Student Activities

Student Activities at West Chester University encompass a wide range of cultural, social, educational, and recreational programs for a diverse student population. As a part of the Sykes Union & Student Activities team, Student Activities takes a leadership role in organizing and sponsoring joint or individual projects as part of its mission. One major role centers on the advisory relationship with the Student Activities Council (SAC), the major student programming body on campus.

The Student Activities Council plans many events such as film screenings, concerts, off-campus trips, national and cultural entertainment, live performances, and campus traditions including Homecoming and Banana Day. Student Activities also plays a vital role in coordinating Ramboree, an annual outdoor festival in the Spring, and plans Rams After Hours, a late-night programming series.

Students can engage in campus life through participation and involvement in campus activities and student organizations. All students have an opportunity to attend campus events and join the Student Activities Council to become part of the event planning and implementation process. Students are encouraged and have the opportunity to assess all programming, making sure that the products presented serve their best interest and personal development. Leadership roles are always available and these opportunities to be active in the organization can become one of the more enriching experiences while at WCU. Becoming involved builds individual self-esteem and a sense of community – two important qualities that enhance a student’s life.

The Office of Student Activities is located in 236 Sykes Union; the phone number is 610-436-3540.

The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement is responsible for the registration and coordination of nearly 300 recognized student clubs and organizations on campus. In conjunction with the Student Leadership Project Team, the office also creates and implements multidimensional student leadership programs. Please visit our website at https://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu/studentLeadershipInvolvement/, or check out our Student Government Association recognized clubs and organizations on RamConnect, our campus engagement platform, at https://ramconnect.wcupa.edu/home_login.  The office is located in 238 Sykes Student Union, 610-436-2117, involvement@wcupa.edu.

West Chester University's Department of Athletics affirms academic excellence as the cornerstone in the life of the student-athlete, placing the highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience. By strengthening the integration of athletic program objectives with academic and developmental goals, athletics support the University's mission to meet student needs and interests.

Participation in athletics can serve to strengthen the student's integrity, sense of fairness, respect for others, and dedication to goals. It also can provide the opportunity for enhancing interpersonal leadership skills. Both men and women can choose from a broad variety of team and individual sports. In addition, academic support services are available for student-athletes, underscoring the commitment to scholastic success.

The women's intercollegiate athletic programs include basketball, cross country, field hockey, golf, gymnastics, indoor track, lacrosse, rugby, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, outdoor track and field, and volleyball. The men's intercollegiate athletic programs include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, indoor track, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and outdoor track and field.

West Chester University is a Division II member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). The women's rugby team (the first NCAA Division II program in the country) is part of the National Intercollegiate Rugby Association (NIRA) and women's gymnastics participates in the Gymnastics East Conference (GEC). 

The Department of Athletics is located in the Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center on South Campus which includes multiple gymnasiums, and a natatorium with two full-size swimming pools connected by a diving well.

This center is surrounded by John A. Farrell Football Stadium, Serpico Baseball Stadium, South Campus Softball Field, practice and playing fields, and tennis courts. South Campus boasts three artificial turf fields which include Farrell Stadium, Vonnie Gros Field (field hockey/women's lacrosse) and Rockwell Field (M/W Soccer).

The Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact (CCESI) promotes community-based learning experiences that address issues of public concern by building mutually beneficial partnerships and empowering students to be active citizens in their local, national and global communities. CCESI supports all West Chester University faculty members interested in teaching community-engaged learning courses. We meet with faculty to discuss desired outcomes and course content, connect them with local community partners, and pair them with seasoned faculty members to best support their teaching and course development. CCESI works directly with many local agencies to support faculty, staff, individual students, and student clubs and organizations to engage in positive and meaningful community-based learning experiences that address various issues of public concern. The department coordinates and provides a listing of volunteer opportunities for students, staff, and faculty, including hosting on-campus special service projects where the entire campus is invited to participate. West Chester University is a member of Pennsylvania Campus Compact and a recipient of the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.  In 2010 West Chester University was selected to receive the Community Engagement and Outreach and Partnerships Classifications from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. In 2022 and 2023, WCU was recognized as one of the 50 most community-minded employers in the greater Philadelphia region by the Philadelphia Foundation in partnership with Points of Light and local partners. The Center for Civic Engagement & Social Impact may be contacted at 610-436-3379 or www.wcupa.edu/volunteer.

The West Chester University Alumni Association (WCUAA) strengthens lifelong connections between West Chester University and its alumni, students, and friends.

Upon graduation, all WCU Alumni receive a FREE LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP to the WCUAA. This membership allows graduates to participate in alumni activities and enjoy benefits and services provided to them through the WCUAA.

Over 100 events and activities are hosted each year by the WCUAA. View our calendar of events and the benefits and services offered to WCU Alumni by visiting www.wcualumni.org.