Consumer Information | PennWest

Consumer Information | PennWest
Consumer Information
The Higher Education Opportunity Act (HEOA) requires colleges and universities that
participate in federal student financial aid programs to disclose certain information
to current and prospective students, and to university employees.
PennWest University is required to provide information about student loans, grants,
and scholarships. The sites listed below are designed to help students make informed
decisions about their education and finances. They also outline the different types
of financial aid available.
Student Consumer Information
Students' Rights Under FERPA
A student's rights with respect to their educational records are protected under the
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA). The FERPA policy and a
description of "directory information" can be found in the university catalog under
AC053: Confidentiality of Student Records
or on the Office of the Registrar’s
FERPA website
Physical Facilities Related to the University's Academic Programs
Information about academic-related physical facilities is maintained through the Office
of Academic Records and Registration at
PennWest Buildings and Rooms
Course Schedule Information
For complete course schedule listings, go to PennWest's
online course list
and select the term. You can also view a full listing of Courses by term on the site.
Facilities and Services Available to Students With Disabilities
The office of Disability Support Services provides accommodations and services to
ensure equal access to education as intended by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation
Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For further information
regarding services and facilities, please contact Disability Support Services at 814-393-1877
(voice) or dial 7-1-1 (TTY: 800-654-5984) for Pennsylvania Relay.
Student Diversity
PennWest University’s Office of Community, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Engagement
(CORE) provides strategic leadership in fostering a campus environment grounded in
dignity, belonging, and opportunity for all students, faculty, and staff. Through
comprehensive programs and collaborative partnerships, CORE advances student success,
cultivates academic and leadership development, and strengthens community engagement
in alignment with the university’s mission. For further information, please contact
Sheleta Camarda-Webb
View statistics
relevant to student diversity by race, ethnicity, gender, and Pell Grant Recipient
status.
PennWest Definition of Student Location
The difference between “location” and “residence” plays an important role in PennWest
University maintaining compliance with a number of regulations. “Location” is where
a student is physically situated while participating in a University activity.  “Residence”
applies to the state where a student votes and/or holds a driver’s license.
At PennWest, student location is initially determined by the information provided
by the student at the time of enrollment.
Agencies That Accredit, Approve or License the Institution and Programs
Organizations that accredit, approve or license programs are listed in the university
catalog. In addition, information about the institution's accreditation, including
the status of accreditation, requirements, and any teach-out plans due to integration
can be found on PennWest's
Accreditation
page or
msche.org/institution/0474/
. New and updated information is maintained in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness
at 724-938-4625.
Transfer Credit Policies and Articulation Agreements With PennWest
Information about PennWest's
transfer credit policies
and course equivalency tables for course work taken at other schools is available
through the Office of the Registrar-Articulation and Transfer or call 1-800-672-7171
option #2.
Articulation Agreements
Enrolling in Study Abroad Programs
Information on PennWest's study abroad programs may be found on the
Study Abroad
website. The Study Abroad Office is located on the California campus in Dixon Hall,
and their phone number is 724-938-5836.
State Authorization
PennWest University operates under the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA),
which enables PennWest students to complete field experiences in the 49 other member
states as well as allow PennWest to enroll residents from member states in distance
education programs. For more information on
state authorization
please contact
Dr. Bob Mehalik
Current Degree and Educational Programs
Students can find information on the degree, certificate and other educational programs
offered by PennWest in the
university's catalogs
or by calling Office of Undergraduate Admissions at 724-938-4404; Office of Graduate
Admissions at724-938-4187.
Faculty and Instructional Personnel
A listing of faculty and other instructional personnel is found in the
university directory,
where you can search by department or campus. New and updated information is maintained
by Human Resources: 724-938-4427.
Federal Cash Management Regulations
PennWest University is required by the Department of Education to publish information
pertaining to our Campus Banking Services agreement with PSECU. The agreement provides
PSECU marketing rights to market its banking products and services to students and
employees. It also allows PSECU to install ATMs on the PennWest campuses. This agreement
does not entail services related to the disbursement of Title IV credit balance refunds
(T1 relationships as defined in the “Program Integrity and Improvement” rules).
Important:
Students
do not
need to obtain a financial account with PSECU to receive any federal financial aid
refunds. Students are encouraged to shop around for or consult others regarding banking
products that best fit their situations and circumstances.
Copyright Infringement
Information about federal copyright laws and related information is available on the
PennWest
policies webpage
. Additional information regarding Copyright Law of the United States and Title 17
of the United States Code can be found at
copyright.gov/title17/
. Questions can be referred to
techsupport@pennwest.edu
or 724-938-5911.
Refund Policy and Requirements for Returning Title IV Funds
Students who withdraw from the university may be entitled to a refund of charges.
Also,recipients of federal financial aid who withdraw from the university may be required
to have a portion of their aid returned to the federal financial aid programs. Requirements
for Returning Federal (Title IV) Aid are available by contacting the Financial Aid
Office by email at
financialaid@pennwest.edu
or calling 814-393-2315. The Office of Student Accounts has refund related information
and can be reached by phone at 724-738-2088 or email at
studentaccounts@pennwest.edu
for additional information.
Requirements and Procedures for Withdrawing From the University
Students electing to
withdrawfrom the university
can do so through an e-withdrawal process in the PennWest Student Self-Service Portal.
View the
video instructions
Voter Registration Information
Please go to
pavoterservices.pa.gov/Pages/VoterRegistrationApplication.aspx
to register to vote if you have not already done so.
Constitution Day
Annually, events in September with guest speakers are held to celebrate Constitution
Day, often including presentations with guest speakers. Contact
Sarah Zerfoss-Calhoun
for more information.
College Navigator
College Navigator is your direct link to nearly 7,000 colleges and universities in
the United States as compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Use the link below to access PennWest’s information.
College Navigator - PennWest University
Campus Life
All information related to living on campus can be found on PennWest's
Campus Life webpage
Computer Use and Information Security
Information related to computer use and information security can be found in PennWest's
Acceptable Use Policy
Financial Assistance Available to Students at PennWest
Through publications and the web, the Office of Financial Aid 814-393-2315 makes available
information about various aspects of financial aid including:
Applying for aid and how eligibility is determined
Financial Aid programs and disclosures
Rights and responsibilities of students receiving aid, and academic progress requirements
for financial aid
Terms and schedules for loan repayment and loan deferment opportunities
Sex Discrimination Policy Information
PennWest University prohibits all forms of Sex Discrimination and complies with Title
IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.  Full information related to Reporting an
incident, Title IX, Equal Opportunity, Equity, and Compliance, Disability Resources
and Services, Pregnant and Parenting resources, and Student Conduct may be found on
PennWest’s
Title IX webpage
PennWest provides Student Resources including for pregnant and parenting students.
Students have many options when making reports about incidents that occur on campus.
Whether reporting incidents of sexual misconduct, student conduct violations, or criminal
activity, the resources below are available to make anonymous or known reports.
PennWest posts Title IX Contacts including the Title IX Coordinator, Deputy Title
IX Coordinators including for Pregnant and Parenting Students, and Campus Police Information.
This information is found on PennWest's
Title IX webpage
. You may reach the Title IX Coordinator, Amy Salsgiver directly at
asalsgiver@pennwest.edu
Drug and Alcohol Abuse Awareness and Prevention Information
PennWest University encourages and sustains an academic environment that respects
individual freedoms and promotes the health, safety, and welfare of all community
members. In keeping with these objectives, the university has adopted a policy of
prohibiting the possession, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages on property
owned or controlled by PennWest University unless approved through appropriate channels.
University Police has the authority to file criminal charges or refer the student
to the Dean of Students Office, or both.
PennWest Policy related to
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (California)
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (Clarion)
Drug-Free Schools and Campuses Regulations (Edinboro)
Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA), PennWest University provides
education about illegal drugs (as well as alcohol) to all incoming students through
the New Student Orientation and Welcome Weekend programs. The Wellness Office staff
provide ongoing education and programs throughout each semester. BASICS (Brief Alcohol
Screening and Intervention for College Students) is an educational and preventive
intervention program, which is available to all students and required of students
who have been cited by the university judicial officer for violations of the Student
Code of Conduct.
For information about wellness programs on any of the PennWest campuses, contact the
Associate Director for Wellness at s
tudentwellness-cal@pennwest.edu
. Students and employees can access this information by visiting the following links:
California
Clarion
Edinboro
Clery Act Annual Security Report and Fire Safety Report
PennWest University's Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous
three years concerning reported crimes that occurred on each PennWest campus, in certain
off-campus buildings, or property owned or controlled by PennWest University; and,
on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the each
PennWest campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus
security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the
reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The fire safety report in
contained within the annual report and provides information about related policies,
procedures, and fire related statistics. Click the link to view a copy of the
Annual Security Report,
Fire Safety Report, and On-Campus Housing Report
or by contacting the appropriate PennWestUniversity Police Station at:
PennWest California
Building B North Wing
420 Hickory Street
California, PA 15419
724-938-4299
PennWest Clarion
945 Wood Street
Clarion, PA 16214
814-393-2111
PennWest Edinboro
911 Scotland Road
Edinboro, PA 16444
814-732-2921
Wellness Services
Health related resource information may be found at
PennWest.edu
or by signing into your
myPennWest
account. All your information related to Alcohol and Other Drug Services, Drug Free
Schools and Communities Act,Counseling Services, Health Services, and Office for Students
with Disabilities is conveniently listed in the Wellness Services Tile by campus.
You may also use these tiles to submit a BIT referral, request the campus mascot to
attend an event, and discover campus-based Recreation.
Emergency Management and Preparedness
PennWest University
Emergency Procedures
Hazing
PennWest University believes in promoting healthy, safe, and balanced lifestyles.
Student organizations and athletic teams can play a vital role in this process, and
can provide transformative opportunities for friendship, leadership, and personal
growth and discovery. Hazing of any kind is antithetical to these goals; therefore,
PennWest University prohibits hazing activities, whether by an individual or an organization.
PennWest supports the implementation of the Stop Campus Hazing Act and Timothy J.
Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, and is committed to upholding the anti-hazing policy.
PennWest is also committed to sharing information and education on hazing, in order
to protect the university community. Hazing reports are found for
California
Clarion
, and
Edinboro
PennWest
Anti-Hazing Policy
PennWest
Student Code of Conduct
Retention Rate
First-year to second-year retention rates of first-time, full-time
degree/certificate-seeking
students are available on the
College Navigator page
of the National Center for Educational Statistics website.
Completion/Graduation Rates
Completion/graduation rates of first-time, full-time, degree/certificate-seeking
students are available on the
College Navigator page
of the National Center for Educational Statistics website.
Completion/Graduation Rates of Students Receiving Athletically Related Aid
At PennWest, each campus hosts its own athletic teams and provides completion/graduation
rates of their full-time, first-time undergraduate students, by campus, who have received
athletically-related aid after six years of enrollment.
PennWest California
PennWest Clarion
PennWest Edinboro
Graduation Rates for Pell Grant and/or Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Recipients and
Non-Recipients
Completion/graduation rates of first-time, full-time, degree/certificate-seeking students
for both Pell grant and Federal Direct Subsidized Loan recipients, and non-recipients,
are available.
View rates
Transfer Out Rates
In accordance with the Student Right-to-Know regulations, we have elected not to report
transfer-out rates because our university's mission does not include providing substantial
preparation for students to enroll in another eligible institution without completing
or graduating.
Employment & Continuing Education Rates
PennWest University's annual Career Outcomes Report documents the progress of our
students related to employment and continuing education following graduation.
View Career Outcomes
Teacher Preparation Program Report
PennWest University's Teacher Preparation Programs are fully accredited by the state
of Pennsylvania through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and nationally accredited
by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Details of the
accreditation agencies and relevant data can be found by accessing
caepnet.org
. For more information, please contact
Debra Melonja
, The Department of Education’s Management Technician.
The Teacher Preparation Program Report (Title II report) can be accessed through the
U.S. Department of Education's Title II
website
or is available by the College of Education upon request.
Athletic Program Participation Rates and Financial Support Data (EADA)
The information required by the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA), is available.
This information discloses the most recent data on the participation rates and financing
of men's and women's sports in intercollegiate athletic programs.
View Participation Rates
PennWest participates in Federal student aid programs that are authorized under Title
IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965. Participating institutions must be legally
authorized to operate with the state in which it is located. Title 34 CFR§600.9 requires
states to have a "process to review and appropriately acton complaints concerning
the institution including enforcing applicable Statelaws." Title 34 CFR§668.43(b)
requires that institutions:
make available for review to any enrolled or prospective student upon request, a copy
of the documents describing the institution's accreditation and its State,Federal,
or tribal approval or licensing. The institution must also provide its students or
prospective students with contact information for filing complaints with its accreditor
and with its State approval or licensing entity and any other relevant State official
or agency that would appropriately handle a student's complaint.
To comply with this regulation, PennWest provides the
Student Complaint Form
Misrepresentation Policy
PennWest University is committed to truthful representation in all communications
including communications with students, prospective students and their families regarding
academic programs financial charges, and employability of its graduates. The
Code of Federal Regulations Title 34 section 668.71-74
provides the following definitions that outline the scope of these guidelines:
Scope and special definitions (§ 668.71)
Misrepresentation: Any false, erroneous or misleading statement an eligible institution,
one of its representatives, or any ineligible institution,organization, or person
with whom the eligible institution has an agreement to provide educational programs,
or to provide marketing, advertising, recruiting or admissions services makes directly
or indirectly to a student, prospective student or any member of the public, or to
an accrediting agency, to a State agency, or to the Secretary.
A misleading statement includes any statement that has the likelihood or tendency
to deceive or confuse.
A statement is any communication made in writing, visually, orally, or through other
means. Misrepresentation includes the dissemination of a student endorsement or testimonial
that a student gives either under duress or because the institution required the student
to make such an endorsement or testimonial to participate in a program.
Prospective student: Any individual who has contacted an eligible institution for
the purpose of requesting information about enrolling at the institution or who has
been contacted directly by the institution or indirectly through advertising about
enrolling at the institution.
Substantial misrepresentation: Any misrepresentation on which the person to whom it
was made could reasonably be expected to rely, or has reasonably relied, to that person's
detriment.
The Code of Federal Regulations designates misrepresentation to include:
The nature of the educational program (§ 668.72)
The nature of financial charges (§ 668.73)
The employability of graduates (§ 668.74)
Reporting: Concerns regarding institutional misrepresentation should be reported to
the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Dr. James Fisher
. The office of Academic Affairs can be reached at 814-732-2729.
Liability Insurance
PennWest University does not provide nor purchase liability insurance coverage for
students serving in an intern program or fieldwork experience. Because many host organizations
require that interns have liability or malpractice insurance, students need to personally
purchase intern liability insurance when required to do so by the cooperating institution/agency/company.
In addition, the University should NOT be listed as a named insured on the student's
personal policy. This is between the student and the host site only.
The University does not insure student interns, and the exposure each student may
incur if they do not have or obtain such liability coverage.
Students shall be responsible for procuring professional liability insurance at their
own expense (required for some clinical placements and student teaching). The limits
of the policy shall be a minimum of $1,000,000.00 per claim and an aggregate of $3,000,000.00
per occurrence. The policy must remain in full force and effect for the duration of
the assignment.
Reporting: Concerns regarding institutional misrepresentation should be reported to
the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs,
Dr. James Fisher
. The office of Academic Affairs can be reached at 814-732-2729. Individuals with
questions about the information listed on this page should contact any of the University
representatives listed below.
Shayne Gervais
University Registrar
Academic Records and Registration
724-938-4435
gervais@pennwest.edu
Sue Bloom
Executive Director
Financial Aid
814-393-2667
sbloom@pennwest.edu
Casey Beightol
Interim Executive Director
Undergraduate Admissions
814-393-1229
beightol_c@pennwest.edu
Kristen Louttit
Assistant Director
Transfer Admissions
724-938-5939
louttit@pennwest.edu
Kristy DeBord
Interim Deputy Director
Graduate Admissions
724-938-5366
debord@pennwest.edu
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