Provost's Post

WCU’s 1871 Awards Celebrate Superlative Junior and Senior Students

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

This year, 57 West Chester University students have been recognized with the 1871 Awards. Established in 2018, the 1871 Award represents the year in which West Chester University was founded. The awards were presented at a ceremony on March 20.

Limited to an annual maximum of 71 students, the 1871 Award is a special honor. WCU juniors and seniors who have excelled both in the classroom and beyond are eligible for the 1871 Award, which rewards their accomplishments in academics, career readiness, leadership, and community engagement. A selection committee comprising faculty, staff, and one previous 1871 Award-winning student reviews applications, including recommendation letters written by WCU faculty and staff.

Among the 2025 award winners are student organization and club officers; recipients of multiple scholarships; inductees into many honor societies; student athletes, tutors, peer mentors, orientation leaders, and resident assistants; and students who have volunteered extensively locally, regionally, and nationally.

These juniors are 1871 Award winners:
Shannon Byrnes, Mackenzie Carothers, Danielle Ciliberto, Amija Coleman, Mya Feldman, Jayden Hartlaub, Rachel Jason, Rebekah Lange, Makenna Marr, Victoria Ochanda, Gianna Parrish, Rachel Raspanti, Amber Riley, Gabriella Sasso, Kalysta Sauder, Matthew Schuler, Reagan Steiner, K.C. Thoman, Abigail Thomas, Danielle Cabibbo, Alexis Stakem, and Marnie String.

These seniors are 1871 Award winners:
Cecilia Asplen, Julia Barrett, Alivia M. Bentley, Casey Best, Nicole Blackburn, Emma Brennan, Qasim Bukhari, Lilyana Campbell, Maura Corkery, Mia Corsaro, Eleni Demetriades, Katrina Fleckenstein, Olivia Flickinger, Gracie Gehring, Jordan Groeber, Lucas Henke, Emily Higgins, Kaitlyn Horn, Lee Irvine, Olivia Klein, Faith Lebling, Nicholas Marino, August Onubogu, Samantha Rudner, Brianna Sell, Jack Sheasley, Gracen Shepps, Danielle Stewart, Caroline Straw, Ashley Tinervia, Isabel Torres, Kathy Tran, Rachel Treffeisen, Glorya Zigani, and Cassandra Zimmerman.

Visit the 1871 Award website for additional information.

WCU’s Online RN to BSN Program Is #1 at RegisteredNursing.org

RegisteredNursing.org has recognized West Chester University’s online RN to BSN program as the #1 program in Pennsylvania for 2025.

The website’s rankings evaluate nursing programs based on key factors, including academic support, licensure preparation, and career advancement opportunities.

 “We are incredibly proud to be ranked number one for our RN-BSN program,” says Dr. Nancy Barker, associate professor and chair of nursing. This recognition reflects the dedication of our outstanding faculty, the commitment of our hardworking students, and our unwavering mission to provide exceptional nursing education. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare with compassion, knowledge, and excellence.”

West Chester University's RN-to-BSN program offers registered nurses an expedited online education pathway focusing on professional development in modern healthcare. Through a comprehensive curriculum, students explore critical domains including research methodologies, ethical considerations, leadership strategies, and population health dynamics. The accelerated program enables completion within two semesters, accommodating working professionals with asynchronous learning formats. CCNE-accredited, the program strategically prepares nurses to expand their clinical capabilities, enhance critical thinking skills, and pursue advanced nursing roles while maintaining flexible academic scheduling.

Learn more about WCU’s RN to BSN program here.

New Website for Career Readiness in the Classroom

The WCU Career Center just launched a new website, designed specifically for faculty who want to thoughtfully and seamlessly integrate career readiness assignments and activities into their courses. All content is pre-built and ready to use or can be modified for your specific courses.  Click here to check it out!

 

WCU to Welcome Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts as part of the President's Speaker Series 

(Courtesy of WCU's Communications & Marketing Department)

West Chester University will welcome famed journalist and co-host of ABC’s Good Morning America ROBIN ROBERTS on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. Roberts will speak as part of the University’s President’s Speaker Series in the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall, Philips Memorial Building, 700 S. High Street, West Chester. Tickets are $20 - $55 and are on sale now at www.wcupatix.com or by calling 610.436.2266.

Following her speech, Roberts will engage in a Q&A session with WCU’s newly appointed President, Dr. Laurie Bernotsky, who will be formally inaugurated on March 28, 2025.

Robin Roberts is the co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. Under her leadership, the broadcast has won numerous Emmy Awards for Outstanding Morning Program, and the 2017 People’s Choice Award for Favorite Daytime TV Hosting Team.

In 2014, Roberts launched Rock'n Robin Productions, an independent production company creating original broadcast and digital programming. Current series include the award-winning Thriver Thursday digital series, the “Robin Roberts Presents” banner of scripted and documentary projects for the Lifetime Television Network, and Turning the Tables with Robin Roberts for Disney+. Roberts began contributing to Good Morning America in 1995 and was named co-anchor in May 2005. Prior to that, Roberts was a host of ESPN’s SportsCenter and contributed to NFL PrimeTime.

Roberts battled breast cancer in 2007 and MDS in 2012. Her story triggered an outpouring of support from across the nation. Her battle has been recognized with awards and honors from The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Roberts was also honored with a George Foster Peabody Award and Gracie Award. Additionally, Roberts was recognized with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY’s in July 2013 for the strength and courage she has displayed throughout her life and career.

Roberts graduated cum laude from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. She was a standout performer on the women’s basketball team, ending her career as one of the school’s all-time leading scorers and rebounder. In 2012, Roberts was named an inductee to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Roberts is the author of From the Heart: 7 Rules to Live By and Everybody’s Got Something. Her third book Brighter By The Day: Waking Up to New Hopes and Dreams debuted in 2022. Roberts is a native of the Mississippi Gulf Coast and currently resides in New York City.

Additional WCU Live! offerings this season include: Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience on Friday, February 28 at 7 p.m., and Tamagawa University Taiko Drumming and Dance on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m. 

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

West Chester University Welcomes State Rep. Chris Pielli as Legislative Fellow

(Story courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

The Department of Political Science at West Chester University (WCU) is pleased to announce that State Representative Chris Pielli is currently serving as the University’s Legislative Fellow, a role that will run for two years beginning with the 2025 spring semester.

Rep. Pielli, currently in his second term representing the 156th legislative district, is working closely with WCU faculty and students to enhance their understanding of Pennsylvania politics and government. His district includes West Chester Borough, West Goshen Township, East Bradford Township, and almost all of East Goshen Township. He serves on six Pennsylvania House of Representatives committees: Commerce, Energy, Judiciary, Consumer Protection Technology & Utilities, Environmental & Natural Resources Protection, and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness. Pielli holds bachelor of arts and juris doctor degrees from Temple University.  

“It’s an honor to serve as Legislative Fellow for West Chester University this spring semester,” Pielli said. “I look forward to working with Professor John Kennedy to share my experiences as a state representative and help teach our students about the importance of Pennsylvania politics and government. In turn, I look forward to learning from the students, our future leaders, about their concerns and needs. Most importantly, this legislative fellowship opportunity allows me to help support the rights of students to quality, affordable higher education across the Commonwealth.” 

The Legislative Fellow program at WCU was established in 2001 as part of a Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education initiative to foster collaboration between lawmakers and university communities. By working directly with a state legislator, students and faculty gain valuable insights into the legislative process while helping elected officials better understand higher education policies and student concerns. The fellowship aims to provide a mutually beneficial exchange of ideas and knowledge.  

As part of his role, Rep. Pielli is actively participating in Dr. Kennedy’s 300-level course, Pennsylvania Government and Politics, throughout the spring semester. He is engaging with students on policy discussions, classroom activities, and extracurricular projects.  

“Rep. Pielli has been very engaged with our students and is particularly interested in the policy discussions we have in class,” Dr. Kennedy said. “He’s visiting about a third of the classes throughout the semester, in which he discusses key legislative issues with the students as well as hosting us on our trip to State Capitol at the conclusion of the course. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to interact with a sitting legislator, discuss state policy in a meaningful way, and gain firsthand knowledge of government operations. I have been particularly impressed by his interest in what the students have to say about issues and concerns that they have across the political spectrum.  It is a great opportunity for all of us.”  

Kennedy noted that this year’s class, with 22 students, is larger than usual and includes both political science and education majors. Topics discussed in the course include property tax reform, school vouchers, and Pennsylvania’s primary election system.

WCU’s Dept. of Theatre & Dance Presents RENT April 3 – 6, 2025

West Chester University’s Department of Theatre & Dance proudly presents a high-energy, rock concert interpretation of RENT, the iconic rock opera by Jonathan Larson, from April 3–6, 2025. Directed and choreographed by Associate Professor Liz Staruch, this reimagining blends live music, multimedia elements, and a contemporary perspective, channeling the musical’s raw energy. Performances will run Thursday through Saturday, April 3–5, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 6, at 2:00 p.m., in the MainStage Theatre at the E.O. Bull Center for the Arts, 2 E. Rosedale Avenue, West Chester. While tickets for RENT are now SOLD OUT, members of the public continue to be invited to submit the names of HIV/AIDS patients, members of the LGBTQ+ community who have experienced discrimination, as well as others for a special tribute that will be made during the production.

This Tony and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows a group of struggling artists and friends as they navigate life, love, and creativity in the face of adversity. Featuring an unforgettable rock score—including iconic songs like "Seasons of Love" and "La Vie Bohème"—the show celebrates resilience, community, and the power of human connection.

“RENT is a story about community, survival, and the importance of human connection,” says Director Liz Staruch.

“In reimagining this production, we are not only celebrating its rock roots but also emphasizing the deeply personal impact these stories have on real people—both then and now.”

In the spirit of RENT’s powerful message, the production is inviting the community to participate in a deeply personal tribute. As part of the production’s set design, the team will incorporate the names of individuals who have been affected by HIV/AIDS, terminal illness, COVID-19, addiction, suicide, or LGBTQ+ discrimination and strife. A few of these names will be included in the “Support Group” scene, ensuring their memory is woven into the fabric of the performance.

“Our production aims to channel RENT’s rebellious and life-affirming energy while honoring those whose lives were cut short—especially by systemic neglect and cultural indifference within the LGBTQ+ community,” Staruch states.

“We want to create a space where these names, these stories, are not forgotten, but instead, celebrated and remembered.”

Community members who wish to submit names of loved ones for this tribute can do so by sending name(s) and color of the desired ribbon(s) to WCURentTributes@gmail.com.

West Chester University’s production features a cast of 16, accompanied by 5 professional live musicians, and production and design work by faculty and students including Ty Tansy (lighting design), Giulia Pagano (props design), Sophie Cox (assistant choreographer and hair and makeup), JT Hawkes (dramatrug), and Audrey Otto (stage manager.) The show’s Assistant Director is graduating senior Ronnie Hernandez.

The cast of RENT includes Ryan Baker (Collins), Mar’keece Barnett (Benny), Laurel Bendetti (Maureen), Alivia Bentley (ensemble), JT Hawkes (Mark), Zachary Lanton (ensemble), Hailey Lara (Mimi), Rachel Liney (Joanne), Ricky Lopez (Angel), Ian Miller (ensemble), Javen Miller (ensemble), Courtney Parker (ensemble), Brenna Pelizzoni (ensemble), Luke Preston (Roger), Connor Sternberg (ensemble), Kalley Yallek (ensemble).

The Department of Theatre and Dance at West Chester University, accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, prepares students for professional and academic careers in theatre and dance. Through its programs, students develop skills in civility, diversity, creativity, problem-solving, and social responsibility. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with elective concentrations in Musical Theatre, Performance, and Design & Production, as well as minors in Dance and Theatre.

Bear Bergman and Ling Ling Huang Keynote WCU’s 5th Annual Gender Justice Conference

(Courtesy of WCU Communications & Marketing)

“Come As You Are: Autonomy, Joy, & Resistance” is the theme of the fifth Annual Gender Justice Conference hosted by the West Chester University Center for Women and Gender Equity. This free all-day event takes place on Wednesday, April 2, in Sykes Student Union (110 West Rosedale Avenue).

The program underscores the research of West Chester students, staff, and faculty and brings gender justice work to campus in an accessible, intersectional, and meaningful way. This year’s theme was developed to honor attendees' individual journeys, whether they seek to celebrate joy in gender justice, highlight the importance of autonomy, or explore pathways of resistance.

Keynote speakers are S. Bear Bergman and Ling Ling Huang.

Bergman is the author of nine books, founder of Flamingo Rampant press, and frequent consultant in equity and inclusion to business and government. He began his work in equity at the age of 15 as a founding member of the first-ever Gay/Straight Alliance and has continued to help organizations and institutions move farther along the pathways to justice ever since. Bergman will speak at 1 p.m. in Sykes Ballrooms.

Huang is a violinist and writer, appearing with many orchestras and on multiple stages including Carnegie Hall. Her debut novel, Natural Beauty, was published in April 2023 and was named a Good Morning America Buzz Pick, a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and winner of the Lambda Literary Award for Bisexual Fiction. Her second novel, Immaculate Conception, will be published in May 2025. Huang will appear via Zoom at 7 p.m.

In addition to the keynotes, other presentations, an alumni panel, and breakout sessions offer attendees a space that fosters community to relate and interact with peers, staff, mentors, and activists.

This free event from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. is open to both WCU and community members interested and passionate about gender justice and enthusiastic to learn and share ideas.

Additional information can be found on Instagram (@wcu_cwge) or RamConnect (https://cglink.me/2f3/r2263828).

Visit the WCU Center for Women and Gender Equity.

Dr. Oluwayomi’s journey to writing this book began with a fundamental question: Where are Black voices in epistemology? Despite epistemology being a critical branch of philosophy, he found that Black thinkers were frequently omitted from mainstream discussions. His extensive research uncovered a wealth of contributions from Black scholars and philosophers that had been largely ignored from the discourse of knowledge.  

Dr. Oluwayomi wants his book to teach readers to think for themselves, something he also tries to impart on his students.  “Knowledge brings liberation,” Oluwayomi said. “If we teach students to think critically, they will be empowered. They will distinguish truth from ideology—not through indoctrination, but through intellectual freedom. My hope is that everyone who reads this book will dare to be free in their minds.” 

One of the book’s most significant revelations is the critical role of Black women in shaping epistemology. Through archival research, Oluwayomi discovered that Ida B. Wells was the first to develop an empiricist model of epistemology—using data and investigative journalism to document racial violence and injustice. His work challenges conventional narratives that attribute such methods solely to W.E.B. DuBois.  

With rigorous analysis and groundbreaking discoveries, Oluwayomi’s book is poised to spark new debates and expand the boundaries of epistemological inquiry.  

Foundations of Black Epistemology: Knowledge Discourse in Africana Philosophy, published by Temple University Press, will be available in Summer 2025.  

About the Author  

Adebayo Oluwayomi is an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy at West Chester University. His research focuses on Africana philosophy, Social epistemology, Black Male Studies, and Black Radical Philosophy. 

Expanding the STEM Workforce for PA’s Youth

The West Chester University (WCU) Center for STEM Inclusion (CSI) is collaborating with Deloitte’s Smart Factory Believers program and Heights Philadelphia to empower Pennsylvania’s K-12 students to boldly pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The initiative unites innovators, technologists, philanthropists, and educators to enhance STEM education for students from under-resourced communities in Pennsylvania. The goal is to help inspire students who do not have access to, or the resources associated with, a robust STEM-focused curriculum to become interested in pursuing technology, engineering, coding, and related career paths.

“It is crucial to educate students about the range of STEM careers available, as understanding these opportunities will ignite their interest and provide them with the motivation to pursue paths they might not have realized were available or attainable,” says West Chester University Professor of Physics and Engineering, Dr. Brandon J. Mitchell, who helped establish and currently leads the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion. “Ultimately, we believe that this type of program will create an expanded technology-based workforce in the U.S.”

“By integrating career-focused content, hands-on experiences, paid internships, and partnerships, Heights equips students with the necessary tools to build their pathway to careers that lead to economic mobility,” said Sean E. Vereen, President & CEO, Heights Philadelphia. “West Chester University has stepped in as a critical partner creating opportunities for STEM career pathways for Philadelphia students who are often overlooked. Thanks to this collaboration, our Heights students now have access to a robust STEM-focused curriculum and the chance to network with professionals in the industry. We need more institutions to commit and invest, like West Chester University, in young people’s long-term trajectory and success.”

The collaboration brings together the WCU CSI and Deloitte’s Smart Factory Believers program, an initiative designed to empower STEM educational opportunities for students and inspire the manufacturing workforce of tomorrow. The goal of WCU CSI is to provide a new coding program to students affiliated with Heights Philadelphia and to expand access to high-quality STEM learning tools and curriculum. Heights Philadelphia is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting middle and high school students along their college and career pathways to help them achieve economic mobility.

"Deloitte's Smart Factory Believers program is on a quest to bring robust STEM resources and training to students and teachers in under-resourced communities,” says Sandy Pfeffer, Greater Philadelphia Marketplace Leader, Deloitte LLP. “We envision a future where every child is able to access high-impact STEM education and through the Believers program, create more economic mobility and opportunity in our local community.”

Deloitte’s Smart Factory Believers program is designed to provide students and teachers with hands-on resources, such as Smart Rover kits with educational robotic vehicles, and curriculum to help students learn how to build, code, and operate a fully functioning mobile robot. With these resources, the WCU CSI deploys STEM workshops for students enrolled with Heights Philadelphia that focus on applied coding of the Smart Rovers. This program, which is adaptable to each student’s prior STEM experience, is currently being taught by WCU CSI’s instructors during in-school workshops.

Along with the new coding workshops provided to K-12 students, WCU’s Department of Computer Science is assisting WCU’s CSI team in training public middle and high school teachers to expand the program into local schools. Additionally, WCU is collaborating with the University of Delaware’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department to develop future learning experiences that integrate computer engineering and hardware development into the workshop curriculum.

The Center’s model for this collaboration is particularly sustainable,” says Dr. Mitchell. “We are implementing a ‘Hub Model,’ where WCU can serve as a comprehensive training hub for local teachers while providing consistent training as teachers require it. In addition, WCU’s CSI will hold workshops for schools that are exploring the possibility of offering new computer science options for their students.” 

Mitchell’s vision is impactful, having already reached more than 100 students from three different schools in the first six months, and has the potential to reach thousands more middle school and high school students throughout the country. The “Hub Model” can serve as a nationwide model where select universities can serve as educational hubs for the workshops modeled by the WCU CSI and educational resources provided by the Deloitte Smart Factory Believers program.

More About the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion

The WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is dedicated to empowering southeastern Pennsylvania’s K-12 children and youth from under-resourced communities to pursue fields in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Dedicated to student success and expanding the STEM workforce, the WCU Center for STEM Inclusion is working actively to link experts in secondary and higher education, industry, government, and education-focused non-profit organizations directly with students from families with low socioeconomic means. These nurturing collaborations yield the vital resources and support that students need to successfully pursue STEM careers. Currently, the Center is partnering with more than 20 schools in southeastern PA and local nonprofit organizations.

New! Faculty/Student Research Connection Highlights Research and Creative Activity Day on Friday, April 4

West Chester University’s annual Research and Creative Activity Day showcases excellence in academic inquiry from all of the University’s six colleges and two schools in a celebration of knowledge and discovery. Nearly 100 faculty and students are participating in this year’s program on Friday, April 4, held in Sykes Student Union ballrooms (110 West Rosedale Avenue) from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day’s activities are free and open to the public.

“Research and Creative Activity Day highlights the innovative and impactful research being conducted by our outstanding faculty and students,” notes Dr. Cheryl Neale-McFall, Associate Provost for Research and Creative Activity. The event is hosted by the University’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

Nearly 100 faculty and student researchers share their work through poster presentations, oral presentations, an interdisciplinary faculty panel, and new this year, a faculty/student research connection event.

Food and door prizes are available for students who attend the inaugural Faculty/Student Research Connection from 1 to 2 p.m. in Sykes Ballroom C. All WCU students are invited to mingle with faculty research mentors in a casual format to talk about research opportunities available in faculty spaces (e.g., labs, volunteer opportunities, grant-funded opportunities, work study opportunities). More than 30 faculty members representing the University’s colleges and the University Libraries will be on hand.

The Interdisciplinary Faculty Panel will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Sykes Ballroom C. Moderated by Amir Golmohamadi (Nutrition), the panel includes faculty members from each college who have been awarded internal grants (PRG, FPDC, PEPI, Sustainability, Diversity and Inclusion) in the past year. Faculty will share about their projects and present an opportunity for peers and students to discuss and learn about what is happening across colleges in research and creative activities.

Faculty panel members are Lauren Brumley (Psychology), Patricia Davidson (Nutrition), Michelle Blake (English), Pauline Schmidt (Secondary Education), Crystal Loose (Early Middle Grades), Simon Condliffe (Economics and Finance), Megan Schraedley (Communication and Media), Emily Duckett (Sports Medicine), and Meghan Ramick (Sports Medicine).

For more information, visit the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs website or email research@wcupa.edu.

Campus Sustainability Research and Creative Activity Grant Applications Due April 7

The West Chester University Sustainability Council’s Scholarly and Creative Activities committee and the Office of Sustainability invite you to apply for the Campus Sustainability Research and Creative Activity Grant. This program enables faculty to investigate and develop sustainability-related projects on campus and is supported by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP). Funding preference will be given to proposals that address and work to realize one or more goals of WCU’s Climate Action Plan while fostering collaboration between members of the WCU community (faculty, students, and staff).  

Applicants are encouraged to include a model for student/faculty collaboration and all proposals must demonstrate student impact. Applications are limited to a 250-word abstract that specifies proposed research question(s) or creative initiative, methodology or approach, Climate Action Plan goal(s) addressed, expected expenditures, the Principal Investigator, and collaborators (student, faculty, and/or staff).

Amount of Award: Proposals will be funded for up to $2,000.00. Each applicant may submit one proposal per funding cycle. An applicant may not be listed as a team member on multiple applications during the same funding cycle.

Proposals are due by 11:30pm on April 7 th, 2025. Semi-finalists will be invited to present their proposals to a panel of judges during the week of April 14th, 2025.  Presentations are limited to 10 minutes followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. The WCU Office of Sustainability will notify grant awardees by April 21st, 2025.

This research / creative activities project will take place anytime between July 15th, 2025 – June 1st 2026. All funds must be used by June 1st, 2026.

All questions about the grant – including additional details about the application process, eligibility and funding limits – should be directed to Brad Flamm, Director, WCU Office of Sustainability (bflamm@wcupa.edu) or Dr. John Pisciotta, Chair of the Sustainability Council’s Scholarly and Creative Activities Committee (JPisciotta@wcupa.edu).

To apply, please click the button below to access the form, save as a separate Word or pdf document, and email to sustainability@wcupa.edu by 11:30 pm on April 7, 2025. 

Apply Here

30th Annual RECAP Conference Calls for Proposals Open

The Call for Proposals is now open for the 30th Annual RECAP Conference being held in the Science and Engineering Center Commons (SECC) on Thursday, May 15, 2025! The RECAP 2025 Conference marks a significant milestone—30 years of advancing education through technology. This year’s theme, Innovation in Action: Facing the Future – Together invites educators, technologists, and support teams to collaborate in navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Join us in our mission to foster exploration, spark dialogue, and shape the future of higher education – together. For more information or to submit a proposal, visit https://wcupa.edu/RECAP

JARIHE 2025 Call for Manuscripts

The Journal of Access, Retention and Inclusion in Higher Education (JARIHE) is welcoming manuscripts through April 15, 2025. A response from the editor regarding a decision will be prior to June 30, 2025. Publication is scheduled for fall 2025. Submissions will accepted at jarihe@wcupa.edu. Please direct all questions to John B. Craig, Ed.D., Editor at jcraig@wcupa.edu.

PASSHE Faculty Council and Chief Diversity Officers Leadership Council Hosts Workshop on Sustaining Inclusive Pedagogy April 22

Join PASSHE's Faculty Council and Chief Diversity Officers Leadership Council for a workshop for faculty and staff on April 22, 2025 (12:30-1:45). Zoom link will be shared upon registering using this link.

Learn about:

• PASSHE Faculty Council and Chief Diversity Officers Collaborative
• Collaborative Conceptual Differences between Inclusion and Belonging
• Our Commitment to PASSHE DEI Strategic Priorities
• Building Community Across the System
• 2025 PASSHE Summit (Oct. 29-30 PW-Clarion)
• Inclusive Pedagogy Summer Reading Group

Link to Flyer

Advance Reservation is the process that Sykes Union and Student Activities implemented in 2022 to assist student organizations and university departments with reserving space within Sykes Student Union for future events. Sykes Student Union is pleased to begin the 2025-2026 Advance Reservation process. Please review some of the FAQs in the link below and note the tentative timeline.

New for this year, Sykes Student Union staff, is hosting an open house Reservations Showcase and will be available for consultations on Tuesday, February 18, 2025 to walk through the Advance Reservation form and answer questions and/or support departments and student organizations in preparing their requests. Mark your calendars today!

Advance Registration

How to Submit Your Event to Online Campus Calendar

The WCU Calendar is populated by events submitted in 25Live, WCU's room reservation and calendaring program. Faculty/Staff may submit events to the calendar by selecting "WCU Featured Events Calendar" in the "Resources" section of the 25Live Event Form.

WCU Event Calendar How to Submit your event to wcu calendar

Professional Headshots Available via Iris Photo Booth at Twardowski Career Development Center

Students, Faculty, and Staff now have access to the Iris Booth, a free professional photo booth located in the

Career Development Center (Lawrence 225).

Students, Faculty, and Staff can stop by anytime Monday through Friday between 8:30am and 4pm to get a photo taken, no appointment needed.

FAST Schedule & Offerings

Check out what IS&T has on tap for the semester! The Faculty and Staff Training (FAST) unit supports WCU faculty and staff in becoming proficient in various applications, in addition to providing best practices in trending platforms (e.g., OneDrive, D2L, RamCloud). Courses are designed to accommodate all levels of learning and allow users to build on acquired skills. Click below for the full schedule or take self-paced options.

FAST Schedule

Want to learn more about Navigate?

Visit our webpage. You’ll find an overview, information about Progress Reports, and our training site.

You can also check out the FAST training site and search “navigate” to final all of the Navigate-specific offerings. Here's a quick guide to the offerings.

Navigate Home page

FREE LinkedIn Learning Content Available to WCU Faculty, Staff and Students

LinkedIn Learning with Lynda.com content is an industry leader in online training, with a digital library of over 180,000 videos, covering a wide range of technical, business, software, and creative topics. West Chester University faculty, staff and currently enrolled students have unlimited access.

Access LinkedIn Learning