PennWest Edinboro Parent and Family Guide 2023-2024

From the President

WELCOME TO OUR PENNWEST FAMILY.

This is an important time in your child’s life. And you have chosen PennWest Edinboro at an exciting time, as Pennsylvania Western University continues to grow.

This guide will provide you with a variety of helpful resources so you can continue to support your new PennWest Edinboro student.

Our campus community is committed to helping your student be successful. This guide will help you continue to be an important source of support in their pursuit of a college degree.

I wish your family all the best,

R. Lorraine Bernotsky, D.Phil Acting President Pennsylvania Western University

Resources for Student Success

STUDENT OUTREACH AND SUCCESS

The Office of Student Outreach and Success oversees several academic support services on campus. They provide students with the learning resources they need to achieve personal and academic goals.

Office of Student Outreach and Success

724-938-1523

studentsuccess@pennwest.edu

PLACEMENT TESTING

Appropriate course placement is important to student success. Depending on the placement assessment criteria for PennWest, freshmen and transfer students may need placement assessments in math and writing. The assessments are offered online and free of charge.  Placement assessments for new and current students are offered throughout the year. The center also offers tests for students who wish to obtain college credits in English, business, math, social sciences, and natural sciences. Information for CLEP and DSST Programs is available on our website.

Center for Testing

724-938-5779

pizer@pennwest.edu

PEER MENTORING PROGRAM

Through PennWest’s Peer Mentoring Program, your student will be matched with a volunteer peer mentor who is a current student that understands what it’s like to be a freshman or transfer student new to campus. The program offers guidance, encouragement, and friendship. Peer mentors provide a wealth of knowledge on academics and campus life, including campus resources, student clubs, excellent study locations, and how to get around during their first year. That way, your student will be more confident and prepared to make the most of their time here.

The Peer Mentoring Program is currently only offered for select majors, so your student should contact our office if interested in learning more.

Peer Mentoring Program

724-938-1682

mentoring@pennwest.edu

SUCCESS COACHING

Our Success Coaches are here to offer students the opportunity to become engaged and competent learners by providing a path to develop and strengthen important academic skills. We proudly provide a wide range of student support services, one-on-one training, workshops and academic resources that can be tailored to meet individual student needs. Students can make an appointment or walk-in during posted office hours.

Success Coaching

724-938-1523

successcoaching@pennwest.edu

Ross Hall

TUTORING AND WRITING SUPPORT

Students can access free peer tutoring and writing support at PennWest Edinboro. Currently, peer tutoring is located within each academic department (check Starfish for location), and writing support is located in 221 Alexander Music Hall. Face-to-face and Zoom appointments for tutoring and writing support can be scheduled via Starfish, and walk-ins are accepted when available.

Tutoring and Writing Support

814-393-1638

kvickers@pennwest.edu

OFFICE FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (OSD)

PennWest Edinboro welcomes otherwise qualified students with disabilities. The university recognizes its responsibility to these students as guided by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended. Reasonable accommodations that maintain fundamental university standards are available to ensure access and participation. Requests for accommodations should be submitted to OSD and must adhere to established OSD accommodation procedures.

Office for Students with Disabilities

814-732-2462

osd-edn@pennwest.edu

Crawford Center

International Programming and Study Away

STUDY ABROAD

The first step for any PennWest Edinboro student who is interested in a study abroad experience is to contact the Global Education Office. The Global Education Office assists students by providing individualized guidance in planning their experience based on multiple factors such as destination, academic goals, length of time, etc. Study abroad experiences can range from a short-term faculty-led experience (one to five weeks) or a semester or year independent abroad experience. Interested students can contact the office with the contact information below.

Global Education

814-732-2770

globaled-edn@pennwest.edu

Ross Hall (temporary location)

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

PennWest Edinboro is pleased to have students from all over the world studying in northwest Pennsylvania. This student population brings global diversity to our campus and community. We benefit from the international students as they provide the campus community the opportunity to learn about other cultures. The Global Education Office is responsible for the recruitment, matriculation and retention of this student group. The office is available to the international student in all capacities: immigration matters, academic and personal support, orientation and acclimation to the USA and university life.

International Students

814-732-2770

globaled-edn@pennwest.edu

Ross Hall (temporary location)

Enhanced Academic Opportunities

HONORS PROGRAM

Built on a foundation of research, opportunity, and community, the Honors Program offers students the chance to challenge themselves, discover, and excel. Honors students live, study, and socialize together. They take a group of core small-enrollment general education courses led by some of the university’s finest faculty. Working with faculty mentors, honors students also conduct independent research and creative projects. Honors students travel to share their research at conferences and pursue experiential learning programs in locations across the region and around the world. Upon completing the Honors Program,

students earn a medallion to be worn at Commencement and a notation on their transcript and diploma. Be sure to connect with the Honors Program on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Honors Program

724-938-4535

honors-edn@pennwest.edu

Butterfield Hall

Career Resources

CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Did you know the PennWest Career Center can help you gain a professional advantage? Learn how to explore, prepare, and apply your skills.

The Center for Career and Professional Development (CCPD) is dedicated to assisting students to gain a professional advantage and become career ready during their time at PennWest University. We offer important guidance and career resources which are accessible 24/7 at career.pennwest.edu.

Each student also has a career coach who can help students:

• Explore majors and careers

• View on-campus jobs/graduate assistantships

• Learn internship and job search strategies

• Develop resumes and cover letters

• Prepare for interviews and career fairs

• Research and apply to graduate programs

• Connect with employers looking to hire PennWest graduates

Center for Career and Professional Development

814-393-2323

career@pennwest.edu

166 Ross Hall

THE INTERNSHIP CENTER

Internships give students the opportunity to “test-drive” careers, gain valuable professional skills, build their resumes, develop their network, and gain an edge in the job market. An internship can help students decide on a career path and increases their chances of landing a fulltime job after graduation. The Internship Center assists students at all PennWest locations with finding an internship that fits their major and interests and is the central resource for students to learn about the internship process.

Students participate in internships locally, across the country, and worldwide. Organizations where students have interned include: Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquarium, Ensinger, Carnegie Natural History Museum, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, 84 Lumber, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Baltimore Ravens, EY, PNC U.S. Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, UPS, and the National Security Agency.

PennWest University also partners with The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars in Washington, D.C., which places interns in agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, S&P Global, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Public Defender Service for D.C.

Internship Center

724-938-1578

internship@pennwest.edu

Money Matters

OFFICE OF STUDENT ACCOUNTS

The Student Accounts Office handles billing for tuition, housing, and fees and allows students and parents to stay on top of billing matters. Student accounts are billed each semester, and payments are due approximately two weeks after the initial bill is issued. All statements are issued electronically and may be viewed online.

Students may designate another individual as an “authorized user.” Once an authorized user has been set up, that individual must complete the registration in order to have online access to the student’s billing statements.

Students and authorized users may make payments online using a credit card or electronic check. All tuition

balances are due in full by the due date unless the student enrolls in an authorized payment plan. Accounts that are not paid in full by the due date, or not enrolled in a payment plan, will be subject to a $100 late payment fee assessment per term. PennWest Edinboro requests direct deposit for any credit balances on a student account.

Office of Student Accounts

814-732-3502

studentaccounts@pennwest.edu

Hamilton Hall

FINANCIAL AID OFFICE

Your student’s education is one of the most important investments your family will ever make but paying for college can seem overwhelming. The Financial Aid Office is here to help. Financial aid is designed to supplement your family’s resources so that your student will be able to fulfill the dream of a college education.

For financial aid application steps and additional information, please visit pennwest.edu/tuition-and-aid.

Financial Aid Office

814-732-1968

financialaid@pennwest.edu

Hamilton Hall

IDENTIFICATION CARD OFFICE

The ID cards are part of a smart card system, which allow students to access the automated teller machines throughout campus and within the town of Edinboro. These cards provide an easy payment method for a host of offerings including on-campus dining locations, library resources, residence halls, and the fitness center.

Student ID Office

814-732-2635

Lawrence Towers

BANKING/FINANCIAL SERVICES

On campus financial services are offered to students and their families through PSECU (Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union). PSECU offers many financial education presentations on campus and has a dedicated learning platform that is available to members and non-members at psecu.com/learn. PSECU ATMs are located at the Pogue Student Center, Ross Hall, and McComb Fieldhouse.

Throughout the semester, the PSECU campus manager is available in the PSECU Financial Education Center to assist students with account questions and instruction. A PSECU account is here for you and your student during college, after graduation, and for life!

Additional information and membership application can be found at psecu.com/students

PSECU Financial Education Center bchaffee@psecu.com

Pogue Student Center

Health and Safety

HEALTH SERVICES

Health Services provides the highestquality episodic patient care paying special attention to the needs of college students. Additionally, Health Services support and enhances education and increases retention by modifying or removing health-related barriers to learning and by promoting optimal wellness.

Health Services is staffed by a medical director, a certified registered nurse practitioner, and registered nurses. Health Services provides quality health care for students and first aid for all members of the campus community. Healthcare professionals can direct

students to other healthcare providers, work with special populations to address their specific needs, and develop and deliver health and wellness education programs.

Walk-ins are welcome, and telehealth or face-to-face visits are available by appointment. Students requiring services outside the scope of practice are referred to off-campus healthcare providers who will bill a student’s private health insurance for services.

Health Services

814-732-2743

healthcenter-edn@pennwest.edu

McNerney Hall, 1st floor

COUNSELING SERVICES

Counseling Services offers professional and confidential counseling for developmental, educational, and future goals. Counseling creates an opportunity for a student to address personal, social, and/or emotional concerns, and to enhance a successful university experience. Counseling Services are free to enrolled PennWest students and are available when classes are in session during the fall and spring semesters and are closed during scheduled breaks and over the summer.

Counseling Services strives to facilitate the total development of students by reducing psychological problems and distress and by enhancing mental health, well-being, quality of life, and supporting aspirations for optimal functioning. Our primary focus is on providing brief, strengths-based, confidential counseling aimed at helping students succeed academically and interpersonally. Clinical services include initial intake assessment, brief counseling, group counseling, and/or referral to other resources where appropriate. Additionally, Student Support Assistants provide a wide array

of resources and support to students who may be struggling with mental and/or physical health, academics, relationship issues, interpersonal conflict, and more. Student Support Assistants help students get connected to resources on campus that can help them overcome obstacles and succeed.

Counseling Services

814-732-2252

studentwellness-cal@pennwest.edu

McNerney Hall, 1st floor

ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUG EDUCATION

Wellness Services provide students with information and resources that they may use for programming, educational purposes, or personal use. Free materials are available for all students that cover a wide variety of topics, ranging from mental health to healthyeating habits.

Wellness Services also support Alcohol and Other Drug Education programs such as BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students) and CASICS (Cannabis Screening and Intervention for College Students).

BASICS and CASICS are the nationally recognized alcohol and marijuana education programs utilized on each PennWest campus. These programs form a comprehensive strategy to improve well-being; reduce underage drinking and other drug abuse among students and promote the ideals of safety and wellness to all students.

Alcohol and Other Drug Education studentwellness-cal@pennwest.edu

Students experiencing an emergency medical condition or crisis situation outside of normal operational hours are to contact the university Police at 814-732-2911 or 911.

CAMPUS POLICE

PennWest is committed to the safety and security of all students, staff, faculty and visitors. Officers maintain high visibility on the campus while performing their duties, as well as maintaining active involvement in student life by providing safety and prevention programs.

If serious issues affecting public safety should arise, known facts will be communicated immediately. Information will be released through a variety of channels, such as the website, campus email, text alerts and the university hotline. university Police suggest that incoming students program the university Police Department’s emergency phone number into their cell phones (814-732-2911) as well as sign up for the campus-wide emergency alert system.

PennWest Edinboro Police

814-732-2921 (information line)

814-732-2911 (emergency line)

911 Scotland Road

EU SHIELD TEXT ALERTS

EU Shield is the mass-communication program that PennWest Edinboro uses to communicate with students, faculty, staff, family and friends in case of emergencies. The app is free and available to all at Google Play and the Apple App Store. The text service is completely voluntary. You may opt out at any time. You are responsible for messaging charges by your service provider.

Information Technology Services

TECHNOLOGY HELP CENTER

Our Technology Help Center is provided to assist students with their technology needs including computer lab support, wireless configuration, assistance with virus protection and security for your computer, and residence hall technology services. Self-help tools are available to all students on our website.

Technology Help Center

814-732-2111

techsupport@pennwest.edu

Ross Hall

COMPUTING LABS

Students can access 51 computer labs with a variety of hardware, software, and printing capabilities. Several academic departments operate their own computer labs in conjunction with Information Technology Services. All computer labs are connected to the campus network and the Internet. Popular labs are located in the Pogue Student Center, Baron-Forness Library and the Highlands complex.

Parking and Transportation

PARKING PERMITS

Parking enforcement is among the many responsibilities of the police. Parking on campus is by decal or temporary permit that is available at the Police Department. A valid vehicle registration and student ID card must be presented when applying for a parking decal. Students pay a fee for a parking decal. For more information about parking on campus, students should contact university Police or visit My.PennWest.edu

Parking Permits

814-732-2921

BUS AND SHUTTLE SERVICE

PennWest Edinboro’s shuttle operates during fall, spring and winter semesters when classes are in session. With three different shuttles running all day, our students always have a ride to class. In addition to on-campus service, the Edinboro Express also provides service to the Edinboro Walmart and Erie’s Millcreek Mall. All students, faculty and employees may ride the Edinboro Express or any of the other “e” routes for free by simply showing their university issued ID card.

University Housing/Dining Services

RESIDENCE LIFE AND HOUSING

Campus living provides students with enhanced opportunities to engage with other students, develop new friendships and enjoy a strong sense of community. All new undergraduate freshmen will be required to live on campus for their first four semesters. Students living on the PennWest Edinboro campus will see and hear the phrase “BORO Living,” or in long form “Building Opportunities for Residents On-campus.” The mission of Residence Life and Housing is to provide quality residential services that complement the mission of PennWest. All residences feature study lounges, kitchen facilities and on-site laundry, as well as cable TV, wireless internet and other amenities.

To be sure we can review requested housing accommodations, students with disabilities should have OSD paperwork submitted by June 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester.

Residence Life and Housing

814-732-2818

bororeslife@pennwest.edu

Pogue Student Center, 2nd floor

DINING SERVICES

The goal of University Dining Services is to provide a quality, cost-effective, innovative dining program for students living on and off campus. PennWest encourages student involvement and awareness to help provide quality, nutritious meals at a reasonable cost. Dining locations provide an important environment for student interaction and socialization. Students living in a residence hall, as well as commuters, may choose from a variety of meal plans. All students who live in a university residence hall must participate in the meal plan program. Students who do not have meal plans or flex dollars may use alternate payment on campus.

Dining Services

814-732-1494

PENNWEST PANTRY

The PennWest Pantry assists students by providing food, academic supplies and personal hygiene items, so they can continue on the path toward graduation. Supported by our generous donors, the campus-based food pantry, located in Pogue Student Center and Ghering Health and Wellness Center, helps to meet students’ basic needs with compassion and discretion. We recognize that even ambitious, hardworking college students sometimes need a helping hand. Students can place an order for the PennWest Pantry at each campus by visiting the Pantry site, under student quick links at My.PennWest.edu.

PennWest Pantry

814-732-2768

pennwestpantry@pennwest.edu

Commuter and Non-Traditional Students

Traveling back and forth to campus can add unique challenges as well as opportunities to a commuting student’s collegiate experience. Commuter and Non-Traditional Student Services helps connect all commuting students with campus departments and services and provides resources, programs, and information to meet their needs. We encourage commuter students to use the Engage platform (CORQ app) to find events and opportunities to get involved.

Students who drive to campus from their permanent address constitute our commuter student population. Commuter students are reminded to register their vehicles with the university Police. This allows commuter students to park in designated parking lots on campus. Commuter students are encouraged to register for the campus emergency notifications that are available to all students and staff.

Commuter Services

814-732-2768

Pogue Student Center

Veteran and Military Success

Veterans at PennWest Edinboro can take advantage of their experience through transfer credits, life experience and military service. Dedicated staff can support this population with navigating the GI Bill®, obtaining tuition assistance and transitioning from military life to higher education. They also help connect students with the different services and opportunities.

Office of Military and Veteran Success

814-732-1568

Crawford Center

ROTC

Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) provides leadership training to students in all majors for success in any career field. ROTC trains the future leaders of our communities, businesses, and the United States Army. There are scholarships and guaranteed employment opportunities for those who become Army officers in the Reserve, National Guard or active duty.

ROTC

814-732-2562

Hendricks Hall

Student Activities and Leadership

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

PennWest Edinboro students are encouraged to get involved and put their leadership skills into practice. The university offers more than 100 clubs and organizations devoted to academic interests, the arts, fraternity and sorority life, faith and religion, politics, volunteering, sports and recreation, and more. Students can explore options on the Engage Platform or CORQ app.

Leadership training is available to every student. Organizations such as Student Government Association and the Student Activities Board give students real-life leadership opportunities.

Visit engage.pennwest.edu

814-732-2768

campuslife@pennwest.edu

PRESIDENT’S LEADERSHIP ACADEMY

Our student leaders bring life to our campuses and spend so much time and effort creating the kind of welcoming environment that exemplifies a community of belonging. The President’s Leadership Academy offers our key student leaders the opportunity to grow their leadership skills in a way that not only benefits our campuses, but will support them on their personal growth journey long after they graduate. Students who are members of groups such as Student Government, non-majority/minority student organizations, student athlete advisory council and many others, are invited to be party of this year long voyage. They attend sessions presented by many university leaders including faculty members, staff, and administrators on important topics such as diversity, equity and inclusion, civility, communication, energy and time management, developing mentors, conflict resolution and so much more.

President’s Leadership Academy

814-393-1918

szerfoss@pennwest.edu

New Student Events

WELCOME WEEKEND

Welcome Weekend, which begins on move-in day, provides first-year students the opportunity to meet new friends and explore campus before classes begin. Stay tuned for more information about Welcome Weekend events. Visit pennwest.edu/welcome for a full schedule.

FAMILY WEEKEND

Family Weekend will take place in the Spring of 2024. For more details and a schedule of events, visit pennwest.edu/familyweekend.

Privacy Information and FERPA

FAMILY EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVACY ACT (FERPA)

FERPA is a federal law that protects college students’ privacy and grants them the exclusive right to view and share their education records, such as grades, billing statements, financial aid packages, and class schedules. Under the federal law, colleges and universities may not disclose education records to anyone other than the student without consent. PennWest has a secure, online solution that enables students to make

choices regarding access to such information. Because students’ rights are protected under FERPA, a student may restrict the information a parent or guest is able to access, and the student may revoke access at any time. More detailed information on FERPA can be found on our website.

My.PennWest.edu/registrar/ferpa

PROXY ACCESS

Proxy Access is the exclusive means by which a student can establish FERPA permissions for parents or guests to be granted direct access to their student’s financial, billing, or academic records. Proxy Access offers parents and other trusted individuals a secure and convenient means for viewing student information.

Registration for Proxy Access must be initiated by a student. More information can be found on our website. Parents and guests with FERPA Proxy Access should be mindful of their “passphrase,” a special word or phrase chosen by the student for parents and trusted individuals to use for identity verification when contacting the university with questions about student records.

Note: Parents and guests may make student account payments through Touchnet, a separate platform for billpay. Registration for Touchnet is done separately from FERPA Proxy Access.

Proxy Access (Registrar’s Office)

814-732-2130

registrar@pennwest.edu

Hamilton Hall

Parent/Family Engagement

In some ways, when children go off to college, their parents and families do, too. PennWest Edinboro gives families the resources they need to stay involved with their student’s education while recognizing their growing independence. Whether you live 10 minutes from campus or 10 hours away, staying “in the know” is easy. We encourage you to take part in the PennWest Edinboro experience.

PARENT 2 PARENT PORTAL

The Parent 2 Parent Portal is the hub for parent information about PennWest Edinboro as well as a place to connect with other parents. The Portal is designed to provide the information parents need when they need it.

In the Portal, parents are able to personalize the information and newsletters they receive, join communities that fit their interests, share information of value to their students, and save information and dates to their personal folders. The Portal helps parents get involved with the Parent and Family Association (PFA), register for Parent and Family Engagement sponsored events and guides them in connecting with campus and becoming acquainted with faculty and staff.

814-732-2768

family-edinboro@pennwest.edu

PennWest.campusesp.com

Stay in Touch with Your Student

SEND MAIL

Within one week prior to move-in each semester, mail may be sent to the PennWest Edinboro campus. On move-in day, students are issued a key to their mailbox by Residence Life and Housing. Mail and packages can be picked up in the Pogue Student Center mail room, located on the second floor.

To ensure a speedy on-campus delivery, please address postal deliveries to your student like this: Student’s Proper Name Building and Room Number or Box Number

PennWest Edinboro 150 Perry Lane

Edinboro, PA 16444

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON CAMPUS?

Visit PennWest.edu/news to view university news, our Events Calendar, and more.

AREA HOTELS

Edinboro Comfort Suites

814-969-7000

Edinboro Lake Resort

814-434-3307

A Place Inn Time Bed and Breakfast 814-397-3883

The Seasons Inn at Nick's Place 814-734-5098

Meadville (Approx. 30 minutes south of Edinboro)

Econolodge 814-724-6366

Holiday Inn Express (code EU) 814-724-6012

Quality Inn 814-333-8883

Erie (Approx. 20 minutes north of Edinboro)

Courtyard by Marriott 814-860-8300

Hilton Garden Inn 814-866-1390

Holiday Inn Express 888-465-4329

Quality Inn and Suites 814-838-7647

Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel 814-454-2005

PLEASE NOTE:

Academic calendar dates are subject to change without notice. For the most recent academic calendar, visit our website, pennwest.edu/academics/academic-calendar

Due to the nature of shared services across Pennsylvania Western University, the point of contact may not be on your home campus. For this reason, email addresses, phone numbers, and/or building locations may not be specific to Edinboro.

©Jim Prokell

Pennsylvania Western University Academic Calendar 2023 - 2024

GZ IC MZ MF SF SH EL JB AL CA CW DC DO EA GA LH MB WA RE AH CH Meadville Street ScotRoad Scotland Road Norma l Street Ontario Street Kiltie Road GlasgowRoad 6N

AH Academy Hall

AL Alumni House

BF Baron-Forness Library

BH Butterfield Hall

CE Centennial Hall

CA Louis C. Cole AuditoriumMemorial Hall

CW Commonwealth House

CH Compton Hall

CO Cooper Science Center

CC Crawford Center

DH Dearborn Hall

DC Diebold Center for the Performing Arts

DO Doucette Hall

EL Earlley Hall

EH Earp Hall

EA East Hall

FS Fighting Scot Plaza

GA

Gazebo

GH

Ghering

HH Hamilton Hall

HX Hendricks Hall

H1 Highlands Residence Hall 1

H2 Highlands Residence Hall 2

H3 Highlands Residence Hall 3

Highlands

H5 Highlands Residence Hall 5

H6 Highlands Residence Hall 6

H7 Highlands Residence Hall 7

H8 Highlands Residence Hall 8

IC Information Center and Police Station

JB Jeremy D. Brown Human Services Building

LT Lawrence Towers

LC Leader Speech and Hearing Center

LH Loveland Hall

MB Maintenance Building

MF McComb Fieldhouse

MH McNerney Hall

MZ Mike S. Zafirovski Sports and Recreation Center

MI Miller Hall

PW Pedestrian Walkway

RW R. Benjamin Wiley Arts and Sciences Center

CAMPUS MAP

RE Reeder Hall

RH Rose Hall

RO Ross Hall

SF Softball Field

SH Sox Harrison Stadium

SS Standing Stones at Highlands

VH Van Houten Dining Hall

WA William P. Alexander Music Center