Public Safety

West Chester University is concerned about the safety and welfare of all campus members and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment. Campus security is the responsibility of the University's Department of Public Safety. Because no campus is isolated from crime, the University has developed a series of policies and procedures to ensure that every possible precautionary measure is taken to protect members of the University community while they are on campus. A link to the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available on the web at https://www.wcupa.edu/dps/documents/clery20.pdf. Printed copies are also available upon request from the Department of Public Safety.

Emergency Preparedness

The University continues to review its safety policies and procedures and has developed initiatives to address the issues raised by national tragedies. Although no college campus is completely safe, West Chester University has taken positive steps to enhance the safety of the campus community. It is important that all University community members understand how the institution will proceed and respond in case of a campus emergency. All students and employees should learn where to find emergency information and instructions, and be familiar with evacuation procedures for buildings where they live or work, as well as those they visit during the course of a day. The preparation people take now to learn, be aware of, and practice their own personal emergency plan is vital.

Information about emergency preparedness and planning, as well as the University Threat Assessment Policy, is available at http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/crisisResponse.aspx

Emergency Alert Notification

https://www.wcupa.edu/dps/emergencyManagement/emergencyAlerts.aspx

In an emergency, the University will communicate key information as quickly and to as many people as possible using some or all of the following communication channels:

  • Text message to WCU Alert subscribers, http://www.wcupa.edu/wcualert/
  • Mass e-mails to faculty, staff, and students via WCU-assigned e-mail accounts
  • Posted on WCU's homepage
  • Recorded message on WCU's Information Line 610-436-1000
  • External emergency notification broadcasts

While the University has a wide variety of methods to communicate with the campus community, the text messaging service allows the University to use some of the latest technology to reach students, faculty, and staff in the event of any emergency. The WCU homepage at http://www.wcupa.edu will be the primary source for all up-to-date, official information concerning emergencies.

Weather Alert Notification

https://www.wcupa.edu/dps/emergencyManagement/weatherAlert.aspx

When adverse weather conditions affect the routine operation of the University, information regarding class cancellations, delayed openings, and/or University closings will be publicized via multifaceted communication media including the following:

  • Text messages to WCU Alert subscribers. WCU has contracted with e2campus to provide the service WCU ALERT, which sends subscribers direct text messages of WCU announcements, including class cancellations, delayed openings, University closings, on-campus emergencies, and the occasional test message. WCU ALERT provides the most effective way to communicate safety to all students, faculty, and staff, wherever they are. WCU ALERT is completely free to sign up, but phone carriers may charge for receiving text messages. WCU ALERT will not deliver any kind of advertising content, and phone numbers will not be shared with any third parties. For more information and to sign up visit www.wcupa.edu/wcualert/.
  • Mass e-mails to students, faculty, and staff. WCU-assigned e-mail accounts for employees and students will be used as one of the primary layers of communication for weather-related as well as emergency alerts; all employees and students are required to activate and maintain regular access to their University-provided e-mail accounts.
  • Posted on WCU’s homepage at http://www.wcupa.edu. The most up-to-date and specific information, including weather developments, event cancellations and postponements, or changes to the final exam schedule, will be posted on the WCU homepage.
  • Recorded message on WCU’s Information Line, 610-436-1000. However, the WCU homepage will always carry the most updated information as the weather event unfolds or as information is posted regarding cancellation/postponement of events.
  • Broadcast on many radio and TV stations. Some radio and TV stations use a system of code numbers rather than school names for cancellations and announcements. West Chester University's code numbers are 853 for cancellation of day classes and 2853 for evening classes.  However, because radio and TV stations are generally not able to provide specific information, the most accurate and detailed announcements will be maintained on WCU's homepage at www.wcupa.edu.