Affiliated Academic Organizations

The Academic Success Program (ASP), a special admissions academic program which is part of University College, is for students who do not meet current admissions criteria but who show potential to be successful in college.

The students' experience in ASP begins with a mandatory five-week summer session designed to assist them in developing academic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and critical thinking, as well as to assist them in their transition from high school to college. During the summer program, the students take two courses and participate in other activities, all designed to support their transition into college. ASP provides specialized tutoring, academic advising, mentoring and academic monitoring, and learning support. Program support continues into the academic year, as students complete required first-year courses in writing and mathematics and transition into a major.

For further information, please contact the Academic Success Program, 231 Lawrence Center, 610-436-3274 or visit https://www.wcupa.edu/asp.

A number of departments offer the opportunity for internships, field experiences, or practica in which students may earn credit while gaining professional experience in their field of interest. Students need to consult with their department and review the various department listings in this catalog. In addition, other information on internship resources, requirements, and contacts is available at www.wcupa.edu/internships/ and in the Course Policies section of this catalog.

Two University-wide internship opportunities are open to students from any major:

1. The Washington Center Internships are 15-credit experiences with the U.S. Congress, Executive Branch, interest groups, and lobbies. See www.twc.edu for more information.
2. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Legislative Fellowship Program, open to all junior/senior students with a minimum GPA of 3.5, involves committee staff assignments in policy development and a stipend.

Both programs are administered by the Department of Political Science; contact the chair at 610-436-2743.

Exploratory Studies (EXPS) provides support to undergraduate students before their admission to an academic major. The assignment to Exploratory Studies either reflects the student's own choice or a designation by the University because of one of the following:

1. The student does not meet all of the preparation and/or academic requirements for a particular major
2. The academic major to which the student seeks entrance has reached its maximum enrollment for the academic year and/or semester

Students are encouraged to take prerequisite courses in their intended major and/or in a particular major program because of implied interests. Academic advisors assist students in interpreting University and department policies and requirements, and with selecting appropriate courses. advisors make referrals and discuss vocational and career interests with undeclared students. Together, the advisor and student develop an educational plan of sound strategies for success.

Students should understand that certain academic programs require prerequisites for further study. If prerequisites are not taken during the period of study as an undeclared major, then University attendance is prolonged. A student may transfer into a program only if all of the following are met:

1. There is a vacancy in the desired program.
2. Prerequisite courses are completed and/or the required GPA is attained.
3. A request has been submitted and approved through the online "Plan Change Request" process.

The Exploratory Studies program is located in 222 Lawrence Center. For more information contact advising@wcupa.edu or 610-436-3505.

Undeclared Major Declaration Policy

Policy Requirements

First year students who entered West Chester University as exploratory/undeclared/pre-major must declare a major at the completion of 45 West Chester University earned credits. This is most often equivalent to three semesters of full-time study at the University. Transfer students (Internal and External) who are undeclared must declare a major after two semesters of full-time study as an exploratory/undeclared student. Students must be in good academic standing and must meet all admission requirements specified by the program they plan to transfer into. Exception to this policy may be granted to students who are planning to declare a major with highly restrictive admission requirements and may need additional semesters to complete those requirements. Any undeclared student who does not declare a major within the stipulated period of time will be required to develop an action plan addressing their academic area(s) of interest before the advisor hold will be lifted to enable the student schedule for the next semester.

Request to Postpone/Defer Declaring a Major

An exploratory/undeclared/pre-major student may submit a request to defer declaring a major if the student is postponing major declaration because they have yet to complete the prerequisites for the anticipated major. The process of postponing a major declaration requires an established plan of action by the student, which must be approved by the student’s academic advisor, the chairperson of the Department of Interdisciplinary and Academic Support Programs, and the dean/designee of University College.

Undergraduate students enrolled in a degree program who have earned 12 college-level credits and are in good academic standing have the opportunity to enroll as a visitor for a fall, spring, or summer term at any of the other 13 Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education institutions. The program allows students to take advantage of specialized courses, programs, or experiences not available at the home institution without losing (home) institutional residency. Students may take a maximum of 24 credits via the Visiting Student Program. Students cannot use this program to repeat courses. Visiting Student Program information is available at the Office of the Registrar, 25 University Ave., 610-436-3085.

Students interested in pursuing environmental degree programs may choose from those identified below. Consult the departments listed for details on these programs.

West Chester University recognizes that some students will select career goals that will require pursuit of academic degrees after the baccalaureate, either in graduate school or at a professional school. Students with such goals are encouraged to discuss them with appropriate members of the faculty.

Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) is available through a cross-enrollment agreement with Widener University. Students receive from 1.0 to 3.0 free elective credits per course (maximum 14 credits) towards their baccalaureate programs.

West Chester students also may enroll in the Air Force Reserve Officers' Training Program (AFROTC) through an agreement with Saint Joseph's University. All aerospace studies courses are held on the Saint Joseph's University campus, and these courses earn transfer credit at WCU.

The University, with the approval of the Council of Trustees, permits West Chester University students enrolled in the Armed Services Reserve Officer Candidate Program (ROC) to receive six baccalaureate credits upon successful completion and certification of ROC military requirements. These credits are classified as free elective transfer credits. Depending on the status of the student's program at the time of ROC credit transfer, these credits will be counted toward, or in excess of, the 120 credits required for a baccalaureate degree.

ROC programs are contingent on successful completion of a military requirement during vacation and the awarding of a college degree before being granted the service commission.

Individuals who are interested in post-baccalaureate teacher certification, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, should contact The Graduate School for admissions materials. Applicants will be referred to the appropriate faculty advisor(s) for completion of the Approved Program of Studies form.