University Departments
ATHLETICS
Point Park University currently offers nine varsity sports that compete on the intercollegiate level. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, and soccer. Women's sports include basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, and volleyball. The mission of intercollegiate athletics at Point Park University is to provide student athletes opportunities to participate in athletic competition, limited to the number of varsity teams which the University sponsors. The success of the athletics program is represented by the lives of the participants and the quality of their experience at the University and in the athletics program, rather than strictly by win-loss records, numbers of spectators, or press releases. The programs are conducted within the rules and regulations of the governing bodies of which the institution is a member. Fair play, sportsmanship, and the well-being of the individual student are the principle concerns of all those who direct and work within the program. Students who wish to participate on an athletic team must meet certain eligibility requirements as established by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Student athletes also must remain full-time students during their competitive career. The NAIA permits tryouts to assess athletic ability, and teams have a limited number of athletic grants-in-aid available for talented student athletes. Prospective athletes are encouraged to contact the head coach of each sport in advance of the start of the season at 412-392-3844. Additional information and links to each sport are available on our website at www.pointpark.edu/athletics.
Go Pioneers!
Intramural Sports/Recreation Programs
Intramural sports and recreation programs at Point Park University offer the Point Park community a variety of intramural activities, including flag football, dodgeball, floor hockey, cornhole, table tennis, and pool. Also, the department sponsors free play in basketball and bowling at select times of the year. The goal of the recreation programs is to provide safe recreational activities to enhance the students' total educational experience and quality of life. Intramural activities are not meant to be highly competitive, but rather provide an opportunity for fun physical activity. Most of the activities are seasonal and vary from fall to spring semesters. The schedule can be found by clicking the Recreation & Leisure Time link on the Point Park athletics webpage, www.pointpark.edu/athletics Students with ideas for new activities, please feel free to contact the Director of Recreation Programs at 412-392-3926.
Career Development
The Office of Career Development, located on the seventh floor of Lawrence Hall, supports the individual career goals of students and alumni through educational and enrichment activities. Career Development offers individual career counseling, career personality assessments, employer resources, resume and cover letter assistance for internships and jobs, interview network and negotiation skills, and information that covers a four-step process for developing your own personal career goals. Furthermore, Career Development offers assistance with maximizing online resources and also sponsors career events and job fairs For an appointment, contact the Office of Career Development at 412-392-3950 or careerdev@pointpark.edu. No appointment is necessary to use the resource room, which is accessible during regular business hours. Career information and services are also available through the University website at www.pointpark.edu, keyword "career".
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, New Student Orientation, Sophomore and Community Living Standards, 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 conflictresolution skills, and practice civil interaction, clarity of communication, and self awareness.
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 any 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, by email at campuslife@pointpark.edu, or visit the office which is located in 716 Lawrence Hall 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 on a non-campus phone The Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Education also has Peer Educators to help educate students on alcohol and other drug use. They are involved in the programming efforts on campus and bring a fresh perspective to our students. If you would like to become involved with this group, please contact the Office of Alcohol and Other Drug Education at 412-392-8032.
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 first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached at 412-392-3824 or campuslife@pointpark.edu.
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 also responsible for the activities of the University Judicial Board (UJB). The Office of Judicial Affairs it is located on the seventh floor of Lawrence Hall and can be reached at 412-392-8029 or campuslife@pointpark.edu.
Living and Learning Community Programs
This office is responsible for the implementation of the Living and Learning Communities 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 main office is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached at 412-392-8026 or www.pointpark.edu/athletics
New Student Orientation
The New Student Orientation Program, or "The Pioneer Experience," 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 New Student Orientation Program is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached at 412-392-4735 or www.pointpark.edu/athletics
Sophomore Community Standards
The Sophomore Community Standards Initiative, 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 Community Standards Initiative is to provide all students with citizenship and conflict-resolution skills, the practice of civil interaction, clarity of communication, and self awareness. Through the Sophomore Community Standards Initiative set forth by the Office of Campus Life, 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 Community Standards Initiative is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached at 412-392-8026 or campuslife@pointpark.edu.
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 clubs and 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, this office also serves as a resource for those wishing to get involved in student groups on campus. The Office of Student Activities is located in the Office of Campus Life on the first floor of Pioneer Hall and can be reached at 412-392-4735 or by email at studentactivities@pointpark.edu.
Financial Aid
The Financial Aid Office is located on the first floor of Thayer Hall in the Student Service 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. 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) each year in order to renew their eligibility for financial aid. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA by April 15 in order to be considered on time for funds and to maximize all available financial resources at the University. Student 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. For further information or to make an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor, contact the Office of Financial Aid at 412-392-3930.
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 is on duty during all hours of operation to assist with research and informational questions. 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 mircrofiche. The Library subscribes to over 50 individual databases with access to online journal articles, e-books, and information resources. 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 60 participating academic institutions with 36 million books. Students can borrow directly from Carnegie Mellon and Duquesne Universities with a PALINET form from the Library. 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 houses computer labs with networked laser printers. Students may check out laptops for use in the building. The Library is a wireless zone, and students can access the Internet with their own laptops For more information about the Library, its policies, hours of operation, and to access the online catalog and databases, go to www.pointpark.edu and click on the Library link. Students may also contact the Library staff by phone at 412-392-3171, by email at library@pointpark.edu or at pointlibim through AOL or Yahoo Instant Messenger.
Program for Academic Sucess (PAS)
The Program for Academic Success (PAS) offers a wide variety of educational and support services designed to help students achieve their goals and become successful independent learners. Components include counseling, tutoring, and services 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 time management, goal-setting, and stress reduction.
Tutoring
Professional and peer tutors are available to students who seek tutoring for undergraduate course work or who wish to strengthen skills in areas such as English, writing, mathematics and content area study skills. Furthermore, students may receive assistance in organizing for study, test-taking strategies, lecture note taking, and conducting, compiling, and presenting research. Students may schedule a regular weekly appointment or may schedule appointments as needed. In addition, students may access online writing tutoring through the PAS website. 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.
Disability Services
Campus accommodations for students with disabilities are coordinated through PAS. Students should contact the Office for specific information on the University's ADA policy and the 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.
Recreation Center
The Recreation Center is located in the lower level of Lawrence Hall. The Rec Center and is open year-round and offers students, staff, faculty, and alumni opportunities for fitness training and recreation. The Rec Center is staffed by a recreation professional and student personnel for individual and group programming. Equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, elliptical machines, free weights, Nautilus equipment, and a Pilates Reformer are available. In addition, billiards and table tennis are offered as leisure activities. Discounted memberships to the YMCA and Gold's Gym are available and can be purchased directly at each location. You are encouraged to take advantage of the fitness opportunities provided by the Recreation Center. The Rec Center staff is committed to enhancing the quality of life at Point Park University. Your good health and enjoyment are its major goals. For more information and hours consult the Rec Center website at www.pointpark.edu/recreation or call 412-392-3853.
Registrar/Transcripts
Located on the first 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. Point Park University students who have completed three or more credits, and graduates, may request copies of official or unofficial transcripts from the Office of the Registrar located in the Student Service Center, first floor of Thayer Hall. Persons desiring a transcript must complete a Transcript Request form or write a letter of request. The Registrar cannot release transcripts to any person or agency without proper authorization in writing from the student or graduate, and the Registrar cannot release transcripts, official or otherwise, to any person with outstanding financial debts to the University. The Office responds to transcript requests in three to five working days. Persons wishing to pick up transcripts in person must give the Office 24-hours' notice. In addition, if a student must withdraw from classes, the withdrawal must be submitted in writing to the Registrar's Office.
Students Accounts
The Student Accounts Office is located on the first floor of Thayer Hall in the Student Service 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.This office is responsible for billing and collection of all tuition, fees, and room and board charges. The University provides many options for students to consider assisting them in paying their charges at the University. Students can participate in the Point Park University payment plan option which is managed by the Student Accounts Office. Students who have a corporate reimbursement program through their place of employment can sign up for the Universities Corporate Reimbursement Plan as well. For further information on the various options available to students, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at 412-392-3444.
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:
Semester at 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. By means of the Eurotrain systems and the Channel Tunnel, many beautiful and historical European cities can be explored on weekends.
Study the Arts in 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 or theater, while experiencing another culture. 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 before their return.
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."
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. Destinations include 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 both academically and financially at the institution in order to participate in the program. Contact Information for Study Abroad Program Students wishing to participate in the Study Abroad Program should contact Keith Paylo, the Study Abroad Coordinator, at 412-392-3840, by email at studentaffairs@pointpark.edu, or visit the office in 405 Lawrence Hall. 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.
Notification To Study Abroad
Students are encouraged to plan at least one semester ahead when planning to study abroad. For example, if a student is planning to study abroad during the summer or fall term, students should contact the Study Abroad Coordinator in January of the previous semester. In addition, students who plan on studying abroad during the spring term should contact the Study Abroad Coordinator in September of the previous semester. 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.
