A guide to Point Park offices

The following information is in the Point Park University Student Planner/Handbook.

Key Sections

• Athletics
• Library
• Campus Life
• Pioneer Experience (New Student Orientation)
• Career Development
• Program for Academic Success (PAS)
• Commuter Affairs
• Registrar/Transcripts
• Financial Aid
• Student Accounts
• Honors Program
• Student Center
• Intramurals
• Study Abroad

ATHLETICS

General Information

Point Park University currently offers eleven varsity sports that compete on the intercollegiate level. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, and soccer. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, and volleyball.

The Point Park Athletic Department is committed to achieving high standards both athletically and academically. Not only do the Pioneers work hard to represent their school on the field of play, they are also strong academic performers as evidenced by Point Park’s selections to the NAIA Scholar-Athlete teams.

The Pioneers have a national affiliation with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and are a member of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (KIAC). Through its Champions of Character Initiative, the NAIA promotes the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship.

For information about Point Park athletics, including game schedules, directions to facilities, news, statistics, and more, visit the Athletics homepage at www.pointpark.edu/Athletics. 

Prospective Student-Athletes

Scholarships are available to Point Park student athletes; eligibility requirements set forth by the NAIA must be met. For example, student athletes must remain full-time students during their competitive career. Students who wish to participate on a varsity sports team should contact the head coach of the sport of interest by phone or email. Contact information for coaches is available by phone at 412-392-3844 or online at www.pointpark.edu/Athletics/StaffDirectory. Tryouts are permitted to assess athletic ability. 

Support the Pioneers!

Point Park students are admitted free to every Pioneer sporting event! Point Park student body support is vital to the success of The Pioneers as they represent their school on a very competitive and challenging level of play.

Most home games are held off campus. Transportation to select home games is available via Fan Vans; information about this free shuttle service can be found on the University web site at www.pointpark.edu/Athletics. The women’s volleyball has recently had home games in the Student Center. 

Campus Life

The Office of Campus Life is responsible for creating for all students, commuters and residents, an enhanced academic experience. The Office of Campus Life consists of Alcohol and Other Drug Education, Housing and Occupancy Management, the Office of Judicial Affairs, Living and Learning Community Programs, Sophomore Experience, and the Office of Student Activities. Through the programs and involvement of the different offices and departments of Campus Life, all students will obtain citizenship and conflict-resolution skills, and practice civil interaction, clarity of communication, and self awareness.   For more information contact the Campus Life Office at 412-392-8026, visit the office on the first floor of Pioneer Hall, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/LivingonCampus. 

Alcohol and Other Drug Education

This office is here to assist students in learning about the many aspects of alcohol and other drug consumption.  If you have questions regarding alcohol and other drug education, or feel uneasy about your own alcohol or other drug consumption, feel free to contact the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Education by phone at 412-392-8032, email at campuslife@pointpark.edu, visit the office in 716 Lawrence Hall or the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/HealthandStudentServices/AlcoholDrugEducation.  

If you or any of your friends are having a drug- or alcohol-related emergency, it is very important to get help immediately.  There are emergency contacts on campus that will be able to assist you or your friends in this situation.  They are most easily contacted by dialing extension 2222 (from any campus phone only) or 412-392-3960 from a non-campus phone.  

Housing and Occupancy Management

This office is responsible for room selection, room assignments, and room changes, and is the liaison with Physical Plant for residence hall maintenance and repair issues.  The office also oversees Move In and Move Out and any other business functions related to living on campus.  The Office of Housing and Occupancy Management is located in the Campus Life Office on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached by phone at 412-392-3824, by email at campuslife@pointpark.edu, or by visiting the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/LivingonCampus/Housing/Residencehalls. 

Judicial Affairs

This office is responsible for the operation and implementation of the campus judiciary as prescribed by the Student Code of Conduct.  Judicial Affairs’ mission is to adhere to the fundamental rights and responsibilities inherent in scholarly inquiry, civil discourse, and intellectual rigor.  The Office of Judicial Affairs is located 716 Lawrence Hall and can be reached by phone at 412-392-8029, by email at judicialaffairs@pointpark.edu, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/OfficeofJudicialAffairs. 

Living and Learning Community Programs

This office is responsible for the implementation of the Living and Learning Communities (LLC’s) in the residence halls and helping students enhance their co-curricular education.  Living and Learning Communities will devise their own activities to enhance both the academic and residential experience at Point Park University.  The Living and Learning Community Programs office is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached by phone at 412-392-8026 or email at campuslife@pointpark.edu, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/LivingonCampus/Housing/LivingandLearningCommunities.

Sophomore Community Standards

The Sophomore Experience, as a part of the Office of Campus Life, is designed to assist students during their sophomore year within the residence halls of Point Park University. The goal of the Office of Campus Life and the Sophomore Experience is to provide all students with citizenship and conflict-resolution skills, and encourage the practice of civil interaction, clarity of communication, and self awareness.

Through the Sophomore Experience, Point Park University residents will have the opportunity to establish their own living standards for their community as well as their individual rooms.  The Sophomore Experience is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached by phone at 412-392-8026 or email at campuslife@pointpark.edu, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/LivingonCampus/Housing/SophomoreExperience.

Student Activities

The Office of Student Activities is the campus headquarters for student activities and organizations.  The office performs a variety of functions that help maintain a dynamic and socially-interactive campus environment where students can gather and work together to create fun, exciting, and educational activities for the University community. Students can also obtain information about other events and activities in and around the City of Pittsburgh.  The Office of Student Activities lends valuable support to all recognized student organizations.  This office also serves as a resource for students to develop their leadership skills as well as get involved in community service projects both on and off campus.  In coordination with the United Student Government (USG), this office also serves as a resource for those wishing to get involved in student organizations on campus. The Office of Student Activities is located in 102 Student Center and can be reached by phone at 412-392-4735 or email at studentactivities@pointpark.edu, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/StudentActivities. 

Career Development

The Career Development Center, located on the seventh floor of Lawrence Hall, supports the individual career goals of students and alumni through educational and enrichment activities.  The Career Development Center is a job search resource and education center and assists with all aspects of career exploration and the job search process.  Services offered to students include resume and cover letter reviews, career goals assessment and planning, interview and networking preparation, individual career counseling, career fairs and workshops, job search assistance, and full-time and part-time job postings.

For more information, or an appointment, contact the Career Development Center at 412-392-3950 or careerdev@pointpark.edu, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/CareerDevelopment. 

The University's Center for Student Success is at the heart of a coordinated, campus-wide commitment to support all students, whether first-semester newcomers or graduating seniors, as they pursue a Point Park degree. Students may contact the Center for Student Success as a starting point for any type of academic question, and as a place where they can get the answers, assistance and encouragement to help them achieve academic excellence.  The Center for Student Success may be reached by phone at 412-392-8002 or email at studentsuccesscenter@pointpark.edu, or by visiting the office on the second floor of the 101 Wood Street Building (Green Building).

Academic advising and guidance  

Each Point Park undergraduate student who has declared a major is assigned to a faculty member within their field of study, who serves as an academic advisor each semester for course selections, minors, concentrations and other academic options.

For undecided students, CSS Success Counselors provide academic advising until the student declares a major. The Center for Student Success also works with undecided students to help them explore majors that match their career and personal interests to find the best fit.

For all students, the Center for Student Success staff can help with topics including:

• Transitioning to college-level academics
• Learning to use PointWeb, Point Park's online student information hub
• Registering for classes
• Learning about Point Park student services and educational opportunities
• Changing a major
• Dropping or adding a class once the semester has started
• Applying for study abroad programs
• Improving study skills
• Learning to balance a heavy course load

Commuter Affairs

The Office of Commuter Affairs serves as a resource to the commuter population of Point Park University living off campus including traditional age students, nontraditional or adult learners, and graduate students. Essentially, any student not living in a Point Park residence hall is considered a commuter student. The Office of Commuter Affairs works to provide activities and events that will meet the needs of this diverse population. We have designated the fourth floor of Lawrence Hall as the Commuter Lounge to provide a space for this special population of students to study and relax in between classes. The Office of Commuter Affairs is located in 712 Student Center and can be reached at 412-392-3835 or sgeorge@pointpark.edu. For more information on the Commuter Club, parking, and other commuter resources, visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/CommuterAffairs.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office is located on the first floor of Thayer Hall in the Student Financial Services Center.  The Office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.  The Office is also open on the first and third Saturday of each month.  Hours may vary; check the posted schedule.

The purpose of the Financial Aid Office is to assist students in obtaining financial assistance from all sources including federal, state, and institutional funds.  This assistance can be in the form of grants, scholarships, work programs, or loan programs.  The Office can also assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and provide counseling services to students to determine which programs are available to help meet expenses at the University.

Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) (www.fafsa.gov) each year in order to renew their eligibility for financial aid.  Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1 each year, but no later than March 30, in order to be considered on time for funds and to maximize all available financial resources at the University. 

Students should be aware that if they withdraw from all coursework, any federal funds that were awarded are subject to the Return of Title IV Funds policy. 

Students should refer to PointWeb to view missing financial documents and their financial aid awards.  For more information visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/About/TuitionCosts/FinancialAid, or contact the Office of Financial Aid at 412-392-3930 to make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

Honors Program

The Honors Program welcomes Point Park University students of all majors and interests who want to move beyond traditional classroom instruction and university experiences. The program encourages enhanced student and faculty collaboration and strives to enrich students’ academic, leadership, community service, and creativity skills through a variety of methods, including challenging coursework, service projects, leadership activities, and academic and other special programs.  Students challenge themselves by enrolling in specific honors sections of courses and by adapting specific classes with additional assignments and activities, permitting them to work collaboratively with professors.   Students must take six honors classes and earn eighteen credits to complete the program. A thesis or ending project is optional but encouraged, particularly for those who plan to attend graduate school.

The Honors Program builds a community of scholars with benefits and extra activities just for its students. For example, honors students reserve their classes ahead of other students each semester. It also includes a student-run and operated group, the Honors Student Organization, that plans community service and leadership programs that contribute to the entire University campus and are guaranteed resume builders. In 2011-2012, Honors Program students traveled to New York City for an Alternative Spring Break, raised $500 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and $600 for the Animal Rescue League of Western Pennsylvania, among other community service projects, and planned the University’s third Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration of Dreams program.  Students gave academic presentations at a regional honors association conference in Baltimore and attended a national conference in Phoenix. Honors students become leaders and make a difference on campus and beyond.

Students earning a minimum 3.5 QPA or scoring more than 1700 on the SAT test or 25 on the ACT test are automatically admitted into the Honors Program. Other students can complete an application to enter the program. For more information, visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/Academics/AcademicSupport/HonorsProgram, or contact Helen Fallon, Honors Program Director, at hfallon@pointpark.edu or 412-392-3982 or 412-392-8192.  The Honors Program Office is located in 405 Lawrence Hall.

Intramurals

Intramurals at Point Park University offer students a variety of intramural team activities, including, but not limited to, flag football, dodgeball, deck hockey, and basketball. Also, the department sponsors billiards, table tennis, bowling, Halloween contests, Wii tournaments, Wallyball, and racquetball at select times of the year.

Intramural activities are not meant to be highly competitive, but rather provide an opportunity for all students to participate in organized sports. The goal of the intramural program is to provide safe recreational activities to enhance the students’ total educational experience and quality of life. Most of the activities are seasonal and vary from fall to spring semesters. The list of intramural programs and schedules can be found at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/Intramurals. For more information, please feel free to contact the Student Center Director at 412-392-3854.

Library

The Point Park University Library is located on the first floor and lower level of the University Center. The Library is open seven days a week with some exceptions for interim periods and holidays.  Reference staff are on duty during all hours of operation to assist with research and informational questions either in person, or by phone, by text or instant messaging (IM). 

The Library’s holdings include books, e-books, DVDs, videos, CDs, audio books, video games, plays, musical scores and anthologies, print journals, daily newspapers, popular fiction/nonfiction, children’s literature and school curriculum collections, and journals on microfilm and microfiche.  The Library subscribes to 63 individual databases with access to online journal articles, e-books, and information resources.  Library users have access to over 75,000 e-books. Most databases and the online catalog can be searched simultaneously with One Search, a federated search engine available through the Library web pages.   Articles and e-books from the databases can be accessed from off campus using a Point Park email username and password.  Students may also use EZ-Borrow to request Library material from over 50 participating academic institutions with millions of books for a 12 week loan period.  Assistance with writing a research paper and using correct citations can be located on the Library’s web page. 

A student needs a current student ID to borrow material from the Point Park University Library.  Students are financially responsible for any overdue fines or charges that may be levied against their Library account.  Students must clear their accounts in order to register for classes, graduate, or have official transcripts released.  Policies about circulation and fines charged for overdue, lost, or damaged material can be viewed on the Library web pages. 

The Library also provides access to PCs and Macs with networked black and white, and color, laser printers.  Students can check out laptops and Netbooks with the ability to print and access the Z drive for use in the building. The Library is a wireless zone, and students can access the Internet with their own laptops.  The Library also has iPads and Kindles available for loan. 

For more information about the Library, its policies, hours of operation, and to access the online catalog and databases, visit the website at www.pointpark.edu and click on the Library link at the top of the page. Students may also contact the Library staff by phone at 412-392-3171, by email at library@pointpark.edu, by texting 66746 and including the keyword Pointlib in the body of the text, and at pointlibim through AOL or Yahoo Instant Messenger or from the IM box on the Library’s webpage.

Pioneer Experience (New Student Orientation)

The Office of Commuter Affairs oversees the University’s new student orientation program, The Pioneer Experience. This program is designed to help new students and their families discover all that Point Park University has to offer, make new friends, and get acclimated to their new environment. Orientation Leaders will assist students and family members throughout the two-day program by facilitating sessions that provide a chance to meet peers, learn about campus services, and discover the range of opportunities Downtown Pittsburgh offers.  The Pioneer Experience Program is located within the Office of Commuter Affairs on the seventh floor of the Student Center and can be reached at 412-392-3835 or orientation@pointpark.edu.

Program for Academic Success (PAS)

The Program for Academic Success (PAS) helps students reach their academic goals via undergraduate course tutoring, writing project consultation and counseling support. In addition, PAS coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities. All services are free of charge.

Counseling

PAS provides individual counseling services to identify, explore, and discuss issues that may hinder student success. The counselor is available by appointment or on a walk-in basis, and offers assistance in a variety of areas, such as connecting to University and community resources, adjusting to campus life, understanding University policies and procedures, and employing effective strategies for decision making, time management, goal setting, and stress reduction.

Tutoring

PAS offers tutoring for a variety of undergraduate courses, and students may also receive assistance with effective study strategies. Students may schedule a regular weekly appointment or appointments as needed. PAS makes a reasonable effort to meet the tutoring needs of students in a wide variety of courses. However, we may not be able to honor every request due to circumstances beyond our control such as limited student and/or tutor availability or inability to locate a qualified tutor.

PAS makes a reasonable effort to meet the tutoring needs of students in a wide variety of courses. However, we may not be able to honor every request due to circumstances beyond our control such as limited student and/or tutor availability or inability to locate a qualified tutor.

The Writing Center at PAS

The Writing Center at PAS offers assistance with English writing courses and with writing projects in courses across the curriculum. Students may schedule appointments by signing up on the schedule available on the door of 703 Lawrence Hall or by contacting the Coordinator of English/Writing Tutoring. In addition, online writing tutoring may be accessed through the PAS website.

Disability Services

Campus accommodations for students with disabilities are coordinated through PAS. Students should contact the office or consult the website for specific information on the University’s policy and procedures for verifying disabilities and requesting reasonable accommodations.

To find out more about PAS services, call 412-392-3870, stop by the PAS offices located on the seventh floor of Lawrence Hall, or consult the PAS website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/HealthandStudentServices/ProgramforAcademicSuccess.

Registrar/Transcripts

The Office of the Registrar is the official source for all student academic records. The office is also responsible for the oversight of all registration of University students. Other functions handled by the Registrar's Office include publication of semester course offerings and final examination schedules, enrollment and degree verification, transcript processing, veterans services, and fulfilling many types of requests for student information.

Located on the ninth floor of Thayer Hall, the Office of the Registrar is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.  The Office is also open on the first and third Saturday of every month.  Hours may vary; check the posted schedule. 

For policies related to course additions, withdrawals, transcripts, etc., see the applicable policy under the section, University Policies and Procedures.  For more information, call the Office of the Registrar at 412-392-3861, or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/About/AdminDepts/RegistrarsOffice. 

Student Accounts

The Office of Student Accounts is located on the first floor of Thayer Hall in the Student Financial Services Center.  The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.  The Office is also open on the first and third Saturday of each month.  Hours may vary; check the posted schedule.

The Office of Student Accounts is responsible for billing and collection of all tuition, fees, and room and board charges.  Students agree to pay tuition, fees, and room and board charges at the time of registration.  All charges are due by the tuition due date each semester.  Non-payment by the due date will result in monthly late fees and a hold on the student’s account, preventing future registration and release of academic transcripts and diploma. 

Students should be aware of the dates in which they may drop classes and receive a possible tuition and fee reduction. Specific dates are published in the applicable coursebook and can be found, along with the tuition refund policy, on the website at www.pointpark.edu/About/AdminDepts/StudentFinancialServices/StudentAccounts/PolicyInformation.

The University offers payment plan options for students who do not have resources to fully cover the costs of tuition, fees, and room and board.  In addition to monthly payment plans, the University offers deferred payment for students who receive employer reimbursement.  Employer reimbursed students can enroll in the University’s Employer Reimbursement program and defer payment for tuition and fees up to the amount reimbursed by their employer. 

For further information on the various payment options available to students, contact the Office of Student Accounts at 412-392-3424 or visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentAccounts. 

Student Center

The Student Center is located at 330 Boulevard of the Allies and is open year-round, offering opportunities for fitness training, recreation, and individual and group programming.  Cardio, free weights, Nautilus, and Pilates equipment are available. Billiards and table tennis are offered as leisure activities, in addition to a full-court gymnasium. 

The Student Center is open to all currently registered students and is free of charge.  A current Point Park student id card is required for entry to the facility.  Students are encouraged to take advantage of the fitness opportunities provided by the Student Center.  For more information and hours, visit the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/StudentCenter, or call 412-392-3854.

Study Abroad

Intent of Program

The Study Abroad Program at Point Park University is an opportunity for students, not a requirement for their degree program. Students are responsible for all paperwork associated with the study abroad programs and assume all responsibilities for documents necessary for traveling abroad. Students also assume all responsibilities and risks associated with study abroad opportunities and will be explained these risks and responsibilities by the Study Abroad Coordinator.

Programs Offered

Point Park University offers the following three study abroad opportunities:

Regent's College, London
Point Park University sponsors a program for students to take classes at Regent’s College, located in the heart of London, England. At Regent’s, courses are taught American-style by British instructors in many areas of the arts and sciences and business. Students reside on campus in residence-hall style accommodations (single, double, triple) that have recently undergone extensive updates. Regent's College offers spring, summer, and fall semester programs. Students pay Point Park tuition, along with Regent's room and board charges (flex dollar-type meal plan included). To learn more about Regent's, visit their website at www.bacl.ac.uk/study_abroad.aspx.

Wells College, Paris
Through an agreement with Wells College, students can participate in the Wells Program for the Arts in Paris, France. The program is designed for students wishing to develop their interest and talent in areas such as dance, music, painting, photography, sculpture, and theater. The program does not assume any fluency in French. However, it offers very successful language training with special emphasis on the terminology used in the arts, assuring that all committed students reach a good mastery of French. Students may choose a home stay or residence hall-style accommodations (all rooms are singles) in La Cité internationale universitaire de Paris. Wells College offers spring and fall semester programs only. Students pay Point Park tuition, along with Wells' room and board charges (no meal plan included, except that some meals are included if a home stay is chosen). To learn more about Wells' Arts in Paris program, visit their website at www.wellsabroad.com/paris.html.

American University of Rome
Through the University’s membership in the Pittsburgh Council on Higher Education (PCHE) consortium, Point Park students are able to study at the American University of Rome, Italy. Founded in 1969, AUR is the oldest degree-granting American university in Rome, offering challenging courses with professors who are highly trained and experienced in their respective fields and have high academic standards. AUR’s urban campus is located on top of the Janiculum, Rome’s highest hill, in a dedicated set of buildings in a prestigious neighborhood, within walking distance of the center of “the Eternal City.” Students electing university-facilitated housing are placed in furnished apartments in areas surrounding the university campus; apartments are shared with other AUR students. AUR offers spring, summer, and fall semester programs. Students pay Point Park tuition, along with AUR room and board charges (no meal plan included). To learn more about American University of Rome, visit their website at www.aur.edu/american-university-rome/study-abroad.

Other Study Abroad Opportunities and Trips

Occasional trips to Europe are arranged by Point Park University faculty, in which students can participate for University credit. These trips are typically identified as three-credit courses and are often offered over the summer. Past destinations have included Greece, Hungary, England, Scotland, and France. Also, other schools sponsor trips in which Point Park University students can participate, such as Semester at Sea.

Participation Requirements

Students wishing to participate in the Study Abroad Program at Point Park University must meet certain participation requirements. A student must be in good standing academically, financially, and judicially at the University in order to participate in the program.

Getting Started

Students are encouraged to plan at least one semester ahead when planning to study abroad. Information meetings are held in September and February each year; application packets are available to students each semester beginning at the information meeting. Students planning to study abroad in the spring semester should attend the September meeting prior; students planning to study abroad during the summer or fall term should attend the February meeting prior.

By contacting the program coordinator a semester ahead of time, students will be able to coordinate and complete all necessary paperwork for a smooth transition into their study abroad experience. In addition, by notifying the proper individuals in a timely fashion, students will have a better opportunity to participate in the program due to the limit on study abroad opportunities for each term.

Contact Information for Study Abroad Program

Students wishing to participate in the Study Abroad Program should contact Keith Paylo, the Study Abroad Coordinator, by phone at 412-392-3840, by email at studentaffairs@pointpark.edu, or visit the Office of Student Affairs on the seventh floor of the Student Center. More information can also be found on the website at www.pointpark.edu/StudentLife/OfficeofStudentAffairs/StudyAbroad.

The Study Abroad Coordinator is able to answer questions pertaining to the campuses available, location information, application information, costs, policies, and procedures associated with the program. The Coordinator will also be able to refer students to individuals that will assist with financial aid, student accounts, and registration for all of the study abroad programs.