Support Resources

Welcome

Thank you for visiting the Center for Women & Gender Equity's support resources page. The collection of resources found below are intended to provide support to the WCU community. Please contact us using the chat box (located at the bottom-right of the screen) if you have any questions or email us at cwge@wcupa.edu. Thank you!

Quick Links

On Campus

Our campus offers three types of resources. Confidential and Privileged, Confidential, and Non-Confidential. Confidential and privileged resources will not report the incidents to the university. Confidential resources are resources that will not report the name of the survivor but are required to report basic information to the University. Non-Confidential resources are resources that are required to report incidents to the university. 

Off Campus 

While it is not necessary for you to report the incident, we encourage you to at least go to the hospital and get a rape kit done within 72 hours of the attack. A rape kit, firstly, preserves the evidence of the attack if you wish to press charges, but more importantly, the rape kit will ensure your vaginal health and safety. 

You will also be able to receive prescriptions for Plan B and sexually transmitted infection medicines, including HIV prevention medicine. It is imperative that you do not bathe yourself or get rid of or wash the clothes you were wearing when you were attacked, for that can destroy vital evidence. 

You do not have to do anything with the rape kit if you do not wish to do so. You do not have to press charges with the rape kit, and nothing will be done to begin the process of pressing charges without your consent. 

Tower Health Hospital in Phoenixville are the only places in the area where one can receive a rape kit procedure by a certified Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner ("SANE") nurse. If you are without transportation, transportation can be provided for you. A Crime Victims' Advocate can be arranged to meet you and assist you with the procedure. 

  • Reporting the Assault 
    • If the rape or sexual assault occurred on-campus: You can make a confidential report at Student Health Services or the Counseling Center.
    • If the rape or sexual assault occurred off-campus: You can make a confidential report at Student Health Services or the Counseling Center.
    • If you wish to formally report the assault you need to go to the police station in the town/borough of where the assault happened.
    • The campus Sexual Misconduct Policy can provide more information about what happens after you report.

Important Resources

  • 1 in 6: The mission of 1in 6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives
  • Male Survivor: Male Survivor is an online community which provides resources and support for men who were sexually victimized as children, adolescents, or adults
  • The Crime Victims' Center of Chester County: Provides a variety of survivor services and a 24-hour hotlines of support for those who either:
    • Were attacked in Chester County, or
    • Reside in Chester County (this includes university students)
      • The sexual assault/rape hotline is 610-692-7273

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If you or someone you know is in a situation of possible sexual harassment or where you think you are being treated unfairly because of your gender, you can get informal support or help with how to handle the problem from the following campus resources: 

Academic Resources

Visit University College to learn more about academic support services available for students on campus. The resources on this page include: the Learning Assistance & Resource Center, Office of Educational Accessibility, and ROTC. Additional academic resources include: The Writing Center, Academic Success Program, Success Coaching, and the Ram Initiative.

Additional academic resources include: The Writing Center, Academic Success Program, Success Coaching, and the Ram Initiative.

Technology Support 

How-To Videos:

Additional Identity Support Resources

COVID-19 Resources

Non-Traditional Students

A non-traditional student is any person over the age of 24 who is attending college for the first time or returning after an extended absence. Unlike traditional students who enter college immediately after high school, non-traditional students often work full or part-time, are married or partnered, and/or care for children or elderly parents. As a result of their additional life responsibilities and period of absence from the classroom, non-traditional students often need access to additional support and services.

  • New Student Programs
    • They provide a special August orientation for adult learners, helping non-traditional students prepare for their academic career at WCU
    • Adult Learners entering in the spring semester can schedule an appointment to get assistance in their transition to WCU
    • Special Services for veteran students
    • Contact information: (610) 436-3305 or orientation@wcupa.edu

Off Campus Resources

  • Delaware County Community College
    • Offers low-cost online classes in Microsoft Word and Excel
    • Offers various one-day training programs in Microsoft Office applications
  • The Exton Branch of the Chester County Library
    • Offers free computer training courses in basics, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Powerpoint
    • Click on "find an event" and select "computer adult"
    • Registration usually begins a month or so in advance

Pregnant Students

The Center for Women Gender Equity staff is prepared to provide you with unbiased information on all of your options: adoption, abortion, or keeping the baby. After you make your decision, we will get you in contact with trained professionals to take your decision to the next step. Whatever you decide, the CWGE is here to support you every step of the way.

Adoption

  • Adoptions from the Heart
    • Offer both open and closed adoptions
    • Work with the biological mother to ensure that every detail about the adoption is met to her satisfaction
    • Offer all of their services, including medical care, legal assistance, and supportive counseling, free of charge

Abortion

There are two forms of abortion:

  1. The Abortion Pill
    • Not to be confused with the morning-after pill or Plan B
    • The abortion pill can be taken up to 9 weeks after your last menstrual period
    • If any longer, one must have an in-clinic abortion
  2. The In-Clinic Abortion
    • In-clinic abortions are offered up to 13.5 weeks after your last menstrual period

Your gynecologist may offer these services. However, if you wish to keep your pregnancy private, or if you do not have health insurance, Planned Parenthood is an option. They offer their services on a sliding scale, meaning that you are charged for the services based on your income.

Students with Disabilities

The CWGE is dedicated to assisting all students. We hope that these local and national resources may be of assistance to students with disabilities.

On-Campus Resources

  • Learning and Assistance Resource Center (LARC)
    • West Chester University's learning support program, housed within the University College, that provides tutoring, standardized test review, and workshops
  • Office of Educational Accessibility (OEA)
    • West Chester University's main source of support for students with learning and physical disabilities housed within the Undergraduate Studies and Student Support Services (USSS), providing a range of support services based upon students' individual needs

Veterans

On-Campus Resources

Off-Campus Resources