West Chester University released an FAQ early Thursday afternoon for both students and faculty. Here’s what you need to know:
1. No decision has been made about May commencement ceremonies.
2. Classes cannot start earlier than March 30 unless the class began the semester through online instruction. Students may not meet in groups or one-on-one with their professor.
3. Professors have been instructed to keep classes at the same time as they were scheduled in person.
4. Students experiencing homelessness will be provided a place to stay.
5. The WCU Shuttle Bus will continue to run but at a very limited schedule; the schedule will be forthcoming.
6. International students have 10 days to report a change of address, but their immigration status should not change as they will continue the Spring 2020 semester online.
7. Devices and WiFi hot spots will be provided to those who lack them.
8. Student who have not yet registered for classes for the Fall 2020 semester should email their advisor directly to do so.
9. Professors who are struggling to find ways to digitize their classes are encouraged to meet with their dean. Much of the faculty FAQ mentions Zoom, a program that allows 300+ students to call in to hear the lecture and utilize PowerPoint.
10. Counseling Services will either develop a plan for remote care or will refer students to a professional in their area, as they will no longer be permitted to see students.
11. Career Development Services will continue through programs like Handshake (the process to schedule an appointment through Handshake remains the same) with the added option to meet through Zoom or over the phone.
12. Students who work on campus need to contact their direct supervisors about the decision they made to continue work or not.
13. Tutoring through the LARC will continue online. If you’d like to register, you can call the office at 610-436-2535 or 610-436-2402, email the LARC at LARC@wcupa.edu, or text your student ID number to the Assistant Director at 484-259-7895.
14. The Writing Center will continue online through Zoom. You can schedule an appointment online.
15. Success Coaching will continue through the semester. Meetings will be held online through myWCU.
16. Students who have a disability and have concerns about how this change will effect them may email ossd@wcupa.edu.
Casey Meyer is a fourth-year student majoring in English with a minor in journalism. CM873219@wcupa.edu