Provost's Post

WCU PREPARES FOR 2024 FALL COMMENCEMENT 

 In multiple campus commencement ceremonies held Friday, December 13, 2024 - Saturday, December 14, 204, West Chester University will graduate nearly 1,000 undergraduate and graduate-level students from its six colleges and the Wells School of Music.  Student speakers at each of the ceremonies will share their reflections and gratitude for those who made it possible for them to attain their degrees. 

In addition, West Chester University will recognize the outstanding achievements of faculty with the Lindback Distinguished Teaching Award, the E. Riley Holman Memorial Faculty Award, the Distinguished Research Award, the Trustees Achievement Award, and the Campus Diversity Award in addition to a number of emeritus/emerita designations.  The President's Medallion for Service will be awarded to an alumni who has demonstrated exceptional service and leadership.   

Learn more about the Fall 2024 Commencement Schedule.

Museum of Anthropology Opens “Roaring in Secret: Subversion and Change in the 1920s”

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

On Friday, November 15, at 6 p.m., the West Chester University Museum of Anthropology and Archaeology opened its newest and boldest exhibition to date: “Roaring in Secret: Subversion and Change in the 1920s.”  A WCU student jazz band entertained guests and visitors were encouraged to come in period clothing.

Under the leadership of Museum Director Dr. Michael A. Di Giovine, professor of anthropology and museum studies, and Tom Haughey, associate professor of theatre, 15 undergraduate and graduate museum studies students worked for nearly a year to create an immersive and engaging exhibition that explores the simultaneously secret and subversive nature of the 1920s — from its art, music, and literature to its technological inventions; from its economic boom to its bust; from suffrage to flapper culture; Prohibition and crime to immigration.

Visitors were invited into a stylized home from the 1920s where authentic artifacts illustrate the ways in which innovations, inventions, and pop cultural movements in the 1920s fostered lasting change in American society. Each room tells a story of a real person who lived during the 1920s: a flapper girl, a struggling immigrant, a middle-class boy. Everything seen inside is an authentic artifact from the period. 

“This is by far the most ambitious exhibition we have ever mounted,” said Dr. Di Giovine. “In addition to curating more than 100 artifacts, some of them quite rare and quite large, the students wanted this to be immersive, as if you were stepping back in time. Our museum designer and co-instructor for the class, Tom Haughey, really got to work on making these ideas a reality. It’s no wonder that the exhibition takes on the feel of the theatrical set rather than a traditional, historical museum. This is largely his vision, and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.”

Mary Joy Moyer ’23, the museum’s graduate assistant curator, worked on previous exhibitions as a student curator and said that, with the new exhibition, she “learned more about the behind-the-scenes aspects of all the jobs there are. This includes helping with hard decision-making that every curator faces.” She supported the other student curators and interpreted her role as a liaison between them and Dr. Di Giovine to streamline the creative process and communication. Moyer earned her undergraduate degree at the University in history with minors in museum studies and criminal justice and is on track to earn her master’s in history in 2025.

The exhibition runs through 2025. The museum is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the academic year. Guided tours are available by appointment. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT MUSEUM EXHIBIT

WCU Nutrition Department, Aramark & Safe Harbor Join in Thanksgiving Meal Prep for Safe Harbor Residents

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

The aroma from the West Chester University Food Lab in the Sciences and Engineering Center & The Commons (SECC) on November 26 was particularly familiar and especially enticing. A lot of pre-Thanksgiving cooking and meal packing for the residents of Safe Harbor, an area emergency shelter that provides services for adults experiencing homelessness, took place in the University’s high-tech nexus for all things nutritious and delicious. WCU Professor of Nutrition Dr. Jeanie Subach came up with the idea to give support and education to Safe Harbor’s cook and former resident, Regina White, before the big turkey holiday. Julian Clement was also part of the Safe Harbor contingent that provided lots of cooking assistance.

WCU Campus Chef Justin Grilli (Aramark) joined Subach, White, and Clement in the making of 50 Thanksgiving meals for the Safe Harbor residents’ upcoming feast. The four made sure that the homemade meal was complete with all the Thanksgiving fixings — turkey, soup, corn bread, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry sauce, collard greens, mashed potatoes, and mac & cheese. 

WCU students helped quite a lot, too. Peeling numerous potatoes and making corn muffins were the members of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity plus two of Subach’s nutrition graduate assistants and two dietetic interns.

Tuesday’s Thanksgiving cooking collaboration was a direct result of Subach’s sponsored grant research to analyze the food served to Safe Harbor residents. Subach’s research was sponsored by the University’s College of Health Sciences.

“My nutrition students and I are so grateful to the College of Health Sciences for funding this research grant that goes hand-in hand with our efforts to decrease food insecurity and increase healthy equity within the Chester County community,” said Subach.

“It takes a village to do something like this, and I am so thankful for the Food Systems Management Club, our WCU dietetic interns, my graduate assistants, Aramark, and the members of Alpha Phi Alpha,” Subach added. “All of us are thrilled to be able to collaborate with our Safe Harbor friends to make meals healthier for their residents and to have a positive impact on overall health outcomes.”

“Today is a wonderful day and just one example of the many ways that West Chester University supports Safe Harbor,” said Executive Director of Safe Harbor Jessica Chappell, who is also a 2001 West Chester University graduate.

“Our residents also benefit from collaborations with Stewardship and Civic Engagement via the Honors College with Dr. Geradina Martin, Ram Corps, a social policy class with Dr. Shannon McQueen, music therapy, and so many more,” Chappell added. “We have an ongoing relationship with the University that benefits all of our residents in such impactful ways.”

WATCH 6ABC COVERAGE

A Beloved Tradition Returns: West Chester University’s 103nd Annual Holiday Concert

West Chester University’s 103nd Annual Holiday Concert has become a beloved winter tradition. Campus and community members are invited to jump-start the season and join in this joyous celebration on Saturday, December 7 at 3 p.m. in the 1200-seat Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. Professor and Associate Director of Choirs Ryan Kelly directs. Tickets are $14 at http://www.wcupatix.com/schoolofmusic or 610.436.2266. This concert will not be available to view by livestream.

A time-honored tradition since its inception in 1921, the Holiday Concert features student choral, orchestral, and jazz ensembles from the University’s esteemed Wells School of Music in a 90-minute concert mix of classical, contemporary, and jazz selections. Nearly 200 students will perform in the concert that showcases the Orpheus Singers, Allegro Voices, Oriana Chorale, Concert Choir, Mastersingers, Symphony Orchestra, and the Criterions Jazz Ensemble. Greenery, lights, and poinsettias will adorn the stage.

PURCHASE HOLIDAY CONCERT TICKETS

Dr. Jacqueline “Jackie” Hodes Honored with 2024 Keepers of the Flame Award

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Transformational leader, advocate, ally, teacher, scholar, advisor, and compassionate colleague are words that many use to describe Jacqueline “Jackie” Hodes, professor and chair of the University’s Higher Education Policy and Student Affairs (HEPSA) department. Dr. Hodes has been honored with the 2024 Keepers of the Flame Award from the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE). This award recognizes an individual from each of the 14 State System universities for their contributions to creating and promoting diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments that cultivate a sense of belonging.

“No one does this work alone and I am grateful to my wonderful colleagues and friends who continue to support me and work with me to put students at the center of our work,” said Dr. Hodes. “Of course, none of the work is possible without you, the students: You trust us, depend on us, and expect us to be forward-thinking and strategic, to create places and spaces where all can thrive. I have been honored to engage in this challenging yet life-affirming work at a place I have called home for 38 years.”

Dr. Hodes has worked at WCU since 1986, starting her career in Student Affairs as the director of alcohol and drug education. For 18 years, she served as the inaugural coordinator for LGBTQIA services. As an administrator, Dr. Hodes served in many different capacities including director of the wellness center and the assistant to the vice president for student affairs. She has had experience in student conduct, orientation, new student programs, student learning outcomes assessment, fundraising and development, and many other areas in student affairs. She has led initiatives for first-generation college students and students of color at the undergraduate and graduate level.

A Certified Strengths (Gallup) Facilitator, Dr. Hodes has served as the faculty advisor to the Graduate Student Association and is the advisor to Chi Sigma Alpha, an honor society for graduate students in student affairs and higher education programs. She serves on several University committees including the Faculty Senate, Graduate Council, the Promotion and Tenure Workshop, and the Moonshot for Equity Advisory Board.

She is a recipient of the WCU Civility Award (2005), the WCU Legacy of Leadership Award (2013), and an advising award from students.

Dr. Hodes’ scholarship includes both writing and presentations on understanding the professional identity development of student affairs practitioners, graduate student success, creating change via collaboration in higher education, civility on college campuses, and strengths-based leadership and practice.

“The Keepers of the Flame Award honors members of the PASSHE community for contributions to the success of everyone at our universities and always striving to make our campuses welcoming places for everyone,” said Dr. Denise Pearson, vice chancellor and chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) officer at PASSHE’s Office of the Chancellor. “We celebrate and honor each of these recipients who have shown time and again that a commitment to academic excellence, DEI, and student success can open doors of opportunity and strengthen each of our university communities.”

WCU PASSHE Faculty Professional Development Council Grant Application Deadline

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) Faculty Professional Development Council (FPDC) invites you to apply for the 2024-25 Annual Grant Program. This program is intended to provide professional growth opportunities for individual faculty, with a focus on projects that encourage student success.  

The maximum number of proposals is 18 from each of the 10 universities. Below, you will find the Categories for funding.  

Applications will be accepted for the following categories:
Category 1-A           Joint Faculty‑Student Basic or Applied Research                                       
Category 1-B           Scholarly Research:  Basic or Applied                                              
Category 2               Joint Faculty‑Student Public Service                                         
Category 3               Creative and Performing Arts                                  
Category 4               Innovation in Teaching and Improvement in Student Learning Outcomes
Category 5               Individual Career Enhancement in Off-Site Settings          

There will be two workshops offered by ORSP specifically addressing questions regarding this funding opportunity. Please see the dates and links below:

Tuesday, December 3, 2024, 12pm-1pm:  Zoom link
Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 4pm-5pm:  Zoom link

To review the call for proposals and to apply, please go to the WCU PASSHE FPDC application form.  Because this is a limited submission opportunity, your application will be reviewed at WCU before it is submitted to the FPDC.  Applications are due for initial, internal review by 5pm on Tuesday,  January 21st, 2025.   

Office of Research and Sponsored Programs Offers Student Research Opportunities for Spring 2025

West Chester University's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs will again offer student research opportunities this spring.  Learn more about Student Research Opportunities.

West Chester Green Team Honors Two WCU Sustainability StewardsTwo WCU Biologists Named to New Online Directory Recognizing Contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Scientists

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

Two West Chester University employees were recently honored by the West Chester Green Team (WCGT). WCGT recognized Josh Braid ’00, manager of Grounds Maintenance and Moving Services, and Nur Ritter, stewardship manager of the Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies, with male gardener honors as it celebrated the region’s outstanding gardeners.

Both Braid and Ritter are members of the University’s Sustainability Council and serve on several of its subcommittees as well as on other University committees.

Braid is manager of WCU’s grounds maintenance and moving services, where he leads dynamic teams in landscaping and heavy equipment operations, committed to creating a safe and beautiful campus for students, educators, and visitors. He has worked at the University since 2010.

“I would like to share this recognition with the 20 people in our department who do the hard work in making campus look great,” he said.

Braid has more than 20 years of experience in professional landscaping and 13 years in management and has cultivated a diverse skill set in facilities maintenance and operations at the University.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in philosophy and holds post-baccalaureate credits in general science and secondary education from West Chester University and is currently pursuing a master’s in public administration here.

Ritter became the second stewardship manager for the University’s Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies (GNA) in 2016. He is part of the team in the University’s Office of Sustainability (OoS).

He is responsible for implementing the GNA’s strategic plan; designing and implementing restoration activities and invasive species control measures at the GNA; supervising student workers and volunteers; establishing a native plant nursery; seed collecting and processing; and conducting general botanical surveys. His additional responsibilities include budget management, facility maintenance, coordination of research and education activities within the GNA, coordinating outreach, and contributing to the GNA’s web and social media presence.

He earned his bachelor’s in botany and a doctorate in natural resources, both from the University of New Hampshire.

The WCU Office of Sustainability has partnered with WCGT for a number of years and expanded the collaboration by co-hosting four events this fall. WCGT is a non-governmental civic organization in Chester County that works to educate the public and establish and nourish local green initiatives.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WCU's OFFICE OF SUSTAINABILITY

Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments with reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events. Sykes Student Union is pleased to begin the 2025-2026 Advance Reservation process. Please review some of the FAQs in the link below and note the tentative timeline.

New for this year, Sykes Student Union staff, is hosting an open house Reservations Showcase and will be available for consultations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 to walk through the Advance Reservation form and answer questions and/or support departments and student organizations in preparing their requests. Mark your calendars today!

Advance Registration

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.

WCU Event Calendar   How to Submit your event to wcu calendar

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.

FAST Schedule

Want to learn more about Navigate?

Visit our webpage. You’ll find an overview, information about Progress Reports, and our training site.

You can also check out the FAST training site and search “navigate” to final all of the Navigate-specific offerings. Here's a quick guide to the offerings.

Navigate Home page

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.

Access LinkedIn Learning