Welcome Week 2025

The Department of Campus Recreation welcomes the Class of 2029 with a night of fun-filled programs, activities, and giveaways. At this event, you’ll be able to learn about our facilities, fitness programs, outdoor adventure pursuits, intramurals, and sport clubs offered both on and off campus.

There will be three featured fitness classes during Late Night @ The Rec! Join Pilates with Gabby at 8:15 PM in Studio B, Cycle with Erin at 8:30 PM in Studio C, and BodyPump with Brynn at 9:10 PM in Studio B. All classes are led by student instructors and have limited space. Sign up on IM Leagues to reserve your spot!

If WCU is your home away from home, then consider Sykes Student Union the living room! Come by and stay awhile to enjoy snacks, activities, crafts, and more. There will be tons of options for DIY dorm decor, games (board and video!), a photo printing station, and a mini market with local vendors selling items to help make your space your own. Come exactly as you are to explore YOUR student union and meet new people in a laid-back, chill environment.

Participate in this Yoga and Pilates fitness class ran by student instructor, Gabby! Space is limited, sign up on IM Leagues. This fitness class is featured as a part of the Night at the Rec event. Registration on IM Leagues will open one day prior to the class time.

Participate in this Cycle fitness class ran by student instructor, Erin! Space is limited, sign up on IM Leagues. This fitness class is featured as a part of the Night at the Rec event. Registration on IM Leagues will open one day prior to the class time.

Unleash your inner artist at our "Design Your Own Canvas Painting" event! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, join us for a fun and relaxed morning of creativity. You must sign up in advance for this event and it is limited to 30 people. Please only register for this event if you plan on attending!

Come visit Student Health Services in Commonwealth Hall for an open house! Grab some health and safety supplies and a donut while you are there.

Unleash your inner artist at our "Design Your Own Canvas Painting" event! Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned painter, join us for a fun and relaxed morning of creativity. You must sign up in advance for this event and it is limited to 30 people. Please only register for this event if you plan on attending!

This presentation consists of a live 25-minute overview of the current night sky followed by an educational and entertaining full dome movie, roughly 30 minutes in length. This event is limited to 60 people, please register in advance through Ramconnect.

Spend an hour outdoors in West Chester University’s beloved Gordon Natural Area, 126 acres of protected forest right here on our south campus! Enjoy a guided tour from GNA Steward Dr. Nur Ritter, learning more about the GNA, its flora and fauna, and the miles of recreational trails as you go.

Are you a student whose parent(s) or guardian(s) did not complete a four-year college degree? That means you're a first generation student!
First Gen Fryday welcomes First Year first-generation students to WCU, students will be able to connect with other first-generation students, faculty & staff and enjoy Chickie's & Pete's fries and a drink.

Join us for an unforgettable evening as we officially welcome our newest Golden Rams to the WCU family! Ram Rally Under the Lights is a high-energy celebration featuring music, fireworks, and a powerful performance by the incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band. This spirited community event is open to all- new students, returning Rams, WCU faculty and staff, and our local community members. Come feel the excitement and energy of the Ram Fam as we light up the night and kick off the year in true Golden Ram style! Don't miss this WCU tradition! (shuttles will be departing Wayne Hall loop continuously starting at 7:20 pm)

In case of inclement weather, Ram Rally Under the Lights will be rescheduled to Saturday, August 23rd, at the same location and time.

After Ram Rally Under the Lights, head to SECC to unwind and enjoy late-night food with friends. Think: Coffee house vibes! There will be live music, games, crafts, and plenty of space to kick back and relax before the night ends.

MANDATORY for First Year students living in Allegheny and Brandywine Hall - No pre-registration: you will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.

Catch a shuttle from Asplundh Concert Hall, commonly referred to as the “Castle Building”, and meet us in the Borough of West Chester to experience all our rich community has to offer!

This event will include a Coffee Crawl, miniature golf, succulent planting, community engagement, and freebies at our community Grower’s Market!

MANDATORY for First Year students living in Goshen and Tyson Hall - No pre-registration: you will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.

MANDATORY for First Year Students living in Commonwealth, Schmidt, and Killinger Hall. As well as for First Year students living in the South Campus Apartments - No pre-registration: you will only be able to register and check-in AT THE EVENT.

Welcome, Golden Rams! As you embark on your first year, join us at Dinniman Plaza, right in front of the SECC building, for a unique opportunity to meet and chat with West Chester's local Fire, EMS, and Police services. This is your chance to learn about the vital work they do, ask any questions you may have, or simply get to know the dedicated individuals who serve our campus and surrounding area. Come connect in a friendly, informal environment!

Join the Office of Sustainability and University Libraries for a free plant potting event! Practice some basics of caring for houseplants and paint a terracotta pot, all while learning more about sustainability on campus.
Please note: supplies are limited, so arrive early to the event! (registration does not guarantee a plant)

Welcome Week just got sweeter! Get a glimpse of the world of student engagement at Org Island, a sneak peek into the student organization experience. Interact with student organizations while enjoying some ice cream from Hangry Bear creamery (limited to the first 300 attendees). Your golden match is waiting - don't miss it!

In the event of rain Org Island will take place in Syke Student Union Ballrooms

Calling all transfer students! Get ready to 'taco' bout it. Enjoy some delicious walking tacos while connecting with other transfer students! You might even get a new piece of WCU gear for attending!

Starting college is exciting, but navigating new technology can feel overwhelming. "Tech Savvy Start" is a hands-on workshop designed to help WCU students master the essential technology skills they need for success. With separate sessions for PC and Mac users, this session covers accessing WCU’s learning management system, using WCU email, attaching and uploading documents, organizing files, and exploring the university's tech resources. This workshop empowers students to confidently handle their technology needs, ensuring they can focus on achieving their academic goals. We recommend for you to stay the full duration of the event to get all the information possible!

We recommend that you stay the full duration of this event. Please bring your laptop to this session.

PC users can head to Anderson Hall room 213 and Mac (Apple) users can go next door to room 212

Stop by Sykes to hang out with some cuddly therapy dogs and learn more about our Counseling Center on campus.

A sunset social for First Year students! First 100 attendees get a WCU picnic blanket! Enjoy the Fizzy Mama Soda bar, a live DJ, salty and sweet snacks, and pop up student performances throughout the event.

New year, new GLOW! The party is in the Res Quad complete with glow-in-the-dark games, novelties, a DJ, giveaways, and more. You won't want to miss this all-out celebration of a new school year at WCU. Rams (glow) UP!

In the event of rain, Neon Nights Glow Party will take place at Sykes Student Union ballrooms.

Campus may seem large (it’s 403 acres after all!), but you got this! Orientation Leaders along with other student leaders are here to walk you around campus buildings to check out where your classes will be held. Bring your class schedule, stop at the Cafe Gourmino coffee truck , and get searching! Did I mention free coffee?!

[MANDATORY for all First-Year Students]

Join us for West Chester University's inaugural Convocation. Get ready to hear from President Bernotsky as well as speeches from student leaders, witness performances from our talented student groups, and remember to say hi to Rammy when you see him! The Class of 2029 Photo to immediately follow Convocation.

Asplundh Concert Hall will be a Sensory and Overflow Space for this event.

[MANDATORY for all First-Year students]

Welcome, Class of 2029! Before you dive into your first college course, seize this chance to make your mark on campus.

Right after Convocation, head to the Academic Quad for a memorable welcome event where you will snap a photo with your entire class spelling out 2 0 2 9, enjoy delicious water ice from the Kona Ice truck, and receive your exclusive class t-shirt. Join us for a fun-filled gathering and kick off your college journey with excitement and camaraderie!