New Student Programs

West Chester University

202 Lawrence Center
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-3305
orientation@wcupa.edu


Student to Student FAQs

On this page FAQ Videos


Getting Involved

Is there a list with all of the clubs and organizations?

Yes. If you are interested in a list of the all of the clubs and organizations on campus please go to, www.wcupa.edu/orgs. The names and emails of the presidents and the club websites can also all be found on this page.

Where can I find information on Intramurals and club sports?

All of the information you need can be found at www.wcupa.edu/campusrec

Where can I find information on volunteering at WCU?

Go to the Office or Service Learning and Volunteer Programs website at http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/stu.slv/default.asp and look for upcoming volunteering opportunities. Certain organizations also do community service projects.

What sororities and fraternities does WCU have?

Check out WCU's Greek Life website http://iws.wcupa.edu/wcugreeks/ to find the list and why and how to get involved.


Residence Life

Please refer to the Residence Life and Housing website: http://www.wcupa.edu/_services/stu.lif/


Academics

Can credits be transferred to WCU from local community college classes?

Yes, as long as the community college has a class that is similar to one here at West Chester the credits should transfer. Here you can find a list of local colleges and community colleges and their transfer equivalences.

Where can I find information about WCU's academic policies? (i.e. changing major, double majoring, adding a minor etc.)

For a Complete list of academic policies including graduation requirements, please go to http://www.wcupa.edu/_information/official.documents/undergrad.catalog/default.htm

Also, be sure to talk to your academic advisor about any plans you have regarding adding a minor, internships, study abroad, changing majors, etc...

When am I getting my schedule?

* This applies to first year students entering in the fall; for incoming transfer students and first-year students entering in January you need to schedule an appointment with your academic department to create your schedule.

For incoming first-year students, you will be getting your fall semester schedule during the academic advising session at summer orientation.

How is my fall semester schedule created (first-year students entering in the fall only)?

Your fall semester is created by your academic department or Pre-Major Advising (if you are entering WCU as undeclared). They create your schedule based on major and general education requirements.

Will I be able to schedule my own classes?

Transfer students and first-year students entering in January: Yes, you create your schedule with the help of an advisor in your academic department.

First-year students: You will be able to schedule your own classes after the fall semester. Your schedules are only created for you for the fall semester. After that you create them on your own with the help of your advisor. In addition, you will be able to drop and add courses during the drop/add period at the beginning of the semester.

How do I sign up for tutoring?

Typically, you can begin signing up for tutoring on Wednesday of the first week of classes. You must bring your student ID and a copy of your class schedule with you to set up tutoring. Try to show up to the Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC) as early as possible since tutoring is limited and spots fill up quickly. If they fill up they will place you on a wait list.

If you are interested in Supplemental Instruction Tutoring (Only offered for Chemistry and Biology courses) you can typically begin to sign up for those times on the first day of classes.

Check the LARC website often to see the dates and times of registration: www.wcupa.edu/larc

What are the Library hours of operation?

Monday-Wednesday 7:30am - 2:00am
Thursday 7:30am - 12:00am
Friday 7:30am - 5:00pm
Saturday 10:00am - 6:00pm
Hours change during finals week, and holidays so be sure to check the change on the WCU website: http://www.wcupa.edu/library.fhg/

Can we buy our textbooks online?

Yes. Go to http://www.click2ssi-bookstore.com/home.aspx and you can search for your classes and the textbooks required for them.

What departments are housed in the buildings?

Go the WCU homepage, click on Current Students at the top and the list of Colleges will be in the center of that page. You can also go to the virtual tour site and click on the buildings on the left side of the page to get a brief description of which departments are located in which buildings: http://www.wcupa.edu/campustour/.


Dining

What are all of the dinning locations and their hours of operations?

To find out all the dining locations and their hours, check out the campus dining web site at: http://www.campusdish.com/en-us/cse/westchester

Flex dollars vs. Ram bucks

Flex dollars can be used at any on campus food establishment
Ram bucks can be used at any on campus and select off campus dinning locations
For a current list of all of the locations now accepting the RamEcard Please go to http://www.ramecard.com/


Bus Schedule

What is the south campus bus schedule?

To see the pick up locations please go to, http://www.wcupa.edu/_INFORMATION/AFA/Facilities/Transportation/Buses/routesSB.asp

To see the South campus bus schedule, please go to http://www.wcupa.edu/_INFORMATION/AFA/Facilities/Transportation/Buses/schedulesb.asp

Buses typically run in increments of 8 to 10 minutes.

What are the public transportation options for campus?

West Chester University is serviced by the SEPTA 92 and 104 bus lines.


Computer Access

Is West Chester University wireless?

All of the academic buildings, and all of the outside areas of North Campus are wireless. The only residence halls that are currently wireless are Allegheny and Brandywine Halls. All of the other residence halls including The Village and South Campus Apartments have LAN connections.

Can we print things on campus for free?

Printing on campus is free; however, it is limited to 125 pages per week per student.

How do you sign into myWCU and Webmail?

Go to the West Chester University Home Page, www.wcupa.edu
On the right side of the home page you will see a log-in box
Select the service you would like to sign into (webmail, myWCU, or D2L)
Enter your username and password. Username is first initial of your first name + first initial of your last name + your 6 digit student ID number (without the 0)@wcupa.edu.
If you have not yet set up your Network Account please go to www.wcupa.edu/login for instructions.


Banking

What banks are used on Campus?

West Chester University has two ATMs. One is located on the first floor in Lawrence Center, and the other is on the ground floor of Sykes Student Union. There are no surcharge ATMs from the First National Bank of Chester County. However, if your banking institution charges a surcharge for using another bank's ATM those charges will still apply.


Parking

*ONLY commuter students and students living on campus who have 30+ credits are eligible to purchase a WCU parking permit.

When can I pick up my parking pass?

You can purchase your parking pass at the parking services office located in the Peoples building. (On the corner of Church St. and University Ave.) Be sure to bring your photo ID, vehicular registration, and money with you. For more information, check out the Parking Services web site: http://wcupa.edu/dps/permitinfo.asp. You can fill out the permit registration form at the office of go online to http://wcupa.edu/dps/parkingReg.aspx and fill it out there.

Where am I allowed to Park?

Go to http://wcupa.edu/dps/parkingregulations.asp, to see requirements of what lots you are permitted to park in. When you go to get your permit, a map will be given to show where you can park.

Is there anywhere I can park off campus?

You can purchase a Parking permit from the borough. Go to www.west-chester.com/parking_rppp.php to check the requirements for obtaining one of those permits.


Employment or Work Study

Where can I go to find out about work study?

Check out the Student Employment information on the Financial Aid web site: http://www.wcupa.edu/_SERVICES/FIN_AID/StdEmpl.asp or contact the Financial Aid Office at 610-436-2627).

Where do I find information on on-campus jobs and jobs near West Chester?

Check out the Career Development Center's website: http://wcupa.edu/_services/stu.car/students/jobsearch.asp to find all types of job listings and internships.