Natali Student Center

Natali Student Center

All the Comforts of Home for Resident and Commuter Students

Natali Student Center Rotundra

The Elmo Natali Student Center at PennWest California has been named one of the best student centers in the United States.

The student center is located in the heart of PennWest California's campus, and it's the hub of student activities. Rededicated in 2016 after a top-to-bottom renovation, the student center is the place to go for a meal or a snack, to meet friends for a study session, or to enjoy some downtime between classes. Many student services are housed in Natali as well. 

Whether you live on campus or commute to PennWest California for classes, you can make yourself comfortable at the student center. Here's a floor-by-floor look at key offices and services at the Natali Student Center:

Student Center Hours

Monday - Friday:  6 a.m. – Midnight

Saturday - Sunday:  8 a.m. – Midnight

Lower Level - Lobby

Information Desk, near the Third Street entrance. Stop here to have your PennWest ID Card photo taken or learn how to navigate your way through campus

First Floor

Gale Artyth George Lese Heritage Lounge, is also known as the rotunda. This spectacular space is ideal for group study projects or just hanging out. Due to her philanthropy, the Heritage Lounge in the Natali Student Center was renamed The Gail Artyth George Lese Heritage Lounge.  A portrait of Gail hangs at the entry to that area

Center for Career and Professional Development Center (CCPD), where your career coach can help you explore majors and careers, learn internship and job search strategies, learn how to develop an effective resume, prepare for interviews, job fairs and networking events, apply to graduate schools, and connect with employers! Conveniently located just off the Heritage Lounge, the CCPD also houses the Internship Center, which links students and employers for faculty-led internships.

PennWest California Welcome Center, coordinates campus visits, guided tours and admissions presentations to visitors and guests.

PennWest California Bookstore, where you can purchase textbooks, computer hardware and software, school supplies, PennWest California clothing and other gear.

ESports Zone, is designed for students to play video games together on state-of-the-art consoles and PCs. It also includes a TV so students can stream Twitch — a service that focuses on videogame livestreams, including broadcasts of esports competitions.

Corner Pocket Billards Room, play a casual game with friends between class or brush up on your skills – equipment is available to sign out at the info desk.

PSECU, the Pennsylvania State Employee Credit Union. PSECU offers on-campus financial services to students and PennWest California employees.

Student Media Suite, home to CUTV, the campus television station; WCAL, the campus radio station; and the Cal Times student newspaper. Students of all majors are welcome to participate.

Center for Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, which connects you with volunteer opportunities and service projects in California and surrounding Pennsylvania communities.

The PennWest California Pantry assists our students by providing food, academic supplies and personal hygiene items, so they can continue on the path toward graduation. Students in need can ask to receive food or non-food supplies (personal hygiene items or school supplies) online.

Commuter Services area located behind the Energy Zone, includes charging stations for your laptop and cellphone; a kitchenette with a microwave oven, refrigerator, sink and lockers; and comfy seating areas. (Additional commuter break pods are located in other buildings on campus, too, so commuter students have a convenient place to rest and recharge between classes.)

Student Organization Suite, where you'll find these offices:

  • Greek Affairs, which oversees the many fraternities and sororities at PennWest California.
  • Student Activities Board, a student-led organization that programs entertainment and events for the PennWest California community.
  • Student Government Association, the official governing body for PennWest California students. Part of the Student Association Inc. (SAI), SGA works with the University Administration to address student concerns, approve and promote recognized clubs and organizations and development of the student activity fee distribution to clubs and organizations. Meetings are held Monday at 4:15pm in Natali Student Center.
  • Student Development, which includes New Student Orientation, Parent/Family Engagement, Welcome Weekend and the Alpha Lambda Delta freshmen honor society.
  • The Underground, which hosts open mic nights, books local bands and sponsors performances by writers, poets, musicians and comedians on Thursday nights.

Vulcan Theater, a 104-seat multipurpose space. The theatre can be booked for club and outside events. Sound, lights, and projector are available.

Office of Sexual Misconduct Prevention & Response, plays a role in creating a safe and welcoming campus community through its prevention efforts.  OSMPR also provides support, resources, and services to students impacted by sexual misconduct.  The Victim Advocate provides crisis intervention and risk assessment, hospital accompaniment (forensic exam), safety planning and emergency accommodations. The on call Advocate is available 24/7 and can be reached by calling University Police at 724-938-HELP.

Campus Ministry, whose organizations foster spiritual growth, character development, prayer, community service and social interaction among students; PennWest California's campus ministry includes:

  • Cal Catholic, which foster fellowship and learning opportunities among Catholic students at PennWest California. Cal Catholic hosts mass Sundays at 10am in the Vulcan Theater.
  • New Life Christian Fellowship, explore faith, make friends, study God's Word, and enjoy your college experience. New Life, a Baptist-supported ministry open to students of any denomination, meets for Bible study and fellowship on Tuesdays at 7pm in Natali 319.
  • STAND (Students Taking a New Direction), an interdenominational ministry that helps students to explore Christianity, deepen their faith and connect with fellow students through Bible study and other activities.

Chick-fil-A Express, offering the classic chicken sandwich, fresh salads, chicken nuggets, waffle fries and lemonade.

Flatz (COMING FALL 2022), the perfect location to grab breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night eats ranging from coffee and smoothies, breakfast sandwiches, grab & go salads and sandwiches, Mexican cuisine, and so much more.

Second Floor

Gold Rush Culinary Center, the primary dining option for PennWest California students, offers all-you-care-to-eat dining in a relaxed setting. Students can choose from a variety of dining memberships and meal plans.

Flatz Express, temporarily located on level two, is open 7:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 4:30-11:30 p.m. on weekends.  Flatz express offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and late night options ranging from breakfast sandwiches and pastries, quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, bowls and salads. Not to mention, We Proudly Brew Starbucks. Later this fall, Flatz will relocate to its permanent location in Natali on level one.

Performance Center, a versatile meeting and performance space used for a variety of campus activities.

Third Floor

Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, the administrative office that serves as the Student Affairs Lead-California campus, and oversees all aspects Auxiliary Services, Budgeting, Project Management and Compliance for the Institutional Effectiveness, Student Affairs, and University Police division. The office also houses the Associate Dean of Students who acts as campus lead for student conduct, provides conflict resolution, and chairs the Behavioral Intervention Team.

Student Association Inc. (SAI), a nonprofit corporation owned and operated by the students of PennWest California. Active since 1937, SAI supports the activities of student clubs and organizations, provides partial funding for intercollegiate athletics, and owns Roadman Park and the SAI Farm, on PennWest California's upper campus.