WCU First-Year & Transfer Students to Have Their Very First On-Campus, Residential Experience Since Enrolling in the Fall!
Having missed so many important rites-of-passage events due to the pandemic, West
Chester University’s first-year and transfer students have not been able to experience
life on campus since they enrolled this past fall. This will all change on Friday,
March 19, at 8 a.m. as the University rolls out its WeCU Here Spring 2021 new-student program — a special, socially-distanced, on-campus, residential
program designed to introduce new students to campus, their classmates, WCU Golden
Ram traditions, and more.
First-year and transfer students have pre-registered to attend the University’s WeCU Here program and have selected one of three options: to commute to campus each day March 19-20; to live on campus in the residence halls March 19-20; or to move in and live in the residence halls from March 19 throughout the remaining eight weeks of the spring semester while completing classes virtually. (West Chester University classes for spring 2021 semester continue to be conducted on a remote basis.)
On Friday, March 19, West Chester University first-year students and transfer students participating in the WeCU Here program will check-in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at both Schmidt and Allegheny Halls for residential students, as well as Sykes Student Union Info Desk for those commuting. All located in West Chester, PA, Schmidt Hall is at 225 W. Rosedale Avenue; Allegheny Hall is at 121 W. Rosedale Avenue; and Sykes Student Union is at 110 W. Rosedale Avenue.
On Friday, March 19, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., participating first-year and transfer students will engage in a variety of socially-distanced activities, including departmental open houses, which will be held throughout campus; visits to the WCU Campus Store and our student-run Saxbys; as well the traditional food truck stops. Starting at 4:30 p.m., the evening of Friday, March 19, will include a WeCU Here kick-off to learn campus traditions, visits to the Student Recreation Center, an activity for first-generation college students, and a game of Grocery/Snack Bingo.
On Saturday, March 20, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., participating first-year and transfer students will participate in a virtual photo scavenger hunt, outdoor lawn games, Class of 2024 community service projects, and more.
Adhering to CDC guidelines, including the wearing of masks, and actively practicing social distancing will be required during all WeCU Here programing. Due to the need to practice social distancing, attendance may be limited at some events.
The following are COVID-19 testing requirements for all WeCU Here student participants:
- All residential students are required to test & submit results prior to arrival on campus. Results are to be submitted using a Resident Pre-Arrival COVID-19 Form at least 24 hours before their scheduled move-in date/time. Only students who have tested negative for COVID-19 within 24 hours of their arrival will be able to participate in WeCU Here programming. This requirement also applies to those just participating for the weekend.
- All residential students will be administered a rapid test by WCU within 48 hours of entry/return to campus. This even applies to those just participating for the weekend.
- Residential students should plan on regular screening for the remainder of the spring semester. Weekly testing clinics will be available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Residential students will not be charged. Those residential students who receive positive tests during regular screening may be referred for additional confirmation testing with WCU Student Health Services or will be directed to isolate in housing provided on WCU’s campus.
The WeCU Here new-student program is being organized and coordinated through a partnership between the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs.