Who do we define as a Veteran at WCU?
A Veteran is an individual who served in the United States Armed Forces, including a reserve component or the National Guard and who was discharged or released from service under conditions other than dishonorable. Any Spouse or Dependent of a Veteran is eligible to participate in and utilize WCU Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center resources whether or not they are utilizing education benefits under the GI Bill®. Read more governmental information about basic eligibility for Veterans' VA benefits .
Attention all WCU Student Veterans:
If you are planning to use your VA education benefits for your classes, please complete the WCU Request for Certification Form.
Featured News - Veterans Center in RAM FAM Newsletter
Message from the President
March 12, 2021 Issue
One of the most important things that a university can do is to provide a high standard of services to its student veterans, military service members, reservists, and their families. At West Chester, we work very hard to recognize and support those who have made great sacrifices to serve our country as members of the U.S. military.
I am very proud to announce that West Chester University recently was awarded the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation, and has advanced to Gold status in recognition of leading practices, effective programs, and outcomes. West Chester is one of only six universities in Pennsylvania that earned Gold designation.
The Greg and Sandra Weisenstein Veterans Center is the hub of campus programming for student military. Spouses and dependents of veterans and military members are eligible to utilize the center’s resources, too. The transition from the military to civilian life can be challenging, but Lillian Morrison’s job is to make things easier. She is the center’s director and works with Financial Aid and other units on campus to help military members access their educational benefits. As a veteran herself, she serves as sounding board and trouble-shooter for any other issues that may arise. In addition to Morrison, center staff include a licensed professional counselor, dedicated specifically to the needs of student veterans, as well as a graduate assistant.
During the pandemic and this period of remote instruction, Morrison says she continually reaches out to student veterans to let them know they are not alone. “The learning environment has changed but WCU faculty and staff remain committed to providing the best care possible for our students,” notes Morrison. “Some students prefer to learn face-to-face; on-line learning can present challenges. We have help in place so our students handle these challenges.”
The Veterans Center also plays a vital role in connecting military students, virtually at the present time, and back in person later this year. When our campus re-opens fully this August, the center’s building, located at 624 South High Street, also will re-open its doors so that military students can safely study, network and socialize together.
Much like the Veterans Center, the Student Veterans Group has continued to play an active role virtually. Recently the student group partnered with the University’s Career Development Center to provide a Resumes on the Run virtual program. Student veterans and military members were able to engage with three WCU employer partners – Enterprise, PPL Corporation, and The Vanguard Group.
To learn more about how the Veterans Center can assist you or your Golden Ram family member, contact veteranscenter@wcupa.edu or 610-436-2862.
Chris Fiorentino, Ph.D.
President, West Chester University
Did You Know?
Student Success Stories
- WCU Student Veteran President Christopher Hollowood.
- WCU's very own Vince Caputo, Veteran and Attorney, is featured in this year's USA Today Special Edition Veterans Affairs
- Mr. Lowell Gardenhour, USAF Veteran and current WCU Student Veteran, is featured in the Quad!
- Channel 6 Katherine Scott's interview with Mr. Lowell Gardenhour
WCU News
- Will my GI Bill® Education Benefits be affected by the change in modes of instruction to remote delivery? On October 1, 2020, VA announced special COVID-19 rules extended to December 21, 2021. With the passage of H.R.8337 – Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, the special COVID rules have been extended. Post 9/11 GI Bill ® students who pursue resident courses converted to an online modality solely due to COVID-19 will continue to receive the MHA rate for resident training.
- "Remote Delivery" Student Veteran FAQs
- WCU Alumna Mrs. Eileen Glenn donates $1million to endow a new, ongoing position for a licensed professional counselor dedicated to support WCU Student Veterans! Read more in WCU's Summer Magazine 2018.
- WCU and th WCU Foundation are committed to supporting WCU students and ROTC cadets. More than $130,000 has been awarded over the past five years.
- Visit Financial Aid Scholarships to Search & Apply for WCU Scholarships.
- Student Veterans using Chapter 33/Post 9-11 benefits: Thinking of dropping a class or withdrawing? Read this first!
- WCU provides Priority Registration to all eligible student Veterans.
- You can find job opportunities and resume assistance resources in our Career section!
- View the video of 100 Year old Vet Ed Cottrell Sky Dives
Trainings & Eligibility Information
- Combat and Non Combat Trauma Awareness Training. Hear a unique opportunity on ways to heal from post-traumatic stress from guest speaker Ralph Galati, decorated Air Force Veteran and former Vietnam prisoner of war, and panel experts.
- Important! Determine Your Eligibility for PA In-State Tuition Benefits (Choice Act).
- The Harry W. Colmery Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2017, also called the Forever GI Bill® , can be read online.
Awards & Rankings
"GI Bill®” is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.