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West Chester Welcomes Students Back to Campus

September 1 , 2010

A Record Year in Freshman Applications
The University received 15,124 freshman applications for the 1,976 spots in this year’s freshmen class – a record number for West Chester. Many students chose to transfer to West Chester: The University received 3,606 transfer applications for an entering transfer class of 1,200.

New Faces, New Places
President Greg R. Weisenstein will welcome the campus community on Thursday, Sept. 16. His speech will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by a reception on the Quad.

Among the new faces on campus are 23 new faculty members who specialize in such areas as mathematics, economics and finance, English and nursing.

The University has also purchased property adjacent to campus: the building at 624 South High Street, which backs to the parking lot behind 25 University Avenue. It opens this fall as administrative offices for the dean of the College of Business and Public Affairs and the Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC).

New Programs
This fall, the University is offering a new master of science in exercise and sport physiology, a new minor in science education and two new graduate certificates: one in literacy coaching, the other in universal design for learning and assistive technology for special education professionals.

New Construction
Ground will soon be broken for the new Student Recreation Center on the site of a former residence hall at the southeast corner of the campus. It will incorporate many sustainable elements, from a green roof and a green wall to geothermal heating and cooling and the use of recycled materials for interior finishes. Opening is on target for August 2012.

Renovations have brought significant changes to Bull Center, the former home of networking and telecom, student services and the theatre department. Interior demolition is complete and exterior excavation and construction are underway. The building will be occupied by the art department and the department of theatre and dance. Both the Main Stage Theatre and the J.Peter Adler Theatre will remain in operation and space is being created for two dance studios. Estimated re-opening will be in August 2011.

Wells are being drilled to expand the University’s geothermal energy system. The current construction site on Roslyn Avenue will bring into the loop another 170 wells. The wells will support the Student Recreation Center and FHG Library. Installation of horizontal piping to connect the well field to FHG Library will begin this fall, and to connect the Student Recreation Center will occur next spring.

Getting to Know Campus and Community
During the Weeks of Welcome, first-year and transfer students can become acquainted with one another and with more than 200 student organizations at various on-campus events, as well as at some outings farther afield.

On Sunday, Sept. 5, students can daytrip to Ocean City, N.J., from campus or on Monday, Sept 6, students can enjoy the holiday with a trip to Dorney Park. And on Wednesday, Sept. 8, students can hop a bus for the Phillies vs. Florida Marlins baseball game.

On campus, there are receptions hosted by an array of organizations as well as evening and late-night entertainment hosted by Sykes After Dark. The second annual Visual and Performing Arts Festival showcases the artistic and musical talents of faculty and students from the College of Visual and Performing Arts in concerts and exhibits from Sunday, Sept. 12, through Wednesday, Sept. 15.

There are also many sporting events during the first few weeks, from men’s and women’s soccer and tennis matches to women’s volleyball and field hockey games. Check the schedule and scores here.

Other campus events that introduce students to opportunities as well as to one another take place throughout September, including an on-campus involvement fair and business expo on Wednesday, Sept. 8, and a volunteer fair on Wednesday, Sept. 15.

Students have the opportunity to become acquainted with the local businesses on Sunday, Sept. 19, during the 31st Annual Chester County Restaurant Festival. There will be more than 50 area restaurants and 100 craft vendors, information booths as well as live bands.

Homecoming is Saturday, Oct. 2, kicking off with the annual parade at 10 a.m. and the game at 2 p.m. versus C.W. Post. The month-long Weeks of Welcome events close with the University Theatre Department’s production of Sorrows and Rejoicings from Wednesday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 3.

Of Special Note
The football home opener is Saturday, Sept. 11, versus Edinboro at 1 p.m.

Prior to that game, at a ceremony that begins at 10:30 a.m., a statue in honor of Michael Horrocks will be dedicated. In 1983 Mike Horrocks was the quarterback who led WCU to its first win in 23 years against the University of Delaware. He served in the Marines following graduation, then became a commercial pilot for United Airlines. On Sept. 11, 2001, Mike Horrocks was the co-pilot of United Flight 175, which was hijacked and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center. This year, on the ninth anniversary of that tragic event, the Michael Horrocks Foundation, along with the WCU Foundation and WCU Athletic Department, will unveil and dedicate a life-sized bronze statue of Mike Horrocks in his WCU uniform. The statue will be installed at the foot of the hill overlooking the north end-zone, providing inspiration to the Golden Rams as they pass it each game.