Campus Services

The WCU Campus Store is located on the ground floor of Sykes Student Union. The Campus Store offers an Inclusive Access program for select courses, new and used textbooks for all WCU courses, and select course offerings including digital textbooks. Textbooks may be purchased in the store or on the store's website: www.wcucampusstore.com. For your convenience, we provide in-store pick-up for online orders, or shipping is also offered. The WCU Campus Store also stocks supplies, course supplies, and reference materials, as well as study and teacher aids. WCU Campus Store offers a complete line of official WCU-imprinted clothing and gifts that can be purchased on the store's website. Greeting cards, diploma frames, snacks, candy, soft and energy drinks, health and beauty aids, electronics, and laundry supplies are also available in the Campus Store. Spirit items for athletic events are available as well. Services offered include special orders for computer software and general interest books (at no extra cost) and UPS/USPS shipping services. All major credit cards, debit cards, Ram Bucks, and personal checks, accompanied by a valid ID, are accepted. The store hours, subject to change, are as follows:

WCU's Inclusive Access  program that delivers digital course materials directly to D2L for each student enrolled in select classes continues to grow in popularity. The program provides significant costs savings for students and ensures all participating students have their required materials on the first day of class. Inclusive Access continues to realize rapid growth due to the significant cost savings and ease of delivery to students.

For additional convenience, the store offers extended operating hours at the beginning of each semester. For more information, call 610-436-2242 or visit the website at www.wcucampusstore.com/.

The Twardowski Career Development Center is the bridge connecting students and alumni to the professional world, introducing them to who they can become.

The Career Center works one on one with graduate students to help develop the skills necessary to have a competitive edge in the job market. Services for graduate students include individual appointments and drop-in hours; resume, LinkedIn, and cover letter reviews; mock interviewing; recruiting and networking events that facilitate connections with employers; and job postings via Handshake. The center's graduate student website links to various other online resources to help graduate students pursue their professional goals.

The Career Development Center is located in 225 Lawrence Center (second floor) and is open year-round. For additional information, visit the Career Development website or call 610-436-2501.

The Dowdy Multicultural Center (DMC) promotes holistic success and development of Students of Color through collaborative co-curricular experiences that promote multicultural awareness, create a sense of belonging, affirm racial and cultural identity, and empower all students to challenge systems of oppression. In addition, the center collaborates with other offices, organizations, and departments to improve awareness of and appreciation for racial and cultural diversity for the University community.

The Dowdy Multicultural Center was dedicated on October 21, 2016 in honor of Lawrence A. Dowdy for his years of devoted service to West Chester University. The values of the DMC are advocacy, community, empowerment, identity development, social justice, transformative education, and civic engagement.

The center is located in Room 003 on the ground floor in Sykes Student Union and can be reached at 610-436-3273 or by email at multicultural@wcupa.edu.

The Earl F. Sykes Union first opened in 1975 as the community center for West Chester University. A building expansion and major renovations were completed in 1995, providing students with a 102,000-square foot multipurpose facility. Sykes Union has three floors of usable space and also features 17 rooms accommodating groups from 4 to 500 for meetings, programs, and events.

Taken from the Association of College Unions International's 2018 Role of the College Union statement:

"The college union advances a sense of community, unifying the institution by embracing the diversity of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and guests. We bolster the educational mission of the institution and the development of students as lifelong learners by delivering an array of cultural, educational, social, and recreational programs, services, and facilities." 

The ground floor features the Lawrence A. Dowdy Multicultural Center; Campus Store; Student Services, Inc. Service Center; a 350-seat theater; the Ram's Den Lounge/EcoGrounds coffee; and the east patio entrance.

The first floor offers a food court and dining area; a multi-use outdoor pergola; a 5,000-square foot multipurpose ballroom designed for dances, concerts, banquets, and lectures; as well as the student union administrative offices and building Information Center.

The second floor houses the Student Affairs offices: Fraternity and Sorority Life; Student Leadership and Involvement; Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy; and Off Campus and Commuter Services. The Student Services, Inc. Business Office and the Department of Student Activities are on this floor as well. The Center for Student Involvement, where student organizations have work space, is also located on the second floor.

The third floor houses the new Commuter Center, a 25-unit computer lab, several meeting rooms, and a meditation/prayer/quiet reflection space.

For information concerning Sykes Union, please call the Information Center at 610-436-2984/3360.

Since 1974, the Center for Women & Gender Equity has been serving as advocates for gender equity issues in collaboration with the campus community.

Mission

The Center for Women and Gender Equity (CW&GE) actively promotes and advocates for a campus community that values the safety, equality, and intellectual advancement of women and other historically marginalized groups.

Our mission is accomplished by:

• Facilitating co-curricular initiatives that address a wide range of issues that affect the success and well-being of women.
• Offering opportunities to examine the ways in which gender-based oppression intersects with other forms of systemic oppression.
• Coordinating campus wide violence prevention initiatives designed to engage all members of the University community.
• Engaging allies through programming focused on exploring concepts of masculinities.
• Building partners-in-movement through programming that supports and engages with other historically marginalized groups.
• Providing referrals and support to campus and community partners on issues that disproportionately impact women.
• Advocating for systemic changes that support women and other historically marginalized groups.

The Center for Women and Gender Equity is located at 214 Lawrence Center. For more information, visit https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/women-gender-equity/or call 610-436-2122.

The Institute for Women was initially designed to serve as the parent organization to represent the interests of women on campus. Along with the Commission on the Status of Women, Women's Center, and Women's Studies Program, the Institute for Women engages in campus activities for the benefit of women students, faculty, and staff.

The institute sponsors the Graduate Grant, Endowed Book Fund, and other activities to enhance success of women and other historically marginalized groups at the University. The institute prepares periodic reports on the status of women at the University and also secures Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Grants for mature women. The Institute for Women offers an annual grant of $750 to a woman graduate student who is accepted into a master's degree program at West Chester University. Application and reference forms may be obtained on The Graduate School website. For more information call Center for Women & Gender Equity, at 610-436-2122 or email cwge@wcupa.edu. Students can also visit the The Institute for Women website for more information.

Under the provisions of Title 38, West Chester University is an accredited university for the education of veterans. The University cooperates with the Veterans Administration to see that honorably separated or discharged veterans receive every consideration consistent with either degree or non-degree admission standards.

All veterans, certain dependents of disabled or deceased veterans, and war orphans who wish to obtain educational benefits under the appropriate public laws must register with the Veterans Affairs Office at initial registration. During registration, veterans will be required to provide a current copy of their Certificate of Eligibility or Statement of Benefits (Post 9-11/Chapter 33 recipients). Veterans using Veteran Readiness and Employment (Chapter 31) benefits will be issued an Authorization (previously called VA Form 1905) by their Veteran Readiness and Employment Counselors. Additionally, veterans will be required to submit a WCU Request for Certification 30 days prior to the start of each semester for which they plan to use their entitlement. The Veterans Administration requires undergraduate students who are veterans to schedule at least 12 credit hours per semester in order to receive full benefits under the GI Bill® and graduate students who are veterans to schedule at least 9 credit hours per semester in order to receive full benefits under the GI Bill®.

West Chester University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program under the Post 9/11 GI Bill®. The Post 9/11 GI Bill® pays up to the in-state tuition and fees for all students in the program, depending on their qualifying benefit level. For out-of-state students at the 100% benefit level, the University will contribute (and the VA will match) funds to make up the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition and fees.

West Chester University is compliant with the recent passage of PA Act 11 and HB131 (referred to as the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014).

In accordance with Act 46 of 2014, West Chester University offers Priority Registration for Veterans. For guidelines regarding priority scheduling please visit the Registrar's website.

The Greg R. and Sandra L. Weisenstein Veterans Center is located at 624 South High Street. The Veterans Center serves as a resource for veterans, service members, and spouses/dependents to aid with their transition to college. Services include but are not limited to Student Veteran Group (SVG) meeting headquarters, a student veteran lounge, and computer area.  Additionally, the Veterans Center provides office space for two School Certifying Officials, and an Administrative Assistant who facilitate the use of VA educational benefits and provide general VA information.

For information about the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits programs, assistance in completing the application for benefits, or to submit requests for enrollment certification, contact the Veterans Center at 610-436-5866 or e-mail veteranscenter@wcupa.edu.

Veterans' Residency

West Chester University adheres to the guidelines set forth by the PA Act 11 and HB131 in order to demonstrate compliance with the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014.

According to WCU policy, your residency status may require you to supply extra documentation to ensure you receive the proper, in-state tuition benefits.  Please visit the Registrar's residency section for further information regarding military personnel.

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The GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

At West Chester University, the Department of Campus Recreation is the primary destination for the Golden Ram campus community to engage in recreation, social, and wellness-orientated programs and services. Blending components of fitness and well-being with the co-curricular educational experience it is our mission to assist each person in exceeding academic goals while establishing healthy lifetime behaviors. While at WCU we encourage you to treat yourself and allow your mind, body, and soul to engage in some daily PLAY time; you've earned it!

The Student Recreation Center is the central hub for many of the quality programs and services we provide. Opened in August, 2012, the SRC welcomes over 2,500 Golden Rams through it's doors on a daily basis! With over 70,000 sq. ft. of recreation activity space we believe we have something for everyone. Features of the SRC include: a 34-ft. tall climbing and bouldering wall; 13,000 sq. ft of strength and conditioning equipment including an extensive line of Life Fitness cardio and strength equipment; three fitness studios featuring a wide range of group fitness classes including many Les Mills formats; two hardwood basketball courts; two racquetball courts; one multi-activity court perfect for floor hockey, soccer, volleyball, and many other activities; outdoor sand volleyball and basketball courts; men's and women's locker rooms; and the administrative offices for all full-time Campus Recreation staff.

Beyond the many outstanding programs and services provided through the Student Recreation Center, Campus Recreation also offers many structured opportunities which may meet at other locations on or off campus. Examples include:

• Fitness:
  • With over 35 group fitness class offered each week we believe students will find the perfect mix of classes to help them connect with others while establishing healthy behaviors. Classes include Barre, Body Pump, Cycle, Yoga, and Zumba!
• Intramural Sports:
  • Leagues, tournaments, and one-day events all with a balance of competition and sportsmanship!  Leagues are divided into men's, women's, and co-recreational and feature competition against other WCU Golden Ram students. Examples include basketball, cornhole, dodgeball, flag-football, kickball, softball, spikeball, volleyball, and many other FUN recreational but competitive sports. Many of the indoor competitions will take place at the Student Recreation Center while most outdoor events will be hosted at South Campus outdoor play-fields.
• Outdoor Adventure Pursuits program (OAP)
  • Through OAP, Campus Recreation offers a number of weekend trips to various destinations for activities such as ice climbing, waterfall walking, backpacking, kayak or canoe excursions, archery camp, and other events featuring the natural beauty of our region. The OAP program provides an excellent opportunity to get off campus, dig into nature, and enjoy meeting other students who share your appreciation for the outdoors and sustainability.
• Sport Clubs:
  • Campus Recreation is also home to over 27 different Sport Club teams, with many competing and succeeding at the regional and national level. Examples of current Sport Club teams include men's and women's ultimate Frisbee, men's and women's water polo, Crossfit, men's and women's ice hockey, equestrian, men's rugby, wrestling, fishing, and many more. If WCU graduate or undergraduate students are looking to extend their competitive playing years or wish to learn a new skill, consider joining or starting a new sport club! 

Through Campus Recreation we strive to provide our Golden Ram campus community a comprehensive and diverse line-up of healthy, fitness, FUN, recreational, and co-curricular programs and services. Through the many outstanding activities we provide, featuring innovative programming while also employing over 180 students in many leadership roles, we aspire to provide options for each person to create life-long healthy behaviors. We believe through the many programs and services we offer or through employment you will find Campus Recreation truly does offer something for everyone!

Additional information can be found by visiting www.wcupa.edu/campusrec/, or by contacting the Department of Campus Recreation at 610-436-1REC (x1732).