GOLDen rams move in!
"Weeks of Welcome" Events Launched the 2026/27 Academic Year
West Chester University (WCU) welcomed its newest Golden Rams—the members of the Class of 2030—as more than 3,000 first-year and transfer students moved into campus residence halls on Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21.
Intermittent rain showers did not stop vehicles packed with mini fridges, bedding, lamps, and boxes from lining up outside residence halls as students loaded their belongings into bright purple and gold carts. WCU President Laurie Bernotsky welcomed students and their families to campus, while hundreds of resident assistants, alumni, faculty, student athletes, and staff volunteers were on hand to greet families, answer questions, and haul carts loaded with suitcases, computers, books, and other college essentials up to residence hall rooms.
Dr. Leah Tobin, director of Residence Life and Housing, said watching the week come together is one of her favorite parts of the job.
"Move-in has this incredible energy — new families discovering WCU for the first time and returning families who already feel right at home. It's exciting every single year."
For many new Golden Rams, move-in marks the start of a new chapter — one that continues throughout WCU's "Weeks of Welcome” (WoW) programming, designed to help new and returning students build connections, discover campus resources, and become engaged members of the Golden Ram community.
"WoW is really about making sure no student feels like just a face in the crowd. The events are a chance for students to find their people and start feeling like this is home," added Tobin.
Planned WoW activities for first-year students included a “Ram Rally Under the Lights” of Farrell Stadium - complete with a fireworks display, a Golden Hour student meet-up with music and swag, a welcome from President Bernotsky and other university leaders at the second annual Convocation Ceremony, and a human formation of the numbers 2-0-3-0, the first-year students’ class year.
WCU Residence Hall Coordinator Chantel Detreville said that, despite the rain on Thursday, “Things are going great!”
Detreville added, “The rain is disappointing, but it’s been very smooth.”
When asked about any notable move-in trends, Detreville said, “I feel like people aren’t bringing their whole life, which is a common first-year mistake. Most students have been able to move in using just two carts.”
First-year student Nyla Thomas from Chichester, PA, had two carts full of pink bedding and accessories, her favorite color. Thomas said, “I’m most excited about meeting new people and maturing.”
Standing next to her was mother Joy Thomas, who choked back, “I’m just so proud…that’s all I have,” while laughing through her tears.
Roommates Antonio Pennetti and James Reed, both from New Jersey, were taking cover from the rain while browsing in the bookstore at Sykes Student Union. Both pre-business majors, who are living in Killinger Hall, both said they were “excited” and “couldn’t wait” to start the year.
West Chester University continues to experience stable enrollment and expects about 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students this fall. The University also continues to expand its online graduate offerings as part of its strategy to grow graduate enrollment. Official Fall 2026 enrollment figures will be released following the University's 15th day of classes.