Celebrate Sustainably: Purple, Gold, and Green!
Graduation is a milestone to be celebrated! Our campus provides many beautiful backdrops to commemorate this important event, and we encourage students to capture these memories in a way that respects our campus and the natural environment.
Photogenic Locations: Top Photo Spots
Ram Statue
Corner of S. Church St. & High St.
Philips Hall Arches
Corner of University Ave. & High St.
Old Main Arch Memorial
High St. between Linden St. & Rosedale Ave.
Ware Plaza and Fountain
Corner of High St. and Rosedale Ave.
West Chester University Sign
Corner of High St. and Rosedale Ave.
Glitter is Litter!
Confetti and glitter are sometimes used to add sparkle and fun to graduation photos. But did you know that these items harm our environment and wildlife? Glitter and confetti flow through storm drains and end up in our streams and waterways. Glitter takes hundreds of years to decompose, and animals can mistake it for food. Even paper confetti can contain harmful chemicals and dyes that contaminate the ecosystem.
Biodegradable confetti is a better option – some are cornstarch-based, dyed with non-toxic food coloring, and produced by small businesses – but they still must be cleaned up afterwards, so consider other options like those below.
Please also note that splashing liquids on our sidewalks, buildings, and statues creates mess for others to view and clean. Be sure to demonstrate respect for our beautiful campus and fellow Golden Rams by leaving the photography sites in the same condition (or better!) than you found them.
Eco-Friendly Options
Get creative by shopping at reuse stores or your local buy-nothing site, then share with your friends.
Ribbon Wands
Bubbles
Fallen Leaves
Leis
Large Grad Photo Frame
Watch this tutorial to learn how to photoshop confetti into your photo.
Become a Green Grad
December 2024 graduates who take the Green Grad Pledge by Friday, November 22, 2024 will be entered into a drawing for a FREE photo session with a professional photographer. Demonstrate your commitment to promoting sustainability by doing the following:
- Use only sustainable alternatives during your graduation photo shoot.
- Leave your program on the chair after the ceremony if you won’t use it afterward. They can be reused for subsequent ceremonies.