News and Events

Public Relations & Marketing

facebook west chester universitytwitter west chester universityYouTube WCU channelpintrest west chester university social mediaflickr west chester university social media

learn more west chester univeristy




West Chester University Welcomes New and Returning Students



August 24 , 2012

Welcome to West Chester University

West Chester University will welcome new and returning students when fall semester classes begin on Monday, Aug. 27.

The University received 14,354 applications for the 2,304 spots in this year's freshman class. In addition, many students chose to transfer to West Chester: The University received 3,665 transfer applications for an entering transfer class of 1,271.

Among the new faces on campus will be 31 new faculty members in such departments as computer science, health, literacy, mathematics, music and social work.

Vernon Harper is the new associate vice president for academic affairs and planning for the University. He holds a doctorate in human communication from Howard University, a WCU master's degree in communication studies, and a bachelor's degree in communication from Penn State. Harper's work spans the entire area of academic affairs from enrollment management, assessment and institutional effectiveness, academic programming, and facilities to planning and resource allocation. His latest publication is set to appear in the journal Planning for Higher Education.

Opening in time for the start of the fall semester, the new student recreation center at the corner of South New and Sharpless streets is ready for students to play ball, jog, climb and spin. In its 72,575 square feet, the building contains an elevated walking/jogging track, multipurpose/group exercise rooms, a two-court gymnasium, a multi-activity court, racquetball/squash courts, social lounge spaces, and a hydration station for refreshments. An imposing central feature is the three-story rock-climbing wall. The building is heated and cooled through the University's geothermal system loop; other sustainable elements include a green roof, a green wall and the use of recycled materials for interior finishes.

President Greg R. Weisenstein will address the campus community on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 12:30 p.m. in Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, followed by a campus-wide reception on the academic quad.