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Graduate Catalog 08-09
Office of Graduate Studies and Extended Education
McKelvie Hall, 102 W. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2943
fax: 610-436-2763
gradstudy@wcupa.edu
Revised March 2008
University Services and Student Living
Library Services
West Chester University has two physical libraries, the Francis Harvey Green Library at the corner of High Street and Rosedale Avenue, and the Presser Music Library in room 121 Swope Music Building and the Performing Arts Center. Both libraries offer excellent environments for study and research. The total collections of both libraries include more than 774,000 print volumes, 7,700 print and electronic periodical subscriptions, and 86,500 audio-visual items (including videos, DVDs, and sound recordings). In addition, Library Services licenses more than 116,000 electronic books, the full text of articles from more than 23,000 periodicals, over 75,000 streaming audio titles, and more than 450,000 images of art works. These materials are augmented by an extensive collection of maps, government documents, and more than 879,000 items in microform, including books, periodicals, newspapers, and doctoral dissertations. The total library collection compares favorably with other major public and private libraries in the region. Special holdings in the Green Library include the Chester County Collection of Scientific and Historical Books, the Normal Collection (publications by faculty and alumni), and the Stanley Weintraub Center for the Study of Arts and Humanities. Important rare books include The Biographies of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by John Sanderson and the first four Folios of Shakespeare. Also worthy of note are the collections of children’s literature, instructional media, and the Philips Autographed Library in Philips Memorial Building. The Presser Music Library contains the University’s collection of scores as well as sound recordings, music books, periodicals, and microforms. This new facility also features the latest equipment for listening to sound recordings in analog and digital formats.
The Green Library houses a Starbucks and the Elinor Z. Taylor Graduate Study Lounge (FHG 608). Access to the Graduate Study Lounge is available through the Graduate Student Association. Key library services include reference (in-person, telephone, and e-mail), library instruction, electronic reserves, interlibrary loan, wireless laptops for use in the library, and access to coin-operated photocopers and microform copiers.
The library’s Web site, http://www.wcupa.edu/library, provides continually updated access to a wide array of resources and services, including PILOT, the library’s catalog and links to more than 180 specialized databases. Most library databases are available from any computer with Internet access, and they may be accessed from off campus by entering an authentication number – a valid WCU network login or the 14- or 16-digit number from a current WCU ID. Graduate students without a WCU network login or ID may request an authentication number on the library’s Web pages. There is no charge for interlibrary loan, and materials not owned by the library may be requested over the Internet. Most materials requested from other libraries must be picked up at the Green Library. Questions regarding library materials and services should be directed to the Green Library Reference Desk, 610-436-2435, refdesk@wcupa.edu.
West Chester University provides housing facilities for its graduate students on a limited basis for the regular school year and all summer sessions. Graduate students may live in either a North Campus residence hall (that houses predominantly undergraduate students), with a 24-hour quiet hour option, or in selected units of the South Campus apartment complex. Students in the residence halls must be on the University meal plan; apartment residents have the option of any meal plan offered or no plan at all. North Campus residence hall rooms are all double occupancy; apartments are designed for five occupants in combinations of double and single bedrooms.
The University, through the West Chester University Foundation, also offers other housing options on campus that are referred to as affiliated housing. University Hall, a suite-style residence hall on North Campus, and the Village at West Chester University, an apartment complex on South Campus, are available to current students beyond the first year and incoming transfer students on a space-available basis. These facilities offer all the same opportunities found in University-owned housing but are managed through an arrangement with a private corporation.
Graduate students are expected to abide by all regulations appropriate to their living arrangements. Upon acceptance to graduate study, students may contact the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services for additional information and applications for on-campus housing. Students are encouraged to contact this office as early as possible since the availability of on-campus housing varies based on the time of year that the request is made.
For assistance in locating a dwelling or apartment off campus, students may contact the Off-Campus and Commuter Services program.
The Office of Residence Life and Housing Services is located in 202 Lawrence Center, 610-436-3307.
Off-Campus and Commuter Services
Services to off-campus and commuter students include off-campus housing listings and the Off-Campus and Commuter Association, which provides special programming and resource materials. Additional services offered include landlord/tenant legal aid information and development of long-range plans to meet the needs of off-campus and commuter students.
Off-Campus and Commuter Services, coordinated by the associate director of Sykes Union, are located in 116 Sykes Student Union, 610-436-2984.
Students who choose to live in the community must secure their own living accommodations. The Off-Campus and Commuter Services program will assist students in finding housing by providing up-to-date listings of available housing. These listings are available in 116 Sykes Student Union and may be accessed on the Web at www.wcupa.edu/public/och.
Student Health and Wellness Centers
The University maintains a Student Health Center staffed by physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, health educators, and a nutritionist. The Health Center staff is available to meet emergency and first-aid needs, and to perform routine treatment of minor illnesses and minor surgical conditions. The Student Health and Wellness Centers also offer programs designed to enhance wellness, disease prevention, and health education.
Part-time graduate students must pay the student health fee to be eligible for services. The University does not furnish other medical care or bear the costs of medical or surgical treatment or hospitalization. The community of West Chester has qualified physicians and excellent facilities at the Chester County Hospital.
The Student Health and Wellness Centers are located on the second floor of Wayne Hall. Any emergencies during the night and on weekends may be treated at the Chester County Hospital Emergency Room. The Health Center phone number is 610-436-2509 and visits are available by appointment. The Wellness Center phone number is 610-436-3276.
Graduate students, their spouses, and dependents may take advantage of a group medical illness and accident insurance policy approved by the University. Under the same group plan, there is a separate summer policy. Visit the Student Health and Wellness Centers for additional information and brochures.
Services for Students with Disabilities
The Office of Services for Students with Disabilities (OSSD) offers services for students with physical and learning disabilities. The OSSD is designed to assist students to make a successful transition to the University. We take a proactive stance that encourages students to understand their needs and strengths in order to best advocate for themselves.
The OSSD is located within the Academic Programs and Services Division and coordinates services with the other units within the division, such as the Learning Assistance and Resource Center and the Academic Advising Center, as well as other University offices including the Writing Center and the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Liaison with governmental agencies and private practitioners for provision of services is also available through the OSSD. In order to ensure continuity of services, students should pursue such actions prior to enrollment. Students needing financial support for personal services or interpreters should register with the appropriate agency at least six months in advance of matriculation.
Office of Services for Students with Disabilities
223 Lawrence Center
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2564
Services Provided for Students with Disabilities
Information Services provides computing resources for a wide variety of users, both academic and administrative. Many of the University's administrative functions, such as registration, grade reporting, and billing, depend heavily on the campus-wide transaction processing system, which provides centralized access to University data from workstations located throughout the campus.
More importantly, computing is a vital instructional and research tool. Information Services offers students and faculty a wide range of computing resources, including a variety of software packages and hardware resources such as SAS, SPSS, MINITAB, programming languages, office software products, microcomputers, printers, graphics workstations, digitizers, and optical scanners. Many of these facilities are available at various campus locations, but the Academic Computing Center on the ground floor of Anderson Hall serves as a focal point of instructional computing activity. A valid WCU ID card is required to use the Academic Computing Center. (For further information, contact the Academic Computing Center at 610-436-3349.) Computing facilities throughout the campus are joined by a high-speed network.
WCU faculty, staff, and students also can access computing resources off-campus through the Web. The network provides electronic mail capabilities for all campus workstations, connection to the Internet, and access to the University's main library catalogs.
The WCU network provides high-speed access to software applications (including programming languages, spreadsheets, word processors, and faculty-developed programs) and electronic communications capabilities to workstations. Student laboratory facilities are available in the Academic Computing Center, each of the nine residence halls, and Sykes Student Union.
Information Services is located in Anderson Hall, 610-436-2828.
The Student Services Inc. Bookstore is located on the ground floor of Sykes Student Union. The bookstore sells both new and used textbooks for all WCU courses, as well as school and art supplies. The store also stocks best sellers, a variety of general interest literature, and a large selection of reference books, study aids, and teacher aids. SSI Bookstore offers a complete line of official WCU imprinted clothing and an extensive array of gifts, greeting cards, groceries, snacks, and laundry supplies. Services include film processing, special orders for computer software and general interest books, UPS shipping, and daily book buybacks. All major credit cards and personal checks, accompanied with a valid ID, are accepted.
Bookstore hours:
| Mon.-Thurs. | 8 a.m.-6 p.m. |
| Friday | 8 a.m.-4 p.m. |
| Saturday | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. |
(Hours may be subject to change.)
The bookstore offers extended hours of operation at the beginning of each semester. As a shopping convenience, students may order textbooks and merchandise via the bookstore Web site, www.click2ssi-bookstore.com.
The University provides career planning and placement services and programs for its students and graduates through the Twardowski Career Development Center.
The Twardowski Career Development Center's library provides information about careers, federal and state government positions, application forms, procedures, and job requirements.
The center also maintains listings of job vacancies in business, education, and industry.
The services available to graduate students are career counseling; resume referral; and an on-campus interview program. The center's Web site contains links to a variety of job vacancy databases as well as sites to post resumes on the Internet. A variety of resume services are also provided, from samples to assistance in developing a resume to free critiques.
The Twardowski Career Development Center is located in 225 Lawrence Center, 610-436-2501. For additional career information visit the Web page at www.wcupa.edu/cdc/.
The Office of Multicultural Affairs is dedicated to the development of multicultural sensitivity, understanding, and appreciation of diversity among students. The office develops and implements comprehensive programs aimed at addressing the needs and concerns of the multicultural student. The Office of Multicultural Affairs also serves as a resource for other University offices regarding multicultural students and aids in projects focused on improving the general campus climate. The office is located in 003 Sykes Student Union, 610-436-3273.
West Chester University is concerned about the safety and welfare of all campus members and is committed to providing a safe and secure environment. Campus security is the responsibility of the University’s Department of Public Safety. Because no campus is isolated from crime, the University has developed a series of policies and procedures to ensure that every possible precautionary measure is taken to protect members of the University community while they are on campus. A full explanation of the University’s security policies and procedures, as well as additional pertinent information, appears in a publication called “Your Safety Is Our Concern,” which is available on the Web at wcupa.edu/DPS/clery.pdf. A copy in print may be requested from the Department of Public Safety.
Emergency Alert Notification http://www.wcupa.edu/dps/emergency/EmergencyNotification.asp
In an emergency, the University will communicate key information as quickly and to as many people as possible using the following communication channels:
While the University has a wide variety of methods to communicate with the campus community, the text messaging service allows the University to use some of the latest technology to reach students, faculty, and staff in the event of any emergency. The WCU homepage at http://www.wcupa.edu will be the primary source for all up-to-date, official information concerning emergencies.
Emergency Preparedness
The University continues to review its safety policies and procedures and has developed new initiatives to address the issues raised by recent national tragedies. Although no college campus is completely safe, West Chester University has taken positive steps to enhance the safety of the campus community. It is important that all University community members understand how the institution will proceed and respond in case of a campus emergency. All students and employees should learn where to find emergency information and instructions, and be familiar with evacuation procedures for buildings where they live or work, as well as those they visit during the course of a day. The preparation people take now to learn, be aware of, and practice their own personal emergency plan is vital. Information about emergency preparedness and planning, as well as the University Threat Assessment Policy is available at wcupa.edu/dps/emergency/EmergencyPreparedness.asp.
All employees, eligible students, and visitors planning to use West Chester University parking lots must register their vehicles with the Department of Public Safety and purchase/obtain a parking permit/pass. Graduate students are required to purchase the appropriate parking permit depending on whether they are commuter or resident students. Student parking lots do not require a permit from 4 p.m. through 11 p.m. weekdays and on weekends from 4 p.m. Friday to midnight Sunday throughout the year. Commuter students who have classes during that time do not need to purchase a parking permit.
The annual registration fee is established by the Council of Trustees. For parking regulations, "annual" is defined as September 1 until August 31 of the following year. Specific registration procedures will be announced yearly. A valid WCU ID/driver's license and vehicle registration must be presented at the time of registration. The parking permit is to be displayed properly from the rear view mirror as stated on the reverse side of the permit. Mutilated, defaced, lost, or stolen permits must be replaced. Contact the Public Safety Parking Services Office for the procedure and cost of replacing the permit. The operation and registration of a vehicle must conform to Commonwealth of Pennsylvania vehicle law and University regulations. For complete information regarding motor vehicles and registration, refer to the Motor Vehicle Regulations pamphlet available at Public Safety or on the Web at www.wcupa.edu/dps/MVReg.asp.
The Speech and Hearing Clinic, located at 201 Carter Drive, Suite 400, is maintained by the Department of Communicative Disorders to train student clinicians under the supervision of licensed, certified faculty. The clinic provides evaluation, intervention, and consultation services to individuals with speech and language disorders, communication differences, and professional communication enhancement needs, as well as comparable services to those with various hearing disorders. The clinic also provides diverse community outreach and education opportunities for individuals and institutions. Clinic services offered are complimentary for students, faculty, and staff at West Chester University, as well as for students at Cheyney University. Those outside the University community may access clinical services in accordance with a modest fee schedule. Additional information or appointments can be made through the clinic office, 610-436-3402.
The Earl F. Sykes Union first opened in 1975 as the community center for West Chester University. In 1995 the Sykes Union facility was reopened after undergoing a complete renovation and expansion to its present 102,000 square feet.
The student union, as a facility and an operation, is designed to encourage all members of the campus community to participate in a wide variety of cultural, social, educational, and recreational programs. The renovated multipurpose building features expanded facilities as well as new and improved services.
Building highlights include a 350-seat theater, fitness center, bookstore, and the WCU Multicultural Center all on the ground floor. The first floor offers a dining area with seating for 350, an outdoor terrace, and a large food servery. Also included on the first floor is a 5,000-square foot multipurpose room designed for dances, concerts, banquets, and lectures, as well as the student union administrative offices, Information Center, and Off-Campus and Commuter Services.
The second floor houses the Student Affairs offices of the Vice President, Assistant Vice President, Greek Life, and Student Leadership and Involvement, and Judicial Affairs and Student Assistance. The Student Services, Inc. Business Office and the departments of Student Programming and Activities, along with student clubs and organizations, are also located on the second floor.
The third floor Frederick Douglass Lounge Area features a 20-unit computer lab with quiet study and seminar space. Sykes Union also features 13 meeting rooms accommodating groups from 5 to 500.
For information concerning Sykes Union please call the Information Center at 610-436-3360/2984.
The Women's Center addresses the special concerns particular to women, including the issues facing women students who enter the University from high school or return to college after time at home or in the job world. Located in Lawrence Center on the second floor, the Women's Center provides a lounge area for conversation, as well as study, peer advising, support for personal and professional issues, and special interest programs (lectures, films, and concerts). For more information, including opportunities for student volunteers, call 610-436-2122.
The Children's Center for the children of West Chester University students and employees is located in McCarthy Hall. The children participate in educational and developmental programs while their parents are in class or at work. The center is licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and all required registration materials must be completed prior to enrollment in the center. The center offers reduced rates to students and multiple child discounts. For more information, contact the Children's Center at 610-436-2388.
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is the student government of all persons enrolled in graduate programs. The primary objective of GSA is to promote the overall well-being of graduate students at West Chester University. All graduate students are members of the association by virtue of their graduate status. The GSA office is located in Sykes Student Union.
The Office of International Programs is responsible for international student services, visits by foreign scholars, and immigration services for faculty and staff. In addition, the office coordinates study abroad opportunities for semester and summer programs. Anyone interested in receiving information or assistance concerning immigration regulations and services for international students, scholars, and faculty is encouraged to contact the Office of International Programs. While semester-long study abroad programs are not generally available for graduate students, some summer study abroad opportunities may be acceptable for credit. Students interested in study abroad should contact the Office of International Programs at 610-436-3515.
The Institute for Women was initially designed to serve as the parent organization to represent the interests of women on campus. The institute is an independent body headed by a director and board of directors. Along with the Commission on the Status of Women, Women's Center, and Women's Studies Program, the Institute for Women engages in campus activities for the benefit of women students, faculty, and staff.
The institute sponsors a number of activities to enhance the self-esteem and career success of women at the University: the Woman-in-Residence Program, Graduate Grant, and Endowed Book Fund. The institute prepares periodic reports on the status of women at the University and also secures Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Grants for mature second-career women. The Institute for Women offers an annual grant of $750 to a woman graduate student who is accepted into a master's degree program at West Chester University. Application and reference forms may be obtained online at http://www.wcupa.edu/_ADMISSIONS/SCH_DGR/pdf/gradgrantapp.pdf or from the Office of Graduate Studies in McKelvie Hall. For more information call Dr. Joan M. Welch, director, at 610-436-2940.
Under the provisions of Title 38, West Chester University is an accredited university for the education of veterans. The University cooperates with the Veterans Administration to see that honorably separated or discharged veterans receive every consideration consistent with either degree or nondegree admission standards.
All veterans, certain dependents of disabled or deceased veterans, and war orphans who wish to obtain educational benefits under the appropriate public laws must register with the Veterans Affairs Office at initial registration. Veterans must renew their registration with this office at the beginning of each subsequent semester and each summer session. The Veterans Administration requires students who are veterans to schedule at least nine credits per semester in order to receive full benefits under the G.I. Bill.
A representative of the Veterans Administration is in the office of Financial Aid, 138 Elsie O. Bull Center, to counsel and act as a liaison between students and the Veterans Affairs Office in financial and other matters.
The Frederick Douglass Society
Drawing its content from our campus history of social consciousness and its structure from a variety of models in public life, the Frederick Douglass Society of West Chester University is an organization of faculty, staff, and students who embrace Frederick Douglass' quest for freedom and inclusiveness. Named in 1983 for one of the 19th century's most distinguished advocates of human freedom, the organization is oriented toward self-help and improvement by offering a collective voice in the affairs of the University. Its programs also aim to stimulate other groups on campus to enrich the climate. The society annually raises money for scholarship funds, including the Frederick Douglass Junior Ambassador Scholars of West Chester University. It also seeks, by the example of Douglass, to promote an intellectual standard that is not only grounded in excellence but profoundly rooted in the public mission of higher education.
The University participates in sponsoring an active chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, the international graduate honor society in education. Membership in the West Chester chapter, which was organized in 1956, is by invitation and recognizes scholarship in all fields of study.
Graduate students are eligible to participate in the activities of the undergraduate honor societies at West Chester University if they are members. These organizations are Alpha Epsilon, Alpha Kappa Delta, Alpha Lambda Delta, Alpha Mu Gamma, Alpha Psi Omega, Eta Sigma Gamma, Gamma Theta Upsilon, Kappa Delta Pi, Pi Gamma Mu, Phi Kappa Delta, Pi Kappa Delta, Pi Kappa Lambda, Pi Mu Epsilon, Phi Alpha Theta, Phi Delta Kappa, Phi Epsilon Kappa, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Sigma Tau, Psi Chi, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Sigma Tau Delta.
Recreation and Leisure Programs
The Office of Recreation and Leisure Programs provides a variety of recreational opportunities for the University community. Through participation, individuals are afforded an opportunity to improve their health and experience recreational activities that will enhance their use of leisure time.
Intramural Sports affords students the opportunity to participate in individual or team competitive activities. The Intramural Sports program promotes health, wellness, and physical fitness, as well as encourages the worthy use of leisure time. Regardless of ability level, every individual can experience successful participation in a variety of individual or team athletic events.
For students who enjoy highly competitive, instructional, or recreational sports other than varsity athletics, the office provides a Sports Club program. Becoming a member of a club provides opportunities for instruction, socialization, competition, and fun. Currently, West Chester University provides 11 Sports Clubs: equestrian, fencing, ice hockey, shotokan karate, men's lacrosse, men's roller hockey, men's rugby, skating, skiing, men's volleyball, and women's water polo.
Outdoor recreational opportunities are conducted through the Outdoor Adventure Program. The Outdoor Adventure Program provides a variety of different trips and one-day activities including canoeing, caving, rock climbing, ski trips, backpacking, and camping. Outdoor recreation equipment such as backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment, snow boards, cross-country skis, and mountain bikes are available to rent.
For students who do not wish to participate in formal programs, Open Recreation provides days, times, and facilities in which students may participate in informal recreational activity utilizing the swimming pools, indoor/outdoor tracks, outdoor tennis courts, basketball gymnasiums, and sand volleyball courts.
The Fitness Center in Sykes Union is designed to give students a professional setting for exercise and weight training. The Sykes Fitness Center is equipped with cardiovascular and pin-selectorized equipment, and Olympic free weights. The center also includes an aerobics studio where sessions are held. A valid student ID is necessary for admission to the center and an orientation session is also required for all participants.
The Aerobics program is one of our most popular activities, with over 800 students, participating in more than 30 different aerobic sessions. All participants must register for this program and a $15 semester fee is charged for participation.
For more information call the Office of Recreation and Leisure Programs, 610-436-2131, or stop by Room 133, Ehinger Gymnasium.
Department of Counseling and Psychological Services
The Department of Counseling and Psychological Services (the Counseling Center) is located on the second floor of Lawrence Center, 610-436-2301. Services are available to all currently enrolled undergraduate and graduate students. The Counseling Center includes licensed psychologists, consulting psychiatrists, and graduate-level trainees with whom students may discuss their concerns in strict confidence.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Since the Counseling Center provides services for a wide range of concerns, each student's experience will be tailored to his or her needs. Students may wish to improve their interpersonal skills, resolve personal conflicts, or clarify their educational or vocational choices. Any of the following approaches may be implemented to address a student's concerns:
1. Individual psychological counseling consists of a one-to-one experience where the focus is on resolving personal conflicts and conflicts with others, and on improving the student's expertise at making meaningful choices. It may also help people avoid choosing behaviors that restrict personal growth and undermine their well-being.
2. Group counseling consists of a small number of peers with one or two counselors. Such groups meet once each week to help group members learn about themselves. Groups may or may not have a specific focus. Past groups with a focus have included students who have experienced the death of a parent, bad habits which block personal growth, eating disorders, and assertiveness training. General counseling groups have included those for interpersonal problem solving and for female students.
3. Individual vocational counseling consists of a one-to-one experience that focuses on clarifying the student's choice of concentration and vocation. Vocational choice is most solid when it is the outgrowth of understanding oneself. Such understanding is advanced by the thoughtful exploration of values, interests, and abilities.
4. Testing may include psychological or vocational interest tests which can clarify educational and vocational planning. The student and counselor can determine whether such testing might be helpful. Arrangements also can be made at the Counseling Center for taking the Miller Analogies Test, a graduate school admissions examination.
5. Consultation services for staff and faculty are available on a limited basis. Psychologists may be able to assist with crises, program planning, group and interpersonal communications, and referral to other agencies.University Services and Student Living