Health Notices

In support of the University’s goal of all undergraduate students completing at least 30 credits per academic year in pursuit of finishing in four years, for the spring 2021 semester, eligible full-time WCU undergraduate students will be able to take advantage of up to 6 “free” credits during the upcoming summer 2021 sessions, depending on their total number of spring 2021 credits. As full-time tuition costs are the same for 12 to 18 credits in WCU’s spring semester, undergraduate students taking 12 credits in the spring will be able to take an additional 6 credits in the summer 2021 sessions without being charged tuition. Similarly, undergraduate students taking 15 credits in the spring will be able to take an additional 3 credits in the summer 2021 sessions without being charged tuition.

The University Curriculum Committee is currently considering a variety of possible alternative grading options.

Yes, anyone on campus in public spaces will be required to wear a mask. The University will be providing all students and employees with two WCU reusable face masks.

Face masks can be picked up at the Sykes Student Union information desk. Please bring your Student ID card to show when you receive your masks.

Yes, as long as Chester County is in the green phase, our public buildings will continue to be open at reduced capacities. Sykes Student Union, the Campus Recreation Center, FHG Library, and several other buildings will remain open for use and active social distancing will continue to be in place. Contact each department for modified hours.

Shuttle bus service will be available but with reduced hours to meet the needs based on the number of faculty and students on campus. Bus windows will remain open as much as possible. One student per seat. Please visit the shuttle bus website for up-to-date changes and announcements.

Yes. For the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff, University Libraries have implemented social distancing practices and alternative service models to accommodate campus needs. For updates, go to library.wcupa.edu.

Yes.

Spring 2021 Hours:

Monday – Friday 7:30 am – 8:00 pm

Saturday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

Sunday 9:00 am – 8:00 pm (tentative)

Visit Sykes Student Union website for future updates.

Yes, for the mental wellness, health, and safety of students, faculty, and staff, the Counseling Center will continue to provide online counseling services. For more details, please visit the Counseling Center webpage.

Campus Recreation will continue to engage students by opening to the University community on January 25, 2021, for individual workouts, onsite fitness classes, and a wide range of virtual classes and programs.

Hours: Monday – Thursday 7 am – 8 pm; Friday 7 am – 5 pm; Sunday 11:30 am – 7 pm. Closed on Saturday.

For more information, visit our Covid-19 policies and procedures FAQ page. If you have any questions, please email campusrecreation@wcupa.edu and we will respond in a timely manner. Follow us on Instagram (@wcupacampusrec) and Facebook (WCUPA Campus Recreation) for daily information.

Yes, we are working to ensure that the Resource Pantry is safely open and accessible to students both in person and virtually. We will likely have modified hours so please check our Pantry Website for updates.

Yes, please call or check their website for potentially modified hours.

The spring 2021 semester will continue with the same safety measures, policies, and guidelines that are currently in place. The Office of Student Leadership and Involvement is committed to students’ development and safety as we continue to combat Covid-19. This pandemic has completely altered our normal way of life and how we like to engage with our students. It’s up to us to figure out healthy ways to overcome the challenges that Covid-19 provides and discover new alternatives and creative solutions. Please read the updated FAQ for Student Organizations and check the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement webpage frequently as you begin your spring planning.

 

 

Spaces available to students have been reduced in accordance with CDC guidelines. 

In order to reserve space, students must follow the instructions for corresponding buildings.

• Sykes Student Union: Please refer to the Sykes Union Covid-19 Update page for updated meeting room capacities. You will still need to place reservations for space through 25Live. For questions regarding student organization reservations, please contact Jordan Maxwell at 610-436-1014. Please note that face masks are required in Sykes Union.
• Ehinger Gym and the Student Rec Center: Email SRCrequests@wcupa.edu for availability. For more information, visit our Covid-19 policies and procedures FAQ page.
• Sturzebecker Health Sciences Center: Email AHuber@wcupa.edu for availability.

Yes, the current updated list of all Safety Precautions appears here at Student Community Agreements , and this list will be updated on a regular basis as new requirements are issued by government, health, or University officials.

Students play a critical role in helping the community mitigate the infection and spread of the Coronavirus. In order to have a successful semester, we will all need to do our part, which includes educating ourselves and abiding by the posted health and safety measures. As such, students have agreed to follow all federal, state, county, local, and University guidelines listed at https://www.wcupa.edu/StudentCommunityAgreements/, as well as those issued throughout the academic year and communicated to students via email.

2021-2022 Student Code of Conduct

Yes, Student Health Services will be open Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Services are available by appointment only. Telehealth appointments are also available. Students who need medical care should contact Student Health Services by phone at 610-436-2509.

Students who call with any of the following list of symptoms will be connected with an available nurse/provider for additional screening and triage. The nurse/provider will discuss symptoms and provide guidance for medical care per current CDC recommendations.

• Fever without suspected etiology
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat
• Known exposure to someone with presumptive/confirmed Covid-19
• Any GI symptoms
• Loss of senses of taste or smell

Students with COVID-19 symptoms will be referred for testing following CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidance. Testing is available at Student Health Services. Additional testing sites are available in Chester County and throughout Pennsylvania.

For more details, please visit Student Health Services Updates for updates regarding Health Center services and procedures. Protocols will be updated in accordance with any changes provided by health authorities.

Encourage them to follow the same protocol recommended to all students showing symptoms. If a student is symptomatic and is tested for COVID-19, the student should self-report by completing the designated University form. For more details, please visit Student Health Services Updates for updates regarding Health Center services and procedures. Protocols will be updated in accordance with any changes provided by health authorities.

Yes, Student Affairs is committed to completing the educational mission and continues to engage with all students through our programs and resources. Visit the Student Affairs WeCU website for all of our virtual engagement opportunities and follow on instagram @wcustuaffairs for updates. 

All meetings must continue to follow CDC considerations for social distancing and large gatherings. General meeting rooms are set for social distancing and a limited number of people will be permitted in a given space. There must be a virtual option available. When possible, meetings should be held in the virtual environment. View updated space capacities for Sykes Student Union.

Resources and guidelines are provided for students to utilize spaces on campus that follow CDC considerations, according to the phases of opening directives from the state at that time. Facilities like Sykes Student Union, Student Recreation Center, the library, and Lawrence Hall are operating at lower capacities to comply with state and local health guidelines.

At this time, we recommend that students support community-based organizations through virtual volunteer opportunities. Such opportunities can be found on Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact's Social Distancing Page. In-person volunteering and service should only be performed with organizations that have clearly implemented health and safety procedures consistent with state and federal guidelines.

UPDATE: Thursday, February 25, 2021

The Athletic Department announces its spectator attendance policy for all home events during the upcoming spring sports season:

At this time, no spectators will be allowed in attendance at any of the facilities located on the campus of West Chester University, including John A. Farrell Stadium, Vonnie Gros Field, or the softball field and tennis courts located along S. New Street on South Campus until further notice. Furthermore, spectators will not be allowed to attend baseball games at Maple Zone Sports Complex, or the Dr. Edwin B. Cottrell Invitational held at Penn Oaks Golf Course.

UPDATE: Wednesday, January 20, 2021
West Chester University Director of Athletics, Terry Beattie, announced an update to the Return to Activity plan for student-athletes. Spring sports student-athletes had no change to their plans to return to campus the weekend of January 23-24. First practice is still set for Monday, Jan. 25. Winter sports had its first practice date pushed back two weeks to Feb. 16 while fall sports had its first practice date pushed back two weeks to Feb. 23.

UPDATE: Thursday, November 19, 2020
West Chester University administration announced plans to hold a competitive season for outdoor spring sports while also moving ahead with plans to return fall and winter sport student-athletes to in-person practice as well.

 

West Chester University Athletics 

COVID-19 Spectator Protocols 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators will be permitted to access the designated viewing areas NO MORE than 1 hour prior to the competition start time.  
• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectators should complete a COVID-19 symptom self-screening and temperature check before leaving for the event and should not attend if they are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms or have a temperature of 100.4° or higher. 
• Spectators are expected to remain masked at all times while at athletic events hosted by West Chester University.   
• Spectators are required to maintain appropriate social distance from spectators outside of their own family unit and avoid mingling with others. 
• Use of bathroom facilities will be severely limited. 
• All spectators must vacate the premises within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the event and should not expect to greet their athlete post-game. 
• No pre-game, in-game, and/or post-game tailgating is permitted for any event. 
• WCU Athletics staff and WCU Public Safety will be responsible for enforcing social distancing guidelines and procedures.  Any spectator refusing to comply with any of the above-mentioned protocols will be immediately removed from the premises and may forfeit the privilege of attending future WCU Athletics events. 

 
 

EVENT SPECIFIC INFORMATION 

BASEBALL 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectator seating is limited to the area along the outfield fence at Maplezone Sports Village.   
• No spectators will be allowed on the center walkway between fields. 
• Spectators should expect to stand or supply their own chairs for seating along the outfield fence. 
• Spectators should refrain from touching balls hit out of play. 
• All spectators must comply with any instructions given by WCU Athletics staff or by Maplezone Sports Institute staff. 
• Spectators should exit the facility within fifteen minutes of the completion of games. 

 

SOFTBALL 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectator seating is limited to the hill along the first base side of the field.  There will be no bleacher seating available this season. 
• Spectators should expect to stand or supply their own chairs for seating on the hill. 
• Spectators must not cross the rope line marking spectator-designated areas. 
• No spectators will be allowed along the outfield fence or along the third baseline fence. 
• Spectators should refrain from touching balls hit out of play. 
• All spectators must leave within fifteen minutes of the conclusion of games. 

 
LACROSSE

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 

• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Vonnie Gros Field bleachers may not be available. 
• Spectators should expect to stand or supply their own seats, should bleacher seating not be available. 
• Spectators must not gather at the top of the hill and wait for their student-athlete to exit the field.   
• All spectators must leave within 15 minutes of the conclusion of the game. 

 

TENNIS 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectator seating is limited to the area across the driveway from the tennis courts.  Spectators should not cross the driveway to gain closer access to the tennis courts. 
• Spectators should expect to stand or supply their own chairs for seating. 
• All spectators must leave within fifteen minutes of the conclusion of the match. 

 

GOLF 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• All spectators must remain on cart paths. 
• Spectators must comply with any instructions given by WCU Athletics staff or by staff of Penn Oaks Golf Club. 
• Spectators should not gather around leaderboards and avoid interacting with individuals outside of their own family unit. 
• Spectators must exit the facility within fifteen 15 minutes of the conclusion of their student-athlete's round. 

 

TRACK & FIELD 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectators must remain in the visitor's side stands of Farrell Stadium during their time at any WCU Track & Field Competition. 
• Use of permanent bathrooms is reserved for competing student-athletes.  Spectators should use the portable toilets located on the visitor's side of the stadium. 
• Spectators at the hammer/discus cage or the javelin throw should remain behind the perimeter ropes and avoid close interaction with student-athletes. 
• Spectators should exit the facility within fifteen minutes of the completion of their student-athlete's events. 

 

RUGBY 

• NO VISITING TEAM SPECTATORS WILL BE ADMITTED. 
• Spectators will be limited to two (2) per WCU team tier one personnel. 

WCU student-athletes and team personnel will be required to submit names via ARMS to the Athletics Office no later than the day (24 hours) prior to the competition. 

Only those individuals with their names appearing on the guest list will be permitted to watch the competition.  

• Spectators/family members should not expect to interact with athletes and coaches before, during, or after competitions. 
• Spectators must remain in the designated seating area. 
• Spectators are required to maintain appropriate social distance from spectators outside of their own family unit and avoid mingling with others. 
• Spectators refrain from gathering near the walkway to and from the field and should not attempt close interaction with their student-athlete before or after the game. 
• All spectators should exit the facility within fifteen minutes of the conclusion of the game.