Web Page and explore how her leadership is shaping the future of our university community.

Video thumbnail that says 'A message from the WCU President, Laurie Bernotsky'

Now that you've heard from the President, watch the following video that highlights why we love this university.

Video: What do you like most about working at WCU?

NOTABLE FACTS AND FIGURES

Opens in new tab - WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY TUITION & FEES $10,775.16 IN-STATE TUITION & FEES $22,599.16 OUT-OF-STATE TUITION & FEES $4,432 - $11,088 AVERAGE COST OF HOUSING RANGE $3,574 DINING (14 MEALS PER WEEK + $250 FLEX) 52 14,449 UNDERGRADUATE ENROLLMENT 24 NCAA DII ATHLETIC TEAMS 36 STATES AND WASHINGTON, D.C. REPRESENTED BY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS 670+ STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES 18 DINING LOCATIONS AROUND CAMPUS 5,300+ STUDENTS LIVE IN 12 RESIDENCE HALLS 300+ CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS 200+ EVENTS ON CAMPUS EACH YEAR 30 BANANA DAY A TRADITION FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS Contact Phone: 610-436-3411 | Fax: 610-436-2907- E-mail: ugadmiss@wcupa.edu Website: www.wcupa.edu/admissions Toll Free: 877-315-2165 01X @wcuofpa TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $20,997.16 FULL-TIME, IN-STATE, ON-CAMPUS RESIDENT (TRADITIONAL DOUBLE RESIDENCE HALL) $25,465.16 FULL-TIME, IN-STATE, ON-CAMPUS RESIDENT (SUITE-STYLE RESIDENCE HALL) $32,821.16 FULL-TIME, OUT-OF-STATE, ON- CAMPUS RESIDENT (TRADITIONAL DOUBLE RESIDENCE HALL) $37,289.16 FULL-TIME, OUT-OF-STATE, ON- CAMPUS RESIDENT (SUITE-STYLE RESIDENCE HALL)
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VISION AND VALUES

At West Chester University, our mission and vision center on providing high-quality, accessible education while fostering a vibrant, inclusive campus environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive. We are deeply committed to academic excellence, student success, and preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to their communities and professions.

A key part of this commitment is our identity as a Community of Educators. This means that learning and development extend beyond the classroom—every member of our university plays a role in educating, mentoring, and supporting students. Whether through teaching, service, collaboration, or daily interactions, we each contribute to a shared culture of growth, curiosity, and belonging. We encourage you to visit our Values and Vision web page to learn more about how these guiding principles shape our work and our impact.

Optional Module Activity: Mission in Action Reflection

Review the university’s mission and values, then consider how these principles connect to their role and daily work.  You can choose to reflect independently or connect with a colleague or supervisor for a brief discussion. As a guide, you might consider: Which value resonates most with you? How does your role support the university’s mission? What is one way you can put a value into action in your first few months?

COMMUNITY OF EDUCATORS

At West Chester University, every employee is an essential part of our community of educators. Together, we advance our shared mission: student success. That’s what drives everything we do!

Reflect on Your Role

Ask yourself: How does my work support student success?

Depending on your role, you might:

  • Help students with scheduling, registration, or academic planning.
  • Maintain campus spaces, creating a welcoming environment to live, learn, and work.
  • Guide students in financial literacy and accessing resources for education.
  • Connect students to the broader community through service learning, study abroad, or other programs.
  • Support students transitioning to college life through New Student programming.
  • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.
  • Assist students with career preparation, including resumes, internships, and professional opportunities.

New Employees are Encouraged to Connect, Learn, and Grow

  • Connect with campus. Explore other departments and programs. Attending events, workshops, or campus initiatives will help you build connections, learn more about other areas, and be successful in your role (e.g., Sustainability Workshops, Department Open Houses).
  • Seek firsthand information. Read communications from Human Resources, the Office of the President, and other divisions. Staying informed helps you understand the broader campus community and feel connected to the work happening across WCU. Reach out to your supervisor directly with questions. 
  • Volunteer across campus. Supporting other departments is a hands-on way to contribute, build relationships, and gain insight into the vibrant life of WCU. Ask your supervisor which volunteer opportunities make the most sense for your role.
  • Connect with colleagues. Build relationships with colleagues across campus and take time to celebrate the accomplishments of your fellow employees. Events like the annual Employee Appreciation event offer opportunities to connect, recognize contributions, and strengthen your sense of belonging within the WCU community.

By embracing these opportunities, you’ll not only grow professionally but also make a meaningful impact on student success, contribute to our inclusive campus community, and feel part of something bigger. 

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

At West Chester University, our work is organized across core divisions, each playing a vital and interconnected role in the overall success of the institution. Together, these divisions support our academic mission, enhance the student experience, ensure effective operations, and advance the university’s strategic priorities—demonstrating how collaboration across areas is essential to achieving our shared goals.

Optional Module Activity:  

To further your understanding of WCU structure, you may want to have a “Department in Context” conversation with your supervisor. This guided discussion will help you understand how your role, team, and department contribute to the broader mission and structure of West Chester University. Be prepared with questions and to reflect afterward on key takeaways about collaboration, impact, and alignment with university priorities.

Suggested questions to guide your conversation:

  • How does our department support the overall mission and strategic goals of the university?
  • Which division are we part of, and how does that division contribute to institutional success?
  • What are our department’s primary responsibilities and key priorities throughout the year?
  • How does my role specifically contribute to the success of the department and the university?
  • What other departments or units do we collaborate with most frequently?
  • How do we support students, directly or indirectly, through our work?

SHARED GOVERNANCE

Shared governance at West Chester University is a collaborative approach to decision-making that brings together faculty, staff, administration, and governing bodies to shape the direction of the university. This structure is supported by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the Board of Governors of PASSHE, which sets system-wide policies and direction, and the West Chester University Council of Trustees, which provides institutional oversight and advocacy.

For new employees, understanding shared governance offers valuable insight into how decisions are made and why processes exist. It helps you see how your role connects to the broader university, supports effective collaboration, and empowers you to contribute thoughtfully to the success of the institution.

UNIONS AND COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS (CBA’s)

At West Chester University, unions and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) play a critical role in supporting employees, ensuring fair treatment, and providing a structured process for addressing workplace concerns. Unions represent employees in negotiations with the university over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment-related matters. CBAs are formal agreements between the university and the union that outline these negotiated terms and serve as a reference point for both employees and management, promoting transparency, consistency, and mutual accountability.

Note: Not all WCU employees are represented by a union.  Please refer to your offer letter or ask your supervisor if you have questions.

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Preboarding Tasks

The Office of Human Resources will send a “Welcome to WCU” email with instructions to complete new hire forms in DocuSign. The forms must be completed before a new employee may begin work. With questions about the forms, contact HR at hrs@wcupa.edu or visit the Office of Human Resources. 

Once the pending employee completes the new hire packet, WCU will create an employee account and begin to authorize system access.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of clearances. The Compliance Department will reach out to the pending employee with steps to complete the compliance process. Unfortunately, we are not able to accept any clearances completed outside of the WCU process.

To comply with the Immigration and Control Act, new hires (in certain instances, this may include returning employees) must present the original (unexpired) copies of the documents used for the Form I-9 (employment eligibility verification). The documents must be presented in-person to the Office of Human Resources either before starting or within the first 3 days of hire. Please emphasize that the in-person I-9 verification is required.

To complete the I-9 verification process, visit the Office of Human Resources, or go to a paid notary to complete the in-person verification. We will accept an original, notarized Form I-9. Please be sure copies of your identification are included.

Navigating Campus

Our Campuses

WCU Main Campus has over 90 buildings across more than 400 acres. As a member of our community, you may someday be asked by a university guest for directions to some of these key buildings. Explore the following interactive campus map to learn about our buildings and the history behind them. Access the Campus Map.

The Philadelphia Campus offers the quality, reputation, and personalization that West Chester University is known for in the heart of Center City.  WCU in Philadelphia specializes in part-time courses for busy professionals, providing undergraduate and graduate programs all under one roof in the Mellon Independent Center at 8th and Market Streets (and Philadelphia campus students receive a 10% tuition discount).

The Graduate Center is located approximately 2 miles north of Main Campus within the Greenhill Corporate Park at 1160 McDermott Dr., West Chester, PA. The building houses classrooms for the Graduate programs for the School of Business, offices for the College of Business and Public Affairs MBA and MSA programs, office of the Assistant Dean, classrooms for the Graduate College of Education and offices for the Graduate College of Education.

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Commuting Options

WCU employees and students commute to and from main campus, the Philadelphia campus, and the Graduate Center using all modes of transportation: public transit, carpooling, WCU’s Uptown Loop shuttle bus, walking, bicycling, and driving.  

WCU Parking Services, the Office of Sustainability, SSI, and partner organizations provide commuting information and support to employees whatever their preferred modes of transportation.  Visit our Commute with Care website to view several options to help you decide how you will get to and from campus.  Options include carpooling, regional transit, campus parking services, walking and bicycling, and more.  

Discounted monthly SEPTA passes, WCU parking passes, rideshare parking spaces for carpoolers, and weather-protected bicycle parking are some of the services provided.  An easy way to explore your options is to use the online platform Share-A-Ride, to learn about driving, carpooling, public transit, walking, and biking routes and times.

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Employee Parking

With campus parking space at a premium, available spaces must be primarily available to commuters and employees. Cooperation from all members of the University community in observing parking rules and regulations will help to ensure that the policy is effective and benefits the entire campus community.

All parking areas are designated by posted signs. Vehicles may be parked only in those areas designated for the particular classification identified on the permit. No parking is permitted in areas without painted stalls. Violators are subject to being ticketed and towed.

Employees should purchase a permanent parking permit and pick it up at Parking Services. If needed, a temporary 30-day parking permit can be obtained before your first day at Human Resources (201 Carter Drive, Suite 100).

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Campus Dining Options

Employees have access to a variety of convenient on-campus dining options, making it easy to grab a meal or coffee between meetings without leaving campus. Staying on-site not only saves time but also means you won’t have to worry about giving up your parking spot. With a range of choices available, it’s simple to find something that fits your schedule and preferences.

Faculty and staff meal plans offer added flexibility—they can be loaded onto your ID card, and unused meals roll over from one semester to the next.

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RAM CARD OVERVIEW

The Ram eCard is your official West Chester University ID card and provides building access across campus. You also might use your Ram Card to receive an educator discount for businesses that provide that option in the community and the University Bookstore on campus.

All newly hired staff will receive a welcome email from Human Resources once their new hire paperwork has been completed.  Ram eCards are typically available for pickup 48 hours after receiving the email.  Cards are provided in person at the Ram Card Service Center located at 110 W. Rosedale Avenue.   There is no cost for your initial card.

Integrating your Role at WCU

Now that you've learned about the university, the campus, and your department, it's time to take a deeper dive into your role. This section will cover your new role, the probationary period, and the strategic plan and you.

Your Role

Your Department - Each department has its own unique structure and chain of command. Review your department's website and organizational chart to see how your role fits into the structure.  

Your Work Schedule - As a university, our students have unique needs that require some departments to stay open throughout various hours of the day. These hours may vary throughout the year. Some departments also operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Knowledge of your department's hours of operation assists in ensuring you are aware of your work schedule.

Your Year at a Glance - Throughout the year, the university has several paid holidays, such as New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Day. Visit the Human Resources website to review the current holiday schedule.

Your Job Description and Standards - Your job description and standards provide an outline of the responsibilities of your role. Job descriptions typically include the following: responsibilities and duties; reporting/working relationship; knowledge, skills, and abilities, etc. Review your job description and standards with your supervisor.  Ask clarifying questions regarding your responsibilities and duties, then return your signed job description to hrs@wcupa.edu. 

Probationary Period

New employees begin in a probationary period, which provides an opportunity to learn the role, demonstrate performance, and receive feedback. Upon successful completion, employees earn regular status.

The probationary period varies by employee group:

  • Nonrepresented employees = Six (6) months
  • AFSCME = 180 days
  • SCUPA = 12 months
  • POA = 365 days
  • SPFPA = 365 days
  • OPEIU = Six (6) months
  • APSCUF Faculty = Until Tenured
  • APSCUF Coaches = First five (5) years prior to rollover contract

The Strategic Plan

The "Getting to Awesome Together" Action Plan at West Chester University is a strategic initiative spearheaded by President Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, focusing on intentional change, embracing new ways of working, and fostering personal and collective growth. It emphasizes three key drivers: Be Better. Think Bigger. Foster Moments. All new employees are encouraged to read more about The WCU Action Plan.

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University Policies and Professional Ethics

WCU Policy Library

The electronic policy library is the authoritative source of WCU policies and related procedures.

WCU governs the organization through federal and state statutes, board of governor’s policies and procedures, Middle States accreditation standards and requirements of affiliations, and University policies and procedures. The WCU Policy Framework sits within WCU’s broader shared governance structure. The Framework consists of policies, procedures, and schedules, whereby a policy is introduced at the University level and provides the rules to be applied by decision makers and is used to guide the development of procedures. The Framework supports effective policy development, review, and implementation by defining roles and responsibilities within the University’s governance and management structure. The University uses a consistent process and format for approving, issuing, reviewing, and maintaining policies and procedures. This process is designed to provide continuity, ease of access and understanding, and transparent guidance to the University community.

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Acceptable Use Policy & Confidentiality

All employees are expected to use university systems, networks, and resources in a responsible, ethical, and secure manner. The Acceptable Use Policy outlines appropriate use of technology, including protecting institutional data, maintaining cybersecurity best practices, and avoiding activities that could compromise systems or violate laws or university standards.

In addition, the Confidentiality Agreement reinforces each employee’s responsibility to safeguard sensitive information—such as student records, personnel data, and proprietary materials—and to access or share such information only as required for their role. Together, these expectations help ensure a safe, respectful, and compliant working environment for the entire university community.

All newly hired employees complete Acceptable Use and Confidentiality Agreements when completing new hire forms. 

FERPA

West Chester University is committed to protecting the privacy of its students and to maintaining the confidentiality of student education records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).

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