Academic Information

Academic Affairs

For the student pursuing a program of study at PennWest University, the catalog is an important planning tool. It provides essential information that will assist the student in meeting the requirements and standards related to that program of study as well as the range of services and opportunities provided by the University in support of the student’s educational goals. The catalog should be used in working with the student’s advisor. The information contained in the catalog applies to the program of study for individuals entering during the year for which the catalog is dated. The information in this section of the catalog explains the essential elements of academic policies, procedures and standards in effect at the time of its publication. Additional information concerning these issues is available from the Office of the Provost. Students are expected to follow their program of study outlined in the catalog in effect at the time of their admission to that program. Students who transfer to a new program or who interrupt their program of study for a period exceeding one calendar year and are subsequently reinstated will be expected to meet the requirements of the program in effect at the time of their transfer or reinstatement. When this is impractical, students, together with their advisor and chairperson, will develop a program to be approved by the dean of the school. Reinstated students who return to the University within one calendar year of their last enrollment have the option of continuing under the curriculum and graduation requirements for which they were responsible when they left the institution.

Academic Advisement and Student Responsibility

Upon entering PennWest University, each student is assigned a faculty advisor who, by experience, professional background and example, should be particularly qualified to assist the student in planning the program of study, in developing successful strategies for academic success and in providing insight into preparation for a career and the value of the program of study the student has undertaken. Academic advisors are available during regularly scheduled office hours or by appointment to meet with their advisees. The academic advisement process is a critical element in a university education. In addition, professional counseling is available to those seeking assistance with academic or personal problems. These opportunities are listed elsewhere in this catalogue and in other publications provided to students. The student is responsible for ensuring that all requirements for graduation have been met. It is expected that each student will discuss, on a regular basis, the development and execution of a plan of study for his or her academic program with the assigned academic advisor. However, the final responsibility rests with the student.

Academic and Student Resources

Dean of Students Office

The Dean of Students Office for PennWest promotes responsible citizenship by protecting student rights and maintaining the principles outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and Community Standards Document. The office administers campus disciplinary procedures, seeks to maintain a positive living and learning environment and encourages the building of a respectful and inclusive community. Additionally, the office works with the campus based Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT), and the Title IX process, as well as with student complaints. The office also serves as a resource to the university community regarding conflict management and resolution by providing services that promote the development of critical life skills. A mediation service is available to assist students in resolving interpersonal conflict.

Study Abroad

Studying abroad is an incredible opportunity and Pennsylvania Western University encourages students to explore such an opportunity. A study abroad experience can be short-term (two to ten weeks), for a semester, or academic year. Pennsylvania Western University offers short-term, for credit, study abroad programs at various locations throughout the world for all students. Programs are offered in the summer, during winter and spring breaks, and our faculty accompany our students. Recently, students have traveled to England, Scotland, Italy, China, Japan, Ireland, and the Dominican Republic on long and short-term experiences. Getting started is easy! The Global Education Office will provide students with a basic overview of study abroad opportunities and the process. Individual guidance is provided to meet a student’s specific goals regarding location, finances, classes/transfer credits, and preparation. Students can learn more by emailing globaled-edn@pennwest.edu.

Career Center

The center assists students in becoming career ready by educating and empowering students through exploration, preparation, and application of skills and experiences to meet their definition of career and life success. The center offers important guidance and career resources to be successful in today’s competitive job markets, which are accessible 24/7 at career.pennwest.edu

Each student has a dedicated professional Career Coach, who can help…

· Explore majors and careers.

· Find on-campus/part-time jobs and job shadowing experiences

· Learn internship and job search strategies

· Develop resumes and cover letters

· Prepare for interviews, job fairs or networking events

· Research and apply to graduate schools

· Connect with employers looking to hire PennWest graduates

The Career Center maintains online job and internship postings (see Handshake), coordinates on-campus interviews and recruiting events with employers, offers in-person and virtual job-fairs and networking events, and conducts workshops and presentations for classes and clubs.

Internship Center

The Internship Center assists students pursuing for-credit internships. The Internship Center can help:

· Explain the application process to receive academic credit for an internship

· Answer questions about internships

· Identify potential internship sites

· Provide information about The Washington Center Program

· Manage the Rutledge Internship Award

For additional information, contact the Internship Center at internship@pennwest.edu or 724-938-1578.

An internship is an educational experience where a student works for an organization in a position related to their major. Internships give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and theory learned in the classroom in a professional setting, gain career-related experiences, and make professional connections. Additionally, employers rank internships as the most influential experience a student can have when being considered for a job. Internships can be paid or unpaid and may be for academic credit. All for-credit internships must have faculty and academic department approval. See ‘Internship Center’ for more information about for-credit internships.

Handshake

Handshake is PennWest’s online career management system which can be accessed at pennwest.joinhandshake.com. All students receive a Handshake account and can use it to:

· View and apply for on-campus student employment/work-study positions

· Find and apply for internships and jobs

· Learn about and attend virtual and in-person events and career fairs

· Schedule an appointment with your Career Coach or the Internship Center

Students can look for on campus employment positions using Handshake in 3 easy steps.

· Go to pennwest.joinhandshake.com or download the Handshake Jobs & Careers app and log in with your PennWest email

· Click on ‘jobs’, choose ‘all filters’, and ‘on-campus’ then type your campus name in the search field to see jobs

· View and apply to available jobs

General Education Program