Campus Life
Academic Success Center
The Academic Success Center offers designed and developed programs to assist students in making a smooth and successful transition to college learning. The center provides assistance in improving the understanding and retention of text information, organizing and reviewing lecture notes, teaching time management skills, and preparing for and taking tests. For additional information on special needs, contact the Academic Success Center in G 16 Owen Library at 814-269-7998.
Athletics
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown student-athletes compete at the NCAA Division II level as members of the 16-school West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (WVIAC). Pitt-Johnstown offers 11 varsity sports, five for men and six for women. Men compete at the NCAA level in baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and wrestling, while women compete in basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, track & field and volleyball.
In addition, Pitt-Johnstown offers an excellent intramural program that includes basketball, flag football, coed volleyball, soccer, and many other activities for students throughout the academic year.
Bookstore/Convenience Store
The Bookstore is a self-supporting auxiliary service of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, owned and operated by the University of Pittsburgh. Its purpose is to provide students and the college community with the largest possible selection of high quality goods and services at equitable prices with particular attention paid to academic requirements.
The Bookstore sells required textbooks (new and used); reference materials and student aids; school supplies; art, engineering and computer supplies; general interest books; and university logo apparel. Sundry merchandise is also available such as greeting cards, ceramics and glassware, Greek merchandise, posters, and gift items
Additional Bookstore services include: textbook reservation, book buy-back, special order for books and clothing, special occasion cake orders, group orders, UPS shipping, fax service, and gift certificates.
The Convenience Store section of the Bookstore carries foodstuffs (such as cereal, bread, frozen foods, soups), snack foods (such as potato chips, pretzels, crackers, cakes, and ice cream), beverages (such as Pepsi products, sports drinks, juices, coffee, and cappuccino, milk and more), and health and beauty aids (such as toothpaste, lip balm, headache and cold remedies). Newspapers and magazines are also sold.
The Convenience Store offers extended evening and weekend hours to accommodate student needs.
Campus Ministry
Campus ministry strives to meet the spiritual needs of students by providing an exciting and comfortable atmosphere in which to worship, serve, and share fellowship with other believers. Both Protestant and Catholic ministries desire to challenge and encourage students to realize their God-given potential in order to effectively and positively impact the world around them. Most services are held weekly in the Whalley Memorial Chapel, in addition to other venues on campus.
Campus Police
The Campus Police Department provides on-campus protection and service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the University. Officers are on duty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Campus police officers are certified by the Pennsylvania State Police and receive annual training as mandated under the Municipal Police Officers’ Education and Training Commission. The department also provides a variety of programs such as crime prevention awareness, alcohol and drug awareness training and programming, fire safety training, and operation ID (students inscribe identifying numbers on valuables such as televisions, stereos, computers, etc). Campus police officers enforce the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Codes as it relates to parking on campus, including campus vehicle registration. Additional miscellaneous services of the department include motorist assist and police escort services. As required by federal law (Clery Act), the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown publishes an annual safety brochure. This brochure provides information regarding safety and security policies, procedures, and programs, as well as campus crime statistics for the past three years. To view a copy of the safety brochure visit www.upj.pitt.edu/472 or to receive a copy by mail write to: Campus Police Department, 152 Biddle Hall, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Career Services
The Pitt-Johnstown Career Services Office is available to assist students and alumni in establishing career goals and in developing academic plans to reach those goals. Services are provided to seniors and alumni to assist them in implementing their postgraduate career plans.
Writing and/or critiquing resumes, honing interview skills, compiling a portfolio, researching companies and business, providing preparatory workshops related to professional and career related tests (GRE, GMAT, MAT, LSAT, MCAT, Praxis...), establishing career connections, videoing and/or critiquing of mock interviews, scheduling interviews, participating in local and regional job fairs (transportation arranged for cohorts of 12 or more persons), and providing interview debriefing services are among the numerous services offered by the Career Service Office. Pitt-Johnstown students and alumni also have full access to services available on the Pittsburgh campus at the University's Office of Career Services. Those services include on-campus recruiting, résumé referrals, and job postings.
Information Technology Facilities
The Department of Information Technology manages seven computer labs for student use. All labs are equipped with windows-based PCs and provide full Internet and e-mail access; a comprehensive suite of software for course work, research, and project development; access to library resources; and printing capability. Additionally, several academic divisions maintain private labs for specialized departmental use.
The University-wide network also enables access to many computing resources including the University mainframe computers, and all Web-based campus resources.
A multimedia center, located in the Technology Support Center (228 Blackington Hall) provides access to scanning, digitizing, and video editing equipment; Macintosh computers; and high-quality color printing.
The university’s wireless network is free to the campus community and is available in the common areas of most academic buildings, the Owen Library, and the Student Union. All residence halls offer in-room, direct-connect high-speed Internet access to students; there is one network port per bed.
Student-accessible e-mail kiosks are situated in the common areas of several campus buildings.
There are 30 fully equipped technology-ready classrooms for faculty use, and every classroom on campus is wired for Internet access. Laptop computers and video projectors are available for loan to both students and faculty for academic-related projects.
Information Technology oversees two programs that provide free productivity software and discounted computer prices for students. A variety of computer-related and software supplies are available in the campus Bookstore.
Computing Use Policy
Every member of the University community has two basic rights regarding computing: privacy and a fair share of resources. It is unethical for another person to violate these rights. All users, in turn, are expected to exercise common sense and decency with regard to the campus computing resources.
Students are subject to the rules and regulations as described in the University of Pittsburgh Student Code of Conduct. Students should realize that any misuse of computing resources may result in the suspension of their computing privileges.
Cultural Activities
The Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center is a focal point of cultural and community activities. The area’s most professional and diverse theatre, this state-of-the-art facility presents numerous live, professional, world-class artists and entertainment through a variety of performances that include Broadway, theatre, music, comedy, dance, family entertainment, and shows for children. The Arts Center hosts the Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, River City Brass Band, and Johnstown Concert Ballet. It also serves as an artistic, educational, social, and economic resource for the Greater Johnstown Region.
The Pitt-Johnstown Theatre department makes its home at the Pasquerilla Performing Arts Center, presenting an annual musical and two productions each year. Pitt-Johnstown’s Dance Ensemble, the largest student organization on campus, also calls the Arts Center home. The Arts Center is also home to the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA). SAMA is nationally accredited and offers more than five exhibitions annually.
Disability Services
At Pitt-Johnstown we offer special services to students with disabilities. The purpose of these services is to enhance our students' educational experience and to assure that the University does not discriminate against any student with a disability. For more information on the services provided visit the Office of Disability Services in G-04 Student Union or call 814-269-7062.
Drug-Free Workplace/School Policy
To implement its commitment to provide a drug-free environment for its students, faculty, and staff, the University of Pittsburgh has established the following policy:
The University of Pittsburgh prohibits the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a controlled substance on University property or as part of any University activity. Faculty, staff, and students of the University must comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on possession and consumption of alcohol.
Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action within 30 days, including, but not limited to, a warning, written reprimand, suspension, dismissal, expulsion, and/or mandatory participation and successful completion of a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program approved by an appropriate health or law enforcement agency.
Any University employee paid from federally funded grants or contracts, or any student participating in any federally funded or guaranteed student loan program, must notify the University of any criminal drug statute conviction for a violation occurring at the University or while engaged in University activities.
Harassment Policy
No University employee, student, or individual on University property may intentionally harass or abuse a person (physically or verbally) with the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with such person's work or academic performance, or of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or academic environment.
Health Services
On campus, health care is available to all University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown's full-time students. A health fee is paid by full-time students each term. A staff of two bachelor's-level nurses provide treatment for minor ailments, general health problems, and emergencies.
The Student Health Service is not equipped to handle severe accidents or illnesses. The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown is not accountable for student expenses incurred for medical treatment, hospitalization, or prescription drugs.
Courtesy care, on a limited basis, is also available to faculty and staff.
All incoming freshmen must provide a completed health record and documentation of required immunizations, including the month, day, and year the immunizations were administered, to the University’s Student Health Service.
Failure to Comply: Incoming full-time freshmen who, after receipt of notification by the University that their immunization records are incomplete, fail to provide proof of immunization or written request for exemption as described above will be prohibited from registering for any classes beyond the term following initial enrollment.
ID Cards
A Pitt-Johnstown identification card (known as the Mountain Cat Card) is issued to all registered students through the ID Center, located in 115 Biddle Hall. The Mountain Cat Card is used to access student meal plans in the cafeteria and other eating venues on campus. It also provides access to a student’s “Mountain Cat Cash” account for purchases at the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore. Many Pitt-Johnstown residence facilities require use of the Mountain Cat Card to gain access to the building. Students also use the card for student identification in the library, at sporting events, and to receive student discounts for many campus events. Pitt-Johnstown students also have the option of using their Mountain Cat Card in vending machines on campus (soda, copier, and laundry machines). There is no charge for a student’s first Mountain Cat Card. A $20 fee is charged for replacement cards.
Immunization Policy
The University requires the immunization of all incoming freshmen against measles, mumps, and rubella as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh. Incoming freshmen must provide to the University Student Health Service documentation of immunization that includes the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Completed immunization forms must be kept on file in the Student Health Service.
Information Technology
Pitt-Johnstown Information Technology is responsible for the implementation and support of applied computer systems and technology services on campus and includes the following units:
- Information Systems supports the ID Center, the Pitt-Johnstown Web site, and various administrative systems on campus
- Printing Services produces academic documents, mailing pieces, brochures, programs, and other print material for the campus.
- Technical Services, administers the campus network, telecommunications, and all campus computer hardware.
- User Services manages the computer labs, the residential network (ResNet), and the Pitt-Johnstown support desk
“Mountain Cat Cash” Account
Students have the option of creating a personal “Mountain Cat Cash” account by depositing funds at the Pitt-Johnstown Business Office. Students then use their Mountain Cat Cards to access this account and make purchases at the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore and at all eating venues on campus. Mountain Cat Cash can also be transferred for use in campus vending machines. Mountain Cat Cash is a convenient way to make purchases on campus without the need to carry cash.
Personal Counseling Center
Counseling services are provided to assist Pitt-Johnstown students with their social and emotional concerns, including those related to home life or college-related experiences. Examples of concerns the center can assist with include homesickness, relationship problems, test anxiety, stress, depression, sexual assault, grieving, substance abuse, low self-confidence, eating disorders, etc. The mission of the Personal Counseling Center is to assist students with making their academic and personal experiences at Pitt-Johnstown as successful as they can be.
Individual and group counseling is available, and off-campus referrals are made as necessary. All student consultations are confidential and do not become part of the student’s academic record. Counseling services are available at no cost.
Students may schedule an appointment by visiting the Personal Counseling Center located in G12 Student Union or by calling the office at 814-269-7119. Emergency services: in the event of a mental health emergency please contact the Personal Counseling Center during the hours of 8:30 am to 5:00 p.m. at 814-269-7119; after hours please contact Campus Police at 814-269-7222; or Crisis Intervention, Cambria County Mental Health at 814-535-8531. Crisis workers are available 24 hours each day to answer questions and provide crisis intervention services.
Sexual Harassment Policy
The University of Pittsburgh is committed to the maintenance of a community free from all forms of sexual harassment. Sexual harassment violates University policy as well as state, federal, and local laws. It is neither permitted nor condoned. The coverage of this policy extends to all faculty, researchers, staff, students, vendors, contractors, and visitors to the University.
It is also a violation of the University of Pittsburgh’s policy against sexual harassment for any employee or student at the University of Pittsburgh to attempt in any way to retaliate against a person who makes a claim of sexual harassment.
Any individual who, after thorough investigation and informal or formal hearing, is found to have violated the University’s policy against sexual harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, reprimand, suspension, termination, or expulsion. Any disciplinary action taken will depend upon the severity of the offense.
Smoking Policy
Smoking is prohibited in all University-owned and leased facilities, including residence halls and off-campus housing facilities and in all University vehicles, including motor pool vehicles, campus buses, and vans.
Exceptions may be made with the approval of the director of environmental health and safety. Requests for the establishment of designated smoking areas must be submitted to the Office of Facilities Management.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are more than 75 clubs and organizations at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown that students may participate in according to their interests and career objectives. Students are encouraged to get involved in activities to enrich their total college and lifetime experiences. The range of groups include honor societies, religious organizations, fraternities, sororities, musical and theater opportunities, intramural programs, academic and professional clubs, publications and media outlets, governance and professional organizations, special interest groups, and recreational clubs. For more information about a particular club or organization, contact the Office of Student Life, 130 Student Union Building, Johnstown, PA 15904.
