Financial Aid and Scholarships

You have made the commitment to invest in your future, and we are making a commitment to help you. Our Financial Aid O ce provides assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) whenever you need it, but it is important to apply early.

Step 1:

Request, Retrieve or Reset Your FSA ID

Request, retrieve or reset your (and your parents’, if you’re a dependent) Federal Student Aid FSA ID at studentaid.gov.

Your FSA ID lets you “sign” your online FAFSA, access and make corrections to your application information, and more – so keep it safe.

Be sure to include “Pennsylvania Western University” and our school code “003316” on the selection summary tab.

Step 2:

Submit Your FAFSA

Submit your FAFSA online at studentaid.gov. FAFSA applications open Oct. 1. The recommended deadline date is March 1 each year to ensure eligibility for state grants as well as campus and endowed funding.*

Step 3:

Review Scholarship Opportunities

If you have a GPA of at least 3.0, you could be eligible for a scholarship. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, a liations with various groups, or career aspirations, so be sure to explore your options at calu.edu/scholarships

Step 4:

Watch for Award Notification “Request for Verification Information”

Accepted students will receive financial aid award o ers via email. Emails will be sent to both your PennWest.edu and the personal email account that is included in your application. In addition, a link to the award o er will be sent via text message to the cell phone on file.

Learn more about accepting aid at PennWest.edu/tuition-and-aid

* PA residents must file by May 1 to be considered for Pennsylvania State Grant funds.

New Student Orientation

Experience all that PennWest has to o er.

At your New Student Orientation session, you and your family will really get a sense of what it will be like for you to attend PennWest California.

Here’s What You Can Expect:

• Confirm your schedule

• Explore aspects of campus that may include:

- Financial aid and student accounts

- Academic success

- Clubs and organizations

- Housing and campus life

- Meal plans

- Health services

- Parent/family sessions

- Other basics of campus life

• Get to know other incoming students, our student ambassadors and some of our sta

Register for New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Register at calu.edu/nso

Students must pay their deposits in order to register for orientation and to receive their schedule.

There’s college life. And then there’s PennWest life. While you get comfortable on campus, get to know some of the traditions and favorites that make our campus home. Join the fun during Welcome Weekend, including the traditional New Student Convocation and Candle Lighting Ceremony, and stay for the fireworks following the ceremonies.

Campus Traditions

The Big Event

Each spring, Student Government sponsors The Big Event so students can show their appreciation to the California community with a day of service. The program provides local residents with help washing windows, painting and completing other needed work.

Underground Café

Perhaps best known for its weekly open mic night every Thursday at 9 p.m., Underground Café is a student organization that hosts special events and performances throughout the year, from a Homecoming celebration to hip-hop nights and food drives.

Blaze the Vulcan

PennWest California’s mascot, Blaze the Vulcan, embodies the university’s pride. Don’t miss him during football games, when he hits our steel beam with his hammer in celebration of every point scored.

PennWest Resources

Tuition and Aid: PennWest.edu/tuition-and-aid

IT Services: itservices.pennwest.edu

Academic Resources: PennWest.edu/academics/academic-resources

O ce of Military and Veterans A airs: Philomena Gill, Executive Director Student Outreach and Success 814-732-1265, pgill@pennwest.edu

O ce for Students with Disabilities: Dr. John D. Massella, Director, massella@pennwest.edu

Carter Hall, Ground Floor, Room G35

Transfer questions: transfer@pennwest.edu

O ce of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion: Sheleta Camarda-Webb; South Hall, Rooms 108/112 camardawebb@pennwest.edu; 724-938-5758

Engage for student organizations and events: engage.pennwest.edu/events

Housing: housing@calu.edu or 724-938-4444

Global Online: online.pennwest.edu