The Provost's Post
April 2026 - Issue No. 31
This monthly newsletter features stories about events and programs within the Division of Academic Affairs. It is intended to inform, engage, and recognize members of our esteemed Community of Educators, all the faculty and staff who are committed to student success.
Table of Contents
- CBS News Philadelphia Sports Anchor/Reporter Pat Gallen ’07 Interviews John Worley ’80, Athletic Trainer for the Men’s USA Hockey Team
- WCU to Host Panel on the Ecosystem of Innovation: The Intersection of Science, Regulation, & Capital on March 31
- New Student Orientation for the Class of 2030 Kicks off on June 23
- Registration Week Kicks Off April 6-10
- CBPM Student Organizations’ Food Drive Nets More than 2,508 Items
- FOX29 TV Features Frederick Douglass’ Special Connection to WCU
- WCU’s Dept. of Art + Design Presents Glimma | Mörkret (Glimmer in the Darkness) March 3 – April 3
- Pistachio Quick Bread Taste Testing Event - April 2
- WCU Hosts PASSHE/Frederick Douglass Institute Conference and Debate Tournament (March 31-April 1)
- CCESI to Host Hunger Free Banquet to Raise Funds for the Resource Pantry on April 2
- CBS News Philadelphia & NBC10 Feature Twardowski Career Development Center’s Job & Internship Fair
- WCU's 43rd Annual Presidential Gala - April 17
- Lunchtime Lectures Offer Nuggets of Sustainability Information
- Diversity & Inclusion Learning Community Hosts Beyond Inclusion: Fostering Belonging for Asian and Asian American Students & Faculty
- Warm Up This Winter with WCU’s Science on Tap Talks
- How To Post An Event On WCU Calendar
- Teaching & Learning Center Resources
- Campus Shuttle Information
- New! WCU Training Directory Launches
- Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center
- FAST Schedule & Offerings
- LinkedIn Learning
- Sykes Student Union Launches Advanced Registration for 2026-27
Provost's Message
Dear Colleagues,
As we move into April, it finally feels like spring is near after a very long winter. With six weeks left in the semester, we are entering the most demanding stretch of the academic year. The pace is intense, and the work matters greatly. Thank you for continuing to support, challenge, and encourage our students so they can finish strong. Your efforts make a real difference in their success and in the strength of our institution.
Last week, we hosted a site visit from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education focused on the design of our upcoming self-study. The feedback will help guide our work over the next academic year (+) as we prepare for our reaffirmation site visit in Fall 2028. The self-study gives us an opportunity to reflect on our progress, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen how we serve our students and our mission.
Over the next few weeks, we will be compiling submissions for the President’s Action Plan. The strong engagement across campus reflects our shared commitment to shaping the future of West Chester University, and I appreciate the time and thoughtfulness that so many of you have contributed.
If you haven’t already, mark your calendars for the upcoming Commencement celebrations. We host 18 ceremonies over 5 days and they truly do represent a pinnacle of accomplishment for our students and their families. I hope you will plan to participate as you are able.
It’s an exciting time to be at West Chester University! Thank you for everything you do to support our students and each other during this busy part of the year.
Best regards,
Josh Auld
Student Experience
CBS News Philadelphia Sports Anchor/Reporter Pat Gallen ’07 Interviews John Worley ’80, Athletic Trainer for the Men’s USA Hockey Team
Click the button below to watch CBS News Sports Anchor, Pat Gallen (WCU Class of '07) interview John Worley (WCU Class of '80), about his experience being the athletic trainer for the Gold Medal winning Men's USA Hockey Team.
(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)
WCU to Host Panel on the Ecosystem of Innovation: The Intersection of Science, Regulation, & Capital March 31
On March 31, Professors Komeil Nasrollahi and Marc Duey will moderate a panel discussion on the ecosystem of innovation, exploring innovation in healthcare. The event, which will take place on Tuesday, March 31 at 4:30 pm in SECC 108, will help students and faculty better understand the intersection of science, innovation, regulation and the role of capital in shaping the future of academics, STEM subjects, and life sciences.
New Student Orientation Kicks Off June 23
The Office of New Student Programs is excited to share the First-Year and Transfer Student Orientation dates for this summer! Orientation will kick off in late June and continue through mid-July, and we’re looking forward to welcoming our newest students alongside you. Thank you, as always, for your partnership in creating a welcoming, engaging experience for our new students and families. Please reach out to orientation@wcupa.edu for any questions about this year’s program.
Registration Week Kicks Off April 6-10
Registration Week is a university-wide opportunity to intentionally pause and prioritize registration for the upcoming semester. The goal is simple: ensure undergraduate students are informed, supported, and confident as they prepare for class registration and plan upcoming semesters.
Stewards of Place
CBPM Student Organizations’ Food Drive Nets More than 2,508 Items
College of Business and Public Management student organizations hosted a competitive food drive in connection with the Super Bowl this year. The “Soup-er” Bowl Food Drive teams collected a grand total of 2,508 items including ramen, soup, and other shelf-stable food products, and delivered them to the University’s Resource Pantry.
“We wanted to create an opportunity for our CBPM community to come together around a meaningful act of service that would directly benefit members of our University community,” said Dr. Dorothy Dottie Ives Dewey, associate dean of the College of Business and Public Management and a professor of planning. “Our Dean’s Office staff helped coordinate the event, but the real energy came from the students and faculty advisors who mobilized their clubs. Seeing nearly every club participate and more than 2,500 items collected far exceeded expectations and was truly inspiring.”
Lilyana Campbell, an MBA candidate and graduate sales trainer for the WCU National Sales Team, said, “What motivated our team to participate is wanting to be an impactful part of student lives here at WCU, since we are a student-led team here at WCU. Our team really enjoyed getting competitive with this event and we are looking forward to the next!”
Campbell’s team, together with the CEO Entrepreneurship Club, collected 787 items, resulting in a first-place finish for them. The Accounting Society partnered with Beta Alpha Psi to collect 567 items for second place. The Student Veterans Group tied with the Criminal Justice Student Association to take third. Women in Business earned honorable mention. Other student organizations that participated: the Economics & Finance Society, the Geography & Planning Society, and the Pre Law Society.
(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)
FOX29 TV Features Frederick Douglass’ Special Connection to WCU
During Black History month, Fox29 TV did a feature on the connection between WCU and Frederick Douglass. Click the button below to view the You Tube video.
FOX 29 Coverage of Frederick Douglass -WCU Connection
(Courtesy of WCU Department of Communications & Marketing)
WCU’s Dept. of Art + Design Presents Glimma | Mörkret (Glimmer in the Darkness) March 3 – April 3
Exhibit Explores the Roots and Continuity of the Swedish Lucia Celebration
From March 3 – April 3, 2026, West Chester University's Department of Art + Design will present Glimma | Mörkret (Glimmer in the Darkness). The exhibition is FREE and open to the public in the Knauer Art Gallery at West Chester University, Swope Music Building and Performing Arts Center, 817 S. High Street, West Chester. Gallery hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, contact the Department of Art + Design at 610.436.2872 or email artinfo@wcupa.edu.
Glimma | Mörkret (Glimmer in the Darkness) examines the Swedish Christmas celebration of Saint Lucia, a tradition whose roots stretch back to a fourth-century Sicilian legend and draw from ancient Roman culture, Viking culture, and Catholic observances. Over time, Lucia came to be known as the “bringer of light.”
Lucia celebrations in private households were documented as early as 1764, with the first public Lucia pageant held in 1893. Today, the tradition remains a central part of Swedish cultural life. Newspapers and cultural movements embraced the symbolic white gown, red sash, and crown of candles, and public performances became popular in annual school, church, and social events.
Through artifacts, historical context, and interpretive displays, Glimma |Mörkret explores the implications of cultural reinterpretation. The exhibit invites viewers to reflect on their own traditions through the history of Swedish Lucia and the evolution of a Christmas experience.
Admission: FREE and Open to the Public
Pistachio Quick Bread Taste Testing Event - April 2
Stop by to taste test and vote for your favorite Pistachio Quick Bread recipe on April 2 (11:30 am - 1:30 pm) in the Food and Sensory Lab (SECC 201). Each participant will taste and rate four different samples. The tasting takes only 5 minutes. Participants without food allergies are encouraged to join. Open to all students, faculty, and staff.
Access Mission
WCU to Host Frederick Douglass Institute/PASSHE Collaborative Conference and Debate Tournament (March 31-April 1, 2026)
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Frederick Douglass Institute (FDI) Collaborative Conference and Debate Tournament is a signature academic and leadership forum dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and inclusive excellence across the fourteen PASSHE institutions. Rooted in the legacy of Frederick Douglass, the conference seeks to cultivate intellectual inquiry, critical dialogue, and collaborative action that addresses persistent disparities in higher education and society.
The keynote speaker is Dr. Eddie Glaude, Jr., one of the nation's most prominent scholars. Dr. Glaude is an author, political commentator, public intellectual and passionate educator who examines the complex dynamics of the American experience. His writings, including Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul, In a Shade of Blue: Pragmatism and the Politics of Black America and the New York Times bestseller Begin Again: James Baldwin's America and Its Urgent Lessons for our Own, take a wide look at Black communities, the difficulties of race in the United States and the challenges we face as a democracy.
The FDI Conference serves as both a scholarly platform and a professional development space, bringing together faculty, administrators, students, staff, and community partners who are committed to transformational change. The conference is guided by the mission of the FDI, which focuses on promoting multiculturalism, supporting historically underrepresented scholars, and expanding opportunities for teaching, research, and service aligned with Douglass’s principles of education, liberation, and civic engagement.
CCESI to Host Hunger Banquet to Raise Funds for the Resource Pantry
The Center for Community Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI) will host its 3rd annual Hunger Banquet on April 2 to raise awareness about the causes of hunger and raise funds for the Resource Pantry.
The Pantry has seen a dramatic increase in student demand. As of this issue, February 26, the Resource Pantry has served 1,165 students (7,459 visits) which is nearly equal to the total number of students who visited the Pantry during the entire 2024-25 academic year.
Tickets are $5 for students and $20 for faculty and staff. To purchase tickets, scan the QR code in the flyer or go to the WCU Foundation website by clicking the button below.
Experiential Learning
CBS News Philadelphia & NBC10 Feature Twardowski Career Development Center’s Job & Internship Fair
(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)
WCU Hosts 43rd Annual Presidential Gala
Escape winter and welcome spring in the Conservatory at Longwood Gardens as we celebrate West Chester University on Friday, April 17 at Longwood Gardens. President Laurie Bernotsky and Michael Bray '01 are hosting an evening of fine dining and dancing to invest in our students at the exact moments that matter most. Together, we can remove barriers, enhance supports, and provide real-world experiences that will help them thrive now and long after they graduate from WCU. Faculty and staff tickets discounted. To purchase, click button below.
Teaching & Learning
Lunchtime Lectures Offer Nuggets of Sustainability Information
Every Wednesday at lunchtime, the University’s Office of Sustainability (OoS) hosts informative programs that explore how WCU scholars, staff, and students explore and apply principles of environmental, social, and economic sustainability in their research and practice.
Sustainability Research and Practice Seminars take place Wednesdays from 12 to 12:50 p.m. in person in Sykes Student Union Room 255 A/B and via Zoom (https://wcupa.zoom.us/j/95413261652, meeting ID: 954 1326 1652, passcode: 880242). Seminars are free and open to the public. The in-person audience can enjoy free cookies and coffee.
The Spring 2026 series opened on February 4 with Dr. Casey R. Schmitt, Interdisciplinary Studies and Exploratory Studies, discussing Tuko Pamoja: Climate Perspectives from East Africa and Fulbright-Hays.
Sustainability Research and Practice Seminars are sponsored by the Office of Sustainability, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, and the Sustainability Council’s Scholarly and Creative Activities Committee. The schedule of lunchtime lectures is as follows:
February 18 - Nadine Boukhari, graduate student in WCU’s Industrial/Organizational Psychology master’s program, and Lisa Smart, Post-Landfill Action Network: Return on Investment Analysis of Reusable To-Go Containers
February 25 - Dr. Ellie Brown, Psychology: Can Environmental Chaos Get “Under the Skin” to Influence Child Development? Implications for Policy and Practice
March 4 - Kristopher Benedict, Art + Design: Landscape Painting and Contemporary Landscapes
March 18 - Bruce Brockman, Vice President of Operations, Goodwill Keystone Area: The 4 P’s of Sustainability: Prosperity, Planet, People, Perpetuity
March 25 - WCU graduate students lead a North Campus Bird Walk: Led by Paige Jones (School Counseling master’s program), Ariel Whaley, (Geography master’s program), Lea Rubenstein, Music Education master’s program). In-Person Only: Meet in Sykes Lobby, no Zoom for this program.
April 1 - Dr. Devin Arne, Music Theory, History, and Composition, and Silvana Cardell, Creator of TERRA: Bodies + Territories on TERRA: Bodies + Territories
April 8 - Dr. Carlos A. Morales-Ramírez, Geography and Planning: Protecting Gentle Giants: Sustainability Challenges in Whale Shark Ecotourism
April 15 - Dr. Amir Golmohamadi, Nutrition: Organic and Non-Organic Foods, Pesticide Residue, and Sustainability
April 22 - Dr. Margaret Hudgings and Molly Hanford, West Chester Green Team: West Chester Porchfest and Sustainability
April 29 - Dan Spracklin, Founder and CEO, SoMax: Transforming Waste into Resources: An introduction to Hydrothermal Carbonization. For this date only, meet in Sykes 210.
(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)
Diversity & Inclusion Learning Community Hosts Beyond Inclusion: Fostering Belonging for Asian and Asian American Students & Faculty
Check out WCU’s Science on Tap Talks
The University’s free monthly Science on Tap talks by WCU experts continues this semester at Barnaby’s Restaurant (15 South High Street, second floor). Programs take place monthly on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. Each session features a different WCU expert sharing interesting ideas and research, new information, and discoveries. The program invites audience participation with opportunities to ask questions, spark discussion, and connect with fellow science enthusiasts. And of course, the audience can order from Barnaby’s food and beverage menus for a full dining and learning experience.
The University’s Science on Tap series is modeled after similar programs that pair scientific presentations with a restaurant atmosphere. WCU’s series aims to make scientific concepts accessible; connect the public with approachable, knowledgeable scientists; and overcome mistrust/misunderstanding of science. It is directed by Dr. Christopher Roemmele, associate professor and assistant chair of the Department of Earth and Space Sciences, who wants to “bring science out of the labs and the halls of academia and share it with the public in an informal setting. “My goal is to promote science and science literacy. My colleagues here at WCU do wonderful and thought-provoking science in their diverse respective fields. And I want the greater West Chester community to be made aware of that. We do a lot of teaching, but we also do great research here, and that should be communicated.” For a complete schedule click the button below.
For additional information, contact Dr. Roemmele.
(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)
Resource Corner
How to Submit Your Event to Online Campus Calendar
The WCU Calendar is populated by events submitted in 25Live, WCU's room reservation and calendaring program. Faculty/Staff may submit events to the calendar by selecting "WCU Featured Events Calendar" in the "Resources" section of the 25Live Event Form.
TLC Resources for Faculty
As a new resource to prepare a course for a new semester, the Teaching & Learning Center has developed a Course Set-Up Checklist that includes many useful links.
AI continues to revolutionize teaching and learning. In recognition of the myriad
ways that faculty may utilize AI in their courses, there is no university-wide policy
on AI use in coursework. Instead, faculty should clearly articulate their own policies
on AI use in their syllabi. Depending on your discipline, it may be worth specifying
acceptable uses of AI on an assignment-by-assignment basis, so as to make sure students
are clear on when and how they can use AI, it at all.
The Teaching & Learning Center has a robust set of resources to assist in this area
including example syllabus statements that reflect a variety of different perspectives
and positions.
Artificial Intelligence Resource Page
The Academic Calendar is available on the Registrar's website. The Spring 2026 Final Exam schedule is available at this link: Spring Final Exam Schedule .
FREE Campus Shuttle Transportation Available to Faculty, Staff, & Students
WCU Shuttles are free to WCU students, faculty, and staff and are a quick and easy way to travel around campus, West Chester Borough, or to the Exton Train Station.
An accessible bus containing a wheelchair lift is available for students and employees with permanent or temporary mobility issues. Details on how to access this service is available on the Accessible Transportation webpage.
On Campus Shuttles:
The University provides shuttle service between North and South Campus during the
fall and spring semesters as well as limited service during the winter and summer
sessions. The Gold Route runs daily from 7:15 a.m. - 2:15 a.m. on weekdays and from
10:00 a.m. - 2:15 a.m. on weekends (during fall and spring semesters). For more
information on shuttle schedules, click the button below.
**Students using the shuttle service should be advised that it is impossible to provide timely transportation between North and South Campus within the standard 10-minute class break. Therefore, students should plan and develop class schedules that allow time to be transported between the two locations through the use of open class periods.**
New! WCU Training Directory Launches
The WCU Training Directory serves as a centralized “storefront” for training opportunities across the university. Users can search for trainings by name or keyword, or filter offerings by department to quickly find opportunities that meet their needs. While the directory brings these trainings together in one convenient location, it does not host the trainings themselves. Selecting a training title will direct users to the hosting department’s webpage, where the training is managed and delivered.
Trainings featured in the directory are designed to benefit a broad audience of faculty and staff and are not department-specific.
Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center
Students, Faculty, and Staff now have access to the Iris Booth, a free professional photo booth located in the Career Development Center (Lawrence 225). Students, Faculty, and Staff can stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm to get a photo taken, no appointment needed.
FAST Schedule & Offerings
Check out what IS&T has on tap for the semester! The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications, in addition to providing best practices in trending platforms (e.g., OneDrive, D2L, RamCloud). Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. Click below for the full schedule or take self-paced options.
FREE LinkedIn Learning Content Available to WCU Faculty, Staff and Students
LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com content is an industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 180,000 videos, covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. West Chester University faculty, staff and currently enrolled students have unlimited access.
Sykes Student Union Launches 2026-2027 Advance Reservation Process
Sykes Student Union is eagerly planning the 2026-2027 Advance Reservation process. Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events. The form will open on Monday, February 16, 2026, at 8:00 am – Friday, February 20, 2026, at 4:30 pm. To prepare, we invite you to review the FAQs on our website and note the tentative timeline below.
This year, we're offering Drop-in Consultation Hours with our Assistant Directors! Speak with a member of the Sykes Student Union staff for personalized, one-on-one support in preparing your Advance Reservation form.
- Monday, February 16 from 12:00 PM- 1:00 PM in Club 1871, SECC
- Monday, February 16 from 5:00 PM- 7:00 PM in CSI, Sykes Student Union
- Wednesday, February 18 from 1:00 PM- 3:00 PM in CSI, Sykes Student Union
The start of a new semester brings a fresh opportunity to support your exciting events and programs in Sykes Student Union and The Commons. We look forward to doing that together with you!