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
Pitt-Johnstown varsity teams compete in NCAA Division II athletics and are members of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). Pitt-Johnstown’s student-athletes’ performances have garnered individual and team honors at the conference, regional and national levels. The 15 varsity sports offer student-athletes an opportunity to compete and represent Pitt-Johnstown, while learning valuable lessons that can be applied off the court, field, mat or track. Men compete at the NCAA level in baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, indoor and outdoor track and field, and wrestling, while women compete in basketball, cross country, soccer, softball, indoor and outdoor track and field, and volleyball.
In addition, Pitt-Johnstown offers an excellent intramural program that includes basketball, flag football, volleyball, soccer, and many other activities for students throughout the academic year.
Bookstore/Convenience Store
The Bookstore, located in the Student Union Building, is a self-supporting auxiliary service of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. Its purpose is to provide students and the campus 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;
technology products and engineering supplies. Other merchandise available includes University of Pittsburgh and Pitt-Johnstown clothing, Greek products, spirit and gift items and glassware.
Additional Bookstore services include: textbook reservation, textbook rental, book buy-back, special order for books and apparel, group orders, UPS shipping, fax service, and class rings.
The Convenience Store
stocks a wide selection of products including snack foods, beverages, and health and beauty aids. To accommodate student needs, the Convenience Store offers extended evening and weekend hours.
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 the most recent information on campus safety and crime reports, visit http://www.upj.pitt.edu/291/. To receive a copy by mail write to: Campus Police Department, University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, 450 Schoolhouse Road, Johnstown, PA 15904.
Career Services
The Pitt-Johnstown Office of RealWorld Career Services assists students in identifying career goals, formulating career plans, and implementing their plans upon graduation. Our services begin when students first arrive on campus for orientation and continue throughout their time on campus. This service is also available to our Pitt-Johnstown alumni as they continue pursuing their professional careers.
Our services include career counseling (including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment & the Strong Interest Inventory), résumé development/review, professional correspondence development/review (cover letters, thank you notes), mock interviewing, informational interviewing, job shadowing opportunities, networking opportunities, internship research, job search strategies, social media etiquette, and preparatory testing for pre-professionals.
Symplicity is an online job and internship database offered only to the Pitt-Johnstown student. Pitt-Johnstown students also have access to Future Links, the online job and internship database maintained by Pitt-Oakland. Pitt-Johnstown students have access to all Pitt-Oakland Career Fairs and other regional fairs (van transportation is provided).
The Office of RealWorld Career Services partners with faculty and student organizations to target their particular needs. We also partner with the community and economic development organizations in the region for the benefit of our students.
Information Technology Facilities
The Information Technology unit manages seven computer labs for student use. All labs are equipped with windows-based PCs or MAC’s 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 high-quality color printing.
The university’s wireless network is free to the campus community and is available in most areas of the academic buildings, the Owen Library, and the Student Union. Wireless network is also available in all residence halls along with direct-connect high-speed Internet access for each student.
Student-accessible e-mail kiosks are situated in the common areas of several campus buildings.
All classrooms are technology-enabled with PC, internet access, document camera and multimedia devices and projectors. Network access is available in every classroom. Laptop computers and video projectors are available for loan to both students and faculty for academic-related projects.
Information Technology provides local oversight to the university’s program that provides free productivity software to students. The University also works with major hardware vendors to provide 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 two to three 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.
Drug-Free School and Workplace 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 also comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on the 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 students 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. For more information, see www.bc.pitt.edu/policies/policy/06/06-02-01.html.
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.
Office of Health and Counseling/Disability Services
At Pitt-Johnstown we offer services for students with diagnosed 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 Health and Counseling /Disability Services in G-10 Student Union or call 814-269- 7119.
Office of Health and Counseling/Health Services
On campus, health care is available to all University of Pittsburgh Johnstown's enrolled, full-time students. A health fee is paid by full-time students each term. The health center staff provides treatment for minor ailments and general health problems.
The Office of Health and Counseling Services is not equipped to handle severe accidents or illnesses. Students who present with medical needs beyond the Center’s scope of practice will be directed off campus for services. The University of Pittsburgh Johnstown is not accountable for student expenses incurred for off campus medical treatment, hospitalization, or prescription drugs.
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.
Office of Health and Counseling/Counseling Services
Counseling services are provided to assist Pitt-Johnstown students with their emotional, mental health, and/or social concerns. The center can assist with many issues including homesickness, relationship problems, test anxiety, stress, depression, sexual assault, grieving, low self- esteem, and eating disorders. The mission of the Counseling Center is to support students on their academic journey as a means to foster a positive collegiate experience. All services are free and confidential Off-campus referrals for services are made as necessary. All student records and consultations are confidential and do not become part of the student’s academic record.
Students may schedule an appointment by visiting the Office of Health and Counseling Services located in G-10 of the Student Union Building or by calling the office at 814-269-7119. Emergency services: are available 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.
ID Cards
A Pitt-Johnstown identification card (known as the Mountain Cat Card) is issued to all registered students, faculty and staff through the ID Center, located in room G52 of the Student Union Building. The Mountain Cat Card is used to access meal plan and “Mountain Cat Cash” accounts for making purchases in the cafeteria and other eating venues on campus. The “Mountain Cat Cash” account can also be used for purchases at the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore. Residence facilities and the Health and Wellness Center require use of the Mountain Cat Card to gain access. Students also use the card for student identification in the library, at sporting events, and to receive student discounts for campus events and from local retailers. Cardholders can furthermore use their Mountain Cat Card at photocopier and color printing vending stations on campus. Individuals requesting additional information regarding the Mountain Cat Card should call 814-269-2049.
Immunization Policy
The University requires all incoming first-year students to complete a University Health Form and provide documentation of required immunizations. The University requires that all incoming first-year students be immunized against measles, mumps, and rubella as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh Johnstown. Incoming first-year students must provide to the Office of Health and Counseling Services documentation to verify immunizations received. Documentation must contain the name of the administering agency/doctor and included the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Students with medical conditions and/or religious beliefs that preclude such vaccinations must provide a written request for exemption. Failure to Comply: Incoming full-time first-year students 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.
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 hardware, software and data components of campus administrative systems.
- Printing Services produces a variety of printed material for campus (academic documents, mailing pieces, brochures, programs, etc.).
- Technical Services supports the campus wired and wireless networks, telecommunications, and campus computer hardware and electronics.
- User Services supports campus desktop devices, 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. Mountain Cat Cash is a convenient way to make purchases on campus without the need to carry cash. Funds are added to the student’s ID card and can be used in the Pitt-Johnstown Bookstore and any dining facility on campus. By visiting the ID center funds can also be transferred to the vending strip on the card for use in vending and copy machines around campus. Once money is added to the card, it is nonrefundable.
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.
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 an 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. For more information, see www.bc.pitt.edu/policies/policy/07/07-06-04.html.
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, with explicit limited exceptions described in University Policy 04-05-03. For complete policy text, see www.bc.pitt.edu/policies/policy/04-04-05-03.html.
Student Clubs and Organizations
There are more than 85 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 explore their leadership potential by joining one of a range of groups including honor societies, religious organizations, fraternities, sororities, musical and theater opportunities, 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, G61 Student Union Building, Johnstown, PA 15904.
