Exploring the Features and Initiatives at West Chester University
West Chester University (WCU), the largest member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, offers a multitude of resources and initiatives for its diverse student body and faculty. Founded in 1871, the comprehensive public institution provides over 180 academic opportunities across undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels. This article delves into various aspects of WCU, from its technological advancements and identity management roadmap to its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and student success.
Academic Structure and Recognition
WCU comprises six colleges and two schools: University College, Colleges of Arts and Humanities, Business and Public Management, Education and Social Work, Health Sciences, and the Sciences and Mathematics, as well as the Wells School of Music, and the Graduate School. The university has a consistent presence on both Money magazine’s “The Best Colleges in America” list and America’s Top Colleges list by Forbes, highlighting its commitment to academic excellence. Programs are offered not only on the main campus in West Chester but also through its graduate center, the campus in Philadelphia, and online, expanding access to education.
Technological Advancements and D2L Brightspace
West Chester University is dedicated to integrating best practices in trending platforms such as Office365, OneDrive, D2L, and RamCloud. D2L Brightspace is a key component of the university's technology infrastructure.
D2L Brightspace at PNW BOCES
Putnam Northern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services (PNW BOCES) accelerated the launch of remote professional learning options for over 1,000 teachers in New York State using D2L Brightspace when the pandemic hit. Prior to COVID-19, PNW BOCES conducted its professional learning activities in person. The shift to remote learning was accelerated with Brightspace.
John Boniello, director and systems change facilitator, noted that they had developed excellent courses but lacked a suitable platform to house them. David Jacob, regional science coordinator, mentioned that they provide professional learning for the Science 21 curriculum for teachers from K through to five. The tools they used were adequate individually, but confusing when used together. Jennifer Harriton-Wilson saw a demo of Brightspace and felt that it was exactly what they needed.
Read also: GPA Needed for West Chester
Boniello added that Brightspace customer service has been flexible, responsive, and willing to work with them. Nancy Pisciotti, senior office assistant for Science 21, explained that Brightspace brings everything together, hosting videos, materials, manuals, and Zoom links for sessions. Brightspace features provide a user experience that works on any device-PC, Mac, or mobile.
Users have praised Brightspace for being cleaner, with fewer button clicks, and easier to use compared to previous tools. The professional learning team finds their courses dramatically easier to administrate. Jacob noted that they can make one change in their fourth-grade course and instantly have it reflected for all 19 cohorts of fourth-grade teachers.
Boniello emphasized that the flipped classroom approach is about changing practice and applying what has been learned. Remote learning empowers PNW BOCES to reach more teachers across the region. Jacob concluded that they can now reach anyone in New York and beyond.
User-Friendliness of Brightspace
Brightspace has been recognized as the easiest-to-use Learning Management System (LMS) according to G2. The platform is designed to facilitate the creation of learning experiences that connect with users. One user, after four years as a Brightspace advocate, reported impacting over 100,000 students’ lives. The support provided was excellent, with comprehensive training to understand the full potential of the platform.
Identity and Access Management (IAM) Roadmap
West Chester University engaged with the Collaboration Success Program (CSP) to develop an identity and access management (IAM) roadmap. A primary goal was to shift towards a unified identity system while minimizing disruptions to operations and user experiences. WCU faces challenges arising from separate accounts for students and employees, which leads to difficulties during account transitions.
Read also: Navigating the WCU Academic Year
The university is actively progressing toward the realization of its vision and is set to launch a “future state” IAM system. At this juncture, the data sourcing process will no longer be conducted within PeopleSoft. Alterations in business processes and technological advancements will be pivotal in attaining the envisioned end state. These modifications encompass shifts in student statuses and the management of their accounts throughout their academic journey, both before and after graduation. Additionally, the onboarding and offboarding of employees will be governed by an HR system.
The WCU team appreciates the feedback, guidance, and best practices shared by the leaders and participants of the CSP. The CSP program has played a pivotal role in helping WCU modernize its Identity roadmap, and the university is well on its way to implementing its IAM solution, scheduled to go live.
JT Singh, WCU’s CIO/Sr., emphasized the importance of avoiding assumptions and being precise in requirement gathering. He also noted the necessity of being open to change during the implementation process. The project team has already begun work to support the Banner General Person Go-Live, one of the initial modules launched at the university. WCU also plans to integrate three ERP systems - PeopleSoft, SAP, and Banner.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
West Chester University is committed to the advancement of human rights through thoughtful public dialogue. The university strives to create a campus environment where trans and queer people feel supported and validated. Individuals interested in multicultural issues on campus are encouraged to join relevant initiatives.
The university provides both indirect and direct support to foster an inclusive environment. It also offers a calendar that includes events from various departments on campus, updated each semester, to promote awareness and engagement in diversity-related activities.
Read also: Career Paths at West Shore Educational Service District
Support for Women and Gender Equity
West Chester University, in partnership with the Center for Women and Gender Equity, offers programs and services aimed at ensuring safety for women on campus and promoting their success through co-curricular programs and services.
Campus Climate Discussions
West Chester University provides a basis during the academic year to discuss campus climate issues. These discussions are conducted by individuals representing various areas and through a nomination-based process. The university also hosts networking activities to facilitate dialogue and collaboration.
Training and Resources
West Chester University provides access to a library of high-quality training videos and tutorials dedicated to specific skills, subject areas, and software. This resource supports students, faculty, and staff in developing their technological proficiency and ensuring compliance with university policies.
tags: #d2l #West #Chester #University #features
