34 Interesting Facts about West Chester University

Dan April 14, 2023

West Chester University is a public university located in West Chester, Pennsylvania. It was founded in 1871 as a teacher’s college and has since grown to offer over 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate programs. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

West Chester University has a diverse student body, with over 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 31 states and 74 countries. The university offers a range of academic programs across its five colleges, including the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and Public Management, the College of Education and Social Work, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

The university’s campus spans over 400 acres and includes over 70 buildings, including academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. The campus is home to a range of cultural and athletic events, including performances at the Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall and sporting events at the John A. Farrell Stadium.

West Chester University is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental awareness. The university has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including a green roof on the library building, a geothermal system for heating and cooling, and a bike-sharing program for students.

If you are interested to know more about West Chester University, I’m sure that it’s a good idea to look at these 34 interesting facts about West Chester University.

1. West Chester University was founded in 1871 as West Chester Normal School, a teacher’s college.
2. It became a state college in 1960 and a university in 1983.
3. The university is located in West Chester, Pennsylvania, approximately 25 miles west of Philadelphia.
4. The campus spans over 400 acres and includes over 70 buildings.
5. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
6. The university is the largest of the 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
7. West Chester University has over 14,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
8. The university has five colleges: the College of Arts and Humanities, the College of Business and Public Management, the College of Education and Social Work, the College of Health Sciences, and the College of Sciences and Mathematics.
9. The university offers over 118 undergraduate and 103 graduate programs.
10. The university has a diverse student body, with students from 31 states and 74 countries.
11. West Chester University is designated as a “Best Northeastern College” by The Princeton Review.
12. The university is consistently ranked as one of the top public regional universities in the north by U.S. News & World Report.
13. The Emilie K. Asplundh Concert Hall is a state-of-the-art performance venue on campus that hosts a range of cultural events.
14. The John A. Farrell Stadium is a 7,000-seat stadium that hosts sporting events, including football and lacrosse.
15. The university has a strong athletic program with 24 varsity sports teams.
16. The university has won 29 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) championships since 2010.
17. The university’s mascot is a golden ram named “Rammy”.
18. The university’s colors are purple and gold.
19. The university has a thriving Greek life, with over 20 fraternities and sororities on campus.
20. The university has a marching band, a jazz band, and a choir.
21. The university has a student-run newspaper called The Quad.
22. The university has a strong tradition of community service and volunteerism.
23. The university’s Office of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs connects students with local organizations to promote civic engagement.
24. The university has a Center for Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility that offers a range of community-based learning opportunities.
25. The university is committed to sustainability and has implemented numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.
26. The library building has a green roof, which helps reduce energy costs and provides a habitat for birds and insects.
27. The university has a geothermal system for heating and cooling, which reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
28. The university has a bike-sharing program for students, which promotes sustainable transportation.
29. The university has a food pantry for students who experience food insecurity.
30. The university has a Multicultural Center that offers programs and resources to support diversity and inclusion on campus.
31. The university has a Women’s Center that provides support and resources to female students.
32. The university has an Office of International Programs that offers study abroad opportunities and resources for international students.
33. The university has a Career Development Center that offers career counseling, job search assistance, and other resources to students and alumni.
34. The university has a Center for Entrepreneurial Studies that offers resources and support for students who are interested in starting their own businesses.

West Chester University is a dynamic and diverse institution that offers a wide range of educational, cultural, and extracurricular opportunities for students. With a strong commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and sustainability, West Chester University prepares students for success in their chosen fields and for leadership roles in their communities. Whether students are interested in pursuing a career in the arts, business, education, health sciences, or any other field, West Chester University provides the resources, support, and expertise needed to achieve their goals. With a vibrant campus life, a supportive community, and a rich tradition of excellence, West Chester University is an ideal place to learn, grow, and succeed.