Student Handbook Your Guide to Point Park University

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, 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 412-392-3952 or AVP of Equity and Inclusion at 412-392-3980. Complaints of discrimination can be filed via the Incident Reporting Form online at pointpark.edu/incidentreport and will be processed by the University Office of Compliance and Integrity according to Point Park’s Policy on Discrimination and Harassment. Complaints may also be emailed to oci@pointpark.edu 

Inquiries regarding Title IX and the Title IX regulations should also be referred to the University’s Title IX coordinator. The Title IX coordinator, Vanessa Love, may be reached at vlove@pointpark.edu, 412-392-3980 or Student Center, Room 104D, 201 Wood Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. A Title IX incident report can be filed via the Incident Reporting Form online at pointpark.edu/incidentreport.

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 and 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's Center for Student Success 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 the future of our region's workforce is a great source of pride for all of us. I'm sure you'll do great things as part of the Point Park University community.

Sincerely,

Don Green
President

Athletics
Center for Student Success
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

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
     Stsudent Conduct Meetings
     Appeals
     Student Conduct Records
     Student Conduct Record Expungement
     Conflicts
     Student Conduct Sanctions
Sexual Harassment and Misconduct Policy
     Prohibition of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
     Prohibition of Gender-Based Harassment
     Prohibition of Retaliation
     Definitions
     Resolutions 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
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 Policy Prohibiting Sexual Misconduct, Relationship Violence and Stalking

Computer Labs
Computer Purchasing Program
Domain Account (Username)
     Password
Email 
Internet/University Network Access
     Residence Hall Connectivity
     Wireless Access
PointWeb
Schoology
Technical Assistance - User Support
Policy for the Responsible Use of Computer and Technology Resources
     Rights
     Responsibilities
     Prohibited Activities
     Policy Violations
     Copyright Infringement

Campus Map
University Shuttle Service
     Shopping Shuttles
     Shuttle Tracking
Airport
Train
Bus Service - Long Distance
Public Transportation and Ridesharing
     Trip Planning
     Port Authority of Allegheny County (PAT)
     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

You will find links to resources for commuters, including:

Transportation and parking
Dining Services
Lockers
Study Lounges