Have you been struggling? Have one of your friends been struggling and you have been unable to help? The Campus Assessment, Response and Education Team (CARE) is designed to help.
CARE’s goal is to “provide a caring approach of identification, consultation, and coordination of the University response to situations involving students who engage in concerning, disruptive and/or potentially harmful behavior.” Concerning behaviors that CARE typically assists with:
- Exhibits “bizarre” behavior
- Talks about suicide or homicide
- Shows inappropriate anger or hostility
- Seems overly emotional, depressed, aggressive, suspicious, etc.
- Comes to class drunk or high
- Is the subject of complaints by other students
- Appears to have distorted body image or disordered eating symptomatology
- Difficulty due to illness or death in the family
CARE suggests that, prior to submitting a CARE referral form, the reporter should attempt to connect with the student of concern. However, if the situation is an emergency, please call public safety at 610-436-3311. If you would like to learn more about CARE or need to utilize some of their resources, they can be found at CARE’s page under “Health and Wellness,” at WCUPA.edu.
One great resource for academic improvement and development is the Learning Assistance and Resource Center (LARC). Their mission statement is to “provide academic support through tutoring and academic success coaching services to promote independent and active learners at West Chester University.” Their weekly tutoring for the Fall 2023 semester began on Sept. 5 and will conclude on Dec. 8. Tutoring hours are available Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.. In addition to tutoring, LARC also offers success coaching to provide individualized support to guide students toward academic and personal success. If you would like to contact LARC for tutoring, success coaching or employment, their email is larc@wcupa.edu.
Another great resource is for the development of civic engagement: the Center for Civic Engagement and Social Impact (CCESI). The CCESI’s mission is to “promote community-based learning experiences that address issues of public concern by building mutually beneficial partnerships and empowering students to be active citizens in their local, national and global communities.” In order to achieve this, the CCESI partners with nonprofits, governmental agencies, and clubs, facilitates academic and co-curricular community service and works with WCU faculty to incorporate service-learning into modules. If this seems like a center you would like to get involved in, contact CCESI@wcupa.edu.
The Center For Trans and Queer Advocacy uses advocacy and intersectional framework to celebrate and validate the intersections of one’s identity and support the well-being of trans and queer communities. The center’s mission is to “create an environment where the intersectional experiences of trans and queer people are supported, celebrated, validated and affirmed.” They provide resources for private bathroom facilities, safe campus housing for all students, preferred name requests, scholarships, and coloring books.
Kristin English, the new interim director for the Center for Trans and Queer Advocacy, has many goals for the center, which focuses around the “continuation of collaboration across campus.” If you would like to get involved, just walk in! There are also many upcoming events that will allow you to get involved: a resource pantry food drive, book group, Trans Day of Remembrance and much more! The center’s office can be found in Sykes Student Union, room 250.
The WCU Main Campus Resource Pantry is another extraordinary resource available for WCU students. This resource is available to all students, regardless of need level, and there are no limitations to the number of visits. The pantry’s mission is to “support student success by minimizing food and basic need insecurity and preparing students for life after graduation.” They offer produce, non-perishable food, personal care items, school supplies and career clothing. In addition to physical items, the resource pantry also hosts programs and events surrounding cooking demonstrations, career readiness and financial literacy. It is located on the lower level of Commonwealth Hall and is open Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The pantry is very paramount to the community. The Associate Director of Student Development at CCESI, Ann Mitchell, stated that the pantry “has seen a tremendous increase in pantry usage.” The pantry usage from September of 2022 to September of 2023 has increased by 70%. Today, they are very close to surpassing the total number of visits for the entire fall 2022 semester. Fall of 2022 received 1,550 visits and, as of Oct. 25, they have seen 1,365 visits. If you would like to help out, you can donate to the resource pantry during their hours of operation. They also have an Amazon wishlist if you would like to support the pantry. The resource pantry is incredibly important and useful to the West Chester University community.
Located on the ground floor of Commonwealth Hall are the Student Health Services (SHS). Student Health Services provides clinical services including treatment for respiratory infections, asthma care, orthopedic injuries and urinary tract infections; vaccinations; medication dispenses; needle disposals; sexual health care; COVID-19 tests and TB testing. The SHS also provides general health information and sexual assault care. Their hours of operation are from Monday to Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments can be requested by calling the SHS at 610-436-2509.
These resources are designed to make your experience at West Chester University easier and more enjoyable. Although there are only a few resources that have been listed above, WCU offers many more. To view these additional resources and centers, they can be found at the Student Success’ “Campus Resources” page at WCUPA.edu.
Sierra Williams is a fourth-year Political Science and English double major. SW960048@wcupa.edu