ACCEPTED STUDENT Next STEPS
1
Commit to Being a Golden Ram
Start your college journey at West Chester University! Log in to the Admissions Portal to pay the $200 enrollment deposit.
WHEN: After you've been accepted and you decide to attend WCU (congrats!).
Due to the U. S. Department of Education’s recent announcement about their delay in releasing 2024-25 FAFSA information to colleges and universities across
the country, WCU extended the Enrollment Deposit Deadline from May 1, 2024 to May
15, 2024.
2
Celebrate and Share
Download printable signs, SnapChat filters, IG Stickers, phone backgrounds and more!
3
Set up your West Chester University account (@wcupa.edu)
Your West Chester University Account is your access to student portals such as myWCU/RamPortal, D2L, Webmail and more!
Follow these steps to Set-up Your New Student Account
4
Upload a photo for your Ram Card
Your Ram Card (student ID card) provides you access to your residential building, library, printing, campus events, paying for meals from your meal plan, and more. Learn more about Ram Card
5
File your FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. The FAFSA also helps WCU's Financial Aid Office determine how much additional financial aid students may receive.
WHEN: The 2024-2025 FAFSA application opened December 31, 2023. Due to the U.S. Department of Education’s delay in releasing 2024-25 FAFSA information, West Chester University has extended the FAFSA Filing Priority Deadline to May 1, 2024.
Learn more about 2024-25 FAFSA updates
Complete your FAFSA at studentaid.gov/fafsa using WCU’s federal school code: 003328
6
Visit Campus
There's lots to learn about West Chester University and coming to campus is one of the best ways to do so! WCU's Admissions Office offers several ways to explore and connect on campus:
- Admitted Student Tour
An information session and q&a with current students followed by a walking tour of campus (60-90 minutes). - Accepted Student Days: Saturday, March 23 and Saturday, April 13
A half-day event to further explore student life and answer any questions you may have about becoming a Golden Ram.- Meet with the professors, academic departments, admissions staff, the financial aid office, the housing team and more
- Tour campus including WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing
- Plus fun activities, giveaways and free WCU swag
- Visit campus online through our virtual campus tour
7
Register for Orientation
Ten student orientation days will be offered in June and July (you will attend one). At orientation, you will meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Registration is open for First Year New Student Orientation.
Register for New Student Orientation in your Admissions Portal
8
Apply for Housing
Did you know 90% of first year students live on campus? West Chester offers two options for on-campus living: WCU Managed Housing (traditional) and USH Affiliated Housing. Explore the housing options at WCU
WHEN: The 2024-25 Housing Application for First Year & Transfer Students will open March 27, 2024.
HOW: Visit the First Year & Transfer Student Housing Application
SPRING 2024:
9
Complete the First-Year Placement Assessment
Classes for first year students are scheduled by WCU faculty/staff for the first semester. The First-Year Placement Assessment/Portal includes surveys and questions which help us to determine the best classes for you. The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment, the sooner you will receive your class schedule. Learn more about First Year Class Scheduling
WHEN: MAY 2024
HOW: Specific dates and details are forthcoming.
10
Apply for Scholarships
West Chester University offers scholarships based on academic pursuits, research activities, artistic and athletic talents, as well as to community service, financial need, and leadership.
WHEN: Scholarship Applications will open in spring 2024. Many scholarships have an application deadline of May 1, 2024 including the general scholarship application, however, some scholarship applications are open throughout the spring and summer.
SUMMER 2024:
11
Complete the Housing Checklist
Living on campus? If so, you must complete the Housing Checklist including selecting a Meal Plan, selecting a Move-in timeslot and more.
HOW: Visit the Housing Checklist
12
Receive your class schedule
WCU faculty/staff create your first semester class schedule based on your First Year Placement Assessment (#9 on this list).
WHEN: Class schedules will be released beginning June 2024 and continue to be released throughout the summer. The sooner you successfully complete of the First-Year Placement Assessment, the sooner you will receive your class schedule.
13
Explore On Campus Meal Plans
With 18 dining locations on campus, meal plans are the convenient way to eat and snack on campus.
First year students living on campus are required to select the Ultimate, Purple, or Gold meal plan.
View meal plan options: WCU Dining Services.
WHEN: Meal plan selection opens in early spring. If you are living on campus and do not select a meal plan by August 1, 2024, the Gold Meal Plan will automatically be selected for you.
HOW: Additional details and information are forthcoming.
14
Complete New Ram Essentials
New Ram Essentials is an online introduction to West Chester University student life, need-to-know information, and tools to help make your time at college successful.
WHEN: Summer 2024. Complete New Ram Essentials online before your scheduled orientation day.
HOW: Additional details and information are forthcoming.
15
Attend Orientation
WCU's on-campus orientation is one full day packed with info and fun! Meet fellow Golden Rams, review your class schedule with academic advisors, learn about resources and support services, and explore your new campus.
WHEN: Thursday, June 20 through Friday, July 12. Orientation days are organized by college/major.
16
Select a move-in timeslot
First year students and transfer students move in on August 21 and August 22, 2024.
WHEN: WCU Managed Housing and USH Affiliated Housing move-in timeslot selection open summer 2024.
Specific dates and details are forthcoming.
17
Submit your final high school transcript
Your final, official high school transcript should be sent directly to the Office of Admissions from your high school guidance office and must include full credit for senior year classes, a graduation date, and an official signature.
If you have completed college course(s) while in high school, you must also send an official college transcript to the Office of Admissions if you wish to have the course(s) evaluated for credit.
WHEN: Transcripts must be received before the start of the fall semester 2024 to avoid future holds on your WCU account.
HOW: Transcripts should be sent from your high school electronically (via ugadmissions@wcupa.edu or via Naviance) or via mail (Office of Admissions mailing address here).
18
Pay your fall semester tuition bill
Tuition rates are set mid to late July. Students receive an email notification when new charges for the semester are posted to their account.
Additional details and information are forthcoming.19
Provide Student Health Information
All entering students should provide information about immunity to certain communicable diseases. A physical examination is not a general university requirement. If a physical exam is required for a sport or specific class, your coach or professor will let you know. There are six forms to complete in the Student Health Services Portal:
- Health History Form
- Immunization Entry Form
- Insurance Information
- Notice of Privacy Practices
- TB Screening
- Treatment Agreement
The meningitis vaccination or signed vaccination waiver is required for students residing on campus.
WHEN: Summer 2024. Additional details and information are forthcoming.
20
Move-in to your new home at WCU
Welcome to your new home! Living on campus means your steps away from classes, the dining hall, the library, and campus events.
WHEN: First year students and transfer students move in dates: Wednesday, August 21 & Thursday, August 22.
21
Connect to Wifi (RamNet)
Wifi (RamNet) is included for all WCU students. All buildings, including residence halls, and most outdoor locations on campus have dense wireless coverage.
WHEN: While on campus
22
Attend Welcome Week
Welcome Week includes events and activities that will help you get connected, feel supported as you navigate college, and prepare for successful years at West Chester. A selection of Welcome Week events are mandatory for first-year students. Learn more about Welcome Week
WHEN: Wednesday, August 21 - Sunday, August 25, 2024
23
It’s here! The first day of class!
WHEN: Monday, August 26, 2024
You're officially on your way as a West Chester University student! Don't forget there are hundreds of resources and supports on campus to help you be successful inside and outside the classroom. Helpful links for you: