Ram's Eye View

West Chester University

West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-1000



Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services

The Division of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services is an administrative unit that comprises the following academic programs and support services:

  • Academic Development Program/Act 101 Program
  • Freshman Interest Groups
  • Learning Assistance and Resources Center
  • Office of Services for Students with Disabilities/TRIO Student Support Services
  • Pre-Major Academic Advising Center
  • Special Assistant for Academic Policy

The Division of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services promotes academic excellence and strives to increase the preparedness and ability of students to successfully complete college-level work. The division supports the University's mission in its efforts to offer access to the widest possible spectrum of students, support student retention and timely graduation, effectively manage diversity and ensure equity, and promote and increase positive interaction between faculty/staff and students.

Academic Development Program/Act 101 Program

Location: 222 Lawrence Center
Phone: 610-436-3274

The Academic Development Program is designed to provide an opportunity for college education at West Chester University to those students who do not meet current admission requirements but who show a potential for success in college. Students admitted to the program are expected to take advantage of the program components that have been developed to enhance their skills in reading, writing, speaking, mathematics, and critical thinking, as well as to help them in their transition from high school to college. The Academic Development Program comprises a series of required courses supplemented by specialized tutoring, counseling, scheduling, and advising.

The program begins with intensive, five-week preparatory courses during the summer that students must complete. Developmental course work is credit-bearing, but these credits are not applicable toward graduation.

Students in the program are also required to complete the following courses: WRT 120, SPK 208, and EDR 100, all of which should be taken as soon as possible after completion of summer requirements. All of these courses satisfy University requirements for graduation. Students will be advised on the completion of general education requirements and, as necessary, on the transition into a major course of study.

Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC)

Location: 223 Lawrence Center
Phone: 610-436-2535

The Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC) strives to provide quality academic support services that help students become independent, active learners who achieve academic success. The LARC offers tutoring services in most general education courses such as mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, other languages, music, and introductory business. Tutoring sessions are 50 minutes long and are held by appointment only. Interested students register on a first-come, first-served basis and are assigned tutors depending on availability.

The LARC offers Supplemental Instruction (SI) in several general education and "high-risk" courses; registration for SI and general tutoring sessions is done in 223 Lawrence Center. The LARC also offers refresher workshops in preparation for the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) for education majors, which are held throughout the academic year; registration for these workshops is available at http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/praxis.asp. Additionally, the Academic Success Workshop (ASW) demonstrates the application of learning strategies and/or affective skills influencing learning, such as stress management, test anxiety reduction, assertiveness, and motivation. Registration for the ASW is available at http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/wrkshp.asp, and the sessions are available to student groups upon request. Online tutoring for general education math and science is available through SMARTHINKING. An access code for free online tutoring hours can be obtained through the LARC (http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/smarthinking.asp). The LARC Web site (http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc) includes information on our services, a list of courses we tutor, and links to helpful resources.

The LARC provides opportunities for paid practical training for undergraduate and graduate students. The LARC offers a comprehensive training program for new tutors, which includes seminars, workshops, individualized projects, and peer observation. Tutors employed by the LARC acquire the knowledge and experience necessary to meet the requirements for certification by the College Reading and Learning Association. Students interested in tutoring positions can apply online at http://www.wcupa.edu/ussss/larc/employ.asp.

The LARC is open Monday-Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may contact us via e-mail at larc@wcupa.edu.

Office of Services for Students with Disabilities/TRIO Student Support Services

Location: 223 Lawrence Center
Phone: 610-436-2564

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 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.

At West Chester University we recognize that some students with disabilities want minimal assistance while others require the full range of support and services. To facilitate successful transition we recommend a comprehensive assessment of needs through our office. We can also provide advocacy with faculty for classroom accommodations, but we work to provide students with the tools to be independent.

The OSSD is located within the Division of Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services. We coordinate services with other units within the division, such as the Learning Assistance and Resource Center, the Academic Advising Center, and other University offices including the Writing Center and the Office of Residence Life and Housing Services.

Referrals to governmental agencies and private practitioners for provision of services are also available through the OSSD. We recommend that, in order to ensure continuity of services, students 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. Services offered through the OSSD may include the following:

  • Academic coaching
  • Summer Transition Program
  • Central documentation file
  • Optional comprehensive needs assessment
  • Advocacy with faculty
  • Referrals for LD testing
  • Alternative test-taking arrangements
  • Academic advising
  • Priority registration
  • Note-taking support
  • Content tutors
  • Study skills tutoring
  • Alternative formatting assistance (Recordings for the Blind, Inc.)
  • Adaptive technology
  • Readers for visually impaired students
  • Interpreters for hearing-impaired students
  • Delta Alpha Pi Honor Society

See the West Chester University Handbook on Disabilities and OSSD Web site for additional information.

Pre-Major Academic Advising Center

Location: 262 Lawrence Center
Phone: 610-436-3505

The Pre-Major Academic Advising Center (PMAA) provides support to undergraduate students prior to admission to an academic major. The assignment to PMAA either reflects the student's own choice or a designation by the University because the student either does not meet all of the preparation and/or academic requirements for a particular major or a student's prospective major has reached its maximum enrollment for the academic year or semester. Pre-major students are encouraged to take prerequisite courses in their intended major and/or courses in a particular major program because of implied interests. Pre-major academic advisers assist students in interpreting University and departmental policies and requirements, as well as with appropriate course selection. They also make referrals and discuss vocational and career interests.

Together, the adviser and the student develop an educational plan of sound strategies for success.

The Pre-Major Advising Center is located in Room 262, Lawrence Center. Contact the center at 610-436-3305 or advising@wcupa.edu.