Student Experience

Get Involved / Participate

HRM students at WCU have several opportunities to expand their HRM Networks while enrolled and as alumni. Below are several of these opportunities:

  • West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is the official local Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) chapter which meets on WCU's campus. Other chapters are also available in our geographic area, including the Chester County Human Resources Association (CCHRA), which meets in Exton. Learn more about CCRHA and WCUHRA below.
  • WCU's HRM programs partner with The Greater Valley Forge Human Resource Association, Inc. (GVFHRA) is a non-profit, individual membership association for human resource management professionals. GVFHRA offers fantastic programming in the form of HRM professional development and networking opportunities throughout the year including their annual conference in the fall. WCU sponsors many of these events and our students, faculty, and alumni are highly engaged with this organization. Learn more about GVFHRA including how to become a member.
  • Alumni from WCU's HRM programs are invited to explore joining our HR Advisor Council, which provides guidance and insight to the faculty by helping them understand how to incorporate current HR issues into the curriculum, recommending ways to make our HR graduates marketable as job candidates, and identifying HR trends on the horizon. The council is comprised of HR professionals from a variety of industries in the area and meets at least twice per academic year. Interested alumni can contact the HRM department to learn more (hrm@wcupa.edu).

Student Groups

West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is a student-affiliated chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM. Student can learn more and explore joining the chapter.

Where do Our Current Students live?

Our online HRM program draws students from different walks of life from all over Pennsylvania, the U.S., and the global community. You will expand your professional network and gain perspectives from fellow students living across the globe.

map of where wcu students are from

What do students say about our program?

  • Dawn Bellamy-Hicks, SHRM-CP

    Dawn Bellamy-Hicks, SHRM-CP
    Director of Human Resources: Talent Acquisition, Recruiting & Retention
    BMS, LLC
    MS HRM Candidate

    I chose West Chester University’s MSHRM program due to its 100% online SHRM-aligned program and high cost-competitiveness to similar programs in the market. I can honestly say I made the right decision in selecting WCU. The course content has been on par with current HR trends and the professors have been nothing short of super supportive in creating a dynamic online learning environment.

  • Jena Gouger, SHRM-CP

    Jena Gouger, SHRM-CP
    Human Resource Business Partner
    ifm efector, inc.

    Earning my graduate degree has profoundly impacted both my professional career and personal life. The program equipped me with the skills to understand and contribute to high-level decision-making processes, aligning HR practices with overall business goals. Personally, the experience has boosted my confidence, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, enabling me to navigate complex challenges more effectively and make more informed decisions. This strategic perspective has not only enhanced my career prospects but also enriched my personal growth and development.

  • Lacey Layberger, MS, SHRM-CP

    Lacey Layberger, MS, SHRM-CP
    Compliance Coordinator
    Office of Human Resources
    West Chester University

    Receiving a master’s degree was a personal/professional goal of mine for 10+ years. The HR program at WCU made this possible because of its affordability and online programming. Building relationships with my professors helped me make connections with other professionals and organizations in my local community. During the MSHRM program, my professor introduced me to a foundation, where I became more involved since graduation, and I am now on their Governing Board.

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96%

Employed in a Career Orientated Job

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78k

Average
Annual Salary

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96%

Use Their HRM at Work

Our students come from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds. We're a mix of seasoned, advanced professionals and traditional students who have recently started their careers. We survey all of our new students and recent graduates. The statistics provided above reflect the latest information from our 2023-2024 surveys of our new students and our new alumni.

West Chester University Human Resource Association

West Chester University Human Resources Association (WCUHRA) is a student-affiliated chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management, or SHRM. The purpose of the WCUHRA is to provide opportunities for students interested in human resources to connect with other students and HR professionals in the region to learn more about the dynamic field of HR. The group promotes the exchange of work-related experience of established business professionals with the theoretical academic perspectives of student and faculty members through open forums and information exchanges.

WCUHRA Officers 2024-25
President: John Crouser
Vice President: Farhiya Muhidin

WCUHRA sponsors two meetings per semester that are open to all students. Membership is free to interested students. However, students who are serious about pursuing a career in HR are strongly encouraged to join the National SHRM as student members.

WCUHRA members can participate in the many HR activities throughout the year, including:

Participation in local SHRM chapter meetings
Networking opportunities
Scholarship opportunities
Resume workshops
Guest speakers

At a recent West Chester University Human Resource Association (WCUHRA) meeting, the organization welcomed Gretchen E. Adams, the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Tower Health located in Reading PA, as the guest speaker. Gretchen spoke about the field of human resources, the challenges of attracting and retaining employees especially with the low rate of unemployment, how to overcome the challenges of talent acquisition, and touched on some “hot” topics that human resources professionals are facing today such as the potential barriers of using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

SHRM Event Photo

From left to right: Joann Puccino, former WCUHRA President; Gretchen Adams, VP of Talent Acquisition, Tower Health; Heidi Lichty, WCU MS in HRM Student

To request more information, contact the WCU Human Resource Association today.