Module 4 - Staying Safe at WCU
WCU Public Safety
The Department of Public Safety is dedicated to fostering a safe, welcoming, and well-ordered environment where students, employees, and guests can learn, work, and fully engage in the university experience. In partnership with our campus community, we serve as trusted stewards of safety—committed to protecting and supporting others with respect, compassion, and fairness.
The Department is comprised of the following areas:
Emergency Contact Information
On Campus
Contact Public Safety at 610-436-3311 or dial campus extension 3311. Individuals can also use any of the campus Emergency Phones located across campus – simply push the button, and they automatically dial the DPS Communications Center.
Off Campus
Dial 911. The dispatcher will need the following information from you, and then will contact the appropriate personnel for a response to the emergency:
- Your name
- The location of the emergency
- The nature of the emergency
WCU Safe App
WCU Safe is the official safety app of West Chester University. It is the only app that integrates with WCU's safety and security systems. The Department of Public Safety has worked to develop a unique app that provides students, faculty, and staff with added safety on the WCU campus. The app will send you important safety alerts and provide instant access to campus safety resources. All employees are encouraged to download the app.
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WCU Alert Text Messaging
WCU ALERT sends direct text messages of WCU announcements, including on-campus emergencies, inclement weather cancellations, delayed openings, university closings, and periodic test messages. WCU ALERT (powered by Omnilert) is a free service to students, faculty, and staff (standard text messaging rates may apply). Parents/Guardians may receive WCU Alert messages after being added to an existing student's WCU Alert account.
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Emergency Management
West Chester University has developed specific community response action plans for emergencies on campus, and certain notification procedures to communicate with our students, employees, and guests. All employees should review building Evacuation Procedures and participate in Emergency Training.
Surviving a Violent Critical Incident
WCU offers ALICE (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) training to employees- an options-based strategy to survive violent critical incidents. These incidents include persons with guns, knives, blunt objects, vehicles, or anything else that could be used as a weapon. ALICE offers each person choices to have at their disposal if the unthinkable occurs.
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Fire Safety Basics
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) is responsible for overseeing fire and life safety on campus. Our mission is to protect our community by:
- Conducting routine inspections and fire evacuation drills.
- Maintaining fire detection and suppression systems.
- Developing fire prevention policies and providing safety training.
- Conducting incident investigations and providing professional risk analysis.
Visit the Fire Safety website to find useful information to help you recognize fire hazards, respond properly in an emergency, and learn how to contribute to a safer campus for everyone.
Workplace Accidents
Employees seeking medical attention during a medical emergency should call 911, Public Safety at 610-436-3311, or go directly to the emergency room. For non-emergencies, please refer to the Panel Listing choices below.
West Chester University is committed to fostering a culture of safety for all employees and students. Reporting workplace injuries promotes a culture of accountability and prioritizes employee safety and well-being. It ensures employees receive the necessary medical care and benefits they may need and helps prevent future incidents by identifying hazards.
All injuries, regardless of severity, should be reported - even those where medical attention is not sought. Reporting all injuries ensures the incident is on record, should medical attention be needed in the future. Timely reporting of all on-the-job injuries allows WCU to guide employees with initial treatment options and begin the claims process with our claims administrator. It also helps meet all reporting and compensability determination guidelines.
WCU should be kept informed of any injury so that workplace hazards can be eliminated to prevent further incidents.
If you are injured on the job, please notify your direct supervisor of the incident immediately. An Employee Report of Occupational Injury or Disease form must be completed and returned to the Office of Human Resources at benefits@wcupa.edu.
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Clery at WCU
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (commonly called the Clery Act) is a U.S. federal law that requires colleges and universities to be transparent about campus safety.
It mandates that institutions:
- Collect and publish information about crimes that occur on and around campus
- Provide an annual security report with crime statistics and safety policies
- Issue timely warnings and emergency notifications about serious or ongoing threats
- Maintain a public crime log
The goal of the Clery Act is to ensure students, employees, and families have access to accurate information so they can make informed decisions about safety.
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