Student Handbook Your Guide to Point Park University
The 2024-2025 Student Handbook (PDF) is a resource for all students to use regarding issues pertaining to the University. Below is the table of contents for the online version of the student handbook. Each section will provide you with the most up-to-date information, including any changes during the academic year.
This policy affirms Point Park University's commitment to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and the pursuit of diversity. Point Park University does not discriminate on the basis of: sex, race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, age (40 years and over), ancestry, individuals with disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, height, weight, genetic information, marital status, caregiver status or familial status, and such discrimination is prohibited, in the administration of any of its educational programs, activities or with respect to employment or admission to the University’s educational programs and activities.
This policy is in accord with local, state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Age Discrimination Act of 1975 and the Pittsburgh Human Relations Act. Inquiries regarding these regulations and policies, or complaints, should be referred to Point Park’s vice president of human resources at phone number 412-392-4727, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. Inquiries about Title IX may be referred to Point Park University’s Title IX Coordinator, the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights, or both. Point Park University’s Title IX Coordinator is Stephanie Stark Poling, sstarkpoling@pointpark.edu, 412-392-3980, 201 Wood Street, Student Center, Room 104(A), Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
Point Park University’s Title IX nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures can be located at: https://www.pointpark.edu/studentlife/titleix/index.
Reports of violations of this policy, including reports of conduct that may constitute sex discrimination, or complaints of sex discrimination under Title IX can be filed via the Incident Reporting Form online at pointpark.edu/incidentreport and will be processed by the University Office of Title IX. Complaints may also be emailed to oci@pointpark.edu.
Welcome to Point Park University. There are a few things you should know about Point
Park and the experience you can expect here.
You will engage in a more active and more professional education here. We focus on
student success by providing distinctive, innovative experiential learning opportunities.
Point Park’s, cooperative education program is unique in the region and provides
qualified students with full-time, paid employment with our professional partners while
earning college credits.
Our distinguished faculty, bring real world experience into the classroom and connect
our students with internships and jobs. You will benefit from their “practice-what-they-teach”
approach.
This is an exciting time at Point Park. You have seen that our safe urban location
provides easy, access to arts, organizations, entertainment, venues, and hundreds of
small businesses in large corporations, where you will find internships, jobs, and
cooperative education placements. Our Village Park provides an enjoyable outdoor
space to gather. The Student Center is where members of our community can work out,
socialize, and study. These amenities reflect our commitment to provide the highest
quality education for our students, and to enhance the vitality of our Downtown
Pittsburgh neighborhood.
At Point Park, we stand by the value we deliver as a private university. With a lower
tuition cost than many of our competitors, plus generous financial aid packages, a Point
Park education delivers an outstanding return on your college investment.
I am very proud of the University Advising Center that is at the heart of a coordinated,
campus-wide commitment to support all students as they pursue a Point Park degree.
The Center is a starting point for any type of academic question. It is a centralized hub
where students can get answers, assistance, and encouragement to help them achieve
academic excellence and answer questions they may have about the registration
process.
Our exceptional Professional Career-Readiness Center provides services and programs
to help you develop the necessary professional skills to achieve your goals. You will
receive a Career Guide that contains important information on sample resumes, cover
letters, and thank you letters, as well as job search information and interview
preparation. Working closely with the Career-Readiness Center will empower you to
follow the path to maximize your career opportunities.
Point Park’s history as an integral part of Downtown Pittsburgh, our commitment to an
education based in real-world experience, and the role we continue to play in shaping in
the future of our region’s workforce are great sources of pride for all of us. I’m sure
you’ll do great things as part of the Point Park University community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris W. Brussalis
President
Point Park University
The academic calendar contains all of the important dates related to each academic term such as start and end dates, break periods, schedule change periods, etc.
The university events calendar is a calendar of important dates and events of interest to the wider university community.
The events calendar in PointSync is the place to find upcoming events for students.
Athletics
University Advising Center
Family Weekend
Financial Aid
Honors Program
Library
Pioneer Ambassador Program
Professional Career-Readiness Center
Registrar
Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) Program
Students Accounts
Student Center
Student Conduct
Student Employment
Student Life
Commuter Resources
Housing and Occupancy Management
Residential Programming
Student Activities, Involvement, and Leadership (SAIL)
Study Abroad
Accessibility Services
ATM Machines
Bookstore
Copy Machines
Dining Services
Dining Locations
Meal Plans and Flex Dollars
Microwave Ovens
Vending Machines
Disability Services
Lockers and Storage
Lost and Found
Mail Center and Student Mailboxes
Printing
Recycling
Inkjet and Laser Printer Cartridge Recycling
Repairs and Maintenance
Student Success Support
Study Lounges
Online Writing Submissions
Advertising and Commercial Enterprise
Appropriate Dress
Change of Address, Name, Emergency Contact Information
Confidentiality of Student Records
FERPA
Parental Notification and Disclosure
Confidentiality of Medical Records
Discrimination and Harassment Prevention and Resolution
Disruptive Behavior
Medical Documentation Policy
Missing Student Policy
Personal Property
Pets and Animals
Photo and Multimedia Release (Students)
Pioneer Cards (Student ID)
Political Activities
Preferred Name Policy
Recording Devices
School Closing and Critical Announcements
Sign Posting and Information Distribution
Smoking
Social Functions (Students)
Social Media & Online Behavior Policy
Students in Fully Online Programs
Soliciting and Selling
Student Complaints Involving Staff or Faculty
Student Organizations (Policy)
Underage Children on Campus
University Policy Prohibiting Sex Discrimination
Use of University Facilities
Use of University Name
Weapons
Alcohol and Other Drugs
University Alcohol Policy
University Drug Policy
Code of Student Conduct
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Community Responsibilities and Expectations
Amnesty
Student Groups and Organizations
Definition of Terms
Prohibited Conduct
Student Conduct Processes
Inherent Authority
Procedural Guidelines
Student Conduct Meetings
Appeals
Student Conduct Records
Student Conduct Record Expungement
Conflicts
Student Conduct Sanctions
Office of Conduct Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Harassment
Prohibition of Sex Discrimination
Prohibition of Gender-Based Harassment
Prohibition of Retaliation
Definitions
Resolution Process
Academic Integrity
Definition of Plagiarism
Avoidance of Plagiarism
Sanctions for Plagiarism or Other Academic Dishonesty
Attendance
Notification of Extended and Serious Illness
Excused Absences
Leave of Absence
Religious Leave Policy
Classroom Disruption Policy
Policy Statement & Purpose
Definitions
Policy/Procedure
Website
Core Curriculum Requirements
Grades
Incomplete "I" Grade
Pass/No Credit Option
Grade Changes
Grade Point Average
Grade Appeals
Accessing Grades
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Institutional Review Board
Military Deployment Policy
Online 8-Week Course Policy
Schedule/Course Changes
Course Additions and Withdrawals
Complete Withdrawal
Medical Exception Request
Transcripts
Official Transcripts
Unofficial Transcripts
Transfer Credit/Transfer Policy
Advanced Standing Credit
Post-Matriculation Transfer Credit
Transfer Credit/Advanced Standing Evaluation Appeal Process
Medical Documentation Policy
Medical and Mental Health Hospitalization
Mental Health Emergency Policy and Protocol
SafeZone: LGBTQ Support
Student Health Center
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Eligibility and Enrollment
Students Required to Have Health Insurance (Mandatory Students)
Important Notes for Athletes
Deadlines and Coverage Dates
SHIP Late Enrollment Requests (enrollment after the deadline)
SHIP Early Termination (before July 31)
SHIP Waiver
Mandatory vs. Voluntary Status
Athletic and Performing Arts Secondary Accident Insurance
Substance Abuse
University Counseling Center
University Police Department
Annual Security Report
Safety Programs
General Safety Tips
Reporting Crimes and Other Emergencies
Residence Hall Security
Fire Safety
Fire Safety Policies
Smoke Detectors and Fire Alarms
Emergency Notification System (PointALERT)
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
General Procedures
Special Needs Evacuations
Residence Halls
General Information
Dining and Meals
Garbage
Housekeeping
Internet/University Network Access
Laundry
Mail
Recycling
Repairs & Maintenance
Shopping
Telephone Service
Transportation and Parking
Residence Halls
Community Living
Rights and Responsibilities
Roommate Reminders
Resident Educators
Housing Policies
Insurance (Personal Property)
Room Assignments and Occupancy
Room Cancellation/Termination of Contract
Refund Schedule for Residence Hall Charges
Reinstatement Fee
Vacation Periods
Rate Schedule
Room Changes
Consolidation Policy
Move-In/Move-Out Procedures
Residence Hall Policies
Access to Facilities
Furniture
Guests
Hall Sports
Lock Out Policy
Lofts
Lost Keys
Pets and Animals
Pioneer Card (Student ID)
Quiet Hours and Courtesy Hours
Room Decorations
Room Occupancy Limits
Safety and Security
Sign Posting and Information Distribution
Sublet Policy
Computer Labs
Email Address (User Account)
Password
User Account Expiration
Alumni Email Accounts
Internet/University Network Access
Residence Hall Connectivity
Wireless Access
PointWeb
Canvas
Technical Assistance - User Support
Policy for the Responsible Use of Computer and Technology Resources
Rights
Responsibilities
Prohibited Activities
Policy Violations
Copyright Infringement
Campus Activities Board (CAB)
Student Government Association (SGA)
Student Media and Organizations
Honor Societies
Campus Map
Airport
Train
Bus Service - Long Distance
Public Transportation and Ridesharing
Trip Planning
Pittsburgh Regional Transit (PRT)
Other Regional Commuting Options
Taxi, Limo, Car, and Driver Services
Parking
Station Square
Pittsburgh Parking Authority
Garage Locations Near Point Park
ParkPGH
Street Parking
Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers
Bicycle Information and Parking