What’s New and What’s Ahead at WCU This Fall
A new academic year is underway at West Chester University, bringing new resources, refreshed campus spaces and a full schedule of opportunities for students to connect with the Golden Ram community.
Here are a few highlights of what’s new and what’s ahead for fall 2026.
One Stop Brings Student Services Together
Students now have a central place to get help navigating University services with the opening of the new One Stop Student Service Center on the first floor of Francis Harvey Green Library, adjacent to Starbucks.
One Stop is designed to make it easier for students to find answers, address concerns and connect with the right resources without visiting multiple offices. The center is led by Dr. Tammy James, special assistant to the president for student engagement and retention.
One Stop is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. Friday.
More information about One Stop.
The First Wellness Kiosk
Also new in the FHG Library: A Wellness Kiosk has been installed on the second floor near the elevators, providing access to healthcare products for students and employees.
With no walkable pharmacy near campus and limited after-hours options, the kiosk makes available essential over-the-counter medications and wellness supplies when they may be needed most. It is partially funded through an It’s On Us Grant.
Products are available to purchase by credit card or tap-to-pay. Ram Bucks purchasing will be available in the near future. Students seeking medical care can call 610-436-2509 to request an appointment.
Campus Living Spaces Receive Updates
Students returning to campus this fall will find improvements in several residence halls.
Summer renovations in Killinger Hall included updated community bathrooms with private shower enclosures, new flooring, updated fixtures and improved lighting. Student bedrooms also received new flooring and furniture. Bathrooms in Tyson and Goshen halls received similar upgrades, and built-in closets in student rooms were repainted.
Work also continues on the University’s multiyear renovation and expansion of its 11 South Campus apartment buildings. The project will add an additional floor to each building, creating 220 new beds without expanding the existing South Campus footprint. Apartments will also be renovated as the project progresses.
More Ways to Get Around Campus and the Borough
WCU students, faculty and staff can use the University’s campus shuttle system at no cost. Routes connect North and South campuses as well as locations in the Borough of West Chester, the Exton train station, the Graduate Center and nearby apartment communities.
Riders can review shuttle routes and schedules and use the live shuttle tracker to see when their bus is approaching.
Students and employees may also purchase discounted monthly SEPTA commuter passes through a partnership between WCU and SEPTA.
Those who prefer two wheels can borrow a bicycle at no cost through the WCU Bicycle Lending Library. Bikes are available for two-week or semester-long loans and include a helmet and lock. A new mural created by graphic design students Rebecca Stratton, Liam Cromwell and Kevin Reece now marks the Bicycle Lending Library’s location at the Francis Harvey Green Library loading dock facing Rosedale Avenue.
Weeks of Welcome Continue Through Homecoming
The beginning-of-semester celebration continues well beyond the first week of classes. Weeks of Welcome programming runs through Homecoming Weekend, September 25–27, and offers new and returning students opportunities to meet people, explore campus resources and become involved in University life.
Upcoming activities include the Welcome Back BBQ on the Quad from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, September 10, and Welcome to the Borough from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, September 19.
Students can find the complete schedule on the Weeks of Welcome website and RamConnect.
September Brings Music, Athletics and More
Several signature events will bring the University and surrounding community together this September.
The Wells School of Music will present its 10th annual Concert on the Quad from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday, September 11. The free concert will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11, recognize America’s 250th anniversary and begin a celebration of 100 years of jazz at WCU. University President Laurie Bernotsky will narrate Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. Learn more about the Concert on the Quad.
Golden Rams football returns to Farrell Stadium for its home opener at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 12. The season continues with the Homecoming game against Millersville at 2 p.m. Saturday, September 26. Home games include a Kids’ Zone, Purple Pit student section, live music, food trucks and new this year: South Side Beer Garden.
Additional September programming includes the Sustainability Showcase on September 16, the start of the fall planetarium season and the return of WCU’s Science on Tap series on September 29.
Visit the University calendar for a complete list of upcoming events.
Click here for a list of free concerts on the Wells School of Music calendar.
Click here for information and tickets to performances by the Department of Theatre & Dance.
Tickets are available through the WCU Box Office.