Welcome to Cal U
Checklist
Congratulations!
as a Cal U student. You are officially accepted e care of before There are a few things to tak you start:
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Tuition Deposit
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Scholarships
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Campus Email
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VI P
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Housing & Meals
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myCAL U app
. calu.edu/deposit
Send us your tuition deposit
u.edu/scholarships
. cal Review Cal U scholarships
ount. calu.edu/username Set up your campus email acc Portal (VIP). vip.calu.edu Log in to Vulcan Information Secure housing and select
meal plans. vip.calu.edu
app from Download the free myCALU
your app store.
ents: Submit a Few Key Docum n
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Complete your FAFSA. fafsa.gov . Submit your final transcripts admissions@calu.edu ation Form. Submit your Medical Inform calu.edu/medicalform
Start Your Journey.
tation and Attend New Student Orien u.edu/nso confirm your schedule. cal or set up a n Settle your bill balance du payment plan. vip.calu.e Welcome Weekend. n Plan for move-in and calu.edu/move-in calu.edu/welcome ular basis! Monitor your Cal U email on a reg
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CHECK OFF YOUR TO-DO LIST
CAMPUS
LOG IN
Everything you need to know about Cal U is located on the Vulcan Information Portal (VIP). VIP offers quick and easy access to the information you need most: register for classes, view your account information, check financial aid, and access email.
Here’s How to Get Started: Set up your campus email: • Visit calu.edu/username. • Enter your campus-wide ID (CWID) number, found on your temporary ID. • Enter your first name, last name, and date of birth. • Click submit and follow the instructions.
Log in to VIP: • Visit vip.calu.edu. • Log in to VIP with the same username and password that you use to access your campus email account. Note: Your username consists of seven characters: three letters and four numbers. Do not enter the “@calu.edu” part of your email address when logging in to VIP. Your username and password are NOT the same as your Campus-Wide ID (CWID) and PIN. You will not use your Campus-Wide ID (CWID) and PIN to log in to VIP.
Use Your CalCard The CalCard is your official California University of Pennsylvania ID card. In addition to identifying you as a student, it is your key to accessing a variety of services at Cal U. Your CalCard gives you access to campus events and activities, residence halls, meal plans, dine dollars, shop dollars, Herron Rec and Fitness Center, Manderino Library privileges, Vulcan Flyer, and MMVTA bus routes. Access to events and services is based on associated fee payment. You can manage your CalCard online at calcard.transactcampus.com (log in using your University username and password). Make shop and dine dollar deposits, view your account balances, check your transaction history, or suspend activity on a lost CalCard online 24/7. Family members and guests can use the online “Make a Guest Deposit” feature to contribute to your shop or dine dollar account. Through an agreement between the University and the Pennsylvania State Employees Credit Union (PSECU), the CalCard can also serve as an ATM card, if you choose the banking option. Questions concerning your CalCard? Contact us at 724-938-5693 or via email at calcard@calu.edu.
CONNECT TO CAL U
NEED HELP?
lp Desk Call UTech, Cal U’s He edu UTechrequests@calu. y
8am-4pm Monday-Frida 724-938-5911
STAY CONNECTED
Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat. Facebook: Facebook.com/calupaadmissions Instagram: Instagram.com/calupa_admissions Twitter: @calu_admissions Snapchat: @OfficialCalUPA #CalUAccepted
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with an Advance Tuitio
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Visit campus
nce Cal U and Explore ways to experie more. get to know Cal U even ail visit@calu.edu, Call 724-938-1626, em or visit calu.edu/visit.
Pay Online
and Visit calu.edu/deposit sit.* make your $100 depo
Pay by mail
cket) rm (included in this pa Mail in your deposit fo order for $100.* with a check or money up * Deposit is refundable
to May 1.
SECURE YOUR SPOT – START YOUR JOURNEY
NCE A D N E T T A R U O Y M IR F CON eposit.
HOUSING & DINING
Living at Cal U is like having your own place – because you do.
Our student housing is among the best in the nation. No cramped residence halls or long waits for the shower – plenty of room, and privacy too. You will feel safe and secure with our staff, who are available 24 hours a day. Within our residence halls, there are special residential communities which include honors, Rutledge Scholars, gaming, diversity/gender inclusion, healthy living, and other affiliate groups. Our Residence Halls have been designed so that students do not need to be concerned with furniture: simply move in and enjoy the privacy and space. Vulcan Village, next to Adamson Stadium, is an apartment-style community with the convenience of campus living. Vulcan Village is owned and operated by the Student Association, Inc. Students who live beyond a 50-mile radius of campus are required to stay in University housing for their first four semesters. (Of course, everyone is welcome to take advantage of University housing for the duration of their college career.) Our housing provides a variety of options to offer the independence and privacy you need while creating a safe environment.
Dining Options Abound on Campus • Whether you’re sitting down for a meal or picking up a quick snack, you’ll find healthy, quality foods prepared from the freshest ingredients right in the heart of campus.
Housing and Dining Application Process Complete your application to enjoy the benefits of secure housing and a meal plan. • Log into your VIP account (vip.calu.edu) • Click on the “MyHousing” tab • Click on “Contracts” • Select the appropriate contract • Housing (on-campus or Vulcan Village) • Dining Services (for commuters who wish to purchase a meal plan) • University Housing will email your Cal U address when it is your turn to select your roommate and room type
Did You Know? During the first week of classes, most students in the residence halls keep their doors open? It’s a great way to meet friends that last a lifetime.
MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME
OUR STAFF IS READY TO ASSIST YOU:
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University Housing Offi 724-938-4444 housing@calu.edu
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS
You have made the commitment to invest in your future, and we are making a commitment to help you. Our Financial Aid Office provides assistance with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) whenever you need it, but it is important to apply early.
Step 1:
Request, Retrieve, Or Reset Your FSA ID Request, retrieve, or reset your (and your parents’, if you’re a dependent) Federal Student Aid FSA ID at studentaid.gov. Your FSA ID lets you “sign” your online FAFSA, access and make corrections to your application information, and more – so keep it safe. Be sure to include “California University of Pennsylvania” and our school code “003316” on the selection summary tab.
Step 2:
Submit Your FAFSA Submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at studentaid.gov. FAFSA applications open October 1. The recommended deadline date is March 1 each year to ensure eligibility for state grants and Cal U institutional and endowed funding.*
Step 3:
Watch for Award Notification/ "Request for Verification Information" Accepted students must log in to the Vulcan Information Portal (VIP) and their Cal U email. Financial aid award letters for first-time freshmen, first-time graduate students, and transfer students will be available on VIP. You will be notified through your Cal U email address and text message when these are available for you to view. To learn more about the awarding process, visit calu.edu/finaid. You can keep up with your Financial Aid award(s) on the Vulcan Information Portal (VIP) (vip.calu.edu). Prompt response is needed to help finalize your financial aid package.
Step 4:
Review Scholarship Opportunities If you have a GPA of at least 3.0, you could be eligible for a scholarship from Cal U. Scholarships may be awarded based on any number of criteria, such as academics, achievements, hobbies, talents, affiliations with various groups, or career aspirations, so be sure to explore your options at calu.edu/scholarships. * PA residents must file by May 1 to be considered for PHEAA State Grant funds.
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
WE ARE HERE TO HELP: calu.edu/finaid 724-938-4415 finaid@calu.edu
NEW STUDENT ORIENTATION Experience all that Cal U has to offer.
At your New Student Orientation session, you and your family will really get a sense of what it will be like for you to attend Cal U.
Here’s What You Can Expect: • Confirm your schedule. • Explore aspects of campus that may include: - Financial aid and student accounts - Academic success - Clubs and organizations - Housing and campus life - Meal plans - Health services - Parent/Family sessions - Other basics of campus life • Smile! You’ll receive your Cal U ID Card. • Get to know other incoming students, our student ambassadors, and some of our staff.
Register for New Student Orientation New Student Orientation is required for all incoming first-year and transfer students. Register at calu.edu/nso. Students must pay their deposit in order to register for orientation and to receive their schedule.
Break the Ice Get to know about campus and students by asking them: • What do you love about Cal U? • What is your favorite thing to do at Cal U? • Where is your favorite place to hang out on campus? • What do you like to do outside of class? • Where is your favorite place to study?
ATTEND ORIENTATION
CAMPUS Traditions
on campus, ge Weekend, While you get comfortable in the fun during Welcome Jo . me ho us mp ca r ou ke and favorites — that ma hting Ceremony, and Convocation and Candle Lig nt de Stu w Ne al ion dit tra including the ing the ceremonies. stay for the fireworks follow
Traditions
The Big Event
n show their e Big Event so students ca Th rs so on sp t en nm ver Go Each spring, Student . The program provides unity with a day of service mm co a rni lifo Ca the to n eded work. appreciatio ing, and completing other ne int pa , ws do win ing sh wa lp local residents with he
Underground Café
rground ry Thursday at 9 p.m., Unde eve ht nig c mi en op y ekl we ces throughout the Perhaps best known for its ecial events and performan sp sts ho t tha n tio iza an Café is a student org d drives. ion to hip-hop nights and foo rat leb ce ng mi co me Ho a year, from
Blaze the Vulcan
during football s Cal U pride. Don’t miss him die bo em n, lca Vu the ze int scored. Cal U's mascot, Bla er in celebration of every po mm ha his h wit am be el games, when he hits our ste
The Best
… place to study alone
Louis L. Manderino Library,
Fourth Floor
up … place to study with a gro
First Floor Louis L. Manderino Library,
… off-campus convenience
store
rnia, PA) Kwik Fill (350 3rd St., Califo
… way to meet new people
tions
Student Clubs and Organiza
nt … off-campus breakfast joi
Route 40 Classic Diner ndstone, PA) (6229 National Pike E., Gri
… campus resource
EM Lab,
Noss Hall Writing Center, ST and More
… place to relax Hammock Park
ots
… off-campus hang-out sp
rnia, PA) Rotary Park (3rd St., Califo , Coal Center, PA) Lagerheads (100 Spring St.
… place to eat off campus
rnia, PA) Subway (352 3rd St., Califo rnia, PA) Spuds (227 Wood St., Califo
… place to eat on campus
nter, First Floor Chick-fil-A, Natali Student Ce
… place to do your banking
r, First Floor
PSECU, Natali Student Cente
EXPLORE CAL U CULTURE
There’s college life. U life. And then there’s Cat tol kno the traditions w some of the Cal U-isms —
RESOURCES Need more info about … … intramural or club sports, group exercise classes, great places to run or swim? Herron Recreation and Fitness Center 724-938-5907 … tuition, housing fees, or payment plans? Office of Student Accounts, Dixon Hall 724-938-4431 | studentaccounts@calu.edu … campus email addresses, phone numbers, or addresses? calu.edu/people-finder … transportation, cross-campus shuttles, and rides to and from the airport? Office of Parking and Transportation 724-938-4677 … where to go when you’re sick or even just feeling under the weather? Student Health Center, Carter Hall 724-938-4232 … campus police or how to get text alerts about campus emergencies? Campus Police 724-938-4299 | calu.edu/text-alert Emergency 724-938-4357 (HELP) … how to connect to the internet, how to fix your broken laptop, or other tech dilemmas? California University Technology Services, UTech Help Desk 724-938-5911 | UTechrequests@calu.edu … where to find advising help, math help, writing tutors, and more? Office of Academic Success, Noss Hall 724-938-1523 | academicsuccess@calu.edu … resources for veterans, eligible dependents, and active-duty service members? Office of Military & Veterans Affairs 724-938-4076 | veterans@calu.edu
… transferring to Cal U? Office of Articulation and Transfer Evaluation 724-938-5939 | transfer@calu.edu … the International Club, international student services, or our study away program? Office of International Programming 724-938-5125 | international@calu.edu … Bible studies, social gatherings, service projects, fellowship and prayer groups, and more? Campus Ministry 724-938-4573 … LGBTQA+ life? The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Carter Hall, G-25 724-938-5758 … student government, student media, campus leadership opportunities, and more? Office of Student Affairs, Natali Student Center, Suite 311 724-938-5758 | stuaffairs@calu.edu … your FAFSA, financial literacy, work-study, tuition awards, and more? Financial Aid Office, Dixon Hall 724-938-4415 | finaid@calu.edu … commuter lounges, commuter support services? Commuter Center | Non-traditional Student Services 724-938-4021 | commuterservices@calu.edu ... campus housing, where to live, roommates? Housing 724-938-4444 | housing@calu.edu Vulcan Village 724-938-8990 | vulcanvillage@calu.edu
NAVIGATE CAMPUS LIFE
… how to navigate campus with a disability? Office for Students with Disabilities, Carter Hall, G-35 724-938-5781 | osdmail@calu.edu
Campus Slang “The Bistro”
ick, Hall), this eatery features qu on err (H tro Bis re mo ca Sy Short for a workout at st place to grab lunch after healthy meals and is the be Pierogi Soup ss Center. And don’t miss Herron Recreation and Fitne on Wednesdays!
“The Rush”
ll (in Elmo s call Gold Rush Dining Ha What you’ll hear classmate petite for ere you can satisfy your ap Natali Student Center), wh and even ve – salads, pizza, gelato, just about anything you cra sushi on Fridays.
“The Union”
e-stop tali Student Center, your on Nickname for the Elmo Na on one ck g. Grab a snack, kick ba shop for just about everythin flick at the movie theater. of the couches, or catch a
“The Convo”
Cal U’s Cal U Convocation Center, An abbreviated term for the rences, center that is used for confe on nti nve co t -ar the oftesta urse, it’s mmunity events—and, of co concerts, performances, co basketball and volleyball. the home court for Vulcan
“The Mon”
ht alongside ahela River, which runs rig Shorthand for the Monong nds. place to hang out with frie campus. The Mon is a fun
“The Turf”
nter and tween the Natali Student Ce The artificial grass area be ch football a is great for a game of tou Residence Hall B. This are day. or lying in the sun on a hot
pace” “VIP” and “D2L/Brights
on Portal : VIP is the Vulcan Informati These two go hand in hand ation you’ll find access to all the inform (vip.calu.edu), where you’ll at Cal U. need throughout your time e2Learn, an "D2L/Brightspace", or Desir From there, you can access ormation. you can access course inf ere wh tem sys ng rni lea online
it:
e Weekend, please vis
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calu.edu/move-in calu.edu/welcome
Start Your Story at calu.edu