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WEST CHESTER UNIVERSITY
Undergraduate Catalog
1995-96
West Chester University
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West Chester University
Undergraduate Catalog
1995-1996
Communications Directory
MAILING ADDRESS: West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
TELEPHONES:
Academic Advising
Academic Development Program
Admissions/Under- graduate Catalogs
Affirmative Action
Billing/Payments Bookstore Careers/Placement Contimiing Education
Counseling
Financial Aid/ Work Study
Graduate Studies/
Catalogs Housing
Police
Public Relations
Student Activities and University Events
Student Services Inc. Scheduling/Registration
Summer Sessions
Teacher Certification
Accreditation
Dial 436 plus number in parentheses. For offices not shown here, call the University Information Center: 610-436-1000.
Director of Academic Advising, Lawrence Center (3505) Director of Academic Development Program, Lawrence Center (3505) Director of Admissions, 100 West Rosedale Avenue (3411) Office of Social Equity, Lawrence Center (2433)
Office of the Bursar,
Elsie O. Bull Center (2552)
Student Services Inc., Sykes Student Union (2242)
Director of Career Development Center,
Lawrence Center (2501)
Dean of University College, Elsie O. Bull
Center (3550)
Director of Adult, Evening, and Alternative
Studies, Elsie O. Bull Center (3550)
Director, Center of Business, Industry, and
Government, Elsie O. Bull Center (3550)
Counseling Center,
Lawrence Center (2301)
Director of Financial Aid,
Elsie O. Bull Center (2627)
Dean of Graduate Studies and Spon- sored Research, Old Library* (2943) Residence Life, Sykes Union Building (3307)
Public Safety Department, Peoples Maintenance Building (3311)
Director of Public Relatiotjs, Smith House (3383) Student Programming Dept^tudent Activities Council, Sykes Student Union (2983) or Swdent Union Information Desk (2984)
Sykes Student Union (2955)
University Registrar, Elsie O. Bull Center (3541)
Office of the Registrar, Elsie O. Bull Center (2230)
Teacher Certification Office, Recitation Hall (2426)
West Chester University is accredited by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, The National Cotmdl for Accreditation of Teacher Education, The National Athletic Training Association, The National Association of Schools of Music, The Coimcil on Social Work Education (baccalaureate level). The National League for Nursing, The Society for Public Health Education, The American Chemical Society, The Commission on Accreditation in Clinical
Chemistry, and the Joint Review Committee for Respiratory Therapy Education. West Chester University has been given program approval by the Department of Education of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the certification of teachers.
Nondiscrimination/Affirmative Action Policy
West Chester University is committed to providing leadership in extending equal opportunities to all individuals. Accordingly, the University will continue to make every effort to provide these rights to all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status. This policy applies to all members of the University cortmiunity, including students, faculty, stafi', and administrators. It also applies to all appli- cants for admission or employment and all participants in University- sponsored activities.
This policy is in compliance with federal and state laws, including Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Tide IX of the Educational Amendment of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and Executive Order of the Governor of Petmsylvania.
Any individual having suggestions, problems, complaints, or griev- ances with regard to equal opportunity or afiirmative action is encouraged to contact the director of social equity, 104 Lawrence Center, 610-436-2433.
Sexual Harassment Policy
West Chester University is committed to equality of opportunity and freedom from discrimination for all its students and employees. Based on this commitment and the recognition that sexual harass- ment is a form of discrimination, which is of a growing concern to the higher education community, the University provides the follow- ing poUcy:
Harassment on the basis of sex is a violation of Tide VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act, Tide IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, and of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Because West Chester University is committed to establish- ing an enviromnent free from discrimination and harassment, sexual harassment will not be tolerated in any form. Upon official filing of a complaint, unmediate investigation will be made culmi- nating in appropriate corrective action where warranted, which may include termination of the relationship with the University. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature occurring when:
1. submission of such conduct is made either explicidy or implic- idy a term or condition of an individual's employment, or of a student's academic status or treatment;
2. submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affect- ing such an individual, or
3. such conduct creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive living, working, or academic environment to a reasonable person.
A complete copy of the University's Sexual Harassment Policy doc- ument, inclusive of the investigatory procedures, may be obtained from the Office of Affirmative Action.
Individuals who believe themselves to be the victims of sexual harassment, or who have questions about the University's poUcy on this matter should contact the director of social equity, 104 Lawrence Center, 610-436-2433.
The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrev- ocable contract between the student and the University. West Chester University reserves the right to change any provisions or requirements at any time.
* Effective fall semester 1995, the address will be 102 Rosedale Ave.
11
Contents
Communications Directory it
Introducing West Chester University 3
Campus and Facilities 4
Admission to West Chester University 7
Fees and Expenses 9
Financial Aid 11
Student Affairs 19
Academic Affairs 26
Degree Requirements 32
Academic Policies and Procedures 36
Structure of Academic Affairs 47
Undergraduate Programs at West Chester 48
Programs of Study and Course Offerings 49
Department of Accounting 50
Department of Anthropology and Sociology 51
Department of Art 53
Department of Biology 56
Department of Chemistry 59
Department of Childhood Studies and Reading .... 61
Department of Communication Studies 64
Department of Communicative Disorders 66
Department of Computer Science 67
Department of Counselor, Secondary,
and Professional Education 68
Envirotunental Education Program 70
Department of Criminal Justice 70
Department of Economics and Finance 72
Department of Educational Services 74
Military Science Program 74
Air Force ROTC Program 75
Department of English 76
Department of Foreign Languages 80
Department of Geography and Planning 85
Department of Geology and Astronomy 87
Department of Health 89
Department of History 92
Department of Instructional Media 94
Interdisciplinary Programs 96
American Studies Program 96
Comparative Literature Studies Program 97
Ethnic Studies Program 98
Latin-American Studies Program 99
Linguistics Program 99
Peace and Conflict Studies Program 99
Russian Studies Program 100
Women's Studies Program 100
Department of Kinesiology 101
Liberal Studies Program 104
Department of Management 105
Department of Marketing 106
Department of Mathematics 107
Music (School oO
Department of Music Education Ill
Department of Music History 112
Department of Instrumental Music 112
Department of Keyboard Music 113
Department of Music Theory and Composition . 114
Department of Vocal and Choral Music 115
Department of Nursing 115
Department of Philosophy 118
Department of Physics and Pre-Engineering Program. . 120
Department of Political Science 121
PoUtical Science/Public Administration Programs . . 123
Pre-Medical Program 124
Department of Psychology 125
Social Studies Program 127
Department of Social Work 127
Department of Special Education 129
Department of Sports Medicine 130
Teaching Certification Programs 131
Department of Theatre Arts 133
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 135
Administration 136
Faculty 137
Academic Calendar 150
University Policy for Storm Closings 150
Campus Map 151
Borough Map 152
Chester County Map 153
Index 154
Introducing West Chester University
Quality education at a reasonable price . . . this is the goal of West Chester University, the second largest of the 14 institutions of higher learning that compose the State System of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Permsylvania. A comprehensive and multipurpose uni- versity, West Chester serves individuab of all ages with a variety of programs to fill their educational needs.
West Chester offers degrees in the arts and sciences, teacher training and certi- fication, advanced study preparation in fields such as medicine and law, educa- tion for specific professions, and con- tinuing education. See page 48 for a complete listing of undergraduate degree programs.
Total enrollment at West Chester includes more approximately 9,400 undergraduate students and about 2,000 graduate students. While most undergraduates are recent high school graduates preparing for career objec- tives, many others are older individuals, including veterans and homemakers, who either never before had the oppor- tunity for a college education or whose schooling was interrupted.
Most students are residents of Peniisylvania, but students from other states and foreign countries are wel- come. West Chester's student body rep- resents a cross section of many ethnic, racial, and religious groups and includes students from all economic levels.
Like the world around it, West Chester University is constantly changing and growing. The school continues to broaden and modify the nature and number of its programs to reflect the needs of its students in their endeavor to prepare themselves for success and fulfillment in Ufe.
Missions of the University
The missions of the University include instruction, research, and community service. Initially it is emphasized that these missions and their concomitant goals are interrelated. The scholarship and creative development that faculty members experience in their profes- sional fields are important prerequisites for university-level teaching in the
1990s. The faculty that engages its stu- dents in the process of discover)' and in community service gives them hands- on experience that represents the active learning and commitment that is teach- ing and learning at its best.
This combination of missions, common to all comprehensive universities, helps students to fulfill themselves as individ- uals and as members of society. This is accomplished by providing opportuni- ties for personal growth through intel- lectual, cultural, and aesthetic stimula- tion; specific career training; advanced involvement in the academic process; research and creative activities; and public service. An emphasis on student involvement and on faculty interaction with students distinguishes West Chester from research institutions and identifies it with the tradition of institu- tions committed both to the creation and sharing of knowledge and aesthet- ics. It also distinguishes West Chester University from higher educational institutions that emphasize teaching with Uttle or no support for the cre- ation of new knowledge and aesthetics. We are committed to the successful integration of teaching, scholarship, and senice.
The University seeks to insure that there is diversity within its work force and student body in compliance with its commitment to affirmative action and equal opportunity. It clearly includes in its mission the provision of access to higher education for a wide variety of the commonwealth's citizens, including those from disadvantaged academic or financial circumstances. The University places particular value on academic freedom and human diver- sity. It seeks to develop an environment characterized by intellectual honest)', scholarship, mutual respect, and service to the academic and larger communities.
The Universit)r's comprehensive mis- sions, and the means of accomplishing them, have developed from the University's specific legal mandate and its traditions of educational service, as well as from the changing needs of society and the nature of academe.
The Frederick Douglass Society
Drawing its content from our campus history of social consciousness and its structure from a variety of models in public Ufe, the Frederick Douglass Society of West Chester University is the organization of black professional and nonprofessional staff at West Chester. Named in 1983 for one of the 19th century's most distinguished advo- cates of human freedom, the organiza- tion is oriented toward self-help and improvement by offering a collective voice in the affairs of the University. Its programs also aim to stimulate other groups on campus to enrich our cU- mate. The society atmually raises money for scholarship funds, in order to increase the economic options avail- able to the student body generally and to blacks and other ethnic groups as well. It also seeks, by the example of Douglass, to promote an intellectual standard that is not only grounded in excellence but profoundly rooted in the pubUc mission of higher education.
Institute for Women
The Institute for Women is an indepen- dent body designed to represent the inter- ests of women on the campus. It serves as the parent organization for the Women's Center, the Women's Studies Program, and the Tide DC and Sex Discrimination Board. The institute is headed by a direc- tor and a Board of Directors.
The institute sponsors a number of activities to enhance the self-esteem and career success of women at the University: the Woman-in-Residence Program, Grace Cochran Research on Women Award, Visiting Professor Program, Graduate Grant and Endowed Book Funds. The institute prepares periodic reports on the status of women at the University and has also secured Charlotte W. Newcombe Scholarship Grants for mature or second-career women. The Institute for Women is located in 211 Main Hall. For more information call 610-436-2464/2122.
History of the University
Although its founding year is 1871, the University in fact has deeper roots trac- ing from West Chester Academy, a
Campus and Facilities
private, state-aided school that existed from 1812 to 1869. The academy enjoyed strong support from the highly intellectual Chester County Cabinet of the Natural Sciences of the pre-Civil War decades. It was recognized as one of Pennsylvania's leading preparatory schools, and its experience in teacher training laid the groundwork for the normal school years that were to follow.
As the state began to take increasing responsibiUty for pubUc education, the academy was transformed into West Chester Normal School, still privately owned but state certified. The normal school admitted its first class, consist- ing of 160 students, on September 25, 1871. In 1913, West Chester became the first of the normal schools to be owned outright by the Commonwealth.
West Chester became West Chester State Teachers College in 1927 when Pennsylvania initiated a four-year pro- gram of teacher education. In 1960, as the Commonwealth paved the way for liberal arts programs in its college sys- tem. West Chester was renamed West Chester State College, and two years later introduced the liberal arts pro- gram that turned the one-time academy into a comprehensive college.
In recognition of the historic merit of the campus, in 1981 the West Chester State College Quadrangle Historic District was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The build- ings included in this historic district are Philips Memorial Building, Ruby Jones
Hall, Recitation Hall, and the Old Library. Except for Philips, these buildings are all constructed of native Chester County serpentine stone.
West Chester State achieved another major milestone with passage of the State System of Higher Education bill. West Chester and the other 12 state colleges became universities in the State System of Higher Education on July 1, 1983. Along with its new name — West Chester University of Pennsylvania of the State System of Higher Education — the institution acquired a new sys- tem of governance and the opportunity to expand its degree programs.
Location of the University
West Chester University is in West Chester, a town that has been the seat of government in Chester County since 1786. With a population of about 20,000, the borough is small enough to have the pleasant aspects of a tree-shaded American town, large enough to contain essential services and the substance of a vigorous community, and old enough to give the student exposure to America's early history. Students can walk to West Chester's many churches. The town has excellent stores and a fine hospital.
West Chester was settled in the early 18th century, principally by members of the Society of Friends. In the heart of town is its courthouse, a classical revival building designed in the 1840s by Thomas U. Walter, one of the architects for the Capitol in Washington, D.C.
West Chester today is part of the rapid-
ly growing suburban complex sur- rounding Philadelphia and offers inter- esting opportunities for the study of local, county, and regional government in a period of change and growth.
Philadelphia is 25 miles to the east and Wilmington 17 miles to the south, putting the libraries, museums, and other cultural and historical resources of both cities in easy reach. Valley Forge, the Brandywine Batdefield, Longwood Gardens, and other histori- cal attractions are near West Chester. New York and Washington are easily accessible by car or train.
How to Reach West Chester
The Borough of West Chester can be accessed from all directions both by car and public transportation. Route 3, the West Chester Pike, leads direcdy into town from center-city Philadelphia. From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, motorists traveling west should take Route 202 south from the Valley Forge Interchange while those traveling east can arrive via Route 100 south from the Downingtown Interchange. From the south. Route 202 from Wilmington and Routes 100 and 52 from U.S. Route 1 all lead to West Chester.
Public transportation is available from Philadelphia and other nearby communities.
Information on public transportation and carpooling is available in Sykes Union Building, 610-436-2984.
Campus and Facilities
Description of the Campus
West Chester University's campus is a unique mixture of 19th century, colle- giate Gothic, and contemporary archi- tectural st>'les that complement each other to create a stately, beautiful atmosphere. Sixty-two buildings, com- prising over 2.4 million square feet, are distinctly landscaped within 388 acres of rolling countryside, making the cam- pus one of the aesthetic treasures of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
North Campus, an expansion of the original campus, occupies 97 acres at the southern boundaries of the Borough
of West Chester. The North Campus contains the Quad area, which is sur- rounded by the University's oldest buildings — Philips Memorial, Recitation Hall, Anderson Hall, Ruby Jones Hall, and Old Library — three of which are constructed of green-hued serpentine stone that has given West Chester a unique character for many decades. The University also is known for the mag- nificent old trees that grace the campus.
A dynamic, on-going building program in the 1990's is providing exciting edu- cational facilities as the University looks toward its third century. These
include a complete renovation of Anderson Hall, with the addition of the latest computer technology labs; the creation of several other modem class- rooms throughout the campus; the completion of the state-of-the-art sci- ence building, the Tania K. and William H. Boucher Science Center; an 11- building apartment complex providing housing for 500 upperclassmen; and the enlargement of the Sykes Union, including the latest in aerobics/condi- tioning facilities, a movie theater, din- ing areas, meeting rooms, and lounges to provide a focal point for the students' leisure life outside the classroom.
Campus and Facilities
South Campus is a 291-acre expanse of the gently rolUng countryside of Chester County. Located on South New Street three-quarters of a mile south of the original campus, South Campus includes student apartments, the McCoy Center, and the spacious Health and Physical Education Center, which has won national acclaim for the quality and extent of its teaching, performance, and research facilities. John A. Farrell Stadium, athledc fields, and tennis courts surround the center. Also at South Campus is the 100-acre Robert B. Gordon Natural Area, which includes woodlands, fields, and a streamside habitat. This area has been conserved as a research and teaching resource for the natural sciences.
Information Services
Information Services provides comput- ing resources for a wide variety of users, both academic and administra- tive. Many of the University's adminis- trative functions, such as registration, grade reporting, and billing depend heavily on the campus-wide transaction processing system that provides central- ized access to University data from workstations located throughout the campus.
More importantly, computing is a vital instructional and research tool. Information Services offers students and faculty a wide range of computing resources, from mainframe to micro- computers, printers, plotters, graphics workstations, digitizers, and optical scanners. Many of these facilities are available at various campus locations, but the Academic Computing Center in Anderson Hall serves as a focal point for instructional computing activity. A valid WCU Identification (ID) card is required to use the Academic Computing Center. For further infor- mation contact the Academic Computing Center at 610-436-3349.
Computing facilities throughout the campus are joined by the Information Services Network. This network offers electronic mail capabilities for all campus workstations, connection to SSHEnet/ PREPnet/Intemet, and access to the University's main library catalogs.
The Information Services Network pro- vides high-speed access to software applications (programming languages, spreadsheets, word processors, faculty developed programs, etc.) and electron-
ic communication capabilities to work- stations. Student laboratory facilities are available in the Academic Computing Center and in each of the eight resi- dence halls.
Students interested in acquiring a work- ing knowledge of several commonly used software packages are encouraged to enroll in the introductory computing course, CSC 101, offered by the Department of Computer Science.
Major hardware facilities include an IBM mainframe, numerous NTAS file servers, and IBM, Macintosh, Apple, Zenith, NeXT, and DEC workstations. Letter-quality laser printers also are available for student use.
Information Services is located in Anderson Hall, 610-436-2828.
Geology Museum
The West Chester University Geology Museum in Schmucker Science Center houses several collections of historic and scientific importance. Minerals from around the world, drawn from the collections of William Yocom and Ruth Bass, are on display. The collection of the late, well-known West Chester geol- ogist Hugh McKinstry contains some of the finest specimens ever found in Chester County, as well as specimens from notable localities world-wide and collections of other significant 19th century amateurs. A special cabinet with ultraviolet light houses selected specimens from the extensive collection of fluorescent minerals of John Stolar, Sr. Other exhibits include fossils, the geology of Chester County, labels writ- ten by famous collectors and mineralo- gists, and a display created by the min- eralogy class each fall. The museum is free and open to the public on week- days. Contact the Department of Geology and Astronomy at 610-436- 2727 for the specific schedule.
WCU Observatory
The Department of Geology and Astronomy maintains an astronomical observatory on the roof of the Schmucker Science Center. The main instrument is an 11.3 inch reflecting telescope that can be used in either the Newtonian or Cassagrain format. The auxiliary telescopes include a pair of four-inch refractors, one used to project solar images in white light and the other equipped with a hydrogen alpha solar filter. A five-inch Schmidt camera
also can be mounted on the telescope assembly.
The telescope system can be used for basic observing, astrophotography, pho- tometry, and spectroscopy. The obser- vatory is equipped with a graphics com- puter system and a video camera for picture capturing capabilities. The observatory is used as an astronomical laboratory for astronomy courses and as a research area for independent study for junior- or senior-level research pro- jects.
The observatory is open one night a week for all members of the college community for general viewing. Contact the department secretary at 610-436-2727 for day and times, as they change from semester to semester.
WCU Planetarium
The Department of Geology and Astronomy operates the University Planetarium which houses a Spitz A-5 planetarium projector. The planetarium is used for astronomy class lectures and labs as well as for school and public programs. Approximately 70 schools and other groups attend the free pro- grams each year, and annual attendance approaches 5,000. The planetarium dome is 10 meters in diameter, and the projector was rebuilt and upgraded by Spitz Space Systems in 1993. Persons interested in arranging group visits should contact the Department of Geology and Astronomy at 610-436- 2727 for details.
Darlington Herbarium
The Darlington Herbarium, housed in Schmucker Science Center, is one of the most highly regarded historical col- lections of dried plant specimens in the East. Among the 20,000 specimens are plants collected by such famous explor- ers and botanists as Captain John Fremont, Thomas Nuttall, Sir William Hooker, C.S. Rafinesque, and George Englemann. More than 200 collectors from America's formative years of 1820 to 1850 are represented. The herbarium was the work of Dr. William Darlington (1782-1863), a member of the West Chester Cabinet of Science. Dr. Darlington was eminent in West Chester as a physician, educator, banker, businessman, historian, and botanist. His plants, however, were his first love. A state park has been estab- lished in northern California to pre- serve a rare species of insectivorous
Campus and Facilities
plant named in his honor — Darlingtonia.
Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies
The University has conserved 100 acres of natural woodland and field and stream-side habitat located on South Campus and uses it for several kinds of outdoor studies in the natural sciences. Dedicated in 1973, the area was named for Robert B. Gordon, faculty member and chairperson of the University's Department of Science from 1938 to 1963.
Francis Harvey Green Library
The Francis Harvey Green Library pro- vides an excellent environment for \ study and research. It is furnished with a variety of seating areas including indi- vidual study carrels, faculty and gradu- ate lounges, computer lab faciUties, group studies, seminar rooms, and gen- eral reading areas.
The library has an increasingly impor- tant role in both teaching and research with its growing collection of more than one-half million volumes and sub- scriptions to nearly 2,800 journals. Augmenting this general collection vnth more than 350,000 tides is the micro- media collection, including books, peri- odicals, newspapers, and doctoral dis- sertations along vnih the faciUties to read this material. The total resources of nearly 860,000 volumes compare favorably with other major public and private research libraries in West Chester's geographic area.
Additional noteworthy collections can be found in the library complex. An extensive holding of courses of study and textbooks, and a variety of audiovi- sual materials and equipment are held in the instructional materials center. Also available are separate collections for children's literature, government
documents, and maps. The library is a selective depository for government documents and maps.
The Special Collections Room holds the Chester County Collection of scientific and historical books; the Normal Collection, publications by West Chester University faculty and alumni; the Ehinger Collection (historical books on physical education); the Biographies of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence by John Sanderson; and the Shakespeare Folios. The Philips Collection of Autographed books is housed in a specially designed room in the Philips Memorial Building.
West Chester students may take advan- tage of the library's many services, such as reference, computerized on-line liter- ature searching, CD ROM databases, interlibrary loan, and photoduplication. The library's integrated automated sys- tem provides students and faculty access to the library's holdings via com- puter terminals. The on-line catalog may be searched at terminals located throughout the library and at remote terminals elsewhere on and off campus. To add to the cultural enrichment of the college community, the library schedules informative displays and art exhibits throughout the year.
Music Library
The Music Library is part of the University library. Located in Swope Hall, it houses an extensive collection of music, one of the largest of its kind in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Its rapidly growing holdings include more than 29,000 scores (historical edi- tions, collected works, opera, keyboard, and vocal and instrumental music) and more than 24,000 recordings (classical, folk, nonwestem, and popular). Listening facilities for 40 persons are available within the library.
Art Collections
The University's permanent art collec- tion is made up primarily of gifts from interested art patrons, senior class pur- chases, and gifts from alumni. The Student Services Inc. (SSI) permanent art collection is on display in buildings throughout the campus. The SSI collec- tion consists of a number of important works, such as the watercolor, Andress Place, by Andrew Wyeth.
Historical Properties
Among a number of historical proper- ties that came to the University through the Chester County Cabinet of Natural Sciences, a scientific society of the early 19th century, are the Anthony Wayne Letters, which include letters to Wayne from George Washington, Benedict Arnold, and others. The University also owns a grandfather's clock that belonged to Benjamin Franklin and Anthony Wayne's telescope, both of which came from the Chester County Cabinet. The Chester County Cabinet and the West Chester Academy merged to form the nucleus of the present University.
Speech and Hearing Clinic
The Speech and Hearing Clinic is locat- ed at 201 Carter Drive (across Madack Street from the Bull Center parking lot). The clinic is operated by the Department of Communicative Disorders as a teaching and training facility for its undergraduate and gradu- ate students. The clinic provides diag- nostic and therapeutic services for per- sons with speech, language, and hear- ing problems. These services are pro- vided free of charge to West Chester University students, faculty, and staff, and to students enrolled at Cheyney University. A fee is charged to others who wish to use the services of the clinic.
Admission to West Chester University
West Chester University evaluates its applicants on the basis of scholarship, character, and potential for achieve- ment in the programs to which they apply. The University operates on a modified rolhng admissions policy, whereby applicants with the strongest academic credentials are given priority processing and notified as quickly as possible of their status. Other appli- cants are evaluated as their files become complete and may have final decisions deferred until later in the processing cycle, depending upon their individual academic profile. All decisions are com- municated to applicants in vmting. Qualified students of any age from all racial, religious, ethnic, and socio-eco- nomic backgrounds are welcome at West Chester. Studies may be pursued on a full- or part-time basis.
General Requirements for Admission of Freshmen
1 . Graduation, with satisfactory scholar- ship, from an approved secondary school or approval by the Credentials Evaluation Division of the Peimsylvania Department of Education.
2. Either a satisfactory score on the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1) of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) or satisfactory scores on the tests given in the American College Testing Program (ACT). Applicants who graduated from high school more than five years ago do not need to submit test scores.
How and When to Apply for Freshman Admission
For application materials please write or call the Office of Admissions, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383,610-436-3411.
Freshman applicants for the fall semes- ter are urged to begin the application process early in their senior year of high school, preferably by December 1, despite the recommended May 1 dead- line. Applicants for spring semester should complete an appUcation by October 1. However, if enrollment lim- its are met before these dates, admis- sions wdll be closed.
Candidates will receive notification from the director of admissions as soon as possible after decisions are reached.
Freshman applicants who are denied admission on the basis of academics will not be permitted to enroll through University College but wall be encour- aged to consider a junior or community college as an alternative.
Policy on Early Admission
In exceptional circumstances, students •with superior academic qualifications and unusually mature personal develop- ment are admitted as freshmen upon completing their junior year of secondary school. Students who, in the opinion of their guidance counselors, warrant con- sideration for early admission may obtain more information from the director of admissions. Early admission appUcations should be submitted in accordance with deadlines recommended for freshmen.
Arranging for Tests
Information about the SAT 1 and ACT may be obtained from high school guid- ance counselors. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that all required test scores are forwarded to the Office of Admissions.
Transfer Students
Individuals who have been enrolled in any postsecondary institution after graduation from high school and/or have attended West Chester University on a nondegree basis must apply as transfer students. Applicants whose secondary school credentials would not warrant admissions consideration as freshmen must complete the equivalent of one full academic year prior to attempting a transfer. A minimum cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.00 is required for transfer consid- eration. However, the University's modified rolling admissions policy gives priority to applicants with the strongest academic credentials. In addi- tion, some academic departments have established prerequisite course work and specific Grade Point Average requirements for admission. Specific information may be obtained from the
Office of Admissions.
Transfer applicants for the fall semester should begin the application process early in the preceding spring semester, despite the recommended May 1 dead- line. Spring semester appUcations should be completed by October 1. If enrollment limits are met before these dates, admissions will be closed.
Application Procedures for Students Transferring from an Accredited Institution
1. File an application, available from the Office of Admissions.
2. See that the director of admissions receives:
a. An official transcript from all insti- tutions attended. If preliminary (incomplete) transcripts are sub- mitted, the student must see that final transcripts are filed later.
b. Mid-term grades, if the student is currently enrolled elsewhere and is applying to West Chester for the following semester.
3. If a student has completed less than 30 semester hours of credit, he or she must supply SAT 1 or ACT scores and a high school transcript.
If a student is accepted, admission is contingent upon successful completion of current course work with at least a C average as documented by transcripts of all work attempted or completed.
Transfer students should read "Maintenance of Academic Standards" in the "Academic Policies and Procedures" section of this catalog.
Transcripts wdll be evaluated in accor- dance with the poUcies of the depart- ment to which the student seeks admission. After the student has been admitted, he or she should work out an acceptable program of study in close consultation with an adviser in the major department.
Transfer applicants who are denied admission on the basis of academics will not be permitted to enroll through University College wdthout the approval of the Office of Admissions. Such approval may be rendered in the event of extenuating circumstances and only
Admission to West Chester University
under certain agreed-upon conditions in accordance with University policy.
University Policies for Students Trans femng from a Nonaccredited Institution
Applicants from collegiate institutions (including community colleges and junior colleges) that are not accredited by one of the six regional associations in the United States will be considered for admission if the apphcant's cumula- tive index is 2.00 (C) or better.
The evaluation of courses listed on tran- scripts from an institution not accredited by one of the six regional associations will be made by the student's major department in consultation with the fac- ulty dean and transfer credit analyst. All evaluations are subject to review by the provost and academic vice president.
International Students
Students from foreign countries may be considered for degree admission if, in addition to satisfying the general requirements, they also demonstrate proficiency in English. Standardized test scores from one of the following must be submitted with the appUcation: Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT 1), or American College Test (ACT). Non-native English speakers are encouraged to submit the TOEFL; a minimum score of 550 is required.
International students are admitted only for the fall semester each year and applications must be submitted to the Office of Admissions by May 1. Accepted students must be able to veri- fy their ability to fully meet all educa- tional and living expenses before a U.S. Immigration Form (1-20) can be issued and admission to West Chester final- ized. Because of the amount of time it takes for a student visa to be secured, international appUcants are encouraged to complete the admissions process well in advance of the May 1 deadline.
Insurance Requirements for International Students
International students at West Chester University are required to carry ade- quate health and accident insurance. Insurance must be effective for all peri- ods of time the student has been autho- rized to be in the United States by an
immigration document issued by West Chester University.
Health and accident insurance policies must be purchased through a company that sells insurance in the United States. West Chester University has set minimum coverage standards which must be met by all insurance pohcies. Information about the minimum stan- dards are available at the Center for International Programs Office, 610-436-3515.
To assure compliance with the insiuance requirement, all international students must come to the Center for International Programs by September 15 of each acade- mic year. There students may obtain information as to the amount of insurance required and the means of obtaining cov- erage to meet the insurance requirement
Physical Examination Requirements
Applicants are not asked to submit a report of medical history until they have been accepted for admission and have committed to enroll. The form for the necessary health examination, which will be mailed to students, must be completed by a physician and returned to the University Health Center as soon as possible.
Students with Disabilities
West Chester University will make every effort to assure students with dis- abilities access to all classes required for their program of study and will endeav- or to remove all obstacles to a fulfilhng, comprehensive university experience.
Students should contact the Office of Services for Students with DisabiUties in Room 105 Lawrence Center to arrange suitable accommodations. Additional information can be obtained by calling 610-436-3416.
Second Baccalaureate Degree
An individual may pursue a second bac- calaureate degree at West Chester University after earning the first bacca- laureate degree either at West Chester or another institution. Such an individ- ual must apply for admission through the Office of Admissions as a transfer student.
Admission of College Graduates Seeking Certification
College graduates who wish to obtain teaching certification should consult with the Certification Office in the School of Education, 610-436-2426.
Readmission of Former Students
Students who have withdrawn from, or who for other reasons have not matric- ulated at. West Chester for two or more consecutive semesters are classified as "inactive" and must request an apphca- tion for readmission from the Office of Admissions. After an absence of only one semester, students wishing to return should contact the Office of the Registrar and their department advisers. Those who have attended any institu- tions of higher learning since leaving West Chester must request those insti- tutions to forward transcripts of their records to the Ofiice of Admissions, West Chester University, West Chester, PA 19383.
Readmitted students are bound by the requirements in the major, minor, and cognate areas at the time of readmis- sion, except where permission is grant- ed by the respective department.
Students intending to enroll in student teaching in the first semester of read- mission must file an appUcation for student teaching with the individual departments at least four months before their expected readmission. See also "Student Teaching" in the section enti- ded "Academic Affairs."
All readmission appUcations, including all supporting documents, are to be filed by August 1 for the fall semester and December 1 for the spring semester.
Office of Admissions Staff
Marsha Haug —