Student Experience
Get Involved / Participate
HRM students at WCU have several opportunities to expand their HRM Networks while enrolled and as alumni. Below are several of these opportunities:
- West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is the official local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter which meets on WCU's campus. Other chapters are also available in our geographic area, including the Chester County Human Resources Association (CCHRA), which meets in Exton. Learn more about CCRHA and WCUHRA below.
- WCU's HRM programs partner with The Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association, Inc. (GVFHRA) is a non-profit, individual membership association for human resource management professionals. GVFHRA offers fantastic programming in the form of HRM professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year including their annual conference in the fall. WCU sponsors many of these events and our students, faculty, and alumni are highly engaged with this organization. Learn more about GVFHRA including how to become a member.
- Alumni from WCU's HRM programs are invited to explore joining our HR Advisor Council, which provides guidance and insight to the faculty by helping them understand how to incorporate current HR issues into the curriculum, recommending ways to make our HR graduates marketable as job candidates, and identifying HR trends on the horizon. The council is comprised of HR professionals from a variety of industries in the area and meets at least twice per academic year. Interested alumni can contact the HRM department to learn more (hrm@wcupa.edu).
Student Groups
West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is a student-affiliated chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM. Student can learn more and explore joining the chapter.
Where do Our Current Students live?
Our online HRM program draws students from different walks of life from all over Pennsylvania, the U.S., and the global community. You will expand your professional network and gain perspectives from fellow students living across the globe.
96%
Employed in a Career Orientated Job
88k
Average
Annual Salary
22%
Earn Professional Certifications
4%
Pursue
Advanced Degrees
96%
Use Their HRM at Work
Our students come from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. We're a mix of seasoned, advanced professionals and traditional students who have recently started their careers. We survey all of our new students and recent graduates. The statistics provided above reflect the latest information from our 2021-2022 surveys of our new students and our new alumni.
West Chester University Human Resource Association
West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is a student-affiliated
chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM. The purpose of the
WCUHRA is to provide opportunities for students interested in human resources to connect
with other students and HR professionals in the region to learn more about the dynamic
field of HR. The group promotes the exchange of work-related experience of established
business professionals with the theoretical academic perspectives of student and faculty
members through open forums and information exchanges.
WCUHRA Officers 2024-25
President: John Crouser
Vice President: Farhiya Muhidin
WCUHRA sponsors two meetings per semester that are open to all students. Membership
is free to interested students. However, students who are serious about pursuing a
career in HR are strongly encouraged to join the National SHRM as student members.
WCUHRA members can participate in the many HR activities throughout the year, including:
Participation in local SHRM chapter meetings
Networking opportunities
Scholarship opportunities
Resume workshops
Guest speakers
At a recent West Chester University Human Resource Association (WCUHRA) meeting, the organization welcomed Gretchen E. Adams, the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Tower Health located in Reading PA, as the guest speaker. Gretchen spoke about the field of human resources, the challenges of attracting and retaining employees especially with the low rate of unemployment, how to overcome the challenges of talent acquisition, and touched on some “hot” topics that human resources professionals are facing today such as the potential barriers of using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
From left to right: Joann Puccino, former WCUHRA President; Gretchen Adams, VP of Talent Acquisition, Tower Health; Heidi Lichty, WCU MS in HRM Student
To request more information, contact the WCU Human Resource Association today.