Calendar and Term Information

West Chester University operates on a semester system. The Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) provides WCU with calendar guidelines. The academic year begins with the fall semester in August and concludes at the end of the spring semester in May. Though many students take advantage of WCU’s summer and winter sessions, the bulk of any student’s coursework is taken during these two main semesters. Offerings are available in every department and in interdisciplinary areas.

Students from any college or university, as well as nontraditional students, may take courses for enjoyment, personal growth, or degree credit.

Sessions Within Semesters

Our Academic Calendar provides important University dates and deadlines related to holidays; semester and session start/end dates; commencement; add/drop; withdrawal and tuition/fee adjustment periods; final exams and grades; and financial aid.

Visit the Registrar's website for the academic calendar.

West Chester University's summer program, among the oldest university-sponsored summer programs in the United States, has one of the largest enrollments in the State System of Higher Education. More than 600 courses, both graduate and undergraduate, are offered, including workshops, seminars, and internships, as well as the typical semester classes. Offerings are generally available in every department and in interdisciplinary areas. Students from any college or university, as well as nontraditional students, may take courses for enjoyment, personal growth, or degree credit.

West Chester University offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses, in a number of delivery modalities (onsite, offsite, and online), between the fall and spring semesters. Students from any college or university, as well as nontraditional students, may take courses for enjoyment, personal growth, or degree credit.