WCU is committed to supporting students who devote resources to caring for their children or family members and often face additional obstacles to success. The information on this page is designed to help you balance the competing tasks of your life as a student and caregiver by highlighting resources that provide academic support, financial support, and community support. These resources have a specific focus on the West Chester and Philadelphia areas. Most of these resources are available to all members of our community at WCU including faculty and staff. You can also reach out to the Center for Women and Gender Equity with questions about parenting and caregiving, events and resources.
Lactation Spaces on Campus
West Chester University provides lactation spaces to support chestfeeding for parents who are returning to work, school, or visiting campus. Each room offers a clean, secure, and private space for caregivers who need to express breast milk or nurse while on campus. Individuals should bring any personal supplies needed with them.
A complete list of all spaces on campus can be found on the Center for Women & Gender Equity's Lactation Spaces page.
Additional Resources
On-Campus Resources
- Benefits Hub: The West Chester University Benefits Hub supports students by connecting them to community resources and benefits that will reduce basic need insecurity and maximize success. The Benefits Hub is a one-stop-shop at the University where students will be able to receive assistance in all of the areas listed below.
- Financial Aid: This is the department that can help answer any questions specifically about loans, grants, and additional opportunities for support.
- Office of Equal Opportunity and Compliance: EQOC provides support and information to ensure students are aware of their rights, especially pregnant and parenting students.
- Student and Family Experience: Information about living off campus and the surrounding West Chester area.
- West Chester University Speech and Hearing Clinic: The Clinic offers free, full diagnostic evaluations for children and adults suspected of having speech, language, or hearing disorders. Treatment is offered in both individual and group settings and bilingual Spanish-English evaluations and treatment are available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is a student caregiver?
A student caregiver is any student who assists in the care of children, siblings, parent, grandparent, or any additional relative or elder person. Students who are the primary caretaker of children or family members have additional responsibilities beyond students who are not caregivers. This page attempts to help connect student caregivers to resources that may benefit them during their time in college (and beyond).
Are there any scholarships available for student caregivers at WCU?
Yes! WCU has a few scholarships that student caregivers can benefit from such as the Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship for Mature Students, Alice Conway Memorial Scholarship, and Jane Swan Scholarship. An in-depth review of these scholarships (including eligibility criteria) is located on both the Center for Women & Gender Equity's Scholarship page and Financial Aid's Scholarship Portal. Parenting students may also be eligible for fall and spring mini-grants sponsored by the Justamere Foundation, which can be found through the RamConnect for parenting and caregiving students.
What counseling services are available for students who are caregiving and parenting?
The Counseling Center on campus has professionals eager to assist, and can accommodate virtual sessions to meet your needs. . Visit the Counseling Center to learn more about the individual counseling sessions available as well as group therapy opportunities.
Center for Women & Gender Equity
For additional support or inquiries, please contact the Center for Women & Gender Equity (CW&GE). In addition, if you would like to learn more about the Parenting & Caregiving at WCUPA D2L Resource, please email us at cwge@wcupa.edu. This resource was created to support student parents and caregivers during their time at WCU. It is a resource that includes information about fulfilling relationships, financial support, filling and easy meals, mental health, career exploration, and navigating critical conversations with families.
Address:
705 S. New Street
Lawrence Center, Room 214
West Chester, PA 19383
Hours of Operation: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Phone: 610-436-2122
Email: cwge@wcupa.edu