New Graduate Students

Congratulations on your recent acceptance to West Chester University as a graduate student! We look forward to having you as part of our community and are excited to see you succeed in this next stage in your education. Whether you are straight out of college, switching careers, or looking to increase your current potential, the West Chester University staff is here to help you along the way. Here is a guide for helpful resources and services. Below you will find some important information and FAQs to help start off your graduate career on the right foot.

Next Steps for New Graduate Students

Commit to Being a Golden Ram

Locate your student ID on your acceptance letter. Go to the Pay Enrollment Deposit page & follow instructions to confirm your spot.

If you are having difficulty paying, please email gradadmissions@wcupa.edu or call 610-436-2943.

Celebrate & Connect with Us!

If you’re on social media, follow The Graduate School on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

Activate your @wcupa.edu Account and Login

Approximately 24-72 hours after you’ve paid your enrollment deposit, you can activate your @wcupa.edu account, which gives you access to your student portals, Webmail, and more!

Learn About Class Registration

Before scheduling your classes, we recommend you contact your Graduate Coordinator or Advisor to discuss coursework and scheduling procedures, as some departments schedule their students. Once you’ve confirmed your classes and your program’s scheduling procedures, please visit our RamPortal tutorial page for helpful information about registration and degree tracking.

File a FAFSA for Federal Aid

Learn about financial aid eligibility for graduate and post-baccalaureate students and follow these steps to apply and confirm your funding . WCU’s federal school code is 003328.

We recommend all students complete a FAFSA. Even if you don’t plan to borrow federal funding, having a FAFSA on file with WCU will help our Financial Aid Office determine eligibility for other funding.

Search for Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships

We know that paying for graduate school is a significant investment, so we want to inform you about funding opportunities outside of student loans.

Scholarship applications typically open in the Spring semester. Many scholarships, including the general scholarship application, have an annual application deadline of May 5th; however, some applications are open throughout the spring and summer. We’ve compiled a list of scholarships for graduate students here. You can also review search tips and apply here.

Graduate Assistantships, also known as GAs, are a great opportunity to work on campus in a research or service-oriented capacity, gain valuable work experience in higher education, and earn a tuition waiver and stipend. Find open positions.

Order Your RAM Card

The RAM Card is your official WCU ID card. You will need it to access certain areas on campus (like the library and rec center), but it’s also great for various student discounts.

To obtain your card, you can visit the RAM Card office on the ground floor of Sykes Student Union (110 W. Rosedale Ave.) from 8 am - 4 pm, M - F, or upload your photo and proof of identification to order and pay online. You can mail it to yourself or pick it up during RAM Card office hours. ID cards will NOT be distributed at graduate orientation.

Learn about Campus Parking

During the fall and spring semesters, student parking lots are enforced Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Parking permits are not required in student-designated spaces after 4 p.m. or during summer and winter breaks.

Learn about commuter parking and view the campus map for parking locations.

Student parking permits are sold online via credit card only and typically go on sale in July. Look for an email with full details from Public Safety. All permits must be PICKED UP at Parking Services, located at 690 S. Church Street, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Explore Campus Resources

WCU offers a wide range of services and engagement opportunities for graduate students! Get started by joining the Graduate Student Association (GSA). GSA promotes the well-being of graduate students through educational, professional and social events, and advocates for graduate student needs.

Check out all campus services and resources.

Need Housing?

Limited on-campus housing is available for graduate students at The Village Apartments. Admitted and confirmed students can contact leasing@ushcommunities.org for availability and leasing information.

Additionally, there are many off-campus apartment complexes in and around West Chester. We encourage you to contact Off-Campus & Commuter Services for information. Also, check out the off-campus housing rentals, local apartment list, and unofficial student Facebook group.

Attend New Student Orientation

At our annual orientation events, you can pick up some swag, explore campus resources, and interact with graduate students, staff, and faculty!

Save the dates for Fall 2024!
Check your email for more details!

Philadelphia New Student Orientation
Saturday, August 3 from 12:00-2:30pm
701 Market Street, Phila. PA

In-Person Graduate Orientation
Monday, August 19 from 6:00-7:00 pm
Sykes Student Union Ballroom

Virtual Graduate Orientation
Tuesday, August 20 at 6:00 pm EST
Zoom

Order Your Books or Check out the Campus Store

Graduate students can search and purchase required textbooks through the WCU Campus Store. Please note that faculty may not have textbooks listed until one week before classes begin. For questions, please contact the Course Materials Department at 610-436-2242 or bookstore@wcupa.edu.

You can visit the WCU Campus Store at Sykes Student Union, 110 W. Rosedale Ave.

Explore Downtown West Chester

Downtown West Chester offers many businesses, shops, dining, and events! Check out the events calendar to view First Fridays, Restaurant Week, Gallery Walk, Open-Air Market, and more! Visit downtownwestchester.com for all the excitement!