To: All students, faculty and staff
From: Interim President Geraldine Jones

Here at Cal U, we pride ourselves on offering our students high-quality academic programs that align with national standards for excellence. Seeking accreditation is one way to ensure that our programs measure up. This voluntary, peer-review process assures students and their families that a Cal U degree has real value.

Once accreditation has been earned, the national agencies that evaluate our programs return regularly to verify their quality. I’m proud to announce that a number of programs have been accredited in recent months.

• Just this week our faculty in the Department of Theatre and Dance learned that the National Association for Schools of Theatre has re-accredited Cal U’s Bachelor of Arts program in theatre. The University will remain a NAST member in good standing for the next 10 years. 

 NAST also has given its “seal of approval” to the Mon Valley Performing Arts Academy, an outreach program that has provided after-school
 and summer theater experiences for hundreds of area children.

 These accreditations affirm the quality of our theatre program, and they earn a standing ovation for the faculty, staff and students  of the
 department! 

• In March the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education visited campus to conduct its 10-year re-accreditation review of our RN-BSN program and the initial review of our MSN in Nursing Administration and Leadership. 

 The RN-BSN program allows registered nurses to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing — a degree that is in demand as health care
 becomes more complex. Cal U’s Master of Science in Nursing addresses the needs of working professionals by offering education in
 nursing administration and leadership 100 percent online.

 We have not yet received official notice on the outcome of the CCNE evaluation, but we anticipate that both programs will meet all
 accreditation standards. I compliment the Nursing Department faculty, staff and students on their dedication and hard work as they prepared
 for this accreditation visit. 

• This winter our graduate program in athletic training was re-accredited through 2016 by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education. CAATE, which also accredits entry-level athletic training programs, only recently added post-professional programs to its accreditation process. 

 Prior to 2012, the National Athletic Trainers Association accredited all post-professional athletic training programs. In June, NATA approved
 moving post-professional education programs to CAATE.

 Accredited since 1994 through NATA, Cal U’s graduate athletic training program became the first CAATE-accredited post-professional 
 program. At that time, it was one of only 16 accredited post-professional athletic training programs in the United States. Well done!

• Also in the past year, our bachelor’s degree programs in computer science and computer information systems both received accreditation from the prestigious Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET, the world’s leading accreditation agency for applied science, computing, engineering and technology programs. Again, this is a team effort worth congratulating.

In all, more than 80 percent of Cal U’s academic programs are nationally accredited. Achieving accreditation requires an investment of time and resources, but I consider it one of our University’s most worthwhile endeavors.

With best wishes,

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

Register now for one of 17 New Student Registration sessions on campus.

Sessions begin June 10 and continue through July 13. Each session runs from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

All new students are required to attend New Student Registration so they can:

• Schedule classes for the fall semester.
• Meet with department advisers.
• Speak to financial aid representatives.
• Attend informational meetings about the University and campus life.

The sessions also allow incoming students to meet faculty members and other new students.

Family members are welcome to attend.

For questions, contact Carrie Pavtis at 724-938-1626 or pavtis@calu.edu.

Online registration form

Schedule of events

California University of Pennsylvania will hold a ceremonial dedication and naming of the G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall at 11 a.m. May 3 in the entry courtyard of the building known until now as Residence Hall A.

The building’s new name honors Professor G. Ralph Smith II, who was a member of Cal U’s English Department for 30 years.

Upon his death on May 28, 2010, Smith donated his estate to the University to endow the G. Ralph Smith II General Scholarship.

His gift of $1.95 million is believed to be the largest in the University’s modern history.

Smith’s bequest will provide assistance to students who qualify for the scholarship based on merit and financial need, regardless of their major area of study. The University expects to make the first scholarship awards in the 2013-2014 academic year.

In her invitation to the campus community, Interim University President Geraldine M. Jones noted that “the G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall is home to the University Honors Program, a dynamic living and learning environment that Professor Smith would have appreciated and encouraged.”

About Professor Smith

G. Ralph Smith II (1940-2010) served as an assistant professor of English at California University of Pennsylvania for 30 years, from 1964 to 1994. He was a 1958 graduate of Germantown Friends School in Germantown, Pa., and earned his bachelor’s degree three years later from Franklin and Marshall College. He completed coursework for his master’s degree and Ph.D. in English at Villanova University and Temple University.

Professor Smith lived in the Borough of California during his career at the University and afterward, a span of nearly 40 years. An active member of the English Department and the University community, he was personally committed to enhancing the English Department’s library, and for many years he helped to pay the tuition of incoming freshman students.

Through his estate plan, Professor Smith used virtually his entire life’s savings to create and endow the G. Ralph Smith II General Scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to students from any major who demonstrate both financial need and academic merit.

At the time of his passing, Professor Smith was described as “a brilliant, unassuming, quiet charmer with a kind and generous heart, and an extreme wit who made you think even if you didn’t think you could.”

About the renaming

The campus community is invited to attend the ceremonial dedication of the G. Ralph Smith II Honors Hall. The ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. May 3 in the entry courtyard of residence Hall A. 

Representatives of the University, the Emeriti Faculty Association and the University Honors Program will be among those participating at the naming ceremony.

Light refreshments will follow the dedication.

Bid on auction items

Bidding opens April 15 and continues through noon April 29 in the fifth Pittsburgh Penguins Online Auction supporting scholarships at Cal U.

Players James Neal, Sidney Crosby, Kris Letang, Marc Andre Fleury and Jerome Iginla all have autographed items for the fundraiser.

California University is the official education partner of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Since 2009, online auctions have raised more than $24,000 for the Pittsburgh Penguins Scholarship at Cal U.

The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates financial need and maintains a grade-point average of 3.0 or higher.

Hockey fans can bid on these items:

• Real Deal James Neal
  James Neal autographed replica jersey, autographed mini-helmet and autographed puck. 
• Geno! Geno! Geno! 
  Evgeni Malkin autographed replica jersey, autographed mini-helmet and autographed puck.
• Quintessentially Kris
  Kris Letang autographed replica jersey, autographed mini-helmet and autographed puck.
• The newest Penguin
  Jerome Iginla autographed replica jersey, autographed mini-helmet and autographed puck.
• The Flower
  Marc Andre Fleury autographed replica jersey, autographed mini-helmet and autographed puck. 
• Golf with the old two-niner at Nemacolin
  Round of golf at Mystic Rock and lunch for two (2) with Phil Bourque at Nemacolin Woodland Resorts (Date mutually agreed upon).
• VIP Game Night Experience
  Dinner for two (2) at the Lexus Club, two (2) autographed pucks, view warm-ups from the penalty box, Zamboni Rides during pre-game festivities and two (2) premium seat for the game (Date mutually agreed upon).
• Iceburgh's Birthday Party
  The Penguins mascot (Iceburgh) will make a 60-minute appearance at the winner's house, ten (10) autographed pucks, a DQ Penguins Ice Cream Cake (Date mutually agreed upon, must be within 40 miles of CONSOL Energy Center).
• Michael Michael Motorcycle
  Hall of Fame Penguins broadcaster Mike Lange signed and framed limited edition "Langism" Poster. Plus a pre-game tour for four (4) fans of the Penguins Broadcast Booth and a chance to meet the Broadcast crew.
• Penguins Game Day Watch Experience
  Join five (5) of your friends and enjoy a morning up close at CONSOL Energy Center watching the Penguins morning practice. Event includes six (6) Penguins gift packs for you and your friends. 

Bid on auction items

Young anglers can try their luck when Cal U and the community again collaborate to present the 18^th annual Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival, set for 8 a.m.-3 p.m. April 20 at Rotary Park, off Route 88 (Third Street) in California.

The free event is open to boys and girls ages 15 and younger. A parent, guardian or other responsible adult must accompany children ages 12 and younger. 

Participants may bring their own fishing gear, or they can borrow equipment from a Cal U student volunteer as part of the state Fish and Boat Commission’s Borrow-A-Rod-and-Reel program.

The Pike Run Fishing Festival Committee will stock the stream with nearly 500 rainbow, brook, brown and golden trout, some as long as 24 inches. As it has done in the past, the committee will provide entertainment and food for the event. 

Registration begins at 7 a.m. Along with excellent fishing, participants can look forward to family-friendly games, raffles, fishing contests and many other activities.

The festival closes with a weigh-in, prizes and the awarding of trophies. Youngsters are encouraged to help stock the stream at 2 p.m. April 19. 

Cal U’s Dr. John Confer, faculty adviser for the event, said this successful collaboration between the university and community has attracted nearly 200 participants in each of the past six years.

“Everyone involved in the event learns about environmental stewardship, and it’s an excellent experience in community involvement for our students,” he said. 

The fishing festival is co-sponsored by Cal U’s Student Government Association, the Department of Earth Sciences’ parks and recreation program, and the Cal U Eco Learning Community, in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, the California Rotary Club, the Borough of California and the California Borough Recreation Authority.

The festival also celebrates Earth Day. 

For more information, contact Confer at 724-938-4211 or confer@calu.edu, or visit the Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival website or Facebook page. 

To: All students, faculty and staff
From: Interim President Geraldine Jones

As we prepare to celebrate Honors Convocation tomorrow, and Commencement next month, I want to congratulate our students and faculty for their scholarly achievements during the 2012-2013 academic year. 

As interim president, I find it uplifting to see the excellent academic work undertaken by our students. At Saturday’s Honors Convocation, more than 1,400 students will be named Presidential Scholars, and I am proud of each and every one.

All of us at Cal U recognize the dedication needed to accomplish this significant academic achievement.

I congratulate not only our Presidential Scholars, but all of our students who work so diligently, day after day, to expand their knowledge and abilities. I know that many of our students juggle their classroom assignments with jobs in order to pay for their college education, so I commend them for their work ethic and their commitment.

In addition, I want to commend our faculty for their excellent work in the classroom, in their research and other scholarly pursuits, and in their service efforts. I know how much our faculty members care about our students, and I am impressed by everything they do to create a dynamic learning environment. 

Working together, our faculty and students have explored, researched, debated and discovered. Their combined energies power our University and propel it toward excellence.

Our staff also makes an invaluable contribution to this vibrant teaching and learning environment. Their efforts create an unforgettable campus experience for our students. They are the reliable foundation for Cal U’s continuing success.

As interim president – and particularly as an alumna of Cal U – I am so appreciative of our hardworking students, faculty and staff. I am grateful to have the opportunity to lead this great institution at this time in our history.

With warm wishes,

Meet Interim President Geraldine M. Jones

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education’s Board of Governors named Geraldine M. Jones interim president of California University of Pennsylvania.

She has served as the University’s acting president since May 16, 2012.

“I am honored and humbled by this vote of confidence,” said Interim President Jones. 

“California University is my alma mater, and it has been the focus of my professional life for 40 years. I am confident that a bright future lies ahead for this institution, and with the help of our faculty, students and staff, I will make every effort to keep Cal U moving forward.”

Jones previously served for nearly four years as Cal U’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

A 1972 graduate of then-California State College, Jones also earned her master’s degree from the school, in 1980. She began her career in education as a second-grade teacher in the Albert Gallatin School District in Uniontown, Pa.
 
She returned to California in 1974, serving as program director for Upward Bound for 20 years and as chair of the Department of Academic Development Services for 11 years. She was associate dean of the College of Education and Human Services for two years before serving as dean from 2000-2008.

Register now

How do arts and culture impact the economy of southwestern Pennsylvania?

The Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council will provide answers when Cal U hosts a public forum from 9:30 a.m.-noon April 22 in the Kara Alumni House.

The Arts Council will present the findings of its “Arts, Culture and Economic Prosperity” study at this community-wide event.

Presented in conjunction with the Arts Education Collaborative, the session will examine the economic impact of the nonprofit arts and culture sector, which generates $136.2 billion nationwide and $2.6 billion in Pennsylvania.

The forum at Cal U will focus on the related themes of economic impacts of arts and culture, K-16 arts education, and workforce development, and the effect of the arts on the region’s residents and businesses, now and in the future.

Administrators, artists, educators, funders and policymakers will be on hand to discuss arts-based education, urban development and college collaborations, as well as effective advocacy strategies on behalf of arts education. 

Speakers will include Acting University President Geraldine M. Jones, Jim Denova, vice president of the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, and Sarah Tambucci of the Arts Education Collaborative.

Each attendee will receive a complimentary copy of Arts, Culture, & Economic Prosperity (Allegheny County, Pa.), a summary of Pennsylvania’s statewide economic impact study and additional materials.

Register now

The free event is open to the public and includes a light continental breakfast. Free parking is available on campus in the River Lot (Lot 4), off Second Street.

See a campus map or parking map.

Registration is requested. For more information, contact Jodie Rooney, Cal U academic events coordinator, at 724-938-1584 or rooney@calu.edu; or Dr. David Pankratz, Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council research and policy director, at 412-391-2060, Ext. 232, or dpankratz@pittsburghartscouncil.org.

Explore California University’s Department of Counselor Education during two open house programs on March 13.

A lunchtime session will be held from noon-1:30 p.m. and an evening session will take place from 6:30-8 p.m., both in Room 419, Keystone Hall.

Cal U’s Department of Counselor Education offers students three fully accredited programs: 

• Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling: Students who graduate with this degree are prepared to work with clients across a spectrum of mental and emotional disorders, as well as to promote mental health and wellness.
• Master of Education in School Counseling: Program graduates are prepared to assist students in their academic, personal and career development so they can achieve success in school.
• Graduate Certificate in Sports Counseling: This 100 percent online program prepares counselors and educators to help athletes maximize their personal, academic and athletic potential. 

The event is free, but registration is requested. Parking is available on campus.

Light refreshments will be served.  

To register for the open house, or for more information about the program, contact Georgette Edwards at 724-938-4022 or edwards_g@calu.edu.   

Application and admissions information 

Directions to Cal U

Cal U’s Department of Theatre and Dance will open its 2013 spring season with The Fantasticks, which first delighted off-Broadway fans in 1960 and eventually became the world’s longest-running musical.

With music by Harvey Schmidt and lyrics by Tom Jones, the show explores the relationship between parents and children in a beautiful and theatrically simple style. Memorable songs include “Soon It’s Gonna Rain” and “Try To Remember.”

This will be the first time The Fantasticks has been performed at Cal U.

The cast consists of eight students actors: Jordan Brooks, Christina King, Trevon Kiser, Jason Capello, Zach Thomas, Jason Dohoda, Stephen Reedy and Clayton Rush.

Students also contributed to the look of the show: Sam Karas designed the set and Mary Ann O’Farrell the properties.  

Dr. Michele Pagen is directing the production, with choreography by Diane Buffington and lighting design by William O’Donnell. The music director is Kevin Milliken, a music teacher at Masontown Elementary School.

Curtain time for The Fantasticks is 8 p.m. March 7 and 8, with shows at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. March 9. All performances are in the Gerald and Carolyn Blaney Theatre in Steele Hall.

Ticket price is $12 for patrons of all ages. Students with valid CalCards are admitted free; a $5 deposit is returned when the student attends the performance. 

For ticket information, or to order tickets (with a credit card) by phone, call the Steele Box Office at 724-938-5943.

To: All students, faculty, staff, alumni and University friends
From: Acting President Geraldine Jones

I was delighted to meet with students last month at the spring semester’s Student Convocation. It gave me a chance to update them about our University’s progress, and to answer some thoughtful questions about important matters such as financial aid, scheduling, dining options, tuition and fees.

One topic that we touched on briefly was the renovation of the Natali Student Center. That project will be starting soon, so I’d like to share some additional information.

First, a little history: The original student center was completed in 1970. (It was known back then as the California Memorial Union.) It was renovated and expanded in 1992, and dining operations were moved from Gallagher Hall in 2000.

In 2010, a survey conducted with WTW Architects assessed the needs of students, faculty and staff. Our campus community expressed the need for a roomier dining area, more retail food options, and more comfortable areas for students to meet, work and socialize.

Because the student center is an “auxiliary” building, tuition funds cannot be used to pay for improvements. So in 2011, our students took a vote and agreed by referendum to increase the Student Center Fee to cover the cost of renovations.

When I was named acting president, I immediately called a halt to the project. Only after an in-depth review of the existing student center — including the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing deficiencies — did I and other administrators decide to proceed. Mindful of the project’s cost, we trimmed $5 million from the original estimate.

Why go forward? Our decision hinged on the need to repair serious problems with the student center’s aging infrastructure and outmoded design. This building has been patched and repaired many times over the past few years, and those repair costs will continue to rise if the building is allowed to deteriorate.

This renovation is a practical, student-centered project, designed to meet critical needs of the population we serve.

Student fees and Cal U’s debt load are both serious concerns, and it is extremely important for the University to balance those considerations with our students’ needs. Although academic programming is certainly the primary consideration here at Cal U, the quality of student life also plays an important role at any university. Renovating this aging student center not only improves student life, but also provides a safer environment for our students.

The project is scheduled to begin shortly after Commencement. The building is scheduled to remain open while the renovations are made. I will keep the campus community updated about the project, and I look forward to the day when we re-dedicate a revitalized Natali Student Center.

With best wishes,

Meet Acting President Geraldine M. Jones

To: All students, faculty, staff, alumni and University friends
From: Acting President Geraldine Jones

Yesterday was Valentine’s Day, and instead of a dozen roses, I’d like to share 12 things I love about Cal U:

1. Students who wave or say hello as I’m walking across the Quad.
2. Faculty members who are passionate about their subject — and inspire their students to feel the same way.
3. The clock tower chime. No matter where you are on campus, you always know what time it is.
4. Staff members who keep things running smoothly behind the scenes … and make it look easy.
5. Chicken noodle soup day at the Sycamore Bistro!
6. Parents who proudly wear Cal U gear because they feel like part of our “family.”
7. The excitement in the stands when our athletic teams put points on the scoreboard. Go, Vulcans!
8. Hands in the air at Student Convocation. Yes, I’ll take questions!
9. Alumni sharing their Cal U memories with me.
10. Amazing student performances. In music, theater, dance, athletics, and more, our students have talent to spare. 
11. Our school colors. Who doesn't look good in red and black!
12. Commencement. Hands down, it’s the most exciting day of the academic year, and I’m so proud of our students and their academic achievements!

After 40 years at Cal U, my list of “roses” could go on and on. I hope every member of our campus community has found something special to love at Cal U.

With warmest wishes,

Meet Acting President Geraldine M. Jones

Students can apply now for the new Leadership Living-Learning Community at Vulcan Village. This residential service-learning option can enrich your educational experience while you build leadership skills. Read more.

These students have earned a place on the Fall 2012 dean's list at California University of Pennsylvania.

Dean’s list students are attending full-time and have earned a grade-point average of 3.25 or higher this semester.

View past dean's lists:

• Spring 2012
• Fall 2011
• Spring 2011
• Fall 2010
• Spring 2010

Register now 

Cal U will join 10 other PASSHE universities for a Virtual Grad School Fair, a convenient, online opportunity to explore master’s degree and certificate programs.

Men and women who are considering graduate school can log in from anywhere in the world to interact with admissions representatives live online.

Representatives from Cal U will be available from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. Feb. 26.

The real-time “live chat” sessions are designed to introduce prospective students to a variety of graduate school options, including California University’s face-to-face master’s degree programs and Cal U Global Online.

If they wish, prospective students may upload their resumes before the Virtual Grad School Fair, so representatives can provide personalized advice.

The event’s online format makes it convenient for current students or other busy adults to find answers to their questions about graduate school.

Free, one-time registration enables a prospective student to meet representatives from multiple schools, including Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.

All are members of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which is sponsoring the fair.

“This is an innovative and convenient way to reach out to those who may have questions about both our on-campus and online graduate programs,” said Pamela Murphy, executive director of graduate enrollment management at Cal U. 

Murphy will join Cal U staff members Suzanne Powers and Devon Markish to answer questions about graduate programs. Kristy DeBord, of Cal U’s Office of Web-Based Programs, will address questions about Global Online. 

Register now

Fun is in the forecast at the sixth annual StormFest at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh.

The annual educational outreach event is hosted in part by the Southwestern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Meteorological Society (Cal U Meteorology Club) and the Earth Sciences Department, in collaboration with the Science Center.

StormFest, a family friend event that explores geology, geography, meteorology and more, will be held Feb. 15-16.

From 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 15, children in grades K-6 will take field trips to the Science Center for activities. StormFest is open to the general public from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 16. Activities are free with paid admission to the Science Center.

Dozens of activities have been designed by Cal U students to teach children about the science behind weather and other natural phenomena. Crowd favorites include making rocks, lava lamps, rains sticks and “glurch,” a substance with both solid and liquid properties.

Cal U meteorology students will staff the event, along with students majoring in geology, geographic information systems, mathematics and education. Cal U also has recruited volunteers from Ohio University.

Nick “the Weather Dude” Walker, a meteorologist from The Weather Channel will be at StormFest on Feb. 16 to sign autographs and perform on the Science Center stage. Walker is the author of Sing Along with the Weather Dude, a book and CD for children, and Don’t Get Scared, Just Get Prepared, a CD of weather songs to teach severe weather preparedness.

Visitors on Feb. 16 will receive a free souvenir T-shirt if they complete at least 18 activities.

To: All students, faculty, staff, alumni and University friends
From: Acting President Geraldine Jones

Welcome back! As the spring semester gets under way, I encourage you to take part in an important campus-wide initiative: the Cal U Campus Climate Survey.

Within our campus community at California University we seek to create an environment characterized by equal access for all employees regardless of cultural differences, and where individuals are not just tolerated but valued. A welcoming and inclusive climate is grounded in respect, nurtured by dialogue and evidenced by a pattern of civil interaction. As part of the Campus Climate Project, we agree that the first step in creating such an environment is to assess the current climate in order to identify important issues, and then to create ways for the University to address them.
 
Creating and maintaining a community environment that respects individual needs, abilities and potential is one of the most critical initiatives that we support. It is very important for all of us that a positive climate exists that encourages attention to fairness and discourages expressions of discrimination and harassment.
 
I hope that you will take a few minutes to help us understand the current climate at Cal U. The Cal U Campus Climate Survey is designed to provide information about both positive and challenging aspects of our climate. This survey is your opportunity to describe your own personal experiences, share your observations and offer suggestions for change that might enhance the climate. The data will be used to identify strategies for addressing potential challenges and supporting positive diversity initiatives.
 
All of your answers are confidential, and all of the results will be reported in group form only.  You will not be identifiable as an individual. Your participation in this project is voluntary. This research has been reviewed and approved by the Cal U Institutional Review Board.
 
I urge you to take the 20-30 minutes needed to answer the questions by going to the University website, www.calu.edu, where you will find information and a link to the survey. It will be active beginning Monday, Feb. 4, 2013.
 
Thank you in advance for your contribution to this important project.

Sincerely,

Meet Acting President Geraldine M. Jones

On Feb. 2 the Office of Parking and Transportation extended the Vulcan Flyer shuttle route to take shoppers to the new Walmart Superstore in West Brownsville, about 2.5 miles from Vulcan Village.

The 120,000-square-foot store along Route 40 opened to the public on Feb. 1. 

Instead of adding an entirely new route to take students to Walmart, one Vulcan Flyer shuttle every hour will continue on to the store after making its final stop at Vulcan Village.

Shuttles will run Monday through Saturday and arrive at Walmart every hour. The first bus will leave Roadman Park at 11 a.m., and the last Shoppers Shuttle will leave campus at 7 p.m. The last bus returning to Cal U will leave Walmart at 8:30 p.m.

Signs displayed on designated shuttles will signal their extended route.

“We have been in communication with Walmart and our busing partner, GG&C, for more than a year to create a route that was integrated with normal service,” said Chris Johnston, executive director of Parking and Transportation at Cal U.

“Integrating the route means that students do not have to think about getting onto a different bus to go to Walmart. And the route is very efficient. (We’re) not adding additional costs to the existing service.”

To ensure the safety of all passengers, students will be asked to show their CalCards when they board the Shoppers Shuttle.

“Having a new Walmart closer to campus makes it so much more convenient for students who need to do some grocery shopping or get a last-minute item for a class project,” said Alexandra Brooks, president of the Student Government.

“The shuttle makes it even more convenient for students, and Student Government is really excited to sponsor the service.”

Look for this sign in the Vulcan Flyer window

The creative works of middle and high school students will be on display on the third floor of Manderino Library through Feb. 10 as the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards of Southwestern Pennsylvania once again comes to Cal U. 

The exhibit is open to the public. To make arrangements to view the student work, e-mail scholasticartandwriting@gmail.com.

The students, from Washington, Greene and Fayette counties, can apply in 28 categories of art and writing for the chance to earn scholarships and have their works exhibited or published. Cal U arts and writing faculty are among the judges for the awards.

A ceremony for participants, parents and teachers will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 in Steele Hall. Students who win Gold Keys at the regional level compete nationally and are recognized at a prestigious Carnegie Hall ceremony, in addition to having their work exhibited at galleries in New York.