Module 2 - Benefits and Getting Paid

Employee Benefits

West Chester University is part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), and most benefits are standard across the universities within the system. Employee benefits are determined by many factors, including employment status, hours worked, and employee group. Please contact the benefits department at benefits@wcupa.edu if you are unsure of your employee group.

West Chester University believes that healthy employees are an important asset to the University and those we serve, our students.

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Benefits Orientation

All benefits-eligible employees will meet with a member of HR for Benefits Orientation. Please refer to your offer letter for your scheduled date and time. If your start date changes, your session will be rescheduled.

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Pay Schedules

The West Chester University Payroll Office is responsible for paying employees accurately and on time.

Please use the Payroll Email (Payroll@wcupa.edu) to communicate inquiries, documents, timesheets and issues, rather than contacting individual payroll team members. This email is the most effective way to communicate with the Payroll Office.

All University payroll checks are issued through direct deposit. No printed checks are issued. If you have any questions, contact WCU payroll.

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Employee Self Service (ESS)

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) uses Employee Self-Service (ESS) to enable employees to securely view and update their own personal information, submit leave requests, access pay stubs, and manage benefits.

Time off is currently submitted by choosing one of two web-based tools: Employee Self-Service (ESS) and Fiori Self-Service. Directions to submit time off for both portals are provided below. Please note that our long-term system of tracking time off will be FIORI. Human Resources will provide ample notification of when the full transition to FIORI will be made.

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Employee Perks

In addition to our comprehensive benefits, WCU offers many programs and perks that are available to employees.

  • Athletic Game Discount – Employees can enjoy free entry into all regular-season  to West Chester Golden Rams home games, making it easy to support campus athletics.  WCU ID required.
  • Bicycle Lending Library  Program – Borrow a bike for short-term use to get around campus or town conveniently, promoting wellness and sustainability. Learn more about the bike program. 
  • Campus Recreation Membership – All newly hired employees can enjoy a complimentary 6-month membership.  Gain access to fitness centers, group exercise classes, and recreational facilities through West Chester University Campus Recreation to support your health and wellness. Activate Your Campus Recreation Membership Today.
  • Discounted SEPTA Key Commuter Passes – Save on your daily commute with reduced-rate transit passes through SEPTA, available to eligible employees. Learn More About the SEPTA Pass.
  • Emotional Well-Being Support – West Chester University provides care and support for your emotional well-being through Optum Live and Work Well, offering confidential resources, counseling, and tools for everyday life. To access your benefits, visit LIVE AND WORK WELL and enter the access code: Pennsylvania.  Program highlights include:
    • Free subscription to the CALM Health app
    • Mental Health Support
    • Substance Abuse Support and Resources
    • Family and Parenting Support and Resources
    • Financial and Legal Services
    • Life and Work Support and Resources
  • Faculty and Staff Meal Plans – Enjoy the convenience and savings of on-campus dining with flexible meal plan options available to employees.  Choice from a 12-block or 25-block of meals.  Note: Once purchased, meals remain available and do not expire as long as you are employed by WCU. Purchase your meal plan. 
  • F.G. Harvey Library – Access extensive research databases, books, technology, s Children’ Library, and quiet study spaces through Francis G. Harvey Library.  
  • WCU Campus Bookstore Discount – Receive a 15% employee discount on select items at the campus bookstore, including apparel, gifts, and supplies.  Extra discounts are offered during Employee Appreciation Week and other times of the year.  WCU Campus Store.
  • WCU Box Office Tickets – Purchase discounted tickets to performances, events, and cultural programming hosted by West Chester University Wells School of Music and other campus partners. Access the Box Office.
  • Gordon Natural Area – The Gordon Natural Area at West Chester University is approximately 126 acres of preserved Eastern woodlands. Located on the university's South Campus, it was established as a protected area in 1971 and is used as an outdoor classroom for research and as a nature preserve. Employees, students, and the community can explore miles of scenic trails and outdoor learning spaces at Gordon Natural Area, perfect for relaxation and recreation.
  • Passport Services – Conveniently apply for or renew your passport on campus through West Chester University Passport for Rams program, located in the Global Engagement Office.  Learn more about Passport for Rams.
  • Tuition Waiver & Reimbursement Benefit – Eligible employees can take advantage of tuition assistance programs to pursue coursework or degrees at West Chester University or other institutions. Learn more about tuition benefits or email benefits@wcupa.edu. 
  • Printing Services and Equipment Loans (IMC) – Access professional printing, design support, and short-term equipment loans through the Instructional Media Center to support your work.  Visit the IMC website.
  • State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) Benefit – SEAP is a free assessment and referral service for State System employees and their family members; this includes everyone who lives in your house, as well as your parents, adult children, and siblings, regardless of where they live.  Services are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-692-7459.  Learn more about the SEAP benefit. 
  • On-Campus Banking - PSECU, also known as the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union has partnered with West Chester University to provide comprehensive banking services and financial education to the campus community. Learn more about on-campus banking.